Tuesday Volume 576 25 February 2014 No. 125

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Tuesday 25 February 2014

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2014 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 141 25 FEBRUARY 2014 142

dementia strategy will be renewed? I understand that we House of Commons have the Prime Minister’s dementia challenge, but, like many of us, Prime Ministers come and go. We need a Tuesday 25 February 2014 strategy and not simply the Prime Minister’s challenge. Mr Hunt: I can assure the right hon. Lady that this The House met at half-past Eleven o’clock Prime Minister is here to stay. Indeed, I can also reassure her that the national dementia strategy is here to stay. PRAYERS As she has announced that she is stepping down at the end of this Parliament, may I thank her for her campaigning on dementia, which, I think, came from a family connection [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] with the issue? She has attended many of my dementia meetings and the G8 dementia summit. She has made a really important contribution, and I thank her for that.

Oral Answers to Questions Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): May I follow up on the question that the right hon. Lady has just asked? The Secretary of State has said that the national strategy is here to stay and that is very welcome, but the HEALTH national strategy was drafted with the intention that it would expire this year. It would be useful if he now The Secretary of State was asked— indicated the intention to refresh and update it so that we have a clear road map for at least the next decade. Out-of-hospital Care Mr Hunt: I know that my right hon. Friend showed 1. David Rutley (Macclesfield) (Con): What progress great interest in this issue when he was in my Department. he has made on improving out-of-hospital care for the When I say that the strategy is here to stay, I mean that frail and elderly. [902623] it is here to be refreshed and updated. We are subscribing to some big new ambitions, including that by the time The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt): of the next election two thirds of people with dementia We will ensure that everyone over the age of 75 has a will be diagnosed and have a proper care plan and named GP, responsible for delivering proactive care for support for them and their families. That is a big our most vulnerable older people in the best traditions improvement on the 39% of people who were diagnosed of family doctors. Through our £3.8 billion better care when we came to office. There is much work to do, but I fund, we are also merging the health and social care assure him that we are absolutely committed to delivering. systems to provide more joined-up health and social care. Lyn Brown (West Ham) (Lab): Some hospitals are making a virtue out of quick discharge for their stroke David Rutley: I welcome the steps that my right hon. victims. Is the Secretary of State convinced that elderly Friend is taking to improve and enhance the quality of stroke victims, perhaps those without people to advocate care for the elderly. Given that east Cheshire has one of on their behalf, are getting appropriate care and that the fastest-growing ageing populations in the UK, will their care and rehabilitation are not being scrimped or he tell the House what specific steps he is taking to rationed? improve out-of-hospital care in and around Macclesfield? Furthermore, does he agree that it is vital that appropriate funding is in place to take care of the elderly and most Mr Hunt: No, I am not convinced. We need to do vulnerable patients? much better when it comes to the discharge of vulnerable older people, especially when they leave hospital not Mr Hunt: May I congratulate my hon. Friend on the cured and still with a long-term condition. They may be campaigning work he does in his constituency on health recovering from a stroke or dementia or any other matters? I commend the Eastern Cheshire clinical condition. We need to have much better links between commissioning group for its “Caring Together”programme hospitals and GPs and to have named accountable GPs and for the fact that Cheshire was selected as one of the in the communities looking after those very people. 14 integrated care pioneers. I hope that it will blaze a trail in joining up the barriers that have bedevilled our Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): I was health and social care system for too long, with the disappointed with the allocation of funding by NHS result that his constituents are not pushed from pillar to England for care around the country because it did not post because of arguments about budgets and people reflect the demands of the elderly population. People in not being able to be discharged on time. I think his area my constituency have to do a 200-mile round trip to is blazing a trail. receive support such as cardiac care. Will the Secretary of State ask it to think again for future years? Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): The national dementia strategy has been fundamental in improving Mr Hunt: My hon. Friend is right to campaign hard care for many frail and elderly people with dementia on that issue. I agree that the funding formula does not living in the community. The strategy is due to expire in always do justice to people, especially those in sparsely April—in two months’ time. Will the Secretary of State populated rural areas. I know that NHS England is give a commitment to the House now that the national trying to do what it can to move to a more equitable 143 Oral Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 144 funding formula, but it is not something that can be for women in labour. Just before Christmas, Public done overnight. I encourage her to keep pressing on Health England announced that the testing would not that issue. go ahead from 1 January. Can the Minister say why not and when the test will be introduced? Mr Jamie Reed (Copeland) (Lab): Welcome back, Mr Speaker. Easy access to GPs is a key part of out-of- Dr Poulter: Group B strep is an important issue. I hospital care for elderly and frail people. Days after the have seen in my clinical practice the devastating effect election, the Prime Minister scrapped Labour’s guarantee that the disease can have on newborn babies and on that gave patients a GP appointment within two working families, so we are doing all that we can to support work days, and took away funding that kept thousands of on it and ultimately to develop a vaccine to prevent the surgeries open in the evenings and at weekends. Now condition. I would like to correct the hon. Lady on the the Royal College of General Practitioners is warning record. I met Group B Strep Support with the Chief that 34 million patients will fail to get an appointment. Medical Officer and we undertook to investigate the Will the Secretary of State listen to the Patients Association, applicability of the test. The clinical evidence unfortunately bring back the 48-hour appointment guarantee and does not support its introduction, and we have to be help older people to see their doctor when needed? guided by clinical evidence. Mr Hunt: The reason that we got rid of that guarantee was that the number of people who were able to see a 17. [902640] Guy Opperman (Hexham) (Con): My hon. GP within 48 hours was falling in the last year in which Friend has visited the Hexham midwife-led maternity the target was in place. It was not working, and that is unit, which provides exemplary care. Can he update the why the British Medical Association and the Royal House on what steps the Department of Health is College of General Practitioners were against it. In the taking to prevent excessive screening of pregnant same survey that the hon. Gentleman quoted, the RCGP women away from midwife-led units? Surely health care said it estimated that there had been a 10% increase in is about choice, not diktat. the number of GP appointments compared with when his Government were in office. Dr Poulter: My hon. Friend is right. It was a pleasure to come and visit and open the new facilities at his local Maternity Care birthing unit. He has been a tremendous champion for the midwifery-led unit in his constituency, and I pay 2. Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): What recent steps tribute to him for that. He is right that it is important he has taken to improve maternity care. [902624] that women have choice. These are local decisions by The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health local health care commissioners, but I hope that it will (Dr Daniel Poulter): We have made improving maternity give him some reassurance that the number of midwifery-led services—so that women have a named midwife responsible units has increased from 87 in 2007 to 152 in 2013 for ensuring personalised care—a key objective in our precisely because of the investment that the Government mandate to NHS England. Since May 2010, the number are making. of midwives has increased by more than 1,500 and a record number—in excess of 5,000—are now in training. Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): During pregnancy, Over the past two years I have set up a £35 million two out of 10 women become diabetic. What additional capital investment fund, which has already seen funding is being given to train nurses to deal with this improvements to over 100 maternity units. very difficult situation?

Steve Brine: My local foundation trust is currently Dr Poulter: The right hon. Gentleman makes an exploring a major service change which would see the important point. We need to provide additional personalised creation of a new acute care hospital to handle the one-to-one support for all pregnant women, in particular sickest and most complex patients. It would leave midwife- those who have or who develop medical problems. That led units only in Winchester and Basingstoke, and centre is why we are investing in more midwives—we have consultant-led services on the new site. Does the Minister 1,500 more than in 2010—and why the Royal College of feel confident that the clinical case for this kind of Midwives and Royal College of Obstetricians and centralisation has been made? Would he be comfortable Gynaecologists have developed guidelines and protocols to see it rolled out across the NHS? to support front-line professionals in making sure that Dr Poulter: My hon. Friend is right to highlight the those women get extra support and have a safe delivery. fact that such decisions are clinical decisions and need to be made at a local level to ensure safe care, both with 21. [902644] Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con): As my appropriate numbers of obstetricians in obstetric-led hon. Friend is aware, we have been in a two-year battle units and to give women the choice to deliver in midwifery- to secure services at the Alexandra hospital in led units where appropriate. I am pleased that we, as Redditch, including maternity. Will he meet me to part of the fund that I outlined earlier, have been able to discuss the best way forward to secure safe maternity give Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust £50,000 care for all the mums-to-be in Redditch? to provide enhanced facilities in birthing rooms at Florence Portal house. Dr Poulter: My hon. Friend has a distinguished record of more than four years of campaigning hard for local Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): In 2012 health care services in Redditch, and her constituents representatives of Group B Strep Support met the should be proud of what she has done on their behalf, Minister and received a commitment that the gold fighting for Redditch hospital and local services. I shall standard of enriched culture medium testing would be be delighted to meet her to talk further about the local introduced, which can facilitate preventive treatment challenges for maternity care. 145 Oral Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 146

Mark Durkan (Foyle) (SDLP): In the Minister’s earlier Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): What answer, was he saying that enriched culture medium is the Minister doing to encourage local authorities to testing is not a safe, simple and effective test for group B provide more places for care, particularly with the reduction strep carriage? in costs? Is he aware that local authorities are finding it difficult, because of Government cuts, to fund those Dr Poulter: We have had many debates in this House places? about group B strep and the effects of the disease. The point about enriched culture medium testing is that it Norman Lamb: I am conscious that finances in local takes time for bacteria to grow in culture, and the fact is government are tight, but the better care fund, which I that there is also evidence from the Royal College of mentioned just now, has been widely welcomed. I was Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Public Health England with a director of adult social care last Friday, who told has looked at that evidence and it has decided that it is me that his authority was planning not just to pool its not a test that is effective to be introduced during share of the better care fund but the whole of its social pregnancy. That is the medical evidence and we have to care budget with the local health budget. That sort of be guided by it. There are many other things that we radical, innovative thinking is exactly what we want and need to do about group B strep, not least supporting the it will ensure that we protect services for vulnerable development of a vaccine, which is ultimately the best people. way forward. Mr Stephen Dorrell (Charnwood) (Con): Does the Minister agree that the steps that the Government are Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD): Will taking to reform the funding of care for the elderly the Minister tell the House what assessment he has represent long overdue action to deal with an issue made of the impact of the Immigration Bill on the that has bedevilled this world for more than 20 years? maternity care of vulnerable women who would be Tony Blair promised to the Labour conference in 1997 expected to pay for their care? that he would deal with it, and he did precisely nothing about it. Dr Poulter: Of course it is the case that we need to have a health service in this country that is self-sufficient, Norman Lamb: I remember the quote from Tony and we have a national health service, not an international Blair well—he did not want to live in a country where health service. However, it is right that we ensure that people have to sell their homes to pay for care. However, we look at all areas of the health service when we are over 13 years of the last Labour Government nothing applying new policies and directives, and make sure that happened. There were lots of commitments—manifesto we protect vulnerable patient groups. That is exactly commitments and so on. However, I am proud of the what the Government are doing and we are working fact that this coalition Government are implementing with the NHS to ensure that women always receive reform, and it is long overdue. high-quality maternity care at the point of need. Dispensing Doctors (NHS) Cap on Care Costs 4. Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): What assessment 3. Laura Sandys (South Thanet) (Con): What he has made of the role of dispensing doctors in the progress has been made on introducing a cap on care NHS. [902626] costs. [902625] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Jane Ellison): Patients can take their prescriptions to The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman any pharmacy where they wish to have their prescriptions Lamb): Everyone will be protected against catastrophic dispensed, but we know that in remote and rural areas, costs by the insurance that the cap will provide from where pharmacies may not be viable, NHS England April 2016, in line with the Dilnot commission’s may authorise GPs to dispense to patients, provided recommendations. We are currently putting the legislative that certain criteria set out in regulations are met. framework for the cap in place, and will consult on draft regulations and guidance to implement the cap in Nic Dakin: Dispensing doctors play an important autumn of this year. part in rural areas, as the Minister said, but they face particular challenges at the moment. Will she meet me Laura Sandys: Best behaviour, Mr Speaker. and representatives of the Dispensing Doctors’ Association Does the Minister agree that greater investment in to discuss these challenges? pre-emptive and preventive measures, such as GP annual assessment for those who are getting older, might keep Jane Ellison: I am always happy to meet colleagues. I the new old just a little younger? think that Earl Howe leads on the matter in the Department, but I shall draw the hon. Gentleman’s concerns to his Norman Lamb: I start by paying tribute to my hon. attention. It is for NHS England to ensure that everyone Friend for the work that she has done while she has been has a pharmacy available to them, and I am aware that a Member of Parliament. I know that she has announced the CCG allocation formula includes allowances for her decision to stand down, and she has done excellent rurality, but we know that this is a particular challenge. work campaigning for elderly people and others in her General Practice Extraction Service constituency and beyond. She is absolutely right. The cap will, first of all, help people to prepare and plan for 5. Mr Geoffrey Robinson (Coventry North West) old age, which is an incredible advance. Also, the £3.8 billion (Lab): Whether patients are able to opt out of the better care fund is the biggest ever shift towards preventive general practice extraction service by telephone or health care and GPs will play a critical role in that. online. [902627] 147 Oral Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 148

The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt): Mr Hunt: May I gently tell the hon. Gentleman that People can opt out of the care.data programme through the reason why we are having the debate is that this their GP surgery. Depending on the surgery, that may Government decided that people should be able to opt well be done online or by telephone. out from having their anonymised data used for the purposes of scientific research, which the previous Labour Mr Robinson: Is the Secretary of State aware that the Government refused to do? When they extended the Government’s handling of the scheme has been shambolic programme to out-patient data in 2003 and to A and E from the very start and that their failure to communicate data in 2008, at no point did they give people the right is nowhere better illustrated than in Pulse, the GP’s to opt out. We have introduced that right, which is why magazine, in which an article states that only 15% of we are having the debate. members of the public surveyed knew that they had the right to opt out? What will he do to restore public Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): There are of confidence in a scheme that could be very beneficial? course huge benefits from using properly anonymised data for research, but it is difficult to anonymise the data properly and, given how the scheme has progressed Mr Hunt: It is a pleasure—I think for the first time—to so far, there is a huge risk to public confidence. Will the take a question from someone who might be one of my Secretary of State use the current pause to work with constituents in Godalming. However, I do not agree the Information Commissioner to ensure that the data with the hon. Gentleman that the process has been are properly anonymised and that people can have shambolic. The programme has been in place for 25 years, confidence in how their data will be used and how they so it is important to understand that this big public can opt out? debate is happening because this Government did something that the previous Government did not do: we said that if we are going to use anonymised data for the benefit of Mr Hunt: I will do that, and NHS England was scientific discovery in the NHS, people should have the absolutely right to have a pause so that we ensure that right to opt out. We introduced that right and sent a we give people such reassurance—[Interruption.] When leaflet to every house in the country, and it is important we had a pause before, the result was the very good that we have the debate—[Interruption.] The right hon. Health and Social Care Act, which is doing good things Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham) complains, but he for patients throughout the NHS. This programme is did not want to give people the right to opt out when he too important to get wrong, and while I think that there was Health Secretary. is understanding on both sides of the House about the benefits of using anonymised data properly, the process must be carried out in a way that reassures the public. Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): The Secretary of State will be aware of the report in The Daily Telegraph Andy Burnham (Leigh) (Lab): When he was appointed, setting out how hospital episode statistics data were the Health Secretary declared it his personal mission to sold to insurance companies, which were able to match have a “data revolution” in the NHS, but what he has that information with credit ratings data. Nothing will presided over is a spectacular collapse in public confidence undermine this valuable project more than a belief that in the use of patient data. The only revolution he has data will be sold to insurance companies, so will he set created is a growing public revolt against his care.data out the way in which he will investigate how that sale scheme. Coming after his NHS 111 shambles and the was allowed to happen and categorically reassure the court humiliation over Lewisham hospital, it cements a House that there will be no sale of care data to insurance reputation for incompetence. When was he first warned companies? about problems with care.data and what action did he take? Mr Hunt: My hon. Friend is absolutely right to raise that issue and I am happy to give that assurance. That Mr Hunt: The shadow Secretary of State searches for incident is one of the reasons why we set up the Health NHS crises with about as much success as George Bush and Social Care Information Centre through the Health searching for weapons of mass destruction. My first and Social Care Act 2012, in the teeth of opposition contact with that programme, when I was told about it, from the Labour party. Following the establishment of was to decide to do something that he never did as the centre, the guidelines in place mean that such a Health Secretary: to say that every single NHS patient thing could not happen. She is also right that it is should have a right to opt out of having their data used important that we reassure the public because, let us not in anonymised scientific research. I think that was the forget, it was this important programme that identified right thing to do. Of course we are having a difficult the link between thalidomide and birth defects, that debate, but its purpose is to carry the public with us so identified that there was no link between MMR and that we can go on to make important scientific discoveries. autism, and that helped to identify the link between smoking and cancer, so it is vital that we get this right. Andy Burnham: Again, the right hon. Gentleman never takes responsibility—it is always somebody else’s 20. [902643] Mr David Crausby (Bolton North East) fault. Even by this Government’s standards, this is a (Lab): Virtually everyone wants to improve patient care master-class in incompetence. First, we have this useless in the NHS, so why not scrap the underhand way in glossy leaflet. He said that it has gone to every home, which the care.data programme has progressed so far, but that is not true, because homes that have opted out and instead provide a diverse choice of ways to opt in, of junk mail have not received it. Many people report limit the use of medical data to the NHS and keep the that they still have not had it through their letterbox. public’s personal information out of the hands of the Secondly, when people cannot even get through to their private sector? GP practice on the phone, as we heard earlier, or get an 149 Oral Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 150 appointment, he has made it almost impossible to opt Another psychologist dealing with a case in my constituency out of the scheme. Has this cavalier approach not built told me: an impression that the Government are taking patient “It is very difficult to get young people into in-patient services confidentiality for granted in trying to force through at present due to the high number of cases and reductions in the scheme, increasing public mistrust and putting the funding from NHS England.” important scheme at risk? Is that not an intolerable situation in which to leave Mr Hunt: It is intriguing that the shadow Secretary of traumatised young people? How quickly will the Minister’s State has chosen not to talk about a winter crisis, because review be completed so that we can end that tragedy? it has not happened, despite the fact that he predicted it time after time. Let me tell him what was cavalier: the previous Labour Government’s refusal to give patients Norman Lamb: The review being undertaken by NHS a right to opt out of giving their data to this programme, England will report in March. I agree that that situation even though it was going on for their whole time in is intolerable, but I have made it very clear on many office. We believe that we should have a data revolution, occasions that there is an institutional bias against but to do that we need to carry the public with us, which mental health in the NHS. Interestingly, the Health is why we need to have this important debate and give Committee report on deficits in 2006-07 specifically people the reassurance they deserve. made the point that mental health was particularly targeted, so that always happens when NHS finances Mental Health Crisis Beds are tight. However, it cannot happen, because there has to be parity of esteem, including in the way in which 6. Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Bow) (Lab): money is distributed in the NHS. What recent assessment he has made of the number of available mental health crisis beds for young people in England. [902629] Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con): In Stafford hospital, many young people with mental health problems are 14. Ms Karen Buck (Westminster North) (Lab): What extremely well treated in normal in-patient wards. That recent assessment he has made of the number of should not be the case, but no other facility is available. available mental health crisis beds for young people in What will happen if those in-patient beds are no longer England. [902637] there? The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman Lamb): NHS England has a rapid review under way to Norman Lamb: As far as possible, we should be identify commissioning solutions to pressures on specialist trying to ensure that children with mental health crises beds for children and young people. It inherited varied can remain at home; it does not make sense, in very provision across regions and a lack of capacity in some many cases, to put them into in-patient care. However, parts of the country for particular need. For the first we have made it clear, as has NHS England and as was time, available beds are monitored weekly, and small confirmed in the crisis care concordat last week, that increases in capacity have already been secured. beds should be locally available whenever they are needed. Rushanara Ali: I thank the Minister for that answer, but 1,500 mental health beds have closed since 2011, 19. [902642] Sarah Champion (Rotherham) (Lab): Will which is causing a wider crisis, and a recent Care the Minister indicate when a clear strategy for the Quality Commission report found that, in one area over commissioning of tier 4 mental health beds will be the previous year, 41 children had been detained in determined and what additional resources will be made police cells because health-based places of safety were available to support the mental health needs of either not available or not staffed—and one of those children and young people? The current situation is children was 11 years old. How can that be acceptable? intolerable. Norman Lamb: The reduction in the number of mental health beds has been a long-term trend—it happened Norman Lamb: I mentioned earlier that the rapid under the previous Labour Government—and rightly review that is being undertaken by NHS England will so, because we have to move away from institutional report in March. It is essential that we have sufficient care. However, crisis beds must always be available. I beds available, as close to home as possible, for children completely agree that it is intolerable for children to end and young people. As I also said earlier, as far as up in police cells, but that is not new; it has happened possible children should be cared for at home, and only for many years and did not start in 2010. When we talk as a last resort should they go into in-patient care. about parity of esteem, we mean it. There must be absolute equality between the ways in which mental and physical health are treated. Last week we launched a Liz Kendall (Leicester West) (Lab): The pressure on crisis care concordat to ensure that children do not end children’s mental health beds is now intolerable. Earlier up in police cells. this month, the 14-year-old daughter of one of my constituents desperately needed a bed but the local Ms Buck: The clinical director of child and adolescent trust’s chief executive told me that not a single bed was mental health services in my mental health trust recently available anywhere in the country in the NHS or the said: independent sector. The Minister has said that this is “Sometimes we have to make 50 to 100 phone calls around the unacceptable as though it is nothing to do with him, but country looking for a bed… young people shouldn’t be shunted he voted for an NHS reorganisation that is wasting time around the country into inappropriate facilities.” and money as vulnerable children are forced on to adult 151 Oral Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 152 wards or transported hundreds of miles across the David Tredinnick (Bosworth) (Con): I congratulate right country. When the review reports, what action will he hon. Friends on setting up the herbal working group to take and by when will it be implemented? improve regulation of herbal medicine and its practitioners. Is the Minister aware that there is a problem of supply, Norman Lamb: For a start, we now have 15,000 more in that most people have to pay for their herbal medicine clinicians working on the front line than when this and it is not necessarily available from clinical Government came into office in 2010. Also, in the commissioning groups? Will she issue guidance? Perhaps reforms that the hon. Lady mentions, we legislated for we should have a mapping exercise in order to understand parity of esteem so that mental health is treated equally where the demand is in this country. with physical health. However, I have accepted her case and agree that the situation is intolerable. We have to Jane Ellison: As I have just said, there is guidance for make sure that beds for children and young people are CCGs on how to operate in the area of alternative and available when they are needed. complementary therapies and we have no current plans to add to that guidance. Alternative Medicines (NHS) Female Genital Mutilation 7. Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): What proportion of medicines prescribed in the NHS are alternative medicines; and what the annual cost is of 8. Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): What steps dispensing such prescriptions. [902630] his Department is taking to tackle female genital mutilation. [902631] The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Jane Ellison): The net ingredient cost to the NHS of The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health homeopathic preparations dispensed in the community (Jane Ellison): We recently announced that all NHS in England was £143,000 in 2012, which represents acute hospitals must provide information on patients 0.002% of the overall NHS prescription cost in the who have undergone female genital mutilation, but that community for the same period. The prescription cost is just one element of a wider-ranging programme of analysis data from which we extract this information do work that is under way in order, most importantly, to not separately identify other alternative medicines. improve the way in which we care for girls and women who have undergone FGM and to follow up on, respond Mr Turner: I thank the Minister for that answer. At to and prevent FGM. I will make further announcements the urging of Councillor John Nicholson, Isle of Wight in due course. council has asked the health and wellbeing board to recognise the value of alternative and complementary Margot James: I congratulate my hon. Friend on all therapies and elect a representative to the board. Will the work she has done to combat this abhorrent crime the Minister and her Department work with that since she entered Parliament. Will she confirm that the representative to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of such data reported to her Department will be used to mount treatments? educational campaigns to stamp out FGM in the vicinity of hospitals reporting patients who have been abused in Jane Ellison: I am aware that there has been interest this way? in this matter in my hon. Friend’s clinical commissioning group. The provision of alternative and complementary Jane Ellison: We anticipate that we will be able to therapies is decided by CCGs, which have to take into share the data collected with all appropriate Government account National Institute for Health and Clinical Departments and partner organisations. On local education Excellence guidance and local health needs and priorities. campaigns, I see no reason why requests to access the The responsibility is with CCGs to achieve value for data would not be approved. We want to build a proper money and to make sure that they are delivering national picture of what is going on with FGM so that improvements in the quality of care and patient outcomes, we can do all we can both to care for victims and to and it is against those standards that we would expect stamp out this abuse. them to measure those therapies.

Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): In the past 12 months John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): On the there has been great advancement in new medications issue of widening education, could the Minister encourage and alternative medicines, with new drugs for multiple her colleagues at the Department for Education to write sclerosis, for type 2 diabetes and for hepatitis C, and to schools to raise awareness of this abhorrent practice? advancements in heart operations, rare diseases, and so on. Will the Minister indicate the time scale for the Jane Ellison: Fahma Mohamed, the brilliant young announcement of new medications and their availability woman who has led the campaign on this, will meet the on the NHS? Education Secretary today and there is a lot of work under way across all Government Departments. There Jane Ellison: The hon. Gentleman, who follows these was recently a cross-Government declaration on the matters closely, is aware that medicines go through a things that are going on to stamp out FGM and to care process by which they are approved and recommended. for its victims. The hon. Gentleman’s question is a Once they are in that position, it is, as I say, down to matter for the Department for Education, but I assure CCGs to make decisions about which treatments are him that the Government as a whole are hugely committed appropriate for their patients and to measure them to wiping out FGM within a generation and to caring against the standards that I laid out. for its victims. 153 Oral Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 154

Veterans’ Health The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman Lamb): Our mandate to NHS England makes it clear 9. Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): What that everyone who needs it should have timely access to steps his Department is taking to improve the health of the best available treatment. NHS England is currently veterans. [902632] gathering information about access to and waiting times for mental health services. We will use this information 13. Chloe Smith (Norwich North) (Con): What steps to set new national access standards for the first time, to his Department is taking to improve the health of be introduced from 2015. veterans. [902636] Andy Sawford: The Safe Haven in Corby provided The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health crisis out-of-hours support to 1,300 people with mental (Dr Daniel Poulter): We are rightly proud of the courage health problems last year. For the first time ever, it has and dedication of our armed forces and it is our duty to been asked to tender for its future funding. It was eight ensure that veterans receive the best possible care. We minutes late with its tender, and the service is going to continue to improve the health care of our veterans. be cut. What will happen to the people who need that The Government have invested £22 million in providing service in the future? Will the Minister meet me to enhanced mental health and prosthetic services over the discuss it? past few years. Norman Lamb: I am very happy to talk to the hon. Gentleman about that. My understanding is that the Julian Smith: Alex Bentley, who chairs the Royal local CCG undertook a retendering exercise with a view British Legion in Skipton and is the most incredible, to maintaining and, indeed, improving mental health passionate campaigner for our armed forces, has serious services locally. As he says, Safe Haven did not submit concerns about how the armed forces covenant is being its tender in time. It had a right to appeal, and it chose applied by hospitals and local councils. Is there anything not to appeal. The CCG is absolutely committed to the Minister can do to champion the cause of this ensuring that it improves mental health services locally. excellent Government scheme at local level? Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome) (LD): Not Dr Poulter: Aside from the cash investment of £22 million only do mental health services not get the attention that directly into veterans services, we have made it a clear they sometimes deserve, but the condition of individuals priority in the NHS mandate to make sure that the is often exacerbated by the inability of the benefits armed forces covenant becomes a reality in the NHS. system to recognise episodic illness and by the insensitivity We have now identified nine specialist prosthetic centres and incompetence of Atos in work capability assessments. for veterans who have lost limbs and been injured in Will the Minister talk to his colleagues in the Department combat, and a massive amount of investment is going for Work and Pensions so that we can have a system into services for veterans with mental health problems, that is suitable and fit for people with mental illness? including a 24-hour helpline. A lot of investment is being made at the national level and locally, and there Norman Lamb: I thank my hon. Friend for his question. will also shortly be dedicated resource for training local Indeed, I share the concerns that he raises, and I have professionals on the ground. recently met my hon. Friend the Minister responsible for benefits specifically because I have those concerns. Chloe Smith: I welcome that response. Will the Minister There needs to be much closer working between mental reassure me that he will properly join up his work with health services and the benefits system locally. that of the Department for Work and Pensions and the Ministry of Defence? Like many other Members, I Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): The Minister know of at least two veteran constituents who clearly knows that early intervention therapy or talking therapies need joined-up health and welfare. The voluntary sector can relieve pressure not only in access to beds, but in helps—including the Matthew Project’s new “Outside helping individuals. He has just told the House that he the Wire” service in Norfolk—and I expect the same of will look at assessments of waiting times. Will he tell the the Government, who have rightly signed the armed House exactly what force or lever he will have to ensure forces covenant. that local trusts implement such targets?

Dr Poulter: My hon. Friend makes an important Norman Lamb: I think it was a big mistake to leave point. This is not just about providing good health care out mental health when the 18-week maximum waiting services, but doing so in a joined-up way. We now have a time limit was introduced for physical health services. seriously injured leavers protocol to help the transition To me, that is inexplicable, so I am determined to of servicemen and women who leave the armed forces correct it: from next year, there will be waiting times and return to civilian life. That is about taking a holistic standards for mental health. Indeed, when the Care view of their health and care needs, and any other needs Quality Commission inspects and regulates providers, it that they may have, in providing the right support when will ensure that those access standards are met, in the they return to civilian life. It is being rolled out very same way as applies for physical health. effectively across the country. ME/CFS Mental Health Services 11. Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) 10. Andy Sawford (Corby) (Lab/Co-op): What (LD): What reports he has received on the possible assessment his Department has made of the availability reclassification of ME/CFS by the World Health of mental health services. [902633] Organisation. [902634] 155 Oral Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 156

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Sex-selective Abortion (Jane Ellison): The World Health Organisation is currently developing the 11th version of the international 15. Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): When he plans classification of diseases, which it aims to publish in to publish his Department’s new guidelines on sex- 2017. No discussions have taken place between the selective abortion. [902638] Department and the WHO on the reclassification of ME/CFS, but the WHO has publicly stated that there is The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health no proposal to reclassify ME/CFS in ICD-11. (Jane Ellison): The Government will publish more detailed guidance on compliance with the Abortion Act 1967 Annette Brooke: I thank the Minister for her answer. shortly. That will include guidance on sex-selection Many people will be greatly relieved about that. As abortions and restate our view that abortion on the chair of the all-party group on myalgic encephalomyelitis, grounds of gender alone is unlawful. I receive many representations about GPs in this country still not necessarily recognising the condition. Will she look into that, and will she work with her counterparts Fiona Bruce: Britain’s biggest abortion provider, the in the DWP on the benefits side as well? British Pregnancy Advisory Service, has advice on its website claiming that the law is “silent on the matter” of Jane Ellison: I am aware that this is a very difficult, gender-selective abortion. In a leaflet, it actually states complex and emotive area. I have heard before the that it is not illegal. How does the Minister propose to point that the hon. Lady makes about GPs. I am very address that, and to send out the clear message that happy to take up her points and discuss them with her. strong legal action will be taken against anyone who is involved in that wholly unacceptable practice? Private Health Care Sector Jane Ellison: Although the Abortion Act does not 12. Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): What recent mention gender specifically, the Government are clear meetings he has had with representatives of the private that abortion on the grounds of gender alone does not health care sector. [902635] meet the criteria set out in the Act. If evidence comes to light that doctors or organisations are sanctioning abortions The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt): for that reason alone, we will refer it to the police. In the past three months, I have had two meetings with private sector health care providers, both in China, Nadine Dorries (Mid Bedfordshire) (Con): The Minister helping them to win export orders. In the same period, I is quite right that the Abortion Act does not state that have had 20 meetings with traditional NHS providers. the practice is illegal. Organisations such as Marie Stopes International operate under an ethical and Ian Lavery: Private health companies with strong professional framework in which they state that they links to the Conservative party have been awarded will not perform abortions on the basis of sex selection. contracts to run NHS services worth about £1.5 billion, However, the chief executive of BPAS has said that which surely raises serious questions about the level of “there is no legal requirement to deny a woman an abortion” influence of Conservative donors on health policy. In if she wants to abort a female. The Government commission the interests of transparency, will the Secretary of State abortion services from BPAS and Marie Stopes. Does commit to publishing a list of private health care companies the Minister not think it is about time to have a closer that have made donations to the Conservative party? look at BPAS, which is headed by a chief executive who condones sex-selection abortions? Mr Hunt: The difference between donors to the Conservative party and donors to the Labour party is Jane Ellison: That is exactly why we want to reissue that our donors do not write our policies. While we are the guidance on this matter. I cannot add to what I have talking about private sector health care providers, I said. I say with complete clarity that the Government’s remind the hon. Gentleman what an unnamed shadow view is that sex-selection abortion—abortion on the Cabinet Minister told The Independent last week: grounds of gender alone—is illegal and we will report it “We all remember when Andy was Health Secretary and to the police if we are given evidence of it. happily contracting out bits of the NHS to the private sector… You have to ask yourself what’s changed.” Accident and Emergency Attendances Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): The NHS diagnostic centre in Wycombe, which is operated by the private 16. Mr Virendra Sharma (Ealing, Southall) (Lab): sector, does a fantastic job. Will the Secretary of State What assessment he has made of trends in the number join me in congratulating and thanking Opposition of attendances at type 1 accident and emergency Members for all that they did to extend private and departments since 2009-10. [902639] independent provision in the NHS? The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Mr Hunt: I am happy to do that. My hon. Friend (Jane Ellison): We have debated the hon. Gentleman’s may be interested to know that in the last four years of concerns about the A and E services in his area in the the last Government, private sector contracts in the past. I want to reassure him that, despite the overall NHS doubled—something that this Government have growth in attendances at A and E—we know that there not been able to match. It is important to look at the is pressure on A and E—the changes that are recommended facts before we start any hares running with respect to for his area have enormous clinical support across all privatisation. the local CCGs and trusts. 157 Oral Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 158

Mr Sharma: I thank the Minister for her response. his family, but sadly, after all this time there is still Will she explain why attendances at hospital A and E complete confusion as to who has responsibility for departments increased by 16,000 in the last three years Ben’s commissioning request. Will the Secretary of State of the Labour Government, but by 633,000 in the first look into the matter and clear up that confusion? three years of this Government?

Jane Ellison: As the hon. Gentleman knows, we have Mr Hunt: I reassure my hon. Friend that I have often debated in this House the many reasons for the looked into Ben Foy’s case, and NHS England has increased pressure on A and E. However, the rate of confirmed that it is responsible for commissioning his growth in the first three years of this Government has care. The particular drug that my hon. Friend mentioned been lower than the rate of growth in the last three is not recommended by the manufacturer for use by years of the last Government. We are responding to the children and adolescents, but I am happy to arrange for pressures. That is why the Secretary of State has addressed him to meet NHS England and get to the bottom of the issues such as named GPs for older patients and the issue. integration of social care. We acknowledge that there is pressure on A and E; it is the action that the Government Andy Burnham (Leigh) (Lab): I want to return to are taking to respond to it that really counts. care.data—an important scheme that needs to be saved from the incompetence of this clownish coalition. The Andrew Gwynne (Denton and Reddish) (Lab): Ministers Secretary of State said earlier that I was in search of a again deny that England’s A and E departments are in crisis, but now I will offer him a solution. If the Government crisis. The Secretary of State did so in response to my work with us to introduce a series of tough new safeguards right hon. Friend the Member for Leigh (Andy Burnham) to protect patients, we will work with the Secretary of earlier. It just will not wash any more. In the past two State to help rescue this failing plan. Those safeguards weeks, 10,743 patients waited on trolleys for up to include tougher penalties for the misuse of data, Secretary 12 hours because no hospital beds were available and of State sign-off on any application to access data, full 52 patients waited for even longer. Does the Minister transparency on organisations granted access, and new really think that it is acceptable that patients are experiencing opt-out arrangements by phone or online. Will he meet the worst fortnight in A and E this winter while she is me to discuss changes to the Care Bill to put that complacently sitting on her hands? important scheme back on track?

Jane Ellison: There is no complacency on the Government Benches, and attendances are half what Mr Hunt: The right hon. Gentleman has still not they were under Labour. Week after week we have addressed the fundamental question of why he did not heard those on the Opposition Front Bench come to the introduce an opt-out for the use of personal data, which House to talk up a crisis in our NHS, but the NHS has this Government are doing. We have taken more steps responded incredibly well throughout the winter. I pay than his Government ever did, and we will continue to huge tribute to the staff of the NHS for what they have work hard to ensure that this important scheme goes done in responding to this. The Government are taking ahead. The right hon. Gentleman should know better. long-term action to reduce pressure on A and E; even the College of Emergency Medicine rebuts the Opposition T2. [902659] Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): line that there is a crisis in A and E this winter. There is great unmet need among older people in our communities, particularly for dementia care and Topical Questions support. In Portsmouth we are holding a community summit to join up local agencies to meet that unmet T1. [902658] Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): If he need. Will the Minister meet me to discuss what central will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities. Government can do to ensure that advice on additional funding streams is clearly and readily available? The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt): I would like to thank Public Health England and the The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman NHS emergency services for their extraordinary work Lamb): I thank my hon. Friend for that question and during the recent floods, and say that this House is pay tribute to the agencies in Portsmouth that are proud of their dedication and commitment to help coming together to hold the summit and discuss that those in great need. Since the previous Health questions, critical issue. The Prime Minister’s challenge on dementia we have also had the first anniversary of the Francis has made real progress in improving diagnosis rates and report on Mid Staffs. As a result, I am proud that the the way that society treats dementia, and I would be Government have taken significant steps to restore happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the issue compassionate care to all parts of our NHS, with a further. regulator now free from political interference, failing hospitals being turned round, and more nurses, midwives and health visitors in our NHS than at any time since T4. [902661] Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) 1948. (Lab): Further to the answer given earlier to my hon. Friend the Member for Wansbeck (Ian Lavery), the Julian Sturdy: The family of my eight-year-old constituent lobbyist John Murray and an organisation funded by Ben Foy have been fighting for more than two years for large pharmaceutical companies led a consultation and the funding of sodium oxybate—a drug that his doctors co-wrote a report for NHS England on the future of feel could help him cope with narcolepsy and cataplexy. commissioning for £12 billion of NHS services. Will This is a particularly distressing condition for Ben and the Secretary of State tell the House whether it is now 159 Oral Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 160

Government policy to have lobbyists and big drug commissioners are required to fund them where clinicians companies drafting reports that directly influence the want to use them. I want to give her some encouragement: commissioning of NHS services? this spring a trial will begin of an awareness programme on melanoma in the south-west of England, working Mr Jeremy Hunt: Let me say this to the hon. Lady: with Cancer Research UK. we have very clear rules, and for people who are involved in industry and have a self-interest we have important T7. [902664] Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): protections to ensure there is no conflict of interest. Let I am grateful to the Minister for her previous answer us be clear: the private sector has an important role to on female genital mutilation. With that in mind, what play in the NHS, but it grew far faster under the action will she take regarding the three Tory MEPs Nirj previous Government than it has done under this one. Deva, Sajjad Karim and Timothy Kirkhope who voted We are not going to take any lessons about being in against the motion, in the European Parliament on hock to the private sector. 11 December, strongly condemning the disgraceful practice of FGM? T3. [902660] Lorraine Fullbrook (South Ribble) (Con): Jane Ellison: I am aware of this case. The point made As the NHS comes through another winter, when it has is rather unfair. My colleague Marina Yannakoudakis delivered an outstanding service to more patients than MEP has dealt with this issue in correspondence with ever before, how does my right hon. Friend assess the other Members. The motion was a composite motion. damage done by the unfounded scaremongering talk of All Conservative MEPs completely condemn FGM, crisis by the Opposition and some parts of the media? but there was a technical reason why they voted in that way. It is clear that the Conservative party—along, I Mr Hunt: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I encourage think, with all Members—absolutely condemns this those on the Opposition Front Bench in particular to practice. I am happy to give the hon. Gentleman the talk to a few people in A and E and ask whether they detail on that vote afterwards. think they have been supportive, in a very difficult winter, by whipping up all these scare stories when, in T8. [902665] Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): fact, because of their hard work, we are seeing 2,000 Papworth hospital is a world-renowned heart and lung more people every single day in less than four hours hospital. For years, it has wanted to move to than when the shadow Secretary of State was Health Cambridge, supported by Addenbrooke’s hospital, Secretary. The A and E is performing better than ever. Cambridge university, the British Heart Foundation, AstraZeneca and many more, but it has been put on T5. [902662] Ms Margaret Ritchie (South Down) (SDLP): hold yet again. Will the Secretary of State make sure There are nearly 500 UK-trained medical practitioners that this move, which will help patients, help to develop now working in Australia, of whom 6% never return new treatments and save money, will happen? owing to the better conditions available there. What steps will the Secretary of State and his ministerial Dr Poulter: My hon. Friend will be aware that local team take to ensure that we retain those qualifying in commissioners take decisions on local services. I will be emergency medicine this year, to keep local A and E happy to meet him to discuss this matter further, so we departments open in Britain and Northern Ireland? can talk through his concerns and ensure that local health care services are as strong as possible. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Dr Daniel Poulter): I would like to point out to the T10. [902667] Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): The hon. Lady that it is not unusual for doctors in training village of Melling has grown in recent years, yet its to work overseas to improve their medical experience. surgery hours have been cut drastically. Elderly and Many of my contemporaries did that, and every one I disabled residents now face a four-hour round trip by know has returned to work in the NHS in the UK. It is public transport to see their doctor. How can cuts in a common phenomenon that benefits doctors’ experience. surgery hours, like those in my constituency, be What we have done, unlike the previous Government, is justified if the Government are serious about having a ensure that we now have a 100% fill rate for people first-class NHS? entering A and E common stem training. Mr Jeremy Hunt: We absolutely want to make primary care more accessible and that is why we are introducing T6. [902663] Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con): named GPs for everyone aged 75 or more from April. What assessment have the Government made of the This is a significant and important reversal of, I think, a decision by the National Institute for Health and mistake that everyone now agrees was made in 2004 Clinical Excellence not to recommend ipilimumab as a when named GPs were abolished. Its purpose is to first-line treatment for advanced melanoma, except in make GPs more accessible to the people who need them clinical trials? Will the Minister join me in calling on the most. NICE to reverse this decision and ensure that patients receive earlier access to this treatment to improve their T9. [902666] Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): chances of survival? The father of one of my constituents passed away at the weekend, one of 8,700 people who are diagnosed The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health with pancreatic cancer each year in the UK, of whom (Jane Ellison): I know that my hon. Friend is really only 3% will survive beyond five years. That survival concerned about this, but NICE is an independent body rate has not changed in over 40 years. Will my right so it would not be appropriate for me to interfere in an hon. Friend update the House as to what the ongoing appraisal. NICE has recommended a number Government are doing to improve patient outcomes of other treatments for advanced melanoma, and NHS for those with pancreatic cancer? 161 Oral Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Oral Answers 162

Jane Ellison: I thank my hon. Friend, and I know course, the Government promised that there would be that many hon. Members have raised this issue because 3,000 delivered by 2015. Midwives are very good at pancreatic cancer outcomes remain extremely difficult. delivery; how good is the Department? We want to see the best outcomes for all cancer patients. There has been a big investment by the Government in Dr Poulter: We have trained more midwives. To go diagnosis and screening—£450 million—and last year back to a previous question, it was under the previous we were involved in piloting a tool to support GPs in Government that trained midwives from this country diagnosing cancer earlier, including pancreatic cancer, were having to go and work overseas. That is no longer in over 500 GP practices. That pilot is currently being the case. We now have 5,000 more in training—a record evaluated. number—to make sure that we provide more midwives. I would also like to welcome the hon. Gentleman back Mike Kane (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): The to this country. Manchester Evening News recently highlighted the enormous pressures faced by Wythenshawe accident Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): and emergency after the downgrading of Trafford accident Last year I spent a busy and informative day with the and emergency. Will the Secretary of State meet me to East Midlands ambulance service on the road. It was discuss this and to tell me when Wythenshawe will clear speaking to those professionals that a large proportion receive the extra funds that it has been promised? of individuals taken to A and E would be better served by going to their GP or by accessing other services. Mr Jeremy Hunt: I welcome the hon. Gentleman to However, the ambulance service felt completely the House and congratulate him on representing in his disempowered to advise or even to refuse to take anyone constituency a fantastic hospital; I have been to to A and E who requested it. Wythenshawe hospital and it is superb. Some big changes are happening in the Greater Manchester area that will Mr Jeremy Hunt: That is one of the things we need to lead to that part of the country having some of the best be much better at—linking up the services offered by NHS care in the country. Obviously there is a difficult ambulance services. I would add that pharmacies have a transition in A and E services between Trafford and big role to play in this, as one in 11 or 12 A and E Wythenshawe, and I am happy to meet him to discuss it appointments could be dealt with at a pharmacy. My further. hon. Friend is absolutely right that this is something we need to do better. Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is unacceptable that investigations into failures in hospital services take so very long? David Wright (Telford) (Lab): A hugely expensive There has recently been one in my constituency: a very review of A and E services is going on in Telford, the sad and badly handled case connected with mental Wrekin and Shropshire. The Secretary of State was in health. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the authorities Telford a couple of weeks ago but did not have the need to provide answers very promptly to families who courtesy to let me know. Will he say whether we will are left completely beleaguered by such behaviour? retain full 24-hour, seven-day-a-week services at Telford and whether there will be downgrade of our A and E? Mr Hunt: I absolutely agree with my right hon. Friend. One of the tragedies that the Francis report Mr Hunt: First, I apologise to the hon. Gentleman if helped us to uncover was that so many failings had been my office did not let him know that I was visiting, an allowed to persist for so long: in the case of Mid Staffs, oversight for which I take responsibility. I had a good between 2005 and 2009. We owe it to families to be visit to the Redwoods, a superb mental health in-patient much quicker, which is why there is now a time limit on unit where I learned a great deal. I am not aware of any the failure regime: hospitals must be turned around plans to change or downgrade his A and E. within a fixed period of time or go into administration. Otherwise, we will not have safe hospitals in our areas. Several hon. Members rose—

Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): The Minister Mr Speaker: Order. Time is up. As usual, demand has earlier told the House that 1,500 new midwives had exceeded supply. Before we come to the ten-minute rule come on stream since the Government started, but, of motion, we have a point of order. 163 25 FEBRUARY 2014 164

Point of Order National Insurance (Renaming) Motion for leave to bring in a Bill (Standing Order Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): On a point No. 23) of order, Mr Speaker. I wonder whether you can advise me on how we can secure a statement from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, or another Treasury Minister, 12.36 pm about the substantial extra sums that are being given to Ben Gummer (Ipswich) (Con): I beg to move, the leading bank executives, the most senior people: the chief executives and their colleagues. For example, the That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision for National Insurance to be known as Earnings Tax; and for connected chief executive of HSBC is to receive an extra £32,000 a purposes. week on top of his salary of more than £1 million a year. About 102 years ago, in this Chamber’s predecessor, David Lloyd George rose to introduce national insurance. May I point out, Sir, that the annual salary in my Starting just before four o’clock in the afternoon, he borough is about £22,000? The sheer greed of the began one of the most detailed and complicated of bankers involved is quite disgraceful. A Treasury Minister speeches given from the Treasury Bench: one that would, is in the Chamber now; I wonder whether he will I imagine, have tested even the stamina of those excellent respond. Minsters— my brother from Ipswich, the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, my hon. Friend the Member The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David for South West Hertfordshire (Mr Gauke), and my Gauke) indicated dissent. brother from Suffolk, the Minister for Skills and Enterprise, my hon. Friend the Member for West Suffolk (Matthew Mr Winnick: The Minister shakes his head. I can well Hancock)—who are sitting there now. understand his embarrassment, because we are constantly told that we are all in it together. Why can we not have a Lloyd George explained the need: the harsh conditions statement about what is happening in the banking industry? experienced by working people around the country, and If the Minister is not willing to respond to my point of the dangers that they faced if they fell sick or could not order, may I suggest that we should have some opportunity find work. He described the insurance systems that were to raise the issue in the Chamber? provided by insurance companies, employers, friendly societies and trade unions. He measured their efficacy Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for and worth, identifying where coverage was greatest and his point of order. I understand that Ministers from the where it was most sparse. He then set out the solution: a Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, who national insurance fund into which workers, employers may be thought to have some interest in the matter, will and the state would pay, to provide for medical aid for be answering questions in the Chamber next week, and sick workers, maternity cover for workmen, their wives that the tabling of Treasury questions will take place and women workers, benefits for limited periods of next Wednesday. I know that the hon. Gentleman will unemployment, and payments in time of sickness. The agree with me that it is always useful to have a bit of provisions would be managed through the existing private information, and I therefore proffer that to him and to institutions, except for unemployment payments, which the House. would be provided by the labour exchanges. The hon. Gentleman has made his point, and the All that took the Chancellor more than two hours to Exchequer Secretary has certainly heard it— describe. It was after 6 pm when he concluded: “something like 15,000,000 of people will be insured, at any rate Mr Winnick: But has remained silent. against the acute distress which now darkens the homes of the workmen wherever there is sickness and unemployment. I do not Mr Speaker: He has not chosen to respond. We do pretend that this is a complete remedy. Before you get a complete not always have debates by means of point-of-order remedy for these social evils you will have to cut in deeper. But I think it is partly a remedy. I think it does more. It lays bare a good exchanges. However, the point has been registered very many of those social evils, and forces the State, as a State, to pay forcefully, and Ministers will be conscious of what the attention to them. It does more than that. Meantime, till the hon. Gentleman has said. advent of a complete remedy, this scheme does alleviate an The hon. Gentleman is an extremely ingenious character. immense mass of human suffering”.—[Official Report,4May I feel sure that he will be present at business questions, 1911; Vol. 25, c. 644.] and—I say this in the friendliest possible spirit—I know Thus was made the first substantial plantation of the that when he has a bone in his mouth, he is inclined to welfare state. chew on it, and to chew on it relentlessly. I feel sure that I am giving this account because I think it important that is what he will do in this instance. to explain why national insurance was called national If there are no further points of order, we will come insurance. There was indeed a fund, one that was intended now to the ten-minute rule motion, and to the ever-patient to be in surplus within 15 years of its creation, at which Mr Benedict Gummer. point Lloyd George anticipated that additional benefits would be made available, most likely to the families and dependants of workers. Well, the fund did not work out quite like that, but the scope of the scheme was expanded as he had predicted, with a major reform by the post-war Attlee Government. Further changes in the 1970s and 1980s continued the mutation of this great piece of legislation, expanding its scope, scrapping the “stamp” and complicating the rates at which insurance was paid. 165 National Insurance (Renaming)25 FEBRUARY 2014 National Insurance (Renaming) 166

At every turn, the link between contributions and call it additional income tax, or employment tax. Such a benefit, which from the beginning was not entirely true, change would have no impact on people’s current was eroded, to the point where it now barely exists. That entitlement or on the rates at which NI is currently link will become nugatory with the introduction of charged. It would, however, be an important first step in universal credit and the single state pension, both the merging of income and earnings taxes, as proposed considerable reforms of this coalition Government. What most recently by the TaxPayers Alliance, the Institute of remains of national insurance is not really a contributions- Directors and the Chartered Institute for Payroll and based system, but a system of entitlement whereby a Pensions Professionals. I believe that such a merger certain number of years of payment entitles the recipient would have far wider benefits; it would not just benefit to additional benefits. the people those organisations represent. But that discussion Let us be straight. National insurance is now a tax. It is for another time. All I propose at this stage is a has all the features of a tax. Money paid in this financial twofold reform: first, a simple change of name, which year in national insurance contributions is used to pay would cost next to nothing; and secondly, the merger of this year’s costs of pensions, health care and much else the national insurance fund into general Government besides. The surplus in the national insurance fund is funds, which would save administration costs that would transferred to other Government spending. The more far more profitably be spent elsewhere. The result would robust commentators have explained that it is not an be that we would have made an important move in insurance system but a giant Ponzi scheme. being clearer, simpler and more transparent about how our constituents are taxed, on what and where it is That is not, however, how national insurance is universally spent. perceived. The reaction of members of the public to news of this ten-minute rule Bill illustrates well the I must admit to feeling some trepidation and regret at confusion. One person e-mailed me saying: treading on ground laid so splendidly by the Welsh “we have earned our pension. It is by its very own definition wizard. His presentation had the desired effect. It made entitlement paid for by a total lifetime of our contributions, not a less controversial a scheme that might otherwise have benefit paid for by someone else’s income tax.” been opposed, as indeed it was in any case—not least by But that is precisely what it is. However, the fiction of some of the trades unions. Most importantly, it did, as contributions persists. Someone commenting on a report he thought it would, lay in the Daily Mail said: “bare a good many…social evils” “I’ve paid a full stamp for 44 years and never taken out of the and force system now they say the insurance I’ve paid all my working life is “the State, as a State, to pay attention to them.”—[Official no longer valid. If this was a business they’d be sued.” Report, 4 May 1911; Vol. 25, c. 644.] That’s as may be and therein lies the reason why so many of Lloyd George’s successors have been reluctant Over a century, the state has paid attention to them. to come clean about what national insurance really is. The provisions were not by any means remedies, as he As one person on Twitter said: had hoped, but life for the millions and generations of the least privileged and the less unfortunate is much “Nobody likes a ‘tax’ and to call a tax ‘insurance’ is a spin coup better as a result. That is a giant achievement, but we in itself.” must not let romance get in the way of honesty. National Were national insurance a much smaller tax, we insurance is no longer what it was designed to be. We would call it a stealth tax. That was certainly how the now pay for the welfare state of Lloyd George’s creation right hon. Member for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath out of general taxation. We should therefore get rid of (Mr Brown) used it, when he increased NI contributions the fiction of national insurance contributions and call having promised not to increase income tax. That is the it what it is: an earnings tax. principal reason why I wish to see reform. We know the struggle we have, in this place, to improve the conversation Question put and agreed to. our voters have with the people sent here to represent Ordered, them. I firmly believe that, if we are clearer about the That Ben Gummer, Steve Baker, Mr Graham Brady, amount of money we take from people in tax—if that Mr Robert Buckland, George Freeman, Nicholas Soames, figure were more simply presented—and if we explain Mr Brooks Newmark, Priti Patel, Mr Dominic Raab, equally clearly how it is spent on their behalf, we will Jacob Rees-Mogg, Justin Tomlinson and Mr Andrew have done something important to reconnect voters Turner present the Bill. with their democracy. Ben Gummer accordingly presented the Bill. A small but important part of that is coming clean about national insurance. I propose we call it earnings Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on tax, because it is a tax on earnings, but we could equally Friday 20 June; and to be printed (Bill 175). 167 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Pensions and Benefits Uprating 168

Pensions and Benefits Uprating that the poorest pensioners benefit from the full cash value of the increase in the basic state pension, we Mr Speaker: With the permission of the House, the decided again to increase the value of the standard motions on the draft Guaranteed Minimum Pensions minimum guarantee credit, in this case by 2%, so that Increase Order 2014 and on the draft Social Security single people will receive an increase of £2.95 a week Benefits Up-rating Order 2014 will be debated together. and couples will receive an increase of £4.45 a week. Again, consistent with our approach last year, the resources needed to pay this above-earnings increase to the standard 12.46 pm minimum guarantee have been found by increasing the The Minister of State, Department for Work and savings credit threshold, which means those with higher Pensions (Steve Webb): I beg to move, levels of income will see less of an increase. That the draft Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order Let me now deal with additional state pensions. This 2014, which was laid before this House on 27 January, be approved. year, the state earnings-related pension scheme—SERPS— and the other second pensions will rise by 2.7%, which Mr Speaker: With this we shall discuss the following means that the total state pension increase for someone motion, on the draft Social Security Benefits Up-rating with a full basic state pension and average additional Order 2014: pension will be about £3.75 a week, or just under £200 a That draft Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2014, year. Unlike under the Labour party, which froze SERPS which was laid before this House on 27 January, be approved. in 2010, this will be the fourth year in a row that the coalition has uprated SERPS by the full value of CPI. Steve Webb: Let me deal first with what is an entirely In these debates, we discuss the most appropriate technical matter that we attend to each year, and not measure of inflation by which to uprate benefits. I have one that I imagine we shall need to dwell on today. The had the pleasure of such exchanges with the right hon. Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order 2014 Member for East Ham (Stephen Timms) several times, provides for contracted-out defined benefit schemes to and I want to refer him back to something he said three increase their members’ guaranteed minimum pensions years ago in the corresponding debate. We were using that accrued between 1988 and 1997 by 2.7%, in line CPI rather than RPI—the retail prices index—and it is with the increase in the consumer prices index to the CPI which underlies these motions. He described the previous September. move to CPI as “ideological”; that is an interesting I should like to turn now to the Social Security description of a choice of price index, but he regarded it Benefits Up-rating Order 2014. As part of his autumn as an ideological shift. He went further in expressing his statement, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the distaste for this measure, saying: Exchequer announced the rates of tax credits for 2014-15, “As for the view of my party, I simply refer the Secretary of and today we are debating the order that will uprate State to what the leader of my party has said, which is that the those social security pensions and benefits for which my suggestion that the change should be made for a period—perhaps Department is responsible. As the House will be aware, up to three years—would be something that we could consider. If we are not here to discuss the Welfare Benefits Up-rating that proposition were on the table, we would be happy to consider it.”—[Official Report, 17 February 2011; Vol. 523, c. 1187.] 2014 Order, which was made on 24 January. Those rates increased by 1% under that order, and were debated in So his position three years ago was that, perhaps for Parliament during the passage of the Welfare Benefits three years, we might use CPI because it saves a bit of Up-rating Act 2013. dosh but that the Labour party was committed to RPI. Turning to the benefits and pensions in the Social I therefore hope that when the right hon. Gentleman Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2014, I shall deal responds and gives his party’s position on these motions first with the basic state pension. Despite the current he will clarify whether that is still his position. He will tough fiscal context, this Government remain committed realise, first, that RPI has now been dropped by the to protecting those who have worked hard all their lives, Office for National Statistics as an official statistic which is why we have stood by our triple-lock commitment because of methodological concerns. So I would be to uprate the basic state pension by whichever is the surprised if he remained committed to going back to highest of earnings, prices or 2.5%. This year, as prices RPI. Perhaps he thinks we should use CPIH, as he were greater than average earnings and greater than complained that we did not have owner-occupier housing 2.5%, the basic state pension will increase by CPI at costs in the measure that we are using. If that is his 2.7%. The new rate of basic state pension will therefore position, he would obviously be arguing for a lower be £113.10 a week for a single person, an increase of increase in benefits this year, because at the moment the £2.95 from last year. That means that the basic state level of CPI is above that of CPIH. Given that he was pension is forecast to be around 18% of average earnings opposed to a permanent switch to CPI, given that RPI from April 2014, a higher share of average earnings has been dropped as an official statistic and given that than at any time since 1992. Our triple-lock commitment some of the other measures are lower than the one we means that someone on a full basic state pension can are using, I am slightly puzzled by his position—I am expect to receive £440 a year more than if it had been sure that by the time we have heard his speech we will uprated by earnings since the start of this Parliament. no longer be puzzled. On pension credit, we have continued to take steps to On disability benefits, this year the coalition will ensure that the poorest pensioners will benefit in full ensure that those who face additional costs because of from the effect of our triple lock. Each year, the standard their disability, and who perhaps have less opportunity minimum guarantee must, by law, be increased at least to increase their income through paid employment, will in line with earnings. That means that the minimum see their benefits increase by the full value of CPI. So increase this year would be 1.2%. However, to ensure disability living allowance, attendance allowance, carer’s 169 Pensions and Benefits Uprating25 FEBRUARY 2014 Pensions and Benefits Uprating 170 allowance, incapacity benefit and personal independence This is the fourth year since the announcement of the payment will all rise by the statutory minimum of 2.7% triple lock for the basic state pension. In rhetorical from April 2014. In addition, those disability-related terms the triple lock has, no doubt, been successful, but, and carer premiums paid with pension credit and working- unfortunately, the reality has been rather different, because, age benefits will also increase by 2.7%, as will the once again, the increase in the state pension is less this employment and support allowance support group, and year than it would have been if the uprating method the limited capability for work and work-related activity previously used was still in place. In RPI terms, this is a element of universal credit. Pensioner premiums paid real-terms cut for the third year in a row in the value of with working-age benefits will increase in line with the basic state pension. The RPI last September was pension credit. 3.2%, whereas the pension uprating delivered by this At a time when the nation’s finances remain under order is 2.7%. So in RPI terms, this is quite a big cut of real pressure, this Government will be spending an extra 0.5%—a full half percentage point—in the value of the £3.3 billion under these orders, and related orders, in state pension, which is a bigger real-terms cut than last 2014-15. We will, thus, continue to help support those year. If the basic state pension had been uprated in line who are not currently in work, first, by increasing the with RPI since 2010, the weekly rate for a single person main rates of working-age benefits by 1%, and by would be more than a pound higher than the figure we ensuring that pensions, and benefits that are designed are debating today, at £114.21. to help with the additional costs of disability, are protected against the cost of living. Of that, we will be spending Steve Webb: Clearly RPI is bigger than CPI—that is a about £2.7 billion extra on state pensions, including an statement of fact—but does the right hon. Gentleman above-inflation increase, and more than £600 million on think that RPI is a good measure of inflation? people of working age. Nearly £600 million will be going to disabled people and their carers. Our decisive Stephen Timms: I will come on to deal with that. The action to limit to 1% the increases in the main rates of point I wish to make is that the triple lock is frequently most working-age benefits is part of our overall economic presented to us, as the Minister did again today, as strategy, which has substantially brought down the being extraordinarily generous to pensioners. It is presented deficit. as some great superlative, whereas in fact it has delivered a lower uprating than the previous formula—the one in In this order, we continue: first, to maintain our place before the last election—in every one of the three commitment to the triple lock, meaning that the basic years when it has been used, and in the first year it was state pension will reach its highest level as a percentage due to be used it would have delivered such a low of average earnings for two decades; secondly, to protect uprating that the Minister chose to override it. He was our poorest pensioners with an over-indexation of the sensible to do so, but if he had used the triple lock in standard minimum guarantee, so they too will feel that first year, the gap between his uprating and the the benefit of our triple lock; and, thirdly, to protect the value of the basic state pension under the old method benefits that reflect the additional costs that disabled would now be almost £3 per week. So it is important in people face as a result of their disability, through increases this debate to put on the record the extent to which the to disability living allowance and attendance allowance, triple lock has delivered less than the long-established carer’s allowance and the main rate of other disability formula that was in place until the general election. benefits in line with CPI. I have set out our ongoing commitment to ensure that no one is left behind, and I It is worth examining the history of the triple lock. In commend these orders to the House. its first year, it was announced but not actually implemented, because it would have delivered a very small increase. So at its first outing, it failed. 12.54 pm Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) Stephen Timms (East Ham) (Lab): I thank the Minister (LD): Was it not, however, the long-established formula, for his explanation and confirm that I do not intend to over the long run, that had put pensioners so far behind express concerns about the draft Guaranteed Minimum those earning? Pensions Increase Order 2014. However, I do wish to make some comments about the draft Social Security Stephen Timms: I think the hon. Gentleman is referring Benefits Up-rating Order 2014. As he has said, this is a to the change made by Mrs Thatcher when she was rather thinner debate than the corresponding ones he Prime Minister, and he makes an entirely fair point. and I have enjoyed in previous years, because a big However, the point I am putting to him is that he and chunk of what we have debated previously is now his party, particularly the Minister, frequently present covered by the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act 2013, the triple lock to us as somehow being extraordinarily which imposed a 1% uprating this year and next, and so generous, whereas in practice it has provided less than is outside the scope of these orders. the formula he has just criticised—the one introduced One thing I have not entirely understood—the Minister by the former Conservative Prime Minister. If that touched on this and I would be grateful if he explained formula had continued after the 2010 general election, it—is how the corresponding order for tax credits the state pension amount we would be debating today will be dealt with. Some elements of tax credits uprating would be more than £1 a week more than the figure in are not covered by the 1% constraint. Clearly, with this order. so few people in receipt of universal credit, he is not the Minister responsible for in-work benefits—that Mr Alan Reid (Argyll and Bute) (LD): The right hon. responsibility remains with the Treasury—but I wonder Gentleman will accept that the formula introduced by whether he could explain how the parliamentary process Mrs Thatcher was continued throughout the whole around those tax credits is to be handled. term of the previous Labour Government. As the economy 171 Pensions and Benefits Uprating25 FEBRUARY 2014 Pensions and Benefits Uprating 172

[Mr Alan Reid] It was in 2011 that the Government first uprated pensions by CPI rather than RPI. In the debate then I is recovering, thanks to the coalition’s successful economic pointed out that this was a direct hit on the income of policies, will he not accept that linking pensions to pensioners, and it still is. In 2011, a contributory deal, earnings will mean higher pensions for people in the understood and signed up to by pensioners, was broken. long run? That was compounded last year, and the Government want to do it again this year. On the other side of the Stephen Timms: I certainly hope that that is the case, coin, it is worth noting that RPI will continue to be used but in the short run, in the period since the general for the uprating of a great many other things. The election, we are seeing a lower value for the basic state Minister has correctly quoted my comments on that in pension than if Mrs Thatcher’s formula had stayed in the past. There could well have been a case to uprate by place. That point is not widely understood. I am sure CPI as a deficit reducing measure for a period. However, that the hon. Gentleman understands it, but I want to we do not accept that Ministers should have tied themselves put it on the record so that people are aware of the fact to CPI indefinitely, and that remains our view. that the method that is currently in place has in fact As announced in 2010, the Government have also delivered a lower value for the basic state pension than made a permanent switch to CPI uprating. Thanks to if Mrs Thatcher’s formula had continued to be used. the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Act 2013, most working Mr Reid: Had the right hon. Gentleman’s party been age benefits were capped at 1%, with provisions for in power, would the pension increases over the past them also to be capped at 1% for the following two three years been at CPI or RPI? years, and so are outside the scope of this order. As we have said in previous years, there would have been a Stephen Timms: If the arrangements in place before reasonable case for the Government to make a temporary the last election had been maintained, the increases change to the methodology, but unfortunately they would have been at RPI. If they had been at RPI, we went further. would be debating today a higher value for the basic state pension than the one in the order in front of us. Steve Webb: Sometimes we ask for a one-word answer. I want a three or possibly four-letter answer. Were the Dr Eilidh Whiteford (Banff and Buchan) (SNP): When right hon. Gentleman introducing these motions today, we have debated such issues in the past, I have been which index would he use? quick to highlight that both CPI and RPI are not particularly good methods of measuring inflation, especially Stephen Timms: Sadly, I am not in the happy position its impact on low-income groups, including pensioners. that the Minister describes. I hope that I will be before Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that the real issue very long in which case I will gladly give him the answer at stake here is that energy prices have increased by 37% that he seeks. However, I am not in that position today. in the past 10 years and that food inflation has grown ahead of inflation every year for the past eight years? Mr Reid: If the right hon. Gentleman hopes to be in We should be talking about the impact of inflation on power some time in the future, will he tell us the formula low-income groups and not the technical measure. We that he would use for the long term? should be finding technical measures that capture that impact of inflation. Stephen Timms: I can well understand why the hon. Stephen Timms: The hon. Lady makes an important Gentleman wants to know the answer to that question. point. I hope she will support Labour’s energy price If, as we have heard, he and his party are to be involved freeze, which will have an important benefit for people in the next Government, it will be in coalition with a on low incomes. She is also right to draw attention to party other than the one that they are in coalition with the particular difficulties of pensioners on low incomes. at the moment. I am afraid that he will have to be a little It is for that reason that pension credit is so important. patient to get an answer to his question. None the less, I Pension credit, which is in the order in front of us—I well understand why he wants to know the answer. believe that my hon. Friend the Member for Cumbernauld, The Chancellor proudly told us in his autumn statement Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East (Gregg McClymont) last year that the increase formula for regulated train will say more about that when he responds to the debate fares was changing from RPI plus 1% to RPI plus 0%, later—is being uprated at a significantly lower rate in which mean that regulated rail fares would increase by percentage terms than the basic state pension. no more than July 2013’s RPI of 3.1% . What is not I was talking about the history of the triple lock. In clear is why the Government apply RPI in that case and the first year, it was overridden, so it failed. In its second CPI in this. The answer, as far as one can make sense of year, it was implemented and delivered an increase in all of this, is that the Government use CPI when it is line with CPI, along with working age benefits. Last useful to have a small number and RPI when they want year, it was applied again and, for the first time, it a big number. That appears to be the principle that has delivered something better than CPI, but that was only been adopted. The result is that pensioners will see their by 0.3 percentage points. This year, the Government state pension increased in line with CPI, but their train propose to uprate the basic state pension by CPI, which, fares by RPI. as of September last year, was 2.7%. That is only a Part 7 of the order in front of us relates to universal 0.2 percentage point increase on the absolute bare minimum credit. As the House well knows, this is becoming an that would be possible under the triple lock. Had the appalling fiasco. The Secretary of State told us yesterday previous uprating RPI mechanism been in place, there that he expected 6,000 people to be in receipt of universal would have been a larger pension increase this year, and credit during the current pathfinder. It was not clear by in the last two years, than has been delivered. what date he expected that figure to be achieved. Will 173 Pensions and Benefits Uprating25 FEBRUARY 2014 Pensions and Benefits Uprating 174 the Minister let us know? He will recall that I have been to inform the House of the situation yesterday, when warning since November 2010 that the time scale announced there was an extensive discussion on the matter and a by Ministers for universal credit was unachievable. number of questions were asked about the process for Unfortunately I have been proved right. Indeed, the replacing Atos and the operation of the work capability position is now a good deal worse than I feared when I assessment in the meantime. It appears that the operation wrote to the Secretary of State in November 2010. has been significantly scaled back. Given that ESA is There is now a real danger that the entire project could part of the order before us, I wonder whether the collapse. Minister can take this opportunity to provide us with As I pointed out at the time, the time scale for the IT the explanation that we were not provided with yesterday. was always unachievable. That goes back to the July There is growing dismay in the country about the 2010 Green Paper, which included the absurd claim that impact of the Government’s changes on growing numbers the IT for universal credit would not amount to a major of people—with an extraordinary 750,000 people forced IT system. Replacing the whole of the benefit information to go to food banks last year because they were unable technology can hardly amount to anything other than a to afford enough food for themselves and their families. major IT system. Ministers have failed to deliver any IT The Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster expressed it system. It now appears that, while they continue to powerfully last week when he said: develop late the IT system they started out with, they “Something is going seriously wrong when, in a country as are also going to develop a second universal credit IT affluent as ours people are left in that destitute situation and system, in the hope that they can get it right second time depend solely on the handouts of the charity of food banks”. around. Goodness knows how many hundreds of millions He is surely right. Something is going very badly wrong of pounds that is going to end up costing. It is clear that indeed, and it needs to be put right. the next Government will have a major job on their The increase of the state pension in line with the hands to salvage universal credit after May next year if, triple lock is worth having—I put it no stronger than as all of us must hope, it can be salvaged. that—but the Government have chosen to uprate state benefits and pensions permanently in a way that is Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC): Is the meaner than the method used before. For that reason, right hon. Gentleman at all reassured by the Secretary we are unable to support the Government in the Lobby of State’s statement some time ago that universal credit on the orders today. would succeed because he believed that it would? 1.14 pm Stephen Timms: The hon. Gentleman correctly quotes Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): Thank the Secretary of State. He told us for a long time that you, Mr Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to say a universal credit was on track, then latterly he started to few words. I will be speaking against the orders, but I say that it was “essentially on track”. So one can be am not suggesting that we should vote against them forgiven for not being entirely reassured. because of course, if we were to do so, the pitiful I wonder whether the Minister can help us on another increases that some people will receive as a result of matter that has just come to light in connection with them would not be paid. I shall be arguing that the part 6 of the order on employment and support allowance. orders should be different. A freedom of information request by the advice service The changes that the Government have introduced, Benefits and Work revealed yesterday that the Department some of which are in these orders, have huge significance for Work and Pensions had issued an internal memo to for millions of the poorest in our country. Both motions staff on 20 January advising that, owing to a growing are of vital importance as restricting the uprating of backlog at the assessment company Atos, all current benefits to these pitiful amounts, which in many cases ESA claimants would be left on the benefit without represent a real-term cut, is one of the ways in which the further medical checks until another company could be coalition Government have attempted to balance the found to carry out repeat work capability assessments. books on the back of the poor. The focus today is on The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions, the change from RPI to CPI and, as the Minister has the hon. Member for Hemel Hempstead (Mike Penning), said, other legislative methods have been used in relation frankly acknowledged in oral questions yesterday pressures to some of the other changes, which yet again the and capacity problems at Atos and indicated that Government are proceeding with this year. negotiations were taking place to find an alternative Under the last Labour Government, most benefits provider, but he made no mention of the suspension of were uprated every April in line with the RPI measure repeat assessments in the meantime, which appears to of inflation and based on the RPI of the previous have been introduced. The memo obtained by Benefits September. Shortly after taking office, the coalition at Work suggests that DWP has deliberately chosen not announced that it would be changing to CPI, which of to inform Members of the House or claimants about course does not take into account housing costs and is this change. Why has that been done? Can the Minister almost always a lower measure than RPI. That is why I provide reassurances to the public about the scale of the oppose it. The hon. Member for Banff and Buchan difficulties—yet another emerging mess in his Department? (Dr Whiteford) has already commented that another The decision by Ministers to take this action will method of uprating should be found because neither confirm widespread scepticism about whether the system CPI nor RPI is a good way of capturing the real cost of is fit for purpose. It certainly leaves an operational living for some of the groups affected by the orders. vacuum, apparently pending the appointment of a new However, we do know that RPI is a more generous provider. At this stage there is no indication when such system than CPI and the Government should return to an appointment might be made. In the circumstances, it that way of looking at things unless a better way can is surprising that the Minister did not take the opportunity be found. 175 Pensions and Benefits Uprating25 FEBRUARY 2014 Pensions and Benefits Uprating 176

Steve Webb: I am listening with care to the hon. Lady. I support the return to the link with earnings, but, as Just to set the record straight, one of her objections to I have said, the point I am making is about the change the use of CPI is that it does not include housing costs. from RPI to CPI, which I understand is a long-term In fact, it does. It includes rents. Were we also to include policy of this Government. Some of the poorest people owner-occupiers’ housing costs—the CPIH measure—we in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency and mine will would have a lower measure than the one we are using. experience a cumulative long-term reduction in their incomes as a result of that change. Katy Clark: Obviously the Minister is aware that the From April 2013, the coalition slashed the annual range of factors taken into account has been smaller uplifts to a range of benefits to 1%; I appreciate that every year since the change was brought in. I oppose the that issue is being dealt with in other legislation. Some orders not necessarily because they do or do not include of the disability benefits, such as carer’s allowance and housing costs—I understand the point he makes; he has disability living allowance, are exempt from that 1% cap, made it before and we have debated it previously—but but employment and support allowance, which is the because the method does not reflect the real cost of primary income replacement benefit for disabled people, living that people who rely on these benefits experience. is not. The Government have exempted from the cap the Every year since 2010 RPI has been higher than CPI higher rate care component paid to the most severely and the gap between those figures has made a real disabled people, supposedly shielding the vulnerable difference to pensions and benefits. The danger with the from it. Unfortunately, however, this is a deceptive change is the cumulative impact over many years. In sleight of hand. ESA is paid in two parts—a basic rate, 2010 the RPI figure was 4.6%. That went up to 5.6% in plus an additional component—and although the additional 2011, down to 2.6% in 2012, and was 3.2% last year. But component of £35.75 is exempt from the 1% cap, the the equivalent CPI figures were 3.1%, 5.2%, 2.2% and basic rate of £72.40 is not. Therefore, over-25s in receipt 2.7%. Every year there has been a gap, which has meant of the care component of ESA will receive £5.11 a week that some of the poorest and most vulnerable in our less than they would have received if it had increased in society have ended up with less money in their pocket. line with RPI. These cuts matter, because they are The Prime Minister has made much of his decision to having a real impact on some of the poorest and most introduce a triple lock guarantee for the basic state vulnerable people in our society. pension. He has already pledged to retain it throughout Between 1997 and 2010, the Labour Government the next Parliament should he have any success at the reduced the percentage of people living in absolute next general election. The guarantee ensures that the poverty from 28% of the population to 15%. During basic state pension will always rise in line with whatever that time, 2.3 million children and 2 million pensioners is the greater of inflation, wages or 2.5%. The uncomfortable were lifted out of poverty. Research from the Institute truth, however, as the Minister must accept, is that the for Fiscal Studies suggests that investment in the social triple lock was introduced alongside the change from security system was the primary factor behind that RPI to CPI, so the basic state pension increases in 2012 reduction in poverty. By slashing social security benefits and 2013 were lower than they would have been if the with these orders and the other legislation that we have previous system had been used. By 2015, the basic state considered previously, the Government risk putting some pension will therefore be £1.11 a week lower than it of the most vulnerable people in society back below the would have been if it had risen in line with RPI, so poverty line, and that is on top of the large number of pensioners will be £106.60 worse off as a result. people whose incomes have already been cut as a direct That is how just one group is affected. If we look at result of this Government’s policy. These orders are other groups, such as carers, the situation is even worse. completely inadequate and the Government should come Next year, carer’s allowance will be £1.69 per week forward with something that protects the most vulnerable lower than it would have been under RPI, with carers in our society. £255.84 worse off by April 2015 as a result. Those receiving both the higher rate mobility and care components 1.24 pm of disability living allowance will be £571.48 worse off Gregg McClymont (Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and by the same date. Kirkintilloch East) (Lab): I do not intend to detain the House for too long. I begin by thanking my hon. Friend Mr Reid: Does the hon. Lady accept that, with the the Member for North Ayrshire and Arran (Katy Clark) triple lock, pensioners will benefit from an economic for a powerful speech. The final point that she made is recovery by their pension going up in line with earnings, an important one, and it is worth the House reflecting whereas when the economy was doing well in the early on it, because often when we discuss these kinds of years of the Labour Government, pensioners did not issues there is a tendency to caricature the record of the share in the increased benefits, because their pension last Labour Government, but anyone who looks closely only went up in line with inflation and not in line with at their changes to and improvements in social security earnings? will see a record of quite substantial progress. Of course, social progress often comes slowly; it is measured in Katy Clark: As the hon. Gentleman will appreciate, I inches as well as feet, and in centimetres as well as am focusing on the change from RPI to CPI. He will be metres. However, there was significant social progress aware that in the last Parliament I strongly advocated a and that is part of the context within which this debate return to the link with earnings. However the reality, as should be understood. he well knows, was that although Labour did not reinstate that link, the increases every year were far higher than Mr Reid: The hon. Gentleman referred to enormous they would have been if that reinstatement had taken social progress, but why did the last Labour Government place. Therefore, I frankly did not understand why my not increase pensions in line with earnings, as will now Front Bench at the time would not make that change. happen over the long term thanks to the triple lock? 177 Pensions and Benefits Uprating25 FEBRUARY 2014 Pensions and Benefits Uprating 178

Gregg McClymont: I am pleased that the hon. Gentleman pensioners rely on, is not being uprated by the same made that point, because to some degree it illuminates percentage as the basic state pension. There may be an the difference between him and Labour, because what excellent reason for that, but I would like to hear it. he discounts entirely by asking that question is the There is also a more fundamental point about the impact of pension credit. I do not know how aware he is new pension system that the Minister and the Government of pension credit, but it took 1.3 million pensioners out are introducing, which relates to the point that my hon. of poverty. Is that not something that he welcomes? It Friend the Member for Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore) reduced pensioner poverty in Scotland by two thirds, made. It is that, as the Pensions Bill proceeds, the new taking 200,000 pensioners out of poverty. flat-rate state pension—as I understand it—is being set just above pension credit. If pension credit loses its Mr Reid rose— value relative to the basic state pension in the run-up to the introduction of the new system, there is a danger Gregg McClymont: I will give way to the hon. Gentleman that the flat-rate state pension will be pegged at a lower again, but I hope he will recognise that achievement. rate than would otherwise be the case. We must be clear about not only the implications for the poorest pensioners Mr Reid: The defect of the pension credit arrangements, of a lag in the uprating of pension credit, but the when compared with the new pension arrangements implications for the flat-rate state pension system for that my hon. Friend the Minister has introduced, was which the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute is such an that people had to apply for pension credit, and a lot of enthusiast. We must ask these legitimate questions. If people were unaware that they had to do that, whereas we are to have a reasonable debate, we need to recognise under the new pension arrangements everyone will get the progress that was made over the past decade—certainly the single-tier pension. until 2010—and consider how that will interact with the flat-rate state pension system that the Minister is so Gregg McClymont: I am afraid to say to the hon. keen on creating. Gentleman that, although I understand where he is coming from, it is not the case that everyone will receive Dame Anne Begg (Aberdeen South) (Lab): Following the single-tier pension; people must have made contributions its pre-legislative scrutiny of the draft Pensions Bill, my for 35 years. He should speak to his colleague, the Work and Pensions Committee thought that there should Minister, who everyone recognises is an expert on the be a larger gap between the flat-rate state pension and state pension. There will be poor pensioners who will pension credit to ensure that there would be a cut in not receive the new pension, and they will depend on means-testing, which the Government claim will be the pension credit. effect of the flat-rate pension’s introduction. However, I asked the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute (Mr Reid) that will not happen if the two are kept together, or if to reflect on the reality of the difference that pension one is lower than the other. credit made, particularly in a period after 1997 when there was genuine absolute pensioner poverty. Gregg McClymont: My hon. Friend is widely acknowledged as an expert in this area, and questions Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Is it not the arise when pension credit is not uprated by the same case that if it had not been for the framework that was percentage as the basic state pension. As I said, I start set up by the last Labour Government—particularly the to get worried when I hear the phrase “over-indexation” introduction of pension credit, which is clearly already because the Minister is actually saying, “We have decided accounted for in budgets—it would have been far more that pension credit will be uprated by earnings unless difficult to move to the form of pension that the Minister we decide otherwise, and we have decided otherwise, so has proposed? it will be uprated by the cash equivalent of the uprating to the basic state pension.” However, that represents a Gregg McClymont: My hon. Friend makes an important smaller percentage increase, so we need to be aware of point. The level at which the Minister appears set to the wider implications of that. place the new flat-rate state pension is just above pension I made it clear that I would not detain the House for credit. It is that framework, which was set for the too long. My right hon. Friend the Member for East poorest pensioners to ensure they would no longer live Ham (Stephen Timms) asked the Minister a number of in poverty, that is so important. My argument is not important questions, to which I shall add my own. that the hon. Member for Argyll and Bute is entirely First, does the Minister agree that pension credit made wrong; it is that he must take account of the difference a real difference to millions of poor pensioners in this that pension credit made to the poorest pensioners in country? Secondly, does he agree that it provides the his constituency, my constituency and around the country. basis on which the flat-rate state pension will be pegged That brings me to the question that I wanted to ask under his new system? If that is the case, it is important the Minister, which is about pension credit. Of course it that we debate the lesser uprating of pension credit, and is welcome that the basic state pension is rising by I hope that the Minister accepts that I ask my questions £2.95, and he was very clear that pension credit will also in the spirit of co-operation and inquiry. rise by £2.95, but of course as a percentage rise, the rise for pension credit is less. The danger is that those on 1.32 pm pension credit will fall behind relative to those on the Steve Webb: With the leave of the House, I shall be basic state pension. grateful for the chance to respond to the three speeches The term that the Minister used was over-indexation. that we have heard. I cannot help reflecting on the fact A little alarm goes off in my head when Ministers resort that we cannot manage to talk for even an hour about to using such terms. A more straightforward way to put spending £3.3 billion, but I take it from that that the things is to say that pension credit, which the poorest House thinks that we are doing a good job. 179 Pensions and Benefits Uprating25 FEBRUARY 2014 Pensions and Benefits Uprating 180

[Steve Webb] current network of food banks; they simply went somewhere else. The idea of urgent financial need has not just Before I respond to the detailed points that have been arisen. As the right hon. Gentleman will know, people raised, I want to be clear about what we mean by above turned to charitable sources and churches. It was not inflation, real terms and all the rest of it. The April uncommon for people to knock on a vicarage door to increase in the basic state pension will be in line with ask for a sandwich, and that is not very different from a inflation at 2.7%. Of course, we now know that CPI is food bank—it is a precursor to that. There were always below 2%, so despite the population experiencing inflation people in urgent financial need, and we can debate the at that rate, we are putting up the pension by 2.7%— impact of a global economic downturn on the level of need. Church leaders who comment on such matters are Sheila Gilmore: Will the Minister give way? sometimes briefed with partial information. It is sometimes suggested to them that there is a mad slash and burn on Steve Webb: In a second. the welfare state, but I think that they would be surprised to learn that, at the start of the next Parliament, we will That explains the reference at the end of my speech to be spending £30 billion a year more on benefits, pensions an above-inflation increase although, as we have discussed, and tax credits than in the final year of the previous there will be years in which the trend goes in the Labour Government. opposite direction. Stephen Timms: Surely the Minister accepts that Sheila Gilmore: The Minister anticipates the point I comments such as those made by the Cardinal Archbishop was about to make. The situation to which he refers of Westminster and in last week’s letter signed by 27 bishops could apply in any year. People suffered greatly in are based on actual experience of what is happening in previous years because the uprating was set at a low communities. Surely he cannot maintain, as he appeared point for inflation, yet they experienced real rising to do, that nothing has changed and that things are prices, so the increase is hardly a great virtue on the part carrying on as they were before—clearly that is not true. of the Government. Steve Webb: No one is suggesting that nothing has Steve Webb: It is interesting to look at what has changed. The global economic downturn was far deeper happened to benefit rates over the long run. In the seven than was originally thought, and we have had to recover years since the 2008 crash, the rate of jobseeker’s allowance from that. We had to make changes to the benefits has increased by more than the growth in earnings. system to try to balance the books, which the previous While people with jobs—people would obviously far Government failed to do. rather have jobs than not—have seen their wages grow The hon. Member for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and over that period, the rate of JSA, which I still quaintly Kirkintilloch East (Gregg McClymont) said that he felt think of as unemployment benefit, has risen by more uncomfortable when I talked about over-indexation. than that growth. Let me make it clear that under the pensions legislation The hon. Member for North Ayrshire and Arran that the Labour Government put into force, there is a (Katy Clark) talked about pitiful increases and slashing legal duty to uprate pension credit by earnings, but we benefits, but I can tell her that the Labour Government are doing more than that. The hon. Gentleman implied spent £181 billion on tax credits, benefits and pensions that we were doing less and that we were somehow in their final year in office, yet in the first year of the putting in place a worse increase, but we are paying a next Parliament, we envisage spending not £181 billion, £2.95 increase on the basic state pension, and we do not but £211 billion. Spending £30 billion more than six want to follow Labour’s approach of making a earnings years previously is an odd definition of “slashing”, so increase to the guarantee credit because that would give we need to keep a bit of perspective in the debate. I the poorest pensioners less than £2.95. In our jargon, respect the hon. Lady’s sincerity and clearly she wishes we are passing through the full £2.95. Far from paying that the increases were greater but, as she well knows, less than the law requires, we are paying more, because her Front-Bench colleagues will not vote against the we put the biggest priority on the poorest pensioners. orders, and that is not because of a technicality, but because they would not allocate money for larger increases. Gregg McClymont: The Minister is well aware that I know that she disagrees with her Front Benchers. If earnings have been in decline, so setting out the she ruled the world, she would put in place greater Government’s approach as some sort of virtue is a bit increases—she would tax people more and spend more— like the argument that was made when he had to override but that is not her party’s position. the triple lock on its first day because it would have produced so little. However, does the Minister not accept Stephen Timms: What is the Minister’s response to that the situation has implications for the level at which last week’s comments by the Cardinal Archbishop of the flat-rate state pension will be set? Westminster about the significant number of people who find themselves in destitution as a result of the Steve Webb: I would like to suggest that the colleague changes that have been made? who just whispered in my ear was saying how much he was enjoying our debate on welfare and urging me to Steve Webb: I have great respect for the Cardinal keep it going, but that might not have been the tenor of Archbishop, who I met some years ago, and I do not his remarks. What we are trying to do is ensure that we doubt his compassion for those in need, which is shared do the right thing by the poorest pensioners. Had we by Members on both sides of the House. However, I do simply done what Labour required us to do by law, not think that anyone believes that people were not in which was to index in line with the growth in average severe and urgent financial crisis before we saw the earnings—it was Labour’s law, not ours—the poorest 181 Pensions and Benefits Uprating25 FEBRUARY 2014 Pensions and Benefits Uprating 182 pensioners would now be getting less. I assume that the bigger than CPI, but we are not trying simply to pick a hon. Gentleman is not suggesting that we should do bigger or smaller number. In having these annual debates, that. We have therefore overridden Labour’s law and we are trying to compensate for average inflation. If been more generous to the poorest pensioners. I do not society thinks that benefit rates are too low, we can do know whether that is socialist enough for him, but it is something about benefit rates. What we do not do is just what I think is the right thing to do. pick an inflation measure because it is bigger or smaller. We chose CPI because it is a robust and internationally Gregg McClymont: Let us be very clear that pension standard definition. The statisticians have dropped RPI credit has been uprated by less than the basic state as a national statistic because they do not think that it is pension. That is a judgment the Minister can make, but a good measure of inflation. When the Secretary of let us be clear about what it means for the poorest State looked at the increase in the general price level this pensioners: they are not getting the same increase as year, CPI was the only number he could realistically other pensioners. That is a judgment the Government have used because RPI is no longer regarded as an can make, but they should at least be clear about what is official statistic and the other new measures have not happening. even been properly implemented yet. It is entirely open to the hon. Member for North Ayrshire and Arran to Steve Webb: The hon. Gentleman is completely wrong, persuade her Front Benchers that we should tax people because they are getting exactly the same increase— more and increase benefits, but that should be done by £2.95—as in the basic state pension. He seems to want it making a decision, not by using a measure of inflation both ways. If he is saying that the increase in pension that even the statisticians no longer think works. credit should have been the 2.7% on the basic state pension, can he tell us where he would get the money Sheila Gilmore: I suspect that the Minister will therefore from? be disappointed to learn that landlords appear to think that RPI is an appropriate measure for calculating their Gregg McClymont: The Minister is an intelligent tenants’ rent increases. man, and my point is a simple one: an increase of 2% is less than an increase of 2.7%. I think that we can all Steve Webb: Clearly a whole raft of decisions are agree on that. made about increases. The right hon. Member for East Ham mentioned rail fares, for example, and the train Steve Webb: I did not hear the hon. Gentleman say operators’ revenues and some of their costs are determined where the extra cash would come from—the bankers’ by RPI. The task that the Department for Work and bonus tax, perhaps? Is he saying that it should be 2.7% Pensions has once a year is to look at what has happened or not? As a debating point he is saying that it should, to the general price level, and I have not heard a single but he has no idea where the money would come from. argument in this debate that CPI is not the best single [Interruption.] He says from a sedentary position that measure to use for that purpose. he wants me to be straight about this. Being straight with the electorate means that if he stands up in Parliament Katy Clark: Surely the Minister accepts that benefit and says that the increase should be bigger, which he increases are at least in part about social justice. Since has every right to do, he must say where the money 2010 we have seen this Government take a range of would come from. That is the nature of choice in steps that have increased inequality in this country. government. Surely he must accept that choosing CPI simply because The right hon. Member for East Ham (Stephen Timms) it seems to be a smaller amount will push the poorest asked about tax credit. Tax credit rates will be set out in people even further below the poverty line. affirmative statutory instruments in the usual way and debated in the usual way, so there is no difference there. Steve Webb: I fundamentally do not accept that. The He talked about the triple lock, which we are very hon. Lady says that we chose CPI simply because it is proud of. In fact, we understand that the Opposition lower. As of the year to last September, we had only two are going to copy it. On one level he was mocking and possible measures to choose from—CPI and RPI—because deriding it, but when the Prime Minister said that he the other variants of CPI and RPI were not established would continue it in the next Parliament if re-elected, at that point. RPI has been discontinued as an official the leader of the Labour party said that statistic, so how could we use it as the measure for the “nobody should be in any doubt about our commitment to the general increase in the price level? CPI is the target of triple lock”. the Bank of England and an internationally standard The right hon. Gentleman ought to have a word with and accepted measure. If she thinks from a social his leader, who thinks that the triple lock is really a justice point of view that benefits should be higher, rather good thing. which is an entirely legitimate thing to think, she should I want to respond to the right hon. Gentleman’s do that by setting them at whatever level she thinks is attempted demolition job on the triple lock that is now right, not by trying to pretend that inflation is something his policy. He implied that had Labour been in office, other than what the statisticians tell us it is. Those are pensions would have gone up by more. There are two two separate questions. possible ways that could have happened. One is if Labour had continued the RPI link. We all know that Katy Clark: Does the Minister not accept the point the statisticians do not think that RPI is a particularly that has been made in a number of debates in recent good measure of inflation, and I refer to what the hon. years, which is that the inflation that the poorest experience, Member for North Ayrshire and Arran said earlier. I and indeed that pensioners experience, is far higher entirely accept that RPI is generally, although not always, than CPI? 183 Pensions and Benefits Uprating25 FEBRUARY 2014 Pensions and Benefits Uprating 184

Steve Webb: There are clearly differences in inflation a Brownite rebranding. The new bit of pension credit over time and between different groups. We use one was savings credit—one of the most tortuous, complicated number across the board. There will be years when and obscure benefits ever created. pensioner inflation is higher than the figure we use and years when it is lower. At the moment, there are particular Gregg McClymont: Will the Minister give way? pensioner price indices, but they do not include all pensioners. We simply use one number that, on average and over time, captures inflation, but spending patterns Steve Webb: In a second; I have not finished my rant differ. This Government have clearly taken steps to help yet. people at the bottom of the pile. To counter what the Savings credit is such a lottery that of those entitled hon. Lady said, inequality rose under the previous to savings credit only, half get it and half do not. I am Labour Government and has fallen under this Government. afraid that I do not regard a system where one tosses a [Interruption.] She shakes her head because the statistics coin and half the people get it and half do not as a firm and the evidence do not fit her presumptions, but the foundation for security and dignity in retirement. That fact is that Labour presided over growing inequality in is why we have introduced the single-tier state pension. this country. The hon. Member for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Gregg McClymont: I have a simple question for the Kirkintilloch East seemed to imply that pensions would Minister: is it or is it not the case that pension credit be higher if Labour had remained in government, but took 1.3 million pensioners out of poverty? he knows perfectly well that before the general election the previous Government mooted moving to earnings Steve Webb: I do not believe that for a minute, indexation from 2012. Had they done so, we would now because at the same time as pension credit was implemented, have a lower state pension than we have now. Would other changes were happening. For example, SERPS—the they have carried on with a price index that nobody state earnings-related pension scheme—was maturing, really thinks is a good measure of inflation? Where so each successive generation of retiring pensioners was would they have found the billions of pounds to do getting higher levels of state pension, thereby reducing that? He has implied that they would not have done that pensioner poverty, and people had longer service in and that they would have accepted use of CPI for three final-salary pension schemes. A whole raft of long-term years, in which case the state pension would not now be trends will lead to a reduction in pensioner poverty, so higher. There are lots of “what ifs”, but it is fairly clear. to say that it was due to pension credit on its own, one would need to know what else would have happened My right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime Minister has even without it. suggested that Labour has started to get it on the public Clearly, savings credit is extra money, and I am sure it finances, but I am afraid that the right hon. Member for is very welcome to those who receive it. We have gone East Ham is still in the Brownite mode from when he on indexing—in fact, as I have said, rebalancing—pension was in charge of the nation’s spending. People always credit to give more to guaranteed credit and less to ask me whether the triple lock is affordable, but it is just savings credit, because people claim guaranteed credit. not good enough for him. He wants something more That is why we have focused on the very poorest pensioners. generous. I think that we need a dose of realism in this debate. He asked some specific questions, and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State responded to his Gregg McClymont: Let me reframe my question. questions on universal credit yesterday. Practically every Does the Minister agree that 1.3 million pensioners benefit that exists is listed in these orders and we could were taken out of poverty during the time of the debate them all, but that is not the focus of this debate. previous Labour Government? Suffice it to say, universal credit will lift people out of poverty, which is why I am proud to support my right Steve Webb: The hon. Gentleman will know that the hon. Friend’s plans. level of pensioner poverty has fallen in the long run because of the factors that I have described. [Interruption.] The right hon. Gentleman asked about ESA. I will He says that it has happened since 1997. Had the not comment on documents that he said have been previous Labour Government done precisely nothing, leaked, but I can say that we are taking action to tackle the level of pensioner poverty may well have fallen the backlog in the system. I would have thought that he, anyway because SERPS was maturing. SERPS came in when wearing his constituency hat, would want us to do in 1978 and had been running for only 19 years by ’97. that, but he is welcome to table questions to the Minister In each succeeding year, more and more people have got of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Wirral West more and more state pension under SERPS as it matures, (Esther McVey), for further information. so as the oldest pensioners with no SERPS die off, the The hon. Member for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and newly retired pensioners come in with bigger and bigger Kirkintilloch East asked about the role of pension SERPS. That would be a long-term reason for the credit. He hails pensions credit as some sort of salvation. change, and real earnings growth would have been Let us be clear that pension credit was, primarily, a another factor. It is complete nonsense to say that it was rebranding. We had national assistance, then we had due solely to pension credit, and he ought to know that. supplementary benefit, then we had income support, then we had the minimum income guarantee, and then Gregg McClymont: Will the Minister give way? we had guarantee credit. They were all basically the same thing—a line below which people were not meant Steve Webb: One last time, because I need to conclude to fall. Therefore, the guarantee credit bit was, in essence, shortly. 185 Pensions and Benefits Uprating 25 FEBRUARY 2014 186

Gregg McClymont: The Minister appears to get tense under questioning and uses the words “complete nonsense”. Backbench Business Is he really standing at the Dispatch Box and saying that pension credit did not make a significant difference Transatlantic Trade and Investment to pensioner poverty in the UK? Partnership Steve Webb: As ever, the hon. Gentleman tries to misrepresent what the record will show that I said. I 1.54 pm am not saying that pension credit was irrelevant; I am saying that his claim that pension credit reduced the John Healey (Wentworth and Dearne) (Lab): I beg to level of pensioner poverty by 1.3 million is patently false. move, Where does that leave us at the end of this debate? We That this House has considered the Transatlantic Trade and have a set of orders that spend an extra £3.3 billion on Investment Partnership. benefits and pensions, overwhelmingly on pensioners. I am pleased to have secured this debate on behalf of This Government will deliver a state pension that represents the all-party group on European Union-United States a bigger share of average earnings than in any year trade and investment, which I chair, and to have done so under the previous Labour Government. The point of with support from the hon. Members for Aberconwy pensions is to replace lost earnings, so they cannot do (Guto Bebb), for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr (Jonathan their job if they have fallen relative to earnings, as they Edwards), and for Ceredigion (Mr Williams). I am also did in almost every year of the previous Labour pleased to see that the Minister without Portfolio, the Government, most notoriously when they thought that right hon. and learned Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke), 75p was enough for pensioners. We do not; we think is on the Government Front Bench and will respond to that a £2.95 increase this year is fair and appropriate. the debate. It must be rare, if not the first time, for a We are proud of our record in protecting the most Cabinet Minister to respond to a debate such as this. I vulnerable and, in particular, in focusing additional take that as a good sign that the Government are at last spending on pensioners. I commend the orders to the starting to put some serious political weight behind the House. debate about securing a very good deal for Britain in Question put and agreed to. the trade negotiations between the EU and the US. Resolved, It is seven months since the House last debated the That the draft Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order transatlantic trade and investment partnership. That 2014, which was laid before this House on 27 January, be approved. debate was also secured and led from the Back Benches by members of the all-party group. It took place in July, SOCIAL SECURITY just a week before the first round of negotiations began. Resolved, Since then, there has been very strong progress, with three rounds of negotiations and a fourth round set for That the draft Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2014, next month. The European Commission has taken the which was laid before this House on 27 January, be approved.—(Steve Webb.) unprecedented step of setting up an advisory panel of business, trade union and consumer interests, and of freezing any discussion on dispute resolution while it conducts consultation. We have seen a level of political and media attention on both sides of the Atlantic that is markedly and unprecedentedly up on that for these sorts of deals in the past. Last week, we had a top-level political stock-take led by Commissioner de Gucht and US trade representative Michael Froman on progress so far.

Alok Sharma (Reading West) (Con): Like everyone in the House, I want this partnership to succeed and for us to get to an end point. On the stock-take, the EU Commissioner noted that the areas of difference between the parties are still larger than the common ground they share. Does the right hon. Gentleman share my concern that there may be slippage in the timetable?

John Healey: There may indeed; the hon. Gentleman raises an interesting point. He has been part of the cross-party efforts in this House in taking the debate about the potential for this deal out more widely into the country, and he spoke at a business debate in Reading in his constituency. What I fear more than slippage in the timetable is that we are entering a period in the life cycle of any trade negotiations when the uncertainty and the risks are greatest. It is still unclear what exactly is on the table, those with specific concerns are voicing them fiercely, those with general support for the deal are still 187 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 188 Partnership Partnership [John Healey] output. They are also the best prepared talks ever, because the serious work was going on for almost two muted, and the specific tangible benefits that may come years before the talks were formally launched, and they to Britain are still not really clear. This is a period of are the most ambitious negotiations ever, because for significant risk, when elections to Congress and to the the first time in history this would be an agreement European Parliament during the course of the year may between economic equals, without any significant imbalance detract from some of the political momentum and in power and wealth. support. The onus on Parliaments and Governments This is, therefore, a deal like no other, but it is being such as ours to maintain that political support and conducted at a time like no other, because since the momentum during the months ahead is therefore greater 2008 global financial crisis and world downturn, faith than ever. in politicians, established civil servants and big business is at an all-time low and mistrust at an all-time high. I Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con) rose— think that heightens the sense that past trade talks have been unjustifiably conducted in secret, controlled by a Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con) rose— few big countries and often dominated by the interests of multinational companies. John Healey: I give way to the hon. Member for Skipton and Ripon (Julian Smith). A symptom of that current suspicion led War on Want to assert in a well-written report last week: Julian Smith: Does the right hon. Gentleman agree “TTIP is…correctly understood not as a negotiation between that we in the all-party group have been somewhat two competing trading partners, but as an attempt by transnational corporations to prise open and deregulate markets on both sides helped by George Monbiot, who wrote a barking mad of the Atlantic.” article in The Guardian, to which the Minister responded in his usual robust manner, and that we require George I quote that not because I agree with it, but because it is Monbiot to keep writing these barking mad articles so a sign of the degree of opposition and hostility to—and that we can resist them every step of the way? to some extent the lack of understanding of what is really at the heart of—the negotiations, which is fashioning John Healey: The hon. Gentleman may be slightly the debate at present. disappointed by my response, because I do not necessarily agree with his arguments. However, I draw the same Lisa Nandy (Wigan) (Lab): I am grateful to my right conclusion about the particular focus of the article: the hon. Friend and colleagues from across the House for case for investor-state dispute systems as part of a deal initiating this debate. Does he share my concern that between the EU and the US. In fact, I have written my many of the people we represent who are on zero-hours own piece in which I say that I cannot see the case for contracts and dealing with insecurity in the labour that in a deal such as that under negotiation. The case market will look at the United States, which is among has still to be made—I will come on to this later—by those countries to have ratified the fewest International those Governments who may favour it and, indeed, by Labour Organisation conventions in the world, and be the Commission, whose role it would greatly enhance. really concerned that this agreement, which could be very good for all of us, may actually make the situation Julian Smith rose— worse for them? Would my right hon. Friend welcome a response from the Minister to that? John Healey: I was going to give way to the hon. Member for Wycombe (Steve Baker), but he has left the John Healey: I would indeed. My hon. Friend is Chamber, so I will, of course, give way to the hon. right: the US has failed to sign six central ILO conventions Member for Skipton and Ripon. on labour standards, including freedom of association and other workplace concerns. It may be that a deal such Julian Smith: Will the right hon. Gentleman clarify as this could have damaging consequences for already how on earth Britain will be able to persuade inward insecure workers in the European Union and the UK, investors to come here and how we will be able to do a but on the other hand it might not lower standards and deal with China if we cannot sign this agreement? it might bring an economic and jobs boost that would benefit many in Britain. That is what we have to secure John Healey: The answer is simply because a deal and we have to make sure that my hon. Friend’s concerns with China is very different from a deal with the US. are set to one side and not realised. The US and the EU both have long traditions of due legal process. If the hon. Gentleman looks at the Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): We currently representations being made by business and investors, export more agricultural products than we import in trade he will see that there is very little call for the arrangements. with the United States, and maintaining that balance The strongest advocate to date has been the European would, of course, be beneficial to primary producers Commission, which is why I think the pause it has put across the United Kingdom, principally our farmers. on further discussions is so significant, although it did Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that United States so only because it was put under significant pressure by produce should meet our exacting standards in the those who had concerns, perhaps including Mr Monbiot traceability of foods? in The Guardian. These trade negotiations are about a potential trade John Healey: I do agree. What is interesting about the deal like no other. They are the biggest ever bilateral way in which the debate has progressed in the seven trade talks, because together the EU and the US account months since the House last discussed the issue is that for 30% of global trade and almost 50% of the world’s the Commission has become much clearer in saying 189 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 190 Partnership Partnership that the stance of its negotiating team will be not to all-party group considered how the UK would fare if it lower consumer, environmental or labour standards. I had to negotiate a similar deal with the United States will suggest later that that should be one of four central outside the European Union? tests that we or anyone else should be able to level at the quality of the negotiations and the agreement struck. John Healey: Quite simply, there would be no My central point at this stage is to say that, for the negotiations. Interestingly, our all-party group recently first time—because of the level of interest and the level had the Canadian ambassador in to talk to us about the of mistrust in the establishment, politicians and big Canadian deal and what lessons it might have for the business—this cannot be a traditional backroom trade TTIP negotiations. When the question was put to him, deal done by the elites in Brussels and Washington. “Look, we’ve got long-standing British-Canadian relations, Like justice, good trade policy must not only be done; it so why haven’t we had a British-Canadian deal like this must now be seen to be done. Any legitimate agreement before?” in effect, he said, in his own diplomatic way, must command the broadly based confidence that it “You’re not big enough: it’s not worth our effort.” This will bring benefits to British consumers and workers, as sort of potential boost to our economy and jobs is well as to British business. It must be subject to the available to us through these negotiations only by our scrutiny of open debate; otherwise, there will be a risk being part of a European Union that is capable of that bad policy will remain unchanged and that fears conducting such talks and of reaching such a deal with will flourish unchallenged. the US as an economic equal. My argument to the Minister in particular is that those involved in securing and ratifying an agreement— Ian Paisley: Does the right hon. Gentleman agree Government Ministers, negotiators and elected that, strictly speaking, he is not entirely right? As I have politicians—will have to work much harder and more said, we export more agri-food products to the United openly for a deal, and those of us across all parties who States than we import from it. In fact, we export more are for a deal will have to work much harder to provide minced meat to the USA than we consume in this support to enable that to happen. country. Along with other food products, that means we are very valuable to the US as a trading partner, and we Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): I thank could reach our own deal on that basis. the right hon. Gentleman for securing such an important debate. While Ministers seem keen to keep the public in John Healey: We are, indeed, such a trading partner, the dark, the banking lobby is so happy with the financial but I have to say that we are not big or significant services proposals that it has said that the text could enough to be in that position. Obama has made that have come straight from its own brochure. Does that clear and his staff have been even blunter—this sort of ring the same alarm bells for the right hon. Gentleman negotiation would not be available to Britain if it tried as it does for me, and does he agree that the TTIP must on its own to reach such a deal with the US. not allow banks to undo the crucial EU agreement Let me come back to the case for why the UK needs limiting harmful commodity speculation in particular? the economic boost and benefits of trade at this time. The size of our UK economy is still 1.3% smaller than it John Healey: I had not heard that statement and I am was before the peak prior to the 2008 global financial surprised that the financial services industry has the crisis and recession. The production component of our detailed text of what is on the table, because we are not GDP is still about 10% smaller than it was before the yet at that stage of the negotiations. downturn. We also have a high trade deficit—£30 billion I want to do two things: first, I want to spell out a in 2013—which has remained high despite the large fall progressive economic case for trade and for the TTIP, in the value of the pound compared with the euro or the and secondly, I want to set out four tests that I think a dollar during the downturn. At a time when we still good TTIP deal and the Governments and negotiators have a domestic demand problem, trade deficits can involved must meet. On the economic case and why it is lead to further weaknesses as income generated in the so important to the UK at present, I think that the great UK is spent overseas. In turn, that puts more pressure depression of the 1930s was the last economic crisis that on factors such as household borrowing or inflated was in any way comparable to what we suffered in 2008 regional housing to fuel growth, which cannot produce with the global financial crisis and downturn. The a balanced or sustainable economic recovery. I must tell policies pursued by the UK and the US back in the ’30s Government Members that, in his speech in Hong are, I think, widely seen to have prolonged that slump Kong earlier this month, the Chancellor of the Exchequer and held back any recovery. Not only were there deep recognised that the economic recovery has not so far cuts in public spending; there was also a sharp rise in been put on a sustainable footing. He said: protectionism and a decline in multilateral trade. Therefore, “Britain is not exporting enough.” part of the reason why deals such as the TTIP and, The TTIP alone will not of course produce the kind of indeed, the EU’s recent agreements with Canada and long-term recovery that we need. Public investment in Korea are so important is that they avoid that default to infrastructure and new housing, an active industrial beggar-my-neighbour economic policies and instead and regional policy, and a new deal jobs programme for look to increase global trade through international young people are all needed, but an ambitious trade co-operation. The UK has a particular need for the policy will be an important part of our future economic economic benefits and boost of trade. strength.

Mr Robert Walter (North Dorset) (Con): The right Julian Smith: Does the right hon. Gentleman accept hon. Gentleman has talked about the benefits for the that, as I understand it, there was no debate about trade Untied Kingdom of the TTIP negotiations. Has his or exports in this House under Labour for about 13 years, 191 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 192 Partnership Partnership [Julian Smith] that he will not say, “Finally”, “In conclusion” and then “Finally, finally”, but that he is starting his last few and that the number of trade trips by our Prime Minister sentences. in the past four years is more than the number undertaken by two Prime Ministers in 13 years? Government Members John Healey: I am grateful for your guidance, Madam do not need to take lessons from Labour on exports. Deputy Speaker, because I had not appreciated that the debate is limited to three hours, rather than running John Healey: I remember a series of very high-profile until the Adjournment at 7 pm. international trade trips led by Prime Minister Blair and by my right hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. For clarification for and Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown) as Prime Minister, but I all hon. Members, the debate is a timed one. It will last have no idea about the figures. My point is not to offer only three hours. It will not run any longer. That means lessons, but to make the case for the importance of that there may be more time for the Adjournment trade as a part of a strengthening UK economy and of debate, but this one cannot last for more than three our efforts to secure a more balanced economic recovery hours. and more sustainable growth in the future, as well as therefore to make the case for the importance of the John Healey: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I TTIP to the UK, not just the European Union. shall resist any more interventions—I have taken plenty already—and I will rattle through my four suggested I suppose people may say, “Look, you’re a Labour tests, about which I am happy to elaborate on other MP. Why on earth are you making this argument about occasions. international trade and capitalism?” I have to say that I am also part of a Labour movement, which stretches First, any good fair trade deal must deliver on jobs back to Keir Hardie, that has a great internationalist and growth. There is good evidence to suggest that it tradition of qualified optimism about the benefits of could do so if we get it right. As we discussed seven trade. Hardie described international trade as a way of months ago in the previous debate, we need from the fostering shared values: Government a very clear area-by-area analysis of where potential benefits might come in the UK. “Despite the keenness of commercial struggle there comes a time when on each side there grows up a feeling that underneath Secondly, we need a deal resulting from negotiations the hard bargaining…there is a human element…the dykes that that are open and accountable to those that it will affect. separate man from man are broken down, and the waters of their The European Commission has taken significant steps common humanity begin to intermix and commingle”. on that, as has the Department for Business, Innovation I can tell the hon. Member for Skipton and Ripon that and Skills. it was the pioneering 1945 Labour Government who Thirdly, we need to aim for the highest possible standards signed the first incarnation of the general agreement on of consumer, environmental and labour protection. tariffs and trade, which was of course the forerunner of Commissioner de Gucht’s statement in London last the World Trade Organisation. week was very interesting and important. He said that I do not want to labour this point too strongly in a “no standard in Europe will be lowered because of this trade deal; cross-party debate, but it was in the same progressive not on food, not on the environment, not on social protection, spirit that Franklin D. Roosevelt encouraged trade as a not on data protection. I will make sure that TTIP does not become a ‘dumping’ agreement.” way of dragging the US out of the great depression after the protectionism of his Republican predecessor He also said that Herbert Hoover. As a pro-trade Democrat, Roosevelt “we are happy to be scrutinised on this”. wanted clear rules and clear standards—in other words, I can tell him that he will be: that is part of our role in fair as well as free trade. He said: this Parliament and part of the role of the public. “Goods produced under conditions which do not meet a Fourthly and finally, a good deal must allow sufficient rudimentary standard to decency should be regarded as contraband leeway for Governments to act in their national interests. and not allowed to pollute the channels of international commerce.” No trade deal should put at risk the vital democratic My argument is that that progressive pro-trade case is right of Governments to legislate in their national interests. even more important with the TTIP than with other Importantly, the Commission has stated: trade deals, because a deal between the US and the EU “TTIP should explicitly state that legitimate government public would, as I have said, cover a third of world trade and policy decisions cannot be over-ridden.” involve countries responsible for almost half the world’s I say to the Minister that it is up to the UK Government output. The size of our combined economies and the to ensure that that means nothing less than an exemption scale of the potential deal mean that it could set standards for the NHS from any deal. We did that in the Canadian for future agreements with other countries on consumer deal, which states: safeguards, workers’ rights, environmental protection, “Health care, public education, other social services excluded”. trade rules and legal process. The NHS can and must be exempted in that way from Finally, to bring this together— the TTIP. Finally, finally, Madam Deputy Speaker, those are Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. I the tests on which we all have a right to call negotiators, hope that for the right hon. Gentleman “finally” means Governments and Parliaments to account. I hope that finally. The recommended time limit is 10 to 15 minutes, Ministers will accept them as measures of success, act and he has now been speaking for more than 20 minutes. to secure them in the negotiations, and account for The debate is limited to three hours, and many hon. them to the public and in Parliament at each stage of Members have indicated that they want to speak. I hope the negotiations ahead. 193 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 194 Partnership Partnership Several hon. Members rose— There is no doubt that the prize is enormous and that the TTIP is highly ambitious. The US is and will remain Madam Deputy Speaker: Order. Thirteen Members the EU’s most important trading partner, with some wish to participate in the debate. To clarify, the debate $2.7 billion of trade daily in goods and services. will end at 4.54 precisely. I ask Members to speak for 10 minutes or less. I am not setting a time limit—let us not Caroline Lucas: I am sure that the hon. Gentleman is panic. However, if speeches are long, it will be necessary aware that the Department for Business, Innovation to impose a time limit. and Skills has commissioned a cost and impact assessment on the agreement. That research states that 2.21 pm “an EU-US investment treaty would impose costs on the UK to Mark Field (Cities of London and Westminster) (Con): the extent that it prevents the UK government from regulating in I congratulate the right hon. Member for Wentworth the public interest.” and Dearne (John Healey) on securing this debate. Why is the hon. Gentleman so gung-ho about such an agreement when the Government’s own impact assessment As the right hon. Gentleman rightly pointed out, in states that the investor state part of it will cause problems the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, politicians the for us? world over were at great pains to avoid the policy mistakes that followed the banking collapse of the 1930s. Conventional Keynesian pump-priming was continually Mark Field: I look forward to the Minister destroying invoked as the means of preventing a recession from one or two of those arguments. I suspect that the hon. turning into a depression. Depressingly, rather less interest Lady has provided a selective reading of the BIS impact seemed to be given to the equally important lessons that assessment. the 1929 to 1933 era taught us about protectionism. The Much of the media coverage of the TTIP has focused right hon. Gentleman referred to the Smoot-Hawley on the trade of manufactured goods. Rather less attention Tariff Act of 1930, which raised tariffs drastically on has been given to a sphere of commerce in which the goods that were imported into the United States in a bid UK economy excels globally: financial and professional to protect American jobs from foreign competition. services. I represent the City of London, which is a hub That Act sparked a domino effect among America’s not only for banking, but for a range of related service trading partners, who predictably imposed similar measures businesses such as accountancy, insurance, consultancy, to protect their own economies. The result, as we all the law and pensions management. To put into perspective know, was a terrific slump in world trade that devastated the importance of those industries to the UK, in 2012, economic growth and caused unemployment to soar. the financial and associated professional services sector Only the ensuing second world war helped to get the employed some 7% of the UK work force, produced global economy on its feet again. some 13% of total economic output, contributed £65 billion In 2010, as growth remained elusive, I wrote and in tax and generated a trade surplus of £55 billion. spoke in this House of my deep concern that we might The City of London is strongly supportive of the see a new wave of protectionist measures being introduced TTIP, but has been consistent in its belief that no by politicians who were under pressure to protect domestic industry should be excluded from the partnership’s markets. The House might recall the defensive, almost scope, including financial and professional services. There nationalistic tone of the debate as Kraft’s hostile takeover would be benefits not only through boosted trade, but of Cadbury was going through, particularly from the through a reduction in the potential for the kind of Opposition Benches. I called at that time for political regulatory arbitrage that currently means that differences leadership to make the case strongly for the massive in the implementation of financial standards are exploited, benefits of free trade and to break down the remaining thereby putting financial stability at risk. Some of the barriers. regulatory differences are unavoidable because of the It is in that context that I am heartened, four years variations in EU and US market structures and cultures. on, by the enthusiasm with which the transatlantic Others cannot be justified on prudential grounds. trade and investment partnership has been embraced by As was demonstrated so painfully in 2008, we tend to policy makers. get regulatory co-operation only in times of severe crisis, when deals are brokered at the eleventh hour to Julian Smith: Does my hon. Friend agree that, despite avoid market fracture. If financial services were within all the hassle Kraft got, its £70 million commitment to the TTIP’s scope, I believe that we could design a stable, Cadbury and Bournville is another example of the great long-term framework for the discussion and co-ordination benefits that inward investment can bring to our country? of regulatory issues long before we hit the next crisis point. The other great prize is that we could create a Mark Field: Very much so. I suspect that my hon. larger, more efficient market place for EU and US Friend knows more about the chocolate industry than I, financial institutions, thereby solidifying their leading particularly as he is a Yorkshire MP. role in global financial regulation—a market that will The enthusiasm that I mentioned has been seen get much bigger in Asia as the emerging economies of predominantly on this side of the Atlantic. The main China, India and the like strengthen. aims of the partnership, on which formal negotiations It is for those reasons that the EU has been lobbying began last July, are to increase trade and investment hard for such services to be included in the TTIP between the US and the EU by reducing tariffs, particularly negotiations. However, there is still stiff opposition from on agricultural products; to align regulations and standards; the US Treasury, which suggests that the TTIP is primarily to improve the protection for overseas investors; and to a trade pact, not a forum for regulatory co-operation. increase access to services and government procurement The fear seems to be that the US might lose its sovereignty markets for foreign providers. over regulation. It must be made clear that that is not 195 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 196 Partnership Partnership [Mark Field] that this would be a good place for us to make a robust case for open markets, particularly in an industry that what the EU proposes. Nobody wants to undermine existing will clearly develop in many other parts of the globe regulations, even the Dodd-Frank Act. Co-ordination beyond the EU and US. is quite different from capitulation. We need sustained, It is important that those who are proposing the high-level political engagement to bring financial services TTIP show just what it can add to people’s lives in terms within the TTIP’s remit. of trading opportunities, jobs and a better variety of I am concerned that there is insufficient public awareness consumer products. If there is a perception that the deal of the TTIP, including what is at stake, what the challenges is being engineered in an opaque way, it is likely to fall and benefits are—I accept what the hon. Member for apart and we shall lose an enormous opportunity.Crucially, Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) says—and what the the United States must do the same. In that nation, potential benefits are. Quite understandably, given the protectionist sentiment and economic nationalism are systematic undermining of the world’s political and now fast replacing the wave of enthusiasm on which the economic elite in recent years, which has been referred TTIP initially rode. to, there is a wave of distrust at the tenor of the Needless to say, progress in this field of influence will negotiations that are under way. There is a common resonate strongly in the UK Government’s negotiations perception that side deals are being brokered to benefit for reforms within the European Union. It was, of course, global corporations, posing a risk to national sovereignty the wily German statesman, Bismarck, who observed that that might see our independent courts being made “politics is the art of the possible.” subservient to outside arbitration. It would be helpful if the Minister clarified his position on those arguments Although I believe it is sensible that the UK Government this afternoon. I encourage the Government to run an do not raise excessive expectations as to what might be even more visible campaign on the TTIP that allows us achieved in negotiations with our EU fellow members, all to have an open, honest discussion about its potential it is at least worth observing that in the aftermath of benefits and drawbacks. last autumn’s EU budget settlement there appears to be a new mood towards some level of reform. One hopes Julian Smith: Does my hon. Friend agree that it is not that some of the UK’s traditional European allies such just the UK Government that should be carrying out as Poland, Finland and the Czech Republic, will not that publicity, but the EU? Instead of focusing on feel encumbered by a resurgent Russia from making the Eurobarometer and the other daft publicity ideas that it case for some fundamental institutional reform in the has, the EU should be spending its money on promoting EU. Time will tell, I think. the benefits of this agreement to its population. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for allowing me to say a few words. This debate on the TTIP shows once Mark Field: I accept that, but realistically we in the again that the UK Government’s goal should be that we UK probably also need our Government to make clear remain the most outward looking trading nation. We some of the benefits of trade—some of us in the have every reason to have been proud of that in centuries Conservative party are convinced that the best future gone by, and hopefully we will be in the years and lies within the European Union, hopefully with a certain decades to come. amount of reform going on as well. None the less, it is important that our Government make that strong case. 2.33 pm

Debbie Abrahams (Oldham East and Saddleworth) Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) (Lab): Is the hon. Gentleman able to comment on (PC): I welcome this debate and I am honoured to have earlier remarks by my right hon. Friend the Member for put my name to the motion before the House. I am also Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) about exempting pleased to be a member of the all-party parliamentary the NHS from the TTIP? Currently it is not exempt, group on European Union-United States trade and although I have asked several questions of the Government investment, and I pay tribute to the work of the hon. to ensure that it is. Member for Aberconwy (Guto Bebb) and the right hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) Mark Field: If the hon. Lady will allow me, I will not in guiding our work. I apologise to the right hon. comment on that but will leave it to the Minister. I Gentleman for missing his opening remarks. I was at a wanted to speak about financial services, but I appreciate hospital appointment and I thought the debate would that time is tight. start slightly later in the day. I must be honest and admit that when I was approached David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): Briefly, my to join the all-party group, I had little knowledge of the hon. Friend mentions the need for an EU-US regulatory transatlantic trade and investment partnership, but I framework for financial services, which I have not heard quickly gained an understanding of the potential economic of before. How does he square that with what, for significance of the deal if it goes ahead. Wales is an example, the Basel agreements try to do globally at the exporting nation and outperforms the other component moment? Is that really the way forward? parts of the UK. We have a trade in goods balance of £4.9 billion based on 2012 figures; by contrast, England Mark Field: I say simply to my hon. Friend that given has a deficit of £122 billion. Despite recent setbacks in the potential huge benefits of the TTIP, it seems odd Welsh exporting figures, this potential trade deal is that important industries such as the financial and hugely significant. professional services are not included in it. Clearly we It is right and proper that the House of Commons are in a state of flux about a lot of international and debates this issue, such is the potential far-reaching national regulation of financial services, but it seems impact of the trade deal for the economy and public 197 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 198 Partnership Partnership services. If I was a Member of the Welsh Parliament, afforded entry into the market with the chance to create knowing what I know now I would also be demanding a more jobs and grow the economy. For example, exports debate and Welsh Government attention. I read today from local farmers in Carmarthenshire could benefit in the Western Mail that the First Minister is visiting from a favourable deal. Indeed, the Farmers Union of the United States, and I would like to know whether he Wales is very encouraged by TTIP. has raised the TTIP with the authorities there and the Westminster Government. However, Plaid Cymru would be opposed to any deal that ended up favouring big corporations and allowed The UK Government have published a swish pamphlet the further hollowing out of industrial sectors of the promoting the positive potential of the TTIP, and we Welsh economy. We also have grave concerns about the will hear many speeches in favour of it today. To add proposed EU-US trade deal as it currently stands with balance therefore, I will concentrate on some of the regard to investor-state dispute settlement—I will talk a issues that I believe policy makers at Welsh and UK little more about that later in my remarks. level, and the EU negotiating team, should focus on during negotiations. Much needs to be done to increase transparency in Enthusiasm in Wales for the European Union values these negotiations. I am an avid follower of the Twitter of the single market—one of the largest trading blocs in account launched by the EU negotiating team, but the world—is high, as it is for the fact that Welsh citizens much greater effort needs to be made by the EU and are allowed to travel unimpeded and without visas member states to explain and inform people about the within its territories, with the rights and protections TTIP. Economists at the Munich-based Ifo Institute that affords us in workers’ rights and human rights. I found that a trade deal would lead to a 13.4% increase have my concerns about the privatisation obsession of in US income per head in real terms over the long term, the EU, but I believe the Welsh economy benefits more but an average rise of only 5% among the EU 27, from being a constituent part of the EU than from now 28—we in Wales welcome our friends in Croatia to being outside it. That is why my party argues for a full the EU table. and equal voice for my country as a member state. The figures assume that the US and EU agree on a Coming from that position, it is difficult to argue deal that would lower transatlantic tariffs, and harmonise wholeheartedly against building on the EU single market and ease regulations in many sectors that are often by developing the TTIP.The EU single market essentially referred to as non-tariff barriers to trade. Trust in any offers free movement of goods, services, capital and trading partner is essential. That is why last year I read labour, and the TTIP would extend the same principles with great concern the revelations that the National for goods, services and capital. However, putting a Marxist Security Agency surveillance programmes had been cap on for a minute, the TTIP would neglect labour— spying on Governments in Europe, with the help of [Interruption.] I had to get it in. As I will explain later, intelligence services in the UK. The spying revelations that creates a potential imbalance that worries me and had the potential to derail the proposed deal, given the on which I need reassurance from those on the Government understandable outrage in some European capitals. I Front Benches. am amazed that there has not been more public outrage It is a further irony that the Government are trumpeting here, given the level of intrusion into private lives. I an EU-US trade deal while edging closer towards imagine that had any other foreign Government pursued withdrawal from the EU in all their thoughts and deeds. such blanket intrusion, the UK Government would I suspect that some Tories secretly harbour the desire to have armed the nukes. Their deafening silence about the withdraw from the EU while remaining in some future NSA revelations indicates a worrying collusion aimed US free trade area. As President Obama recently alluded at sidestepping UK civil liberty protections. That is why to, and as common sense would dictate, why would US it is incredibly important that, at every stage of the companies—or for that matter any other major trading negotiations on any deal, there is full transparency and country—invest here if it did not afford access to the accountability, and that all groups are allowed input. European Union? This is a matter for all EU nations and regions, not just the leaders of a few select large and economically David Simpson (Upper Bann) (DUP): Although this powerful states within it. is a good news story in that it can create about £10 billion for the UK economy, does the hon. Gentleman agree it EU Trade Ministers agreed on a mandate for the is important that we help and encourage small businesses European Commission to conduct negotiations with to take advantage of this, and of every help given to the USA on the TTIP. A lack of transparency in future them that the Government can afford? negotiations is a major cause for concern, yet EU Governments insist on keeping the mandate confidential. Jonathan Edwards: I am grateful for that intervention The trumped-up excuse—that it is necessary for negotiations and I will go on to agree with some of the points the —does not stand up to analysis, as it will be available hon. Gentleman has just raised. for the US to access. The mandate on the terms of any deal should be freely debated in the European Parliament We in Plaid Cymru support the principle of affording and in European Parliaments, and not arrogantly assumed exporters in Wales the opportunity to further their by the European Commission and state Governments. trade with the USA. It is the largest destination for Welsh exports outside the EU and involves 23.7% of all The French Government have apparently secured the trade, which naturally leads to the question of whether exclusion of culture and audiovisual services from there is actually a problem to solve with the proposed the mandate. There are still many risks that deserve the trade deal. Certainly, we would support any deal that same attention. There are serious concerns that negotiations was of mutual benefit and in the Welsh national interest, could lead to investor claims that threaten core EU and we would want guarantees that SMEs are genuinely standards and rules on the protection of public services— 199 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 200 Partnership Partnership [Jonathan Edwards] When out in the States in the summer, during a meeting between the all-party group on European Union- such as the NHS, which was raised earlier—intellectual United States trade and investment and a member of property, food safety, GMO crops, and health and President Obama’s inner circle, we were informed that environmental standards. future US economic strategy will be based on three pillars. One is to make the most of the fracking boom in Caroline Lucas: The hon. Gentleman is making a the States, which means that it is now a net exporter of very powerful case. Does he agree that it is not enough energy. The idea is to offer energy subsidies for heavy simply to plead for special exemptions to one or two industry and manufacturing companies to reverse the sectors, such as the NHS? Corporations should not be flight to the Asian Pacific rim. This will mean that US given new rights to sue the Government for legislating companies will be at a huge advantage in being more in the public interest, whatever the sector. That bit of competitive in any TTIP deal. the TTIP should simply be taken out. David Mowat: The hon. Gentleman makes the point Jonathan Edwards: I fully concur with the views of that the Mexico-US agreement was principally of benefit my hon. Friend. I will go on to talk on that specific issue to the US and multinationals within the US. My in the remaining parts of my speech. understanding, however, is that since that agreement Concerns over data protection have been completely was signed the Mexican economy has grown by an overshadowed by the US Prism spying programme. The average of 8% or 9%—far more than it had been US is much better organised in economic and industrial growing previously. How do those factors stack up? policy and will have no qualms about defending its narrow interests, making the need for transparency in Jonathan Edwards: I think the hon. Gentleman is the negotiations imperative. Most worrying about the trying to distract me from the point I was trying to TTIP as it stands are the proposals for investor state make. I would go as far as to say that the TTIP dispute settlement. This would weigh law in favour of advantage available to the US could lead to the stripping big business, allowing them to sue Governments that of my country’s manufacturing base. attempt to defend their citizens. Secretive panels of To mitigate that potential threat, Wales must have corporate lawyers could circumvent legal protections control over its natural resources and energy production and override the will of Parliaments. infrastructure, so that we can ensure that our manufacturing base is competitive and is not put at a disadvantage. We David Mowat: What proposals does the hon. Gentleman are a net exporter of electricity, which is why my party have to protect British investments overseas if he is so has called for the establishment of a not-for-profit passionately against the current structure he mentions? Welsh energy company to build up an asset portfolio to Jonathan Edwards: I am extremely interested in that protect domestic consumers and our economic base. point. I was going on to say that this is a deal between You, Madam Speaker, will appreciate that I, the son two advanced trading blocks with advanced legal systems. of a trade union shop steward, am concerned that the The hon. Gentleman’s argument would stand ground only TTIP will not include the movement of labour, hence if he believes that the United States is a banana republic, my Marxist critique of the current proposals. As Gary and I am sure that that is not what he genuinely feels. Younge wrote in The Guardian in 2001: Clauses written into trade treaties are often used “Our governments are trapped in a morally warped and when dealing with developing countries with weak legal ideologically unsustainable paradigm. They applaud the free movement infrastructure, so that companies can protect their of capital; they abhor the free movement of labour.” investments. However, they should not be necessary in developed economies with some of the best and most Several hon. Members rose— highly functioning legal systems anywhere in the world. The hearings are held in secret and would undoubtedly Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): We will undermine the ability of societies, citizens and communities start with a time limit of eight minutes on all contributions to contest decisions that affect them. The Democracy from Back Benchers. That may have to be revised Centre has called it: downwards. “a privatised justice system for global corporations.” 2.45 pm Plaid Cymru completely opposes any proposals for investor-state dispute settlements within the TTIP, and Mr Robert Walter (North Dorset) (Con): I congratulate believes that they are an affront to democracy and the right hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne should be removed immediately. (John Healey) and the hon. Member for Carmarthen Concerns over free trade agreements and the potential East and Dinefwr (Jonathan Edwards) on securing the for an unequal relationship are not unfounded. The North debate. American Free Trade Agreement between the USA, I want to start by saying that I believe in free trade. I Canada and Mexico has undoubtedly been of greater subscribe to the goal of global trade that is both free benefit to the US and the larger corporations located and fair. Achieving that goal, however, is a slow and within it, while US jobs are being outsourced to Mexico grinding process. In my view, it will be many decades for lower wages. On the whole, this has been to the before there is any meaningful World Trade Organisation- detriment of Mexican home-grown industry, as US led, top-down framework that we could call global free corporations have moved in. It has also been detrimental trade. Why? Because the parties range from the richest to manufacturing and industrial blue collar jobs in the to the poorest nations on the planet, from the prairie US, which have been outsourced, and to the small farmers of north America to the subsistence agriculture businesses in local communities that such jobs supported. of sub-Saharan Africa. If we truly believe in free trade, 201 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 202 Partnership Partnership however, we should use the building blocks that we have 20% of the world—it can only be advantageous to open today. The European Union is the world’s largest market up those markets in the United States, Canada and and we are part of it. It is the biggest building block in other countries to UK businesses. this equation. There are other deals under discussion and in place Consider these numbers: EU GDP is 19.4% of world that would mean that we would be more than halfway GDP, and US GDP is 18.9% of world GDP. Together towards achieving our goal of world free trade. Do not that is nearly 40% of the worlds productive wealth, but let us throw that away. Our membership of the EU is between us we still maintain some of the most stringent too good to throw away and, in my view, the transatlantic tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade. Below the wire, trade and investment partnership is too good a deal to under the barrier, 30% of the EU’s stock of foreign reject. direct investment is in the United States, and 29% of the US’s FDI is in the EU. This is, therefore, a no-brainer. If we can create free trade across the Atlantic, with Canada 2.52 pm as well of course, and have the transatlantic trade and investment partnership, that has got to be good for Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (Lab): world trade, good for the United States, good for Europe I congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for and good for Britain. There are, however, those who Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) and others on want us to turn our backs on all of this and leave the securing this important debate. I also congratulate him EU, and so leave a trade deal representing 40% of world on the measured way in which he presented his progressive GDP. arguments. The TTIP negotiations will not be easy. There are too The TTIP could be a good deal. It has the potential many vested interests and we have heard about some of for job creation, higher wages for workers and a better them already: in agriculture, the public sector, transport deal for consumers. Trade across the Atlantic between and financial services, to name but a few. However, the the US and the EU is a fact of life and the US is the prize is so great and the balance of power so favourable UK’s biggest export market. If people want to buy and to a deal that I am optimistic we can achieve it. Outside sell across the water, we should do all we can to make it the EU, the cards are stacked against us. Heaven forbid, convenient for them to do so. But here is the key: we it would be difficult enough to get a deal with the EU if should have an agreement that helps ordinary people, we had just left it. Of course, some Eurosceptics would not big corporations and big businesses. As it stands at argue, in spite of the hard facts, that we would still be the moment I, along with a number of my colleagues better off out and better off negotiating our own free both in this House and in the trade unions, are concerned trade deal with the US alone. That is, frankly, a fantasy. that the TTIP will allow companies to wield control Can the UK afford to squander such a strategic and over national Governments and in the long run may economic opportunity? I believe we cannot, and I hope not help those we are told it will. The negotiations we make sure that we do not. for this agreement are lacking transparency and we need more information and some people championing I want to reiterate my support for the Government’s ordinary people’s rights before we can accept what is on commitment to keeping our country firmly within the the table. European Union, as a sure-fire guarantee of the UK’s best interests. I hope they will continue to hit home the We are told by the European Commission that the point that the two issues are intimately linked and agreement will give an extra ¤545 per year to a European mutually reinforcing. The promise of a trade deal highlights family of four, but only one major study has been not only the material value that the UK derives from conducted—by the Centre for Economic Policy Research, our membership of the EU, but the leverage and influence two thirds funded by investment banks, asset managers that we can only exercise by playing the lead role within and European central banks. We need better projections it. This is a fact. The UK has accomplished so much to identify the economic and social impact of the deal. within the EU over many decades. UK companies already An average figure is not good enough. We know, for enjoy unfettered access to a single market of 500 million example, that while the EU motor vehicles labour force people. The EU has helped to create around 3.5 million could expand by up to 1.28%, other sectors, such as jobs, one in 10 jobs in our country. communications, electrical machinery and metals, are likely to contract. I agree that the UK wants to trade with the whole world but so do the Germans, the French, the Italians and the Americans—but here we have the opportunity Julian Smith: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? of securing free access on our terms to a stable market that will represent 40% of the world’s productive wealth. Jim Sheridan: The hon. Gentleman has had a good run so far today. I am conscious of Madam Deputy Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): In the light of his Speaker’s instructions. remarks, will my hon. Friend explain why, in our trading The sustainability and employment impact assessment with the other 27 states, we have run a deficit, according will not be completed until the end of the year and so to the last figures, of £49 billion, whereas with the rest we are in the dark about what we are signing up to. A of the world we run a surplus of around £13 billion, much fuller study needs to be conducted as well on which is likely to rise by the end of this year to about social, environmental and labour rights. When I was a £25 billion on the same goods and services? shop steward I would never have considered negotiating without all the facts that were available to me. This Mr Walter: As always my hon. Friend asks an incisive agreement is on a far bigger scale and our Governments, question that deserves an answer, which is that if we with all the experts they have to hand, are going into successfully negotiate this deal—which is with another this agreement without the information. 203 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 204 Partnership Partnership Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): I agree ISDS. In recent history we need only look at what that this could lead to protection for employees and the happened with the INEOS corporation at Grangemouth environment being waived. We need stringent safeguards. and the disgraceful way it behaved in treating its workers, It could also lead to further privatisations if we are not with its attempts to blackmail the taxpayer for money. careful. Equally, Governments should be able to decide if and when industries should be returned to public control. Jim Sheridan: I thank my hon. Friend and he raises As has been said, a key anxiety is that if the NHS is not the concerns of many of us. It is irresponsible and I exempt from the TTIP,corporations will use the agreement believe negotiations should wait until we have a full to force more large-scale privatisation following understanding of the implications. implementation of the Health and Social Care Act 2012 I spoke about labour rights, and I can certainly say in England and Wales. What if a future Government or more about this. As chair of the Unite the Union group local authorities decided to return transport to public in Parliament, I have spent my career fighting for the ownership? These measures could limit the ability of rights of workers here in the UK. Now I see an agreement local or national authorities to use public money to that could undermine their rights and an opportunity achieve social and environmental outcomes through lost to support our friends in the unions in the US. The their supply chains. Decisions such as this should not be US has ratified only 14 of the 190 International Labour based on free trade. We need to retain our ability to run Organisation conventions, unlike EU member states EU member states as we see fit, rather than as multinational who have ratified them all. I understand that with this corporations see fit. anti-union Government and the pull of the US Republicans A question was asked earlier about the possible impact we are unlikely to see the inclusion of rights to organise, of our leaving the EU on this potential deal. I would rights to bargain collectively or as a last resort rights to also ask about the impact of Scotland’s pulling out of strike, but there are some rights that are applicable the UK. Unfortunately, not for the first time, no across the EU, such as those on information and representative of the Scottish National party is present. consultation, agency and temporary workers, and health [Interruption.] I see that one has turned up at the last and safety, which we could and should see included. If minute. nothing else, the deal should not lead to a watering down of workers’ rights. I am pleased that the EU is If we are to accept this deal, there must be three consulting with an advisory group of trade unionists, certainties. First, there must be realisable growth in jobs non-governmental organisations and employers, and and incomes, particularly in manufacturing. Secondly, that the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills the ISDS must be dropped and regard paid to the is involved in a similar process. I hope that those in exclusion of public services. Thirdly and most important, charge of negotiations listen to these groups, who I am there must be improved labour rights that are binding sure will be keeping a close eye on labour rights, and act on the signatory parties. on their advice. Many of my colleagues have raised the issue of the 3.1 pm investor-state dispute settlement, which worries a good Mr Robert Syms (Poole) (Con): I congratulate the number of people. We already live in a world where right hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John certain global corporations seem to get away with breaking Healey) on introducing the debate, and on the manner the rules and going over the heads of national Governments. in which he did so. I think it refreshing to have a debate The tax avoidance of global companies such as Amazon, about first principles and about how we might create Starbucks and Google, to name just a few, is unacceptable, future wealth, rather than about how we might spend it. but a stronger UK Government could hold them to We have learnt from history that trade—and free trade account. The ISDS sets up a system where multinational in particular—has enabled us all to make ourselves corporations can challenge and sue Governments, but richer. We do not have to be convinced about how neither Governments nor individuals are granted rights interdependent the world is when we observe that the to hold corporations accountable. tsunami in Japan caused shortages in one or two of our This is not just an empty concern: we see negative car factories. That demonstrates how important it is for consequences in other countries. In Egypt, Veolia has our nation to undertake international trade. attempted to use this system against the Government We have been through a difficult economic time, for raising the minimum wage. In Slovakia, the Government comparable in many respects to the 1930s, but in terms had to pay $22 million in fines after they reversed the of public policy, politicians in most western countries liberalisation of health insurance. These decisions have have acted in a very good way, and have kept their been made for the good of these countries’ citizens and economies moving forward. On the whole, they have Governments should not be held accountable by business done a pretty good job of tackling what I think was a for making decisions that are for the good of society. major difficulty in 2007-08. A few years ago, I should We can easily imaging this happening here. Energy have said that the forces of protection would be far companies are scaremongering about my party’s “freeze more on the march today than they have been. I think that bill” idea, and they might argue that it is a barrier that that is because the vast majority of our fellow to free trade. We see that we need to halt the market and citizens and constituents now recognise the benefits of make sure it is fair and competitive. We are protecting international trade. We have seen the success of Jaguar consumers and, in particular, the most vulnerable in our Land Rover, which has exported 80% of its output— society who are paying through the nose for their energy. £13.7 billion—much of it not only to the United States A 2015 Labour Government should not and will not but to the far east. That shows how we are creating bow down to pressures from these energy giants, and wealth and jobs, and how the British economy can they should not be threatened by the existence of an benefit from trade. 205 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 206 Partnership Partnership Julian Smith: Will my hon. Friend give way? The TTIP has cross-party support in the House. Indeed, it is supported by a coalition of organisations Mr Syms: I will not, because we are short of time. including the CBI, the TUC and consumer groups. We There is a debate to be had about the European should reflect on that, and ensure that we get things Union, and clearly Members have different views about right. However, as we have already heard today, that is it, but the key point is that it contains a major market not to say that the TTIP does not involve significant consisting of more than 500 million people. I personally problems. am glad that the EU is seeking trade agreements with Julian Smith: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? the United States. I see nothing but benefit if we can simplify regulation, reduce barriers and increase trade. Ian Murray: I will give way once to my—hon. Friend! Commentators often write off the United States as though it had had its time, but again and again it Julian Smith: I thank my hon. Friend. Following the reinvents itself, with its Apples, its Googles and the point made by the right hon. Member for Wentworth fracking boom, which has had a material effect on and Dearne (John Healey), will he confirm that it is energy prices. We are also seeing the repatriation of Labour policy not to oppose ISDS as it develops in manufacturing jobs to the United States. I still think relation to this agreement? that the US has a very good future, and I think it vital for us, as a nation with a long history of campaigning Ian Murray: I shall be unpicking some of the arguments for free trade within the European Union, to press our during the short time available to me. I think that ISDS partners and colleagues to secure an agreement with it. is the subject of one of the most important criticisms of this process, and I shall be interested to hear what the We have already heard today about the size of Minister has to say. the combined economies of the European Union and the United States, which constitute well over 40% of the The TTIP has huge potential. The CBI has rightly world’s GDP. If we can establish rules which will mean described it as a “global economic game changer”. It an increase in trade, we shall have an advantage outside can create more jobs here in the UK, improve the wages that particular trade area, because other countries will of British workers, and deliver a better deal for our have to confirm to some of the norms. It does not make consumers, but only if we get it right. As we have heard, sense that firms sometimes have to obtain a huge amount according to some assessments the potential gain to of authorisation for products in Washington, and then British output is between £4 billion and £10 billion, do the same across the European Union. That increases equating to between 1% and 3% in exports. We must, costs, especially the costs of medicines and pharmaceuticals. however, be cautious about the overall figures, as they have been questioned by some leading academics. My I agree with my hon. Friend the Member for Cities of right hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne London and Westminster (Mark Field) that this country has been asking for an area-by-area assessment, and I is tremendously good at services. In respect of general think that such an assessment would allow Members to agreements on trade, what we have not been so good at sell the deal to their constituents. Perhaps the Minister is opening up markets for services. What we need to do will reflect on that. is persuade our Government, and the EU, to push for Given that the European Union and the United far more inclusion and far more trade between nations States account for 40% of global economic output and in this area, because it is an area in which we as a that their bilateral economic relationship is already the country can do particularly well. world’s largest, the opportunities are clear for all to see. It is understandable that that Opposition Members Between them, they contain more than 800 million have worries, but I think that there is a great prize to be consumers, and the TTIP has significant potential for won. If we can boost our economic growth, this will be them as well. It is clear from the helpful briefing sent to not a win-lose situation, but a win-win situation. Our all Members by Which? that there will be big prizes for country can be richer, our partners in the European them if we can get this right. Opposition Members Union can be richer, and the United States can be strongly support the principles behind the negotiations, richer. I believe that if the world’s major trading blocs and hope that their objectives—job creation, better do more trade, world trade will be increased, and we wages, higher standards and consumer benefits—can be will all benefit from that. realised. That, indeed, should be the focus of all EU activity. 3.5 pm With the fourth round of talks scheduled to take place next month, things are moving rather quickly, but Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): I thank the we are worried about the potential for the talks becoming Backbench Business Committee for scheduling the debate. derailed. Legitimate concerns raised by Members in all Let me also echo the tributes paid by many other parts of the House about some aspects are not being Members to my right hon. Friend the Member for taken as seriously as we would like by the Government. Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) and the hon. Member for Aberconwy (Guto Bebb)—who is present—for Mr Jim Cunningham: My hon. Friend has probably taking such an interest in the issue, along with their heard some of my colleagues say that the agreement will colleagues in the all-party parliamentary group on European be all right provided that we have the necessary safeguards, Union-United States trade and investment. If it had not such as employment rights. Multinationals should not been for them, we would probably not have had the two be able to overrule an elected Government. debates on this subject that have taken place in the House over the past seven or eight months. They have Ian Murray: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. I raised the issue to the top of the political agenda, and shall deal with some of those issues later in my speech, they should be applauded for that. and I hope that the Minister will address them robustly. 207 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 208 Partnership Partnership [Ian Murray] conducted by the London School of Economics found, the ISDS would have little or no economic benefit and The attempt to build momentum to get the deal carries significant political risks. It is welcome, then, through is understandable, given the political realities that the EU Trade Commissioner has decided to consult of the European elections in May, the fact that the on that, which will give stakeholders an important European Commission is to be replaced this year and opportunity to raise their concerns and increase the the very small issue of the US presidential election transparency of the deal. My right hon. Friend the in 2016. Europe and the US are our most important Member for Wentworth and Dearne mentioned War on markets. Indeed the US is the UK’s largest export Want, which has rightly campaigned on the matter and market and the UK economy attracts a significant level I hope that the Minister will be robust in having the of foreign direct investment from across the Atlantic, ISDS removed from the TTIP negotiations. Can he but we all recognise that more can be done to make it update the House on his current thinking on that and easier to tackle barriers and to improve market access. whether he will press strongly for that to be removed? We hope that the trade agreement will do just that. Secondly, as my right hon. Friend the Member for Crucially, the benefits of any trade deal must filter Leigh (Andy Burnham) has said, we are clear that the down to employees, SMEs and consumers. As my right NHS must not be included in any agreement. In fact, all hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne public services should be removed. In the UK, the has rightly said, the business case for TTIP must be demands of a 21st-century care system require integration. more than a case for business. He is absolutely right and Markets are not the answer to the delivery of today’s in his speech he laid out in a measured way the issues health care. That would deliver something unwelcome that we should be looking at in assessing any final deal. in the form of fragmentation. The Government need to I want to reflect on the four tests that he set. They are be clear on that, as they have sent out mixed messages the thread that runs through the entire debate. to date. In response to my parliamentary question on The first key test is the ability to deliver jobs and 12 November last year, the Minister of State, Department growth, with which I think we would all agree. Indeed, for Business, Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member the EU should be focused solely on that issue. Secondly, for Sevenoaks (Michael Fallon), said: the deal should be open and accountable. That reflects “The Government has not sought to exclude health services some of the other issues that have been raised by from the scope of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations.” —[Official Report, 12 November 2013; Labour Members. Thirdly, the aim should be to achieve Vol. 570, c. 598W.] the highest possible standards in respect of social and environmental concerns, data and wages. Fourthly, the That is in contrast to the response from Lord Green to agreement must allow leeway for national Governments the British Medical Association. He has also called for to act in their own interests. health care to be explicitly ruled out of the negotiations. He said that Through those four key tests, we will monitor closely the negotiations between the EU and the US, and the “national interests, including those of the NHS, are protected.” UK Government’s input into them. Likewise, we want Those statements appear to me to be contradictory. the benefits that businesses experience to be passed on Therefore, can the Minister set the record straight on to consumers, whether through increased choice or the Government’s position on the NHS, public services reduced prices. It is rather puzzling that we have a and the negotiations that are ongoing? As I said, those Government who extol the virtues of the opportunities are the areas that could result in the derailing of any that the TTIP brings, yet ironically argue at the same agreement. If the Government would rule out the NHS time that we must leave Europe. Frankly, the TTIP is a now, we could move forward with more confidence and shot across the bows for Tory Eurosceptics—a gang transparency in the agreement. that the Minister has never been part of, for which he I have a couple of additional questions to put to the should be commended. The hon. Member for North Dorset Minister. First, does he believe that agreement before (Mr Walter), who is not in his place, said clearly that it the end of 2014 is possible or likely? Secondly, what is in the UK’s interests to stay in the EU. I hope that the representations have he or his colleagues made to the Minister will echo that when he responds to the debate. EU and its consultation on ISDS? Thirdly, what engagement I firmly hope, however, that the UK is in the room for are the Government having with businesses, charities, the negotiations and not carping from the room next consumer groups and trade unions on the issue to door. This issue is far too important. That is why garner support and involvement? Lastly, what engagement Labour will make the hard-headed, patriotic case, founded strategy are the Government planning with the public, on the national interest, both for Britain in Europe and as it is not difficult to see why organisations such as for change in Europe. To take up the benefits of an Which? and War on Want think that this deal is being EU-US deal fully, we must be part of the EU. negotiated in secret? Let me turn to some of the concerns that right hon. The size of the prize embodied in the agreement is and hon. Friends have raised. First, they raised concerns considerable. It is a prize that must be shared among about the ISDS aspects of the proposals, which have all—business, employees and consumers—and not just been well publicised and documented. Labour MEP corporate interests. I hope that the Government will be colleagues and our sister parties in the socialists and able to respond positively to our concerns. I want to democrats group in the European Parliament voted to make it clear to the Minister that Labour Members are scrap that mechanism, but they have faced an uphill very much looking to co-operate. However, he should battle in the EU Parliament dominated by Conservatives be aware that we will hold him to account and ensure and a minority of MEPs. Therefore, we will continue to that he does not give negotiators a free rein. I urge him push for the need for effective and necessary transparency to push for transparency so that the benefits of this to be included in the final deal. As the BIS study major deal are clear for all to see. 209 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 210 Partnership Partnership 3.16 pm Mr Clarke: I will certainly try to address all those concerns. That is the key reservation that is being expressed. The Minister without Portfolio (Mr Kenneth Clarke): I A lot of Members say that they are in favour of a TTIP too congratulate the right hon. Member for Wentworth but are extremely worried that it will affect our ability to and Dearne (John Healey) and his colleagues in the set standards, and it is important that we address those all-party group on securing the debate on this important fears. I genuinely believe that they are unfounded, but it subject. I welcome the fact that the vast majority of is feared that people are getting conspiratorial and Members have spoken out in favour of the prospects of somehow plotting to reduce farming, food safety, health a trade agreement between the EU and the US, which and environmental standards on both sides of the Atlantic. we believe will be of great benefit to this country. I hope The fact is that the British Government are convinced that the debate might serve the purpose of publicising that a trade deal is not the place to raise or lower the virtues of trade agreements between the EU and the standards for the consumer, for the environment, for US, as several hon. Members have said. I can assure health and safety, for employment or for farming and Members that it is not for want of trying. I am afraid food safety. Those are matters for the legislative authorities that the media in this country probably find the virtual on both sides of the Atlantic to decide for themselves. consensus that exists between the main spokesmen in On neither side of the Atlantic is anyone proposing to this debate one of the things that makes it less newsworthy. undermine those standards. However, an agreement could be of enormous importance to the future of our economy. The hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) drew our attention to the matter of financial The economies of most of the western democracies services in the United States. When I go to the US, I need a considerable boost at the moment and few things find myself having to reassure people that we are not could give a greater boost on both sides of the Atlantic trying to reduce their standards in relation to Dodd-Frank. than a comprehensive deal that leads to a stimulus of When I meet people in the Democrat party who are trade in both directions. The values have been underlined. close to the labour unions, I have to reassure them that The case has been made. The figures on the potential our labour market standards on this side of the Atlantic value are speculative but there is no doubt there will be are as good as, if not dramatically better than, those in a stimulus to growth on both sides of the Atlantic, as the United States, even if our pay rates are not so high. the history of trading relationships shows. We should The issues are not the same between us as they are not forget that. between, for example, the United States and some of People keep going on about the fact that the agreement the Pacific rim countries. On neither side of the Atlantic should be for ordinary people and not just giant is there any weakness in the lobbying from NGOs and corporations. What we are expecting to flow from that others on all these issues. The negotiators on both sides will be good for employment, particularly in modern, of the Atlantic and the Governments of the European competitive sectors of our economy. It will also be good Union—certainly the British Government—have no for consumers in increasing choice and keeping down intention of allowing our own right to legislate in the prices and costs. As my hon. Friend the Member for appropriate spheres to be compromised. Nor are we Cities of London and Westminster (Mark Field) said, choosing this particular instrument to enter into a the last several decades show that the benefits of open conspiracy to get round or lower the standards that we trade are of great advantage. in this House and the people of this country wish to see applied. Several hon. Members rose— Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Central Ayrshire) (Lab): Our Mr Clarke: I will give way shortly. I will merely say delegation that was sent to the States saw at first hand that the fact that we have this near consensus in British the discussions on the time scale. As I see it, that is the politics helps to give the UK a leading role in the main hurdle that we face in relation to any agreement. negotiations. It is one of those areas where, despite our, Has the Minister any up-to-date information on the at times, slightly tricky relationships with the EU, the likely time scale for the introduction of such a treaty? UK is acknowledged to be the member state most in favour of open trading relationships. It is known that Mr Clarke: The hon. Gentleman follows these matters the UK’s position is not dependent on the position of closely, and he knows that, on both sides of the Atlantic, one political party but extends way across the political we broadly agree that we need to keep up the momentum threshold. My role, at the request of my right hon. and make progress. If we do not achieve this deal by the Friend the Prime Minister, is to ensure that British end of 2015 or early 2016, we will not get there at all interests and influence are brought to bear both in because the politics will take over. That is the history of Washington and Brussels as the agreement goes ahead. trade deals. We would all have preferred an arrangement It will be of huge value to achieve this, but let no one be like the Doha round, under the auspices of the World too complacent about the prospects of getting a Trade Organisation, but since that has gone we have comprehensive agreement. It will not be easy, but I tried to move towards this kind of agreement. The pace believe that the prospects are better at the moment than will vary. We have made remarkable progress so far, and they have been at any time during my political career. we are about to go into our fourth round. Some of the first offers have already been exchanged. Ian Paisley: I fully agree with the way in which the How quickly this goes will depend on events. The Minister has approached this debate and the TTIP, but half-term elections in the United States might slow will he give us an assurance that he will ensure that the things down, for example. Also, the US is engaged in rights and interests of farmers and consumers are the negotiations on the Pacific partnership, which is associated top priority for the Government? with our agreement and slightly ahead of it. In any 211 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 212 Partnership Partnership [Mr Kenneth Clarke] Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): Will the Minister give way? event, we have to secure agreement within the present administrative term in the United States, and before the Mr Clarke: Let me make some progress; otherwise, I politics in any part of Europe start to go sour because a will not be able to complete my speech in the appropriate lobby group suddenly decides that vested interests can time. be protected by opposing the deal. We have every intention The question of investor-state dispute settlements—ISDS of pressing on and making progress as rapidly as possible. is the acronym—has given rise to fears that the proposed deal is a plot between multinational companies that are Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): In our seeking to destroy our long-established standards in negotiations with the US Government, is it not important labour laws, environmental laws and so on. I really do that we should emphasise the distinction between the not believe that that is the case. On the other hand, the TTIP and deals such as the trans-Pacific partnership, concerns are being taken seriously. I realise that we have on the basis that the risk of a sophisticated, regulated to have substance to my assertion that we are not market such as the EU dumping inferior goods on the raising or lowering standards on either side of the US is minimal, and that the fears that have accompanied Atlantic and we are not usurping the role of legislatures, other free trade deals need not exist in the TTIP? which is why the Commission has said that it is going to consult. I understand some of the fears that have been expressed, but I do think that people have got the wrong Mr Clarke: I can assure my hon. Friend that I make end of the stick and the fears are wholly exaggerated. that point, although we are not hostile to the Pacific partnership. It is perfectly reasonable for the American Administration to wish to conclude such an ambitious Katy Clark rose— deal. However, people appreciate that the issues being discussed in Congress and among the American public Mr Clarke: Let me make my point and go through are quite different from ours, and I think that that the argument, and then I will give way. First, let us makes it easier for us to make progress. On the question remember that trade deals do benefit consumers, which of fast-track authority, which would determine when is why consumer groups such as Which? are in favour of we eventually conclude, my hon. Friend has mentioned this trade deal. It is protectionist providers that resist worries about the trans-Pacific partnership that are such deals. Quality, choice and the price for consumers causing doubts in the United States. I think that we are are improved where there is a good trade deal, and waiting in the queue behind that agreement in that those with the best products and services tend to win regard. out in trade deals. The ISDS clause is not a novelty; it is not some new threat that has emerged. Such clauses have been put into most trade deals for years and years. Mr Buckland: Is there not a danger that members of I have heard the familiar examples of odd claims that Congress who are hostile to the fast-track authority have been made in actions around the world, but these proposals could somehow bring the TTIP into the mix clauses have not had the effect that has been described. and withhold FTA for our deal, as opposed to the trans-Pacific partnership? Apparently, there are 3,400 of these clauses inserted in trade deals globally. The EU and its members have 1,400 ISDS clauses in various trade deals, and the UK Mr Clarke: The answer to that is yes, there is a has 94 ISDS clauses in our existing bilateral treaties. We danger. I can assure my hon. Friend that we will do our have twice been challenged under ISDS for standards best to minimise it, as will the commission in Washington. alleged to break our treaty obligations, but so far no It would be most unfortunate if that were to happen. British Government have ever lost a case under ISDS. That brings me to the question of transparency. No What we have done is successfully brought claims against one is hostile to the idea of being transparent. The EU other countries; we have had slightly more success is a union of 28 nation states and Governments, all of there, because the point of an ISDS is to underline the whom have their own Parliament, and the desire to value of the total agreement by making sure that no share information among Parliaments and the public is individual investor or business can be disadvantaged by considerable. There is a dilemma, however, in that there a Government or union of Governments breaking the is a conflict between that arrangement and the negotiating obligations they have entered into. positions. There is no doubt that our American friends The case was cited of Slovenia—somebody, perhaps negotiate very hard indeed. They are pretty hard-nosed the hon. Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr people when it comes to negotiating the detail, and we (Jonathan Edwards), said Slovakia—and my understanding cannot send our negotiators into the chamber with all is that it was lost when, as a result of local lobbying, their bottom lines, their ambitions and the mandates that country went back on the deal it had just done to they have received from their member states revealed. open up its health insurance market. That cannot be We need to get that balance right, but the instinct of done, but no ISDS takes away the right to legislate from Commissioner de Gucht and Commissioner Barnier—and a Parliament; an ISDS gives rise only to a quicker and certainly of the British Government—is to be as cheaper means of resolving disputes if there is some forthcoming as possible, so long as we are not simply suggestion that a Government are breaking the agreement. feeding information to lobbies that want to try to put a Some say, “No European Union Government or the spoke in the wheels. I entirely understand that getting USA would ever do that”, but one of the big ambitions public support—and, eventually, the smooth ratification of those on this side of the Atlantic is to open up the of this deal—will depend on whether we have been public procurement market in the US. In some states of sufficiently transparent with all the lobbies. the US it is open, but in others it is not; some states do 213 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 214 Partnership Partnership not measure up to WTO standards at all. Far be it for Mr Clarke: I realise that a broader issue underpins me to express the faintest doubts about the approach of those fears, which is the extent to which there is scope politicians in some smaller US states or some EU states, for private sector involvement in our national health but public procurement sometimes takes on a pork service, and that is part of a much bigger argument that barrel element when the contracts are being placed, as I have taken part in for 30 years. I was not aware that a opposed to when the tenders are being issued. distinction was drawn between British, French and I think there could be some advantage, some reassurance German private sector participation and American and some pressure against people cheating in public participation in our national health service. I can assure procurement contracts if it is known that there is an the hon. Lady that nothing in the agreement would ISDS clause. Of course it is quicker and cheaper, and it open up access to the national health service beyond is arbitration and not litigation, but again the argument what is already permitted, and what was permitted of those against ISDS is, “Why don’t you just go to law? under the previous Government. Overseas suppliers are There is a perfectly good legal system in the European already able to offer hospital services and health-related countries and in the US.” I can say only that the US professional services through a commercial presence does have a perfectly good legal system, but it is expensive here. The important thing for anyone who engages in and it can be extremely long, as one sails through either the provision of professional health services and health the state courts or the federal courts trying to resolve a care companies in this country is that they have to dispute. People have said that the advantages in all this comply with UK standards and regulations in just the agreement are as much in the area of regulatory coherence same way as British health care providers, and, as I say, —with far more regulatory coherence stopping unnecessary those standards will remain under the sovereignty of convergence in our recognition of regulatory standards— this country. than they are in tariffs, but small and medium-sized countries are not going to go into these markets if they Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): The right hon. and are taking on the risk of having to go in for expensive learned Gentleman was asked a question regarding the litigation against American authorities that are plainly involvement of micro-businesses, but the note from the not complying with their terms of the treaty. Similarly, Library states that the average cost of an arbitration there are states in the EU where American investors case is $4 million per party, about 82% of which is legal would be most reluctant to sail in if they were relying fees. The panel members can claim a daily fee of $3,000 entirely on the fact that they can take to the legal a day plus expenses, and billing rates for arbitration process in some southern European countries to challenge lawyers run up to $1,000 an hour. Only major corporations the bona fides of local officials over whether they were will therefore be able to participate in this. I am not complying with the agreement. I will go no further, but detracting from the main thrust of his argument, but the British have always put these clauses in our trade this really is for major companies, is it not? deals and the US normally puts them in its trade deals; 3,400 of them are in place and they have made a reality Mr Clarke: I am not encouraging small companies to of free trade where it would otherwise not have happened. start engaging in arbitration in major commercial disputes. That is an average. It depends on the complexity of the Julian Smith: I welcome the fact that my right hon. issues. I think the right hon. Gentleman would agree and learned Friend is standing up for small and micro- that full-scale commercial litigation—probably on either businesses, which will really benefit from this ISDS side of the Atlantic—is more expensive. This is a quicker vehicle. Is he, like me, surprised that the Labour party, arbitration process to substitute for the enormous costs while claiming to be pro-enterprise, is so against this that would be involved in challenging a public body, on measure? either side of the Atlantic, on a commercial dispute Mr Clarke: Obviously, I understand the doubts being about a breach of treaty obligation. expressed, because some extremely respectable lobbies and non-governmental organisations—some consumer Mr Cash: Before my right hon. and learned Friend groups, some aid lobbies and some sections of the trade concludes, will he elucidate on the point he made earlier? union movement—are raising all these fears. I genuinely think that they are mistaken and that their arguments, if Mr Clarke: Which point I made earlier? they are too successful, will not benefit employees, consumers or anybody else, which is why I am trying to Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. rebut them. Those who have spoken—I do not think Is the Minister giving way? anyone would be offended if I described them as somewhat of the left of the broad political spectrum, which does Mr Clarke indicated assent. not mean that they are unacceptably or extremely left—are getting the wrong end of the stick. The ordinary man and woman have a great deal to benefit from this TTIP. Mr Cash: It was with respect to the question of To make it less effective by excluding an ISDS would transparency and the fast-track arrangements. As my not help. right hon. and learned Friend knows, President Obama, in his State of the Union address, called for fast-track Katy Clark: Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman arrangements. The next day, the Democratic leader in therefore give us an assurance that nothing in this trade the Senate turned down the idea. Indeed, Nancy Pelosi, agreement would undermine the democratic ability of the minority Democratic Leader in the House of this House and other parts of Government in these Representatives, turned it down only last week. Was my islands to take decisions on the commissioning and right hon. Friend being a little sanguine in his assessment organisation of public services—whether those services of the position, and does he have any up-to-date information are in the private or the public sector? to give us today? 215 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 216 Partnership Partnership Mr Clarke: I said only that the timing of fast track Kingdom will play a leading part in influencing the authority would have an effect on the timing of any EU’s progress towards a comprehensive deal that there agreement. I follow these matters closely. Obviously, is a good chance—no more than that—will be achieved they are utterly beyond our control. This is a political within the next year or two. The fact that it has been so issue in Congress. There is more support in both Houses widely welcomed in this House will help us give added of Congress for a trade agreement with the EU than I impetus and improve British influence in the process on can remember in my political career, but people have both sides of the Atlantic. reservations and of course many people in Congress would rather see all the details before they approve it Several hon. Members rose— rather than give too early authority. The problem is that no one will ever settle a negotiation with a US Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. Administration on the basis that Congress might be The House will be aware that this is a time-limited able to suggest detailed amendments to it afterwards as debate and there is not very much time left. I therefore a condition of approval. It would be improper for me to have to reduce the time limit for Back-Bench speeches start offering opinions about how it is going to go with to seven minutes. the United States, but the timing of fast track authority is a little uncertain. The doubts are more provoked by the Pacific partnership agreement than the TTIP.As my 3.44 pm hon. Friend the Member for South Swindon (Mr Buckland) Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): Thank you, Madam said a few moments ago, the two are slightly linked Deputy Speaker, for calling me to speak, and I will when it comes to American debate. truncate my remarks. Mr Donohoe: Will the Minister give way? I start by congratulating my right hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) on Mr Clarke: This will definitely be the last intervention securing this debate. I apologise for not being here in I will take. the Chamber for his comments; I was chairing a meeting elsewhere in the palace. Mr Donohoe: On the basis of discussions on this A number of colleagues have spelled out the considerable matter with Senators from the United States, it seems economic advantages of a transatlantic trade and investment that they are concerned, as we should be, about the partnership. the US is Already our most important growth in the Chinese marketplace. single market and trade with EU countries is a major part of our trade, even if—encouragingly—we are making Mr Clarke: Well, they are, but that is, as several significant advances in other markets. people have said, part of the significance of this potential An EU-US agreement would encompass more than EU-US deal. It covers 47% of the world’s GDP and 40% of world GDP, and along with EU agreements about 30% of world trade. If we can get a proper with Canada and Japan would encompass more than comprehensive agreement, we will set standards that half of world GDP. Removing tariffs, however limited will guide future trade agreements that will inevitably they are, and—more significantly—removing artificial involve China. The Prime Minister recently began to restrictions would also provide a welcome fillip to these talk about the prospect of moving on to the big challenge major economies, benefiting not only themselves but of deciding how China should be accommodated in the rest of the world. The Foreign Office has made an these arrangements, which are now, I am glad to say, interesting and useful assessment of the impact of such spreading throughout the world. If we can tackle this agreements on individual American states, and it would one, we will be in a better position to contemplate how be very welcome if it did the same for both the countries to deal with China. and the regions of the EU as well. The negotiations are making good progress. It gives However, it is clear from many of the articles that some cause for optimism at a time when it is foolish to have been written and from some e-mails that we are be naively optimistic about how rapidly we are going to receiving that we may have to take the debate back to recover from the worst financial crisis in modern times first principles, starting by explaining why free trade is and how rapidly the western European countries, including not only a good idea but why it has been a major driver the United Kingdom, will return confidently to secure in the removal of a massive number of the world’s normal growth in better balanced economies that are people from poverty during the past two centuries, able to compete in the modern world. This agreement is particularly during the past 30 years. The mass migration going in the right direction. Needless to say, I agree with of hundreds of millions of people in China, the my hon. Friend the Member for North Dorset (Mr Walter) development of Chinese cities and infrastructure, and that it particularly underlines the value to this country the raising of the Chinese people’s living standards have of its being a full member of the EU. It is an illusion to been awesome. That does not mean that I am oblivious believe that we would sit at these tables if we suddenly to many of the faults, problems and stresses in Chinese decided to leave the EU. It is a complete delusion for society; given my political history, it would be surprising any Scotsman to believe that Scotland would continue if I was. However, everyone must recognise the seismic to play any significant role in this kind of problem if it shift that has happened on the back of the world’s freer suddenly decided to revive the mediaeval kingdom and trade environment.We must also consider the effects of start leaving the United Kingdom. We live in a world that shift on wage distribution and the environment in where politics has never been more intimate and we live other countries, and understand that generally protection in a globalised economy where our aim must be to have does not benefit the worker or the consumer; mainly it a United Kingdom economy that is modern and competitive benefits the monopolist, the corrupt bureaucrat or the —as ever, opening possibilities for us. A confident United profiteer and black marketeer. 217 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 218 Partnership Partnership As I have said previously, the argument about free to investor-state dispute settlements. We need to be clear trade goes back over the past two centuries. In our great that investment must be encouraged, but both countries industrial cities, we have monuments to the historic have mature judicial systems, so we must consider whether battles against the corn laws, and we may have to fight it is worth the argument about this to achieve the those battles again. If we do, the Conservatives would greater goal of what will be a beneficial agreement. be particularly worried as the corn laws tore their party apart. However, we do not have the time available to us 3.51 pm today to explore that issue further. Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) (Con): It is good We must deal with three particular issues: the relationship news that we are discussing the TTIP which, as far as I between the EU and the US; the broader strategic approach am aware, is the most ambitious free trade agreement of that relationship; and the vexed question of the ever attempted. On these complex agreements, national dispute system, which is causing considerable agitation. legislators, in their worthy pursuit of job creation, growth Too often, the debates on this subject have been and trade, do not always pay attention to the finer focused on and posed as a choice between either the US details. or the EU. This agreement clearly shows that the US is Some years ago when I interviewed Ralph Nader, the not interested in having 28 separate agreements; it is consumer activist and occasional presidential candidate, interested in doing a deal with the EU—and not just about the North American Free Trade Agreement, he about trade. A lot has been made in the defence field about told me that even though Congress was set overwhelmingly the so-called “pivot” of the US between the Atlantic to back the treaty, he was convinced from his discussions and the Pacific going from 50:50 to 60:40 in favour of with members that few of them, if any, had bothered the Pacific—by the way, that is still a huge presence even to read the text. He eventually offered a substantial from the world’s only superpower. The transatlantic prize to any member who was willing publicly to answer alliance has served us and a stable world extremely well, 12 simple questions about NAFTA. Following a long and reinforcing it would be important in its own right. pause, a strongly NAFTA-supporting Republican, Senator Agreements between the EU and the US, Canada and Hank Brown of Colorado, accepted the challenge and Japan make a much better context for maintaining a reserved the Senate Foreign Relations Committee room liberal trading and political environment, because although for the ordeal. The cameras and journalists were there I have acknowledged the huge Chinese achievement I and, to everyone’s amazement, he answered each of the would not wish to see the economic and political muddle 12 questions correctly, but when he had finished, he of China dominating the international trade scene. In turned away from Ralph Nader to the cameras and said particular, I would not wish to see the arbitrary use of that having read the treaty, which he had not previously state power against workers and citizens. done, he realised just how awful it was, so he chose to do However, there are legitimate concerns about whether a U-turn and to vote against it. some trade deals can undermine the terms and conditions At this stage, we do not have a huge amount to go on of workers; my hon. Friend the Member for Paisley and regarding the TTIP but, whatever one thinks about it, it Renfrewshire North (Jim Sheridan) raised that issue. clearly has serious implications and it merits close scrutiny. That has been the particular concern of the American On the whole, free trade agreements are about lowering unions about the impact of the North American Free barriers to trade—that is their purpose—but, compared Trade Agreement, including the agreement with Mexico. with the situation in other countries, there are relatively However, having met representatives of those unions, I few barriers to trade between the EU and the US, so the know that they have considerably fewer reservations main focus must be standards and regulations, with the about a deal with the EU, because of the higher level of goal of trying to harmonise them. However, it is hard to protection for workers, consumers and the environment imagine that the process will involve any key standards that we have in the EU. Indeed, the level in the EU is going up; on the contrary, I suspect that we will see a higher than in some southern states in the US. Only spiral downwards. We only have to read several of the recently, we have seen a massively funded and vicious publications put forward by some of the most substantial anti-union campaign against representation in Volkswagen’s big business lobby groups to see that they are openly plant in Tennessee. This time it was not even the employer, talking about removing under the TTIP whole rafts of but feral right-wing Republicans—the buddies of some standards and regulations that businesses believe hinder in the Conservative party—who were behind that action. their activities. One does not have to believe in a conspiracy The American Federation of Labour and the TUC have theory; one just needs to read the communications of therefore gone into the matter in considerable detail—I some of the companies that are playing an active role in congratulate them on their realistic appraisal—to seek the process. reassurance about the impact of any deal on workers’ We are already seeing an emphasis on lobbying with wages and conditions, as well as on the public provision regard to food, about which several hon. Members have of health and education, although such provision is not spoken, and it is difficult to imagine the harmonisation so much about the trade deal as the policies of the of food standards working in our interest. Europe believes elected British and American Governments. that providing clear labelling for genetically modified The Minister rightly drew attention to the impact of food is a consumer right, but such practice is absolutely particular clauses. We have about 92 investment agreements opposed by the vast majority of states in the US. with other countries, but only two have led to cases, neither of which related to public policy. We welcome Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): On the subject of the result of the World Trade Organisation agreement food, two companies in my constituency wanted to in Bali, yet the WTO has many arbitration provisions, export to the United States, but the border controls and several of which impact on such issues as tobacco financial conditions to which they were subjected ensured packaging, which we have already considered in relation that they could not be competitive there. They therefore 219 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 220 Partnership Partnership [Jim Shannon] There have been so many requests to this Government and to the European Commission for examples of countries had to franchise out in the United States, which meant in the EU that are beyond the pale along the lines of the that the company back home could not grow or create description he offered, but not one country has so far jobs here, which shows the unfairness of the system. been listed, so why do we need this process? Why do we need these tribunals for counties where the rule of law is Zac Goldsmith: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that adhered to more or less across the board? intervention. There are so many differences between the US and Mr Clarke: As I understand it, an investor who has the EU, and not only in the quality of standards, but in access to this process would not be able to start arguing the approach to developing them. I cannot imagine a in favour of reducing standards in any regulation that situation in which harmonising standards and regulations has been passed by the legislature. Regulating will remain would work in the interests of the consumer. I have the responsibility of the authorities that already regulate. given the example of GM food labelling, but there are The only claim that can be made through the ISDS is many others. A number of countries around the world, that the state has gone back on its treaty obligation. and indeed the EU as a whole, have chosen not to allow Therefore, unless in the course of negotiations some the import from the US of beef from cows fed a diet agreement has been entered into to change regulatory that includes the hormone ractopamine, because of the standards on either side of the Atlantic, there is no way fairly grave health concerns. I suspect that most British our existing rules on food standards or anything else consumers would support that position. Would that be could be challenged by some American company that challenged? Well, there is already plenty of talk among suddenly decides that now that we have signed a TTIP it agribusiness in the United States that it should be. has the right to try to change the rules. What we are Most worryingly, US agribusiness is strongly opposed trying to get rid of is unnecessary regulation and the to EU attempts to limit endocrine disruptors. The links duplication by regulators on either side of the Atlantic between the use of such chemicals and the alarming of processes designed to reach the same public objective. increase in precocious puberty among young girls are That is the kind of thing that can be eliminated, to the not disputed. Will those standards that we have set huge advantage of companies on both sides of the across Europe be adhered to and maintained? That Atlantic. remains to be seen, but we know that plenty of lobby groups in the United States have their sights set on Zac Goldsmith: I very much appreciate my right hon. reducing those standards. and learned Friend’s intervention. At this stage it is very It is easy to imagine that regulatory convergence will hard to know how things will pan out. Much will mean chasing the lowest common denominator. It is depend on the terms of reference, but there are plenty worth noting that, according to a whole raft of freedom of examples from around the world—as he pointed out, of information requests conducted by the Corporate Europe this is not a new concept—of companies using similar Observatory in the context of the TTIP, the Commission provisions in other trade agreements in order to undermine has met civil society groups just eight times over the domestic legislation. course of those discussions, whereas it has met corporate The North American Free Trade Agreement is a lobby groups—I do not know how they are defined and good example. According to a succession of polls in the am only repeating what has been reported—119 times. past year, just 15% of US citizens want to remain in I suspect that most Members across the House would NAFTA. It has become one of the most unpopular free agree that removing or simplifying unnecessary regulations, trade agreements of all; it makes the Euroscepticism removing barriers to entry, particularly for small firms, that my right hon. and learned Friend talked about and encouraging free trade are all laudable aims, but earlier look like a joke. A striking example in relation to they need not happen at the expense of democracy. My NAFTA concerns Canada being sued via one of these concern is that the proposed ISDS mechanisms, which dispute mechanisms by Ethyl Corporation—he is probably we have already heard a great deal about, will undermine familiar with the case—for banning the chemical MMT, democracy. Under those mechanisms, companies wishing which Canada considers to be a highly dangerous toxin. to challenge a national regulation could effectively bypass Canada had to settle; it paid millions of dollars in the usual process and go straight to an investment compensation and eventually had to reverse its ban. tribunal. Often hugely important outcomes therefore Incidentally, the ban still stands in the United States, rest on the shoulders of just three arbitrators—one is which makes the decision even more perverse. There are chosen by the company, another by the state and the many more examples, and I was going to rattle off third is a compromise of the two. It is hard to understand hundreds, but time is short and Members will be pleased how this country would want or need such a system. to know that I will not. My right hon. and learned Friend the Minister was As this treaty unfolds, it is essential that we remain asked recently— mindful of who it is designed to serve. A guard needs to be erected against the voracious lobbying by big businesses Mr Kenneth Clarke rose— that have a direct interest in undermining a number of the standards that I cited and have been cited by other Zac Goldsmith: He is about to intervene, but I am Members. I personally do not trust the Commission to going to quote him anyway, because he might be about balance those competing interests, for all kinds of reasons, to repeat this. When asked why that would be useful for some of which I have hinted at in my short speech. I this country, and indeed for Europe, he stated: strongly believe that it falls to legislators like us to apply “Investor protection is designed to support businesses investing scrutiny throughout this process, and I very much hope in countries where the rule of law is unpredictable, to say the least.” thatwedo. 221 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 222 Partnership Partnership 4.1 pm public ownership, if that is what democratic bodies Katy Clark (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab): It is a decide to do? That is why the CalMac issue is relevant. pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Richmond Park Many of the restrictions may already be in place because (Zac Goldsmith). I congratulate members of the all-party of our pre-existing commitments, but this Government group on securing this debate. They have done a huge owe this House and, indeed, the British public the service to the House in the work that they have done to highest levels of transparency. draw attention to this matter. This treaty could have The British public do not want to be told by massive consequences for all of us, many of which are multinationals how we should organise our country. We good. However, many concerns have been raised that have fought for democracy and we want those bodies the Government need to address and to provide a lot for which we have fought and which exist to protect the more detail on as we move forward. individual and our communities to have the democratic There is absolutely no doubt that this trade deal ability to make decisions. I say to the Minister that that potentially has huge significance for all of us. I therefore goes to the heart of many of the concerns being raised congratulate the mover of the motion, my right hon. by Opposition Members about whether we are signing Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John up to something that, while it may result in huge benefits Healey), on the four tests he set out in relation to which for this country, may have a lot of devil in its detail and we should consider it. The three points put by my hon. may cause huge problems and restrict the democratic Friend the Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire North ability of this House and, indeed, the British people to (Jim Sheridan) go to the heart of many of the concerns make decisions about how we want to organise our that Labour Members have about aspects of the treaty. society. I hope the Minister will provide assurances that the treaty will not do any of those things, that it will A great deal of concern has been expressed about have positive consequences and that the concerns raised multinationals, particularly their ability to use investor-state are not justified in any way. dispute settlement procedures where the nation’s regulatory framework is deemed to be a barrier to free trade. There is a huge amount of concern that this treaty could be 4.7 pm yet another device that is used to thwart the wishes of Parliaments, as democratically elected bodies, to make Guto Bebb (Aberconwy) (Con): It is a pleasure to decisions, particularly in relation to public services. We follow the hon. Member for North Ayrshire and Arran have heard a number of references to the health sector, (Katy Clark). It is difficult to try to make a speech after which, in England in particular, is very politically the Front-Bench speeches have been made, because contentious at the moment because of this Government’s many of the points I wanted to make have already been attempts to open the health service up to enable private eloquently made. providers, many of which may well be US multinationals, Prior to this debate, I received a number of e-mails to enter the sector. However, the concerns raised about from constituents who are finally becoming aware of these provisions in relation to the health service are the issue of the TTIP, and that is no bad thing. The equally valid in relation to many other aspects of the all-party group, which has been in existence for almost services and utilities on which the public rely, whether nine months, has held two debates and conducts regular they are currently in the public sector or the private sector. meetings, so at least it is making sure that the issue is We have to recognise that this treaty will simply be a debated in a transparent manner in this Parliament. It is piece of international legislation that sits alongside a important that we discuss such issues as regularly as range of other legal obligations that we have in place. I necessary and that we touch on the serious concerns am very aware of that because in North Ayrshire and that have been raised by a number of Members. It is Arran the Scottish Government have spent many millions clear that those who have spoken reflect a spectrum of —indeed, tens of millions—of pounds in restructuring opinion on this very important issue. I might not necessarily the ferry services that serve my constituency so that agree with everything that has been said by many a CalMac, a publicly owned body in Scotland, could take Member, but it is important that we have this open part in a tendering exercise that some private organisations debate. also took part in. At the end of that procedure, we Given the current situation, this is an opportune ended up with exactly the same ferries providing exactly moment for this second debate. A stock-taking exercise the same services between the ports in my constituency. is taking place and there are question marks over the That example is relevant because of the European possible threat to the fast-track process, which will procurement regulations. come as no surprise to those of us who travelled to Many of the concerns raised today could already be Washington in October and early November, where the seen as problems when it comes to decisions being made confidence of the British embassy was not reflected in by democratically elected bodies about public services. our discussions with American Congressmen, who were Genuine concerns are being raised about the ability to very concerned about signing or agreeing any fast-track use public procurement to achieve social and environmental procedure prior to the mid-term elections this November. outcomes, and about whether the provisions of this This is, therefore, an opportunity for us as parliamentarians partnership treaty could restrict the ability of Governments to take stock as well. —whether they are the UK Government, the Scottish We also need to be aware of the need to maintain Government, the Assemblies or local authorities—to momentum, because I am concerned at the number of make decisions about not just health, but other sectors, scare stories I read in the press and certainly in my including transport. e-mail inbox. We need to address them, because it is Will it be possible for local authorities to retain important to make sure that our discussion is not just provisions relating to public transport and public ownership? open, but honest. One of the scare stories I received in Will it be possible to bring public transport back into an e-mail said that the treaty would create no jobs or 223 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 224 Partnership Partnership [Guto Bebb] Another scare story that I should mention is the one about these agreements bringing no advantage to economic development, which is a risible claim. We have consumers. Anybody who has listened to Which? would received evidence from the TUC, the CBI and the be hard pressed to conclude that no consumer would Federation of Small Businesses, all of which highlight benefit from such a trade agreement. When people the treaty’s potential. More importantly, individual argue that consumers will not benefit from free trade, companies, including small businesses and farming unions there is something important to bear in mind: I find it in Wales, see the real opportunities for job creation and very odd that the very people who make that argument economic benefit from such a treaty. It is therefore do so by sending me e-mails from iPads manufactured important, whatever the views of Members, that we in China or from Samsung telephones manufactured in highlight the fact that the potential for job creation is Korea. They are quite willing to use the advantages of very real. free trade to communicate their concerns about free trade, which puts them in a very odd position. Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): My Another key issue about which I am seriously concerned hon. Friend the Member for Richmond Park (Zac is how the national health service is again being used as Goldsmith), who is no longer in his place, raised the a political football in this debate. I want to state on the issue of unfair competition from America in food record that nobody can outflank me in supporting the production, which might arise not only from genetically concept of a health service free at the point of use for modified and synthetic hormones, but from lower levels those in need. Somebody whose family has needed the of animal welfare. I am sure that my hon. Friend the support of the health service, as mine has, would never Member for Aberconwy (Guto Bebb) agrees that those not support the concept of a free health service. However, issues must be resolved before we can wholeheartedly the mere concept that American companies accessing enter into this trade agreement. the health sector in the United Kingdom is somehow Guto Bebb: I accept that we must ensure that a treaty different from European ones doing so is very odd. requires a level playing field for food producers. The I simply do not get another of the arguments in Farmers Union of Wales and the National Farmers relation to people being so concerned about the involvement Union in Wales have certainly been very supportive of of private companies in our health service. Ever since such efforts. Indeed, Hybu Cig Cymru, which promotes the instigation of the NHS in 1948, the most respected Welsh meat, has been to Washington in anticipation of part of the health service has been the traditional GP the potential impact of the treaty on the Welsh food surgery. That is a robust private sector initiative within sector. the health service. The issue is not about whether doctors We need to make sure that there is a level playing make a profit because of their work, but about whether field, but it is worth recalling the words of the Governor they offer patients a good service. I would be very of Delaware when we were in America. That state is a comfortable with American companies delivering medical huge producer of chickens, which it cannot export to services, provided that those services are of a very high the EU marketplace. He made a very fair point when he standard, are in tune with United Kingdom regulations highlighted the fact that 96% of Members of the European and, more importantly, are delivering good patient care. Parliament have voted for a ban on American chickens, Surely that is the issue. It is a pedantic view that any but that he had not met a single MEP visiting Delaware private involvement is simply wrong. We need to challenge who said no to a club sandwich. When we talk about a that view. We need to be honest about the way in which safety issue, it is important that the issue is genuinely the private sector adds value to the health service. We one about safety, not about a regulatory requirement should reject the use of the health service to attack the that damages free trade. TTIP.

Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside) (Lab): Is that not the Katy Clark: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? key point? Without agreements such as this one, we will not have a level playing field, but will go backwards to Guto Bebb: I have to conclude my remarks, because I having more barriers across the piece. have only two minutes left. Guto Bebb: I could not agree more. It is a shame that We have talked about investor-state dispute settlement. my hon. Friend the Member for Richmond Park (Zac The United Kingdom has been signing such agreements Goldsmith) is no longer in his place. On the regulatory for an extremely long time and some 94 agreements are burden in relation not to the food industry but to the in place. As yet, not a single challenge has been made on automobile sector, which would undoubtedly benefit the basis of public policy and not a single case has been from a TTIP agreement, Jaguar Land Rover—a huge lost by the United Kingdom. I genuinely believe that investor in our manufacturing base—has highlighted this matter is being used by those who are lobbying the regulations on airbags. It has to insert different against a trade treaty to make people feel opposed to it. panels and dashboards into its vehicles for the American I have some sympathy with the argument that if such market, because airbags in America have to work on the scaremongering is a danger to the treaty, we should ask basis of people not wearing a seatbelt, while those in the ourselves whether we can compromise on that issue. We European Union do so on the basis of people wearing a must acknowledge that the US and the EU have well- seatbelt. That leads to extra cost, and it is a disincentive established, mature legal systems. I say that not because for trade. We could certainly benefit consumers by I agree with the arguments that are being made, but dealing with such regulations, which seem to have no because I want to ensure that as few obstacles as possible purpose whatever, except to add cost and possibly to get in the way of the treaty, which I genuinely believe create extra employment for health and safety experts would make a significant difference to our economic on either side of the Atlantic. performance. 225 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 226 Partnership Partnership I have talked about food. It is crucial to my constituency attempt to bring elements of the health service, or other that we have access to other markets. Farmers in the parts of the public sector, back under direct public Conwy valley believe that they could export more than control. £30 million-worth of Welsh lamb to the US. The deal is Labour rights are also extremely important. As I therefore extremely important. think has been mentioned, the US has ratified only 14 The key point is that any treaty must take into of the 190 International Labour Organisation conventions account the needs not just of large corporations, but of —among the lowest in the world. It has ratified only small businesses. Economic recovery in Wales is dependent two of the eight core conventions dealing with forced on small businesses and this treaty must work for them labour, child labour, freedom of association and as well. discrimination. It has not ratified conventions 87 or 98, and is almost certainly in breach of both, according to the ILO freedom of association committee. 4.16 pm The Wall Street Journal is not a newspaper that I Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): A number of people normally acquire in the morning, nor want to read, but have said that there must be a good business case for the on this occasion I read a report that stated: transatlantic trade and investment partnership. I think “Congressional Republicans are only willing to agree TTIP if that we need much more than a good business case. I extending EU labour standards…to the US is ruled out in advance.” am concerned that there are huge inherent dangers in It basically states that congressional Republicans will the TTIP for many working people and for public agree to a TTIP only if the extension of any workers’ services in the UK. My major concern is that the trade rights is ruled out before the TTIP is agreed in its agreement has the potential to dilute workers’ rights. entirety. If that is the case, it will be interesting to see The hon. Member for Aberconwy (Guto Bebb) said what the EU has to say. I would have thought we would twice that people are scaremongering with regard to the have understood that discussions would take place without TTIP. He must not mix up scaremongering with people any preconditions, and if there are preconditions—if taking a different view from him. that is what the Republicans are saying—perhaps we in the UK have little to concern ourselves about. There are two major problems with the TTIP. The first is labour rights and the second is investor-state Many of those in US unions see a labour chapter in dispute settlement, which we have discussed a lot this the TTIP as potentially opening up a European-style afternoon. I listened carefully to the Minister. He said, social model and worker dialogue with employers, which basically, that ISDS is ineffective. If it is ineffective and in some parts of the USA I think would be seen as a has not been used as much as everybody thinks it has, huge advantage. That has been explained clearly by the why is it in the agreement at all? That is a simple Communication Workers of America and the United question. Why do we have ISDS if we do not need it? Steelworkers. Organisations that have been terribly supportive of a TTIP that would enhance labour rights The proposal is that the TTIP would establish in law within the framework include the American Federation the right of multinational corporations to sue nation states of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations. in a special court through investor-state dispute settlement The American Federation of Labor has a loud, clear if the nation’s regulatory framework is deemed to be a voice and a mandate of 11 million workers. barrier to free trade. Of course that is concerning. It should concern everyone in this House. ISDS is a one-way street by which corporations can challenge Government 4.23 pm policies, but neither Governments nor individuals are Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): It is a great pleasure to granted comparable rights to hold corporations accountable. speak in this important debate and I add my congratulations Opinions suggest that these clauses could thwart attempts to the all-party group on EU-US trade and investment, by a future Government to bring a health service back and to the right hon. Member for Wentworth and towards public ownership—again, that issue has been Dearne (John Healey) and my hon. Friend the Member discussed at great length today. for Aberconwy (Guto Bebb) on securing this debate. I It has been said time and again that there are major am pleased to contribute to this debate because, along concerns about the potential impact the TTIP could with other Members from across the House, I had the have on the future of the NHS, and on the way the opportunity to visit the United States in November as wider public sector is organised in the UK. There part of the British-American parliamentary group, with should have been a clear exemption, particularly for the a visit focusing on the TTIP negotiations. I confess that NHS but also for the public sector more widely, in the prior to that visit, like many Members and people negotiated mandate agreed by the European Council. across the country, I had a lack of awareness about the Given the implications of the Health and Social Care negotiations. I was aware that something was taking Act 2012 on the commissioning and organisation of place, but frankly I could not have said what TTIP health services in the UK, there is a clear danger that stood for. On the visit I was particularly interested in major private health care corporations will be looking the impact on small businesses, having run a small for opportunities within any TTIP agreement to force business before coming to this place. I represent a further large-scale privatisation. constituency in the west midlands with a resurgent There is an additional danger in the proposed inclusion motor industry, so I was also keen to see the impact on in any TTIP agreement of an ISDS. Both the EU and that sector. the USA have respected and strong legal systems, and It takes two parties to make a deal. Across the House, there is no justification for creating a mechanism to I think we have seen broad enthusiasm for the TTIP, allow corporations to bypass the usual legal process to and that is reflected across the UK and the EU. Generally, launch expropriation litigation should a UK Government I think there is less enthusiasm in the US. Part of our 227 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 228 Partnership Partnership [Mark Pawsey] Guto Bebb: On the “Buy American”strategy in America, is it not the case that the concern lies more with politicians role is to understand the anxieties and fears of people in than businesses? One business in Philadelphia said that the US and consider how we might persuade them to “Buy American” often means paying more for lower come to a deal. In Washington, we met politicians from quality, and that they do not have their own businesses both parties. We also went beyond Washington to meet to develop it. officials in places such as Philadelphia and Delaware. We raised with the Governor of Delaware the possibility Mark Pawsey: My hon. Friend makes a fair point, of public procurement being included in the TTIP and but the perception of politicians was that the “Buy becoming available for countries outside the US. I have American” policy kept jobs in the United States and to confess that the Governor’s principal concern was prevented them from being lost. As politicians, they jobs. Indeed, we heard concerns about jobs across the wanted to ensure that employment in their states was piece from all of the organisations we spoke to. being maximised. We met the American Farm Bureau Federation and The US does not always give things away and there is spoke about the opportunities for its produce in the not a gung-ho attitude to the free market. Regular UK. It expressed concern over geographical indicators: reference was made to the 1920 Merchant Marine Act, it would not be able to call its hard cheese “parmesan” otherwise known as the Jones Act, being a great example in the UK market, as it is able to in the US. It also has of how America can be protectionist when it wishes to concerns regarding the accessibility of its largely genetically be. That is the legislation that requires all goods transported modified foods in the UK. We met the American Federation by water between US ports to be carried on US-flagged of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations. ships constructed in the US, owned by US citizens and Perhaps I might reassure the hon. Member for Wansbeck crewed by US citizens. So the US can be protectionist (Ian Lavery), who has just spoken, that labour organisations and prevent other countries from gaining access to its in the US see the TTIP as an opportunity to bring markets. We heard more than once the quote from Europe’s higher labour standards to the US, rather than Benjamin Franklin: allowing for transit in the opposite direction. “No nation was ever ruined by trade.” Throughout our discussions we heard about the need The TTIP provides massive opportunities for US goods for a fast-track authority in the US that provides an and produce in the EU. unamendable resolution. The Minister talked about In the UK there is broad support, as we have heard whether the granting of the fast-track process would from both Front Benches today, and why would there affect the timing of a deal. I think it goes further than not be, when we are talking about 50% of world GDP that. In the absence of fast track, it is highly unlikely and 30% of international trade? This is an opportunity that any deal will ever be made, because without a for us only if our economy, our industry and our service fast-track process any vested interest that believed it companies are in shape to take advantage of it. That is was threatened by the TTIP could derail an agreement. why the broader policies of this Government to increase President Obama has made it clear that he would like to our competitiveness and our skills agenda are important. see a fast-track negotiating authority, but this remains If those are right, we can take advantage of an additional unresolved. Indeed, we were shown a letter from £10 billion to the UK economy. 22 Members of Congress addressed to the President I am pleased that the Federation of Small Businesses stating that they would not agree to cede constitutional here in the UK welcomes the TTIP negotiations and authority to the Executive through the approval of a looks forward to a resolution. A fifth of FSB members fast-track authority. are exporters, and the US is the second most important We found a real shortage of awareness about the destination for small businesses that export. It is believed TTIP in the US. It is important to recognise that in that the TTIP could add 400,000 UK jobs. The FSB has November, when we were there, the US Government set out a wish-list for the TTIP, including a pledge to had just had their first shutdown as a consequence of promote entrepreneurship and a pledge of smart regulation the stand-off between the parties on the budget. That in on both sides of the Atlantic. itself had led to the postponement of talks. There was This has been a very important debate. There are big also a preoccupation with the Affordable Care Act, opportunities for both the EU and the US in growth otherwise known as Obamacare. More than once in and jobs. There needs to be a timetable. One of the meetings we heard people say that Obamacare was concerns that I was left with as I came away is that there sucking the oxygen out of all other policy discussions in are rather more serious consequences of not doing a the US. deal than there would ever be of doing a deal. My impression of how Americans see the TTIP talks is that they are bothered that they have more to lose 4.32 pm than they have to gain. They have a massive prize that they believe they are being asked to give away: access to Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): I the biggest and most successful market in the world. begin by congratulating my right hon. Friend the Member They need reassurance that if they allow access to their for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) and others market, there will be something in it for them. There is a and the Backbench Business Committee on scheduling feeling that in earlier trade agreements—perhaps the this important debate. agreement between Canada and Mexico—US negotiators If we want to achieve the permanent rebalancing of had given too much away and that that had led to “Buy the economy more towards manufacturing and export-led American” campaigns. The concern of opponents is growth, expanding markets for our goods and services that the TTIP might give too much away and that that and removing barriers to trade are essential. According will lead to labour losses. to the OBR, two thirds of all UK growth between 229 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 230 Partnership Partnership mid-2010 and 2015 was expected to stem from rising protections we have at EU level could lead to concerns exports and business investment, but the most recent among workers. Neither should there be an expansion estimates indicate that less than a fifth of the growth of competition into the national health service or other over that period will come from those sources, and there public services as a result of TTIP. are 300,000 fewer people working in our manufacturing The maximum benefits of this deal to British business industries, compared with 2008. This is adding to the and consumers flow from the strength that the European United Kingdom’s growing problem with productivity. Union possesses in negotiating on behalf of all member The proposed transatlantic trade and investment partnership states. Bilateral agreements between the US and each of that this House is considering today is vital to realising the 28 member states, or with clusters of member states, the vision of a higher wage and more highly skilled would not be achievable, would not have the same economy. As we know, this is an agreement that will worth and would not provide the same potential boost expand global trade, not take trade away from other to living standards or to trade. Those who envisage the parts of the world. United Kingdom’s destiny as outside the European We know that exports are likely to rise by 6% in the Union must address this point: why remove ourselves EU and by 8% in the United States, but we must from the clear advantages to consumers and manufacturing recognise that this agreement has to benefit all in our exporters of this potential deal, or believe we could societies, not just those at the very top. Reducing tariffs, achieve as good a deal bilaterally with the United securing regulatory convergence and aligning technical States, when the US Administration have said that they trading standards could make a family of four in the are interested in securing only an EU-wide deal? EU up to ¤545 a year better off. It could boost GDP in It took more than 30 rounds of negotiation to secure this country by up to £10 billion a year, according to the the trans-pacific partnership, so I hope that the fourth Government’s own impact assessment, and create up to round of TTIP negotiations, due to begin next month, 400,000 jobs. can, given the important politics behind this issue, As Which? found when preparing a briefing for Members proceed at a more accelerated pace. We know that there before this debate, average import tariffs are 4%, but will be elections for the European Parliament this May, clothing imported from the US is subject to a tariff the installation of a new European Commission later three times higher. Reducing roaming charges for this year and the US presidential election in 2016. I communications and data services across the Atlantic welcome the fact that the chief negotiators gave a press and improving the co-ordination of food traceability conference last year on the progress of the talks, but would be tangible benefits for consumers from this stronger mechanisms must be developed to ensure that agreement, but there will be areas where retaining separate national parliaments—which, after all, have to ratify regulatory systems, such as in financial services, will be any agreement—are more properly consulted and have absolutely vital without prejudicing the overall aims of an opportunity to comment on or shape the context of the negotiations. the discussions. The right hon. and learned Member for Rushcliffe In conclusion, let us hope that an eventually concluded (Mr Clarke) used his formidable powers of advocacy to deal can lead the way to further such agreements across try to persuade the House that there was nothing in the the world. We have to bring down barriers to trade if we proposed investor-state dispute mechanism about which are to rebalance the global economy. Our exporters Members ought to be concerned. I fear that, on this expect no less, consumers expect no less and future occasion at least, he was not entirely successful. He was generations of manufacturing and service workers will right to point to the 91 agreements of a similar nature in expect no less either. bilateral investment agreements that we have signed with other countries, but perhaps he missed an important 4.39 pm point. This agreement would bind 28 member states, which at the moment may have different standards in all Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP): Let me say at the these areas. We should do nothing in these negotiations outset that I am pro-trade. I want our export industry to undermine the crucial role that the European Court to increase, and I want everything possible to be done to of Justice plays in ensuring equal standards across the ensure that that can happen—and happen successfully. European Union. I think that we should approach the TTIP with confidence, We know that article 226 of the EU treaty permits but I agree with the Minister that we should also be member states that have breached treaty requirements alert to the needs of our community and our businesses, to be brought before the ECJ for infraction proceedings, and ensure that they are given as much protection as which bind all member states. The problem with the possible in the negotiations. arbitration anticipated in some drafts of the negotiations I congratulate the hon. Member for Paisley and is that it would not bind all member states: it would Renfrewshire North (Jim Sheridan) not only on the fact simply bind the parties to that individual dispute. We that he represents the finest-named constituency in the should emphasise that, in these discussions, the ECJ House, but on his agility in rightly focusing Members’ should be the final arbiter—the binding and conclusive minds on the dynamics of the Scottish debate and how arbiter—of whether member states have breached their important it is to us. The Minister responded to the commitments. We should do nothing to upset its position. hon. Gentleman’s comments robustly, but I think that Removing barriers for EU exporters should not mean the issue should be a priority for us as well, and that we removing hard-won protections in the workplace. There should remind our neighbours and friends of its importance should be a levelling up of standards, not a race to the to them. bottom. We know that US workplace fatalities are three I want to focus on farming, food production and times as high as those in the EU. Simply by having a consumer rights, because they affect my constituents system of mutual recognition without recognising the dramatically. As I said to the Minister in an intervention, 231 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 232 Partnership Partnership [Ian Paisley] the EU hormone rules and tariffs are eliminated, it is likely that the US would be in a position significantly to a good deal will be marked by how we ensure that the increase the volume of beef exported to the UK. That rights and needs of our farmers—our primary producers could damage our significant industry. We need to be of food, and of excellent food—are protected, aided alert to that and to ensure that we get the best deal for and abetted in the negotiations. There is no doubt that our primary producers. we produce the best traceable food in the world. It is a The poultry sector should be treated as a sensitive £20 billion-plus industry and an essential trade, and in sector. Why do I say that? Since 1997, American poultry my part of the United Kingdom it is the most essential has not been allowed to be imported into the European trade. It is a mainstay of business and employment. It is Community because of pathogen reduction treatments. the one sector in which our productivity is increasing Those treatments mean that we do not believe that annually. I believe that last year our food production consumers should eat American poultry. If changes to increased by an average of about 12%. That is a Chinese- the PRT rules result in an increase in poultry imports to style proportion of growth. We need to keep a careful the EC from the US, we need to take a careful line on eye on it, and ensure that it continues. that and ensure that we put our poultry industry, which The fact that we produce the best food in the world is one of the biggest in the world and is associated makes that food not just worth protecting, but worth directly with Brazil, first in the negotiations. exporting. It is clear that people want to buy our food Those are key issues that will determine business and drink products. In my constituency, for example, direction in our country. I hope that the Minister will, the Bushmills distillery produces what I am told is the as he has said, be alert to those issues. finest whiskey in the world. The Minister will have sampled it many, many times. That distillery employs 102 people in my constituency, but 90% of what it 4.46 pm produces is exported, and the vast majority goes to the United States of America. Last year, its trade increased Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): Thank you by 14%. Such growth must be encouraged, and must be for calling me, Madam Deputy Speaker. I apologise to seen as a major opportunity in the TTIP negotiations. the House for not being able to be here for the first part of the debate. I will end my remarks in time for my right Jim Shannon: Not teetotal! hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) to conclude the debate. Ian Paisley: No, not teetotal, but TTIP. We should be extremely cautious about the whole I urge the Minister to think of the 85,000 people in process that has been put before us. If anyone has our community who are involved in agri-food production, looked at the experience of the free trade agreement and to ensure that they and their rights are put at the between the US, Canada and Mexico, they will quickly top of the agenda, because that affects consumer confidence. see who benefits and even more quickly who loses as a We can say to our consumers, with strength and authority, result of it. The people who lose out are those who are that we know what they are consuming because it is on the margins of society, those who are vulnerable and traceable. That is one of the advantages that we have as those who are open to great exploitation. Thus, farm an island nation, and we must use it to our advantage, workers in Mexico have lost their jobs in favour of because it makes our food a very desirable commodity. high-tech farming imports from the US and US companies We need to ensure that food that is imported to the have moved across the border to Mexico to exploit United Kingdom meets the same exacting standards as lower wages. Mexican trucks are not allowed to drive the food that we produce here. One way in which we can into the US beyond a short distance from the border. do that is to ensure that labelling is accurate, so that There are a lot of restrictions. It is not an equal power when we, as consumers, go to the supermarket, the local relationship. It is a very damaging power relationship. butcher or another local shop, we can see for ourselves The agreement is unpopular in the US and Canada, but what has been imported and where it has come from. it is also unpopular with many people in Mexico, who see themselves as losing out as a result of that. I think that farmers in the United States have a significant cost-of-production advantage over many farmers I give that as an example. We should be extremely in the European Community. US farmers bear a lighter cautious about the claims that are made. When the regulatory burden; they have a different approach to North American Free Trade Agreement was reached, it animal welfare, and they have a very different approach was claimed that there would be several million new to animal traceability in their food production. They jobs as a result. The result has actually been the loss of use hormones, and their environmental legislation is about 1 million jobs. The same exaggerated but very different from ours. We must take cognisance of unsubstantiated claims about jobs and the profits that that in any trade negotiation. Trade must mean ensuring will be made by particular companies are being made that imports are produced to equivalent standards, and about the transatlantic agreement. that product labelling clearly distinguishes between different There are specific concerns. Why is there such secrecy production methods in a way that is meaningful and surrounding the negotiations? Why are not all the not misleading. The Minister spoke about red lines. We documents on the table? Why are the demands made on do not have to reveal all the red lines; this should be a European public services by the American negotiators priority, and we should be aware of that. not made public? Why are not the demands made in the The US is very competitive in beef production. Our other direction also made public? I suspect that, if the prices are at crisis levels. Given the significant cost and agreement ever comes to fruition, every Parliament in production advantages in the US through the use of Europe and the US system will be presented with a fait hormone growth promoters, if any changes are made to accompli: they will be told that they have to accept it. 233 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Transatlantic Trade and Investment 234 Partnership Partnership There are huge concerns. Many of my colleagues measures—there is much more genetically modified have raised concerns about the NHS. We all, I hope, food on sale and in regular supply, for example. Are support the principle of a health service free at the we to destroy many of the hard-fought and hard-gained point of use. What we do not support is the destruction social advantages across Europe in relation to farming of our health service in favour of a series of companies systems, to animal protection and welfare and to health coming in to take over very efficient services delivered and safety, in favour of a free-for-all for those big by public sector workers. companies? We need to be very careful. Democracy is the issue, and democracy ought to be the means by Debbie Abrahams: Is my hon. Friend not concerned which we decide these issues, rather than secret negotiations that the Government still refuse to say that the NHS resulting in a fait accompli being presented to us. will be exempt from the TTIP negotiations? 4.51 pm Jeremy Corbyn: Absolutely. It seems strange that we John Healey: We have had a good debate, with very cannot say that we are going to exempt the NHS from good speeches from both sides. Notwithstanding the discussions. I am sure plenty of pressure will be put on contribution from my hon. Friend the Member for to exempt cultural industries, particularly from France, Islington North (Jeremy Corbyn), the debate has provided which will probably be accepted. The same thing should confirmation of the strong cross-party support for an apply to the NHS. ambitious deal, as well as confirmation of the concerns There are a couple of other issues that I want to that will need to be dealt with if we are not to risk mention. The first relates to our ability to decide the derailing that support. The House will have been glad future of our own public services. At the moment, to hear the Minister without Portfolio, the right hon. Britain’s railway system is a combination of a state-owned and learned Member for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke), say rail company and privatised services. The European that such cross-party support helps to strengthen our directive on railways envisages a totally privatised system influence and the leading role that Britain can play in across the whole of this continent. I suspect that, under the negotiations. I hope that he will also see this debate the kind of agreement we are discussing today, privatisation as a demonstration of the House’s desire to hear more would be foisted on everyone on both sides of the about what the Government are doing to increase public Atlantic. debate and understanding, to involve legitimate interest groups in the discussions and to use our leading influence Secondly, concerns have been raised about working in the negotiations to secure a successful deal. I am sure conditions, health and safety at work conditions and that the whole House will look forward to a further environmental protection. I am sure that all those companies debate on this issue, perhaps even in Government time. that are busy lining up to destroy union organisation in the USA would want to do exactly the same on this side Question put and agreed to. of the Atlantic. Various Members have mentioned Resolved, environmental protection and environmental conditions. That this House has considered the Transatlantic Trade and In the US, there are far fewer environmental protection Investment Partnership. 235 25 FEBRUARY 2014 EU Funding 236

EU Funding Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): I am slightly surprised that European funding, when allocated, can actually be Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House interfered with by Ministers if it has already been —(John Penrose.) do now adjourn. agreed. I presume that is legal, but is it?

John Healey: The allocations are made to the United 4.52 pm Kingdom, whose Government then have a degree of John Healey (Wentworth and Dearne) (Lab): I welcome discretion about the distribution of those funds within the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and the UK. What was at stake in the Court challenge and is Skills to the Front Bench, and I hope that his presence at stake in this debate is whether those decisions were will presage a more balanced approach to the decisions fair, whether they were justifiable and whether they on the EU funding period than has been the case to were lawful. That is the point at stake and it is where date. I hope that that hope will not be dashed. things have changed since the debate I introduced about Eight months ago, I led an Adjournment debate on eight months ago. two decisions that Ministers had made on EU regional funding. The first, announced on 26 March, was on the Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): The right hon. allocation of funds between the four UK nation states. Gentleman has mentioned Northern Ireland. Does he The second, announced on 27 June, was on the allocation accept that Northern Ireland’s fuel costs are the highest of funds between the English regions. I argued then that in the whole UK, its levels of unemployment exceed those decisions were unfair and unjustifiable. I was those in other parts of the UK and its educational supported then, as now, by colleagues from South Yorkshire standards do not match those of some areas of the UK, and from Merseyside. Two weeks ago, in the High and that allocations of EU moneys are based on the Court, Mr Justice Stewart stated that criteria of need and Northern Ireland falls into that category? I would be happy to see Yorkshire getting its “the decisions of 26 March 2013 and 27 June 2013 are quashed”. true worth, but I would hate to see it happening at the The Ministers were wrong. Their decisions are unfair, expense of those in Northern Ireland. unjustifiable and unlawful. They take funds from South Yorkshire and from Merseyside to top up support for John Healey: I understand that. Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, to limit their South Yorkshire and Merseyside all face similar problems, losses to 5% while cutting our support by more than and under this funding period arrangement they have 50% compared with the figure for the current full EU all been designated as transition regions. I must say to funding period. They undermine the very purpose of the hon. Gentleman that the GDP—the wealth, product EU structural funds, which of course is to boost the and income—in Northern Ireland is in fact higher than jobs, skills, businesses and economies of the regions it is in South Yorkshire and in Merseyside, yet the lagging behind. decisions the Government have taken mean that Northern Documents disclosed for the first time to the Court Ireland will be protected, with its drop in funding for show just how far Ministers are cheating South Yorkshire these seven years compared with the previous seven and Merseyside. They show that the Government have years being limited to just 5%, whereas we face a calculated that the European Commission’s intended funding cut of more than 50%. I think he would agree allocation for South Yorkshire would be ¤236 million— that that simply is not fair. ¤58 million more than Ministers plan. They show Merseyside’s intended allocation from the EU to be Mr Tom Clarke (Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill) ¤318 million—¤116 million more than Ministers propose. (Lab): I apologise to my right hon. Friend for the I suspect the Secretary of State may say that the allocation number of interventions, but he is so well informed. A methodology was not found by the Court to be flawed, few moments ago, he referred to the protection of the even though the judgment found that the allocations highlands and islands of Scotland. Will he offer advice were unlawful. They were unlawful because Ministers: to me and perhaps to the people of Scotland as to what failed to comply with the public sector equalities duty; might happen in the event of Scotland voting for failed to avoid discrimination against those in our independence? ex-industrial areas; and failed to consider the consequences of using criteria that took no account of the respective John Healey: My right hon. Friend poses a bigger economic needs in all UK regions—in other words, we question than I would have imagined from the terms of are talking about equality of funding. this debate. Clearly, Scotland would have to become a I say to the Secretary of State that that is a concern to part of the European Union and then to lay its claim me, to my Labour colleagues, to our councils and to our for any potential structural funding support in the way business organisations in South Yorkshire and Merseyside. that this programme is designed to deliver. It will also be a concern to the European Commission, because the principle of equality is a general principle Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): I congratulate of EU law and a right conferred by it. By protecting my right hon. Friend on the work that he has done in Northern Ireland and allowing Scotland to protect the co-ordinating the concern of the South Yorkshire region highlands and islands, the Government have completely over this issue. Does he agree that the perverse impacts distorted the funding purpose and the budget for the of the way in which the Government have brought nine English transition regions, resulting in some wealthy, together their formula is illustrated by the fact that more developed regions receiving significantly more Cheshire, which happens to include the Chancellor’s funding from the EU in this proposed seven-year period constituency, has been allocated 34% more per head than the transition regions, which have a much lower than South Yorkshire, even though its GDP is 19% above GDP. the EU average while ours is 16% below? What conclusion 237 EU Funding25 FEBRUARY 2014 EU Funding 238 does he draw from the way in which the Deputy Prime John Healey: I do indeed. The judge at the hearing Minister, although supposedly representing our region, described the situation as bizarre. He rightly said that has strongly defended the formula, which took money the decision to protect Northern Ireland and Scotland intended for areas such as ours and other poorer regions was what got the Government into this mess and skewed and gave it to wealthier areas? the budget for the nine English transition regions. Let me illustrate the point about the flaws and the John Healey: First, the Deputy Prime Minister was unfairness just by looking at the highlands and islands asleep on the job when the decisions were taken in of Scotland, which like South Yorkshire is an ex-objective government. Secondly, he is allowing the arguments 1 area and, in the current funding period, has phasing that we have heard from other Ministers in this Chamber status—in other words diminishing and tapering funding to pull the wool over his eyes. He has not been standing during the seven years. It is a transition region in the up for South Yorkshire, and I see this as a Forgemasters next period and has a GDP exactly the same as that of mark 2 against the card of the Deputy Prime Minister. South Yorkshire—84% of the European average. But A more measured reflection on the figures that my unlike South Yorkshire it is set to get not ¤117 a head hon. Friend has just given allow me to continue to but ¤478 for every man, woman and child in the region. develop my argument, which is that the Government’s In other words, it is similar in economic status but will approach to date does not apply the principles of equality receive more than four times the European funding for and proportionality.Similar regions were treated differently, the seven years ahead. The Chief Secretary was clearly and allocations were not proportionate to their needs. I doing a job for his area. The Deputy Prime Minister say to the Secretary of State that we will not let this was clearly not doing a job for ours when the Government matter rest. We will take it all the way. Our councils will were blatantly making such bad and damaging decisions take the case to the Appeal Court to ensure that the for South Yorkshire. principles are taken into account by the UK Government, Kevin Barron (Rother Valley) (Lab): I congratulate just as the EU does in designing and allocating the structural my right hon. Friend on getting this debate. Does he funds in the first place. We will also take the case to think it ironic, after the 20 years or more of changing South Commissioner Hahn, who has to approve UK Ministers’ Yorkshire’s infrastructure as a result of the coal mining plans to ensure that those principles are taken into account. programme, that we see a succession of members of this The High Court judgment two weeks ago requires Government coming to the Advanced Manufacturing Ministers to review, but not necessarily to change, the Park? The last Government used structural funds to funding decisions. I urge the Secretary of State to take a build it, and these Ministers now all get their photo fresh and deep view of this set of decisions. He should shots done there. It is attempting to turn the South revise those decisions now rather than being forced to Yorkshire economy around, yet the same people appear do so later. to be putting the boot into South Yorkshire through the Let me take the Secretary of State back to what his structural funding. junior Minister, the right hon. Member for Sevenoaks (Michael Fallon), said in the first debate. He rightly said: John Healey: My right hon. Friend is right. We know how to use funds well in South Yorkshire. We have plans “The aim of the funds is to provide EU member states and to use them well in the future. The Secretary of State regions with assistance to overcome structural deficiencies and to enable them to strengthen competitiveness and increase himself has regularly visited the Advanced Manufacturing employment.”—[Official Report, 1 July 2013; Vol. 565, c. 725.] Park. He will know what a contribution it is making to overcoming some of the structural weakness in the The EU funds are designed to give a boost to the South Yorkshire economy. We will fight this all the way economy of flagging regions. It is an outrage that areas because the Government are making decisions not just of the UK, with more jobs, wealth, businesses and for next year’s funding. These decisions set the funding prosperity, are also getting more European funding in for a full seven years—for the whole of the next Parliament the period ahead. South Yorkshire is one of those and the next Government and beyond. That is why they 11 transition regions in the UK, which means that our are so important. The Secretary of State has agreed to GDP is between 75% and 90% of the European average. meet me and my hon. Friend the Member for St Helens All the more developed regions have a GDP of at least North (Mr Watts). I hope that the review that the Court 90% of the European average. Nine of them will receive judgment has forced on Ministers will mean that he will more, not less, funding than the Sheffield city region. lead the Government in thinking again and making They include Worcestershire and Leicestershire. As my good the funding shortfall for South Yorkshire and hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield Central (Paul Merseyside that the allocation decisions so far have Blomfield) has said, they also include Cheshire and caused. Warrington, which have a GDP not of 84% like South Yorkshire but of 119% of the European average and will get EU funding not of ¤117 per head like South 5.9 pm Yorkshire but of ¤157 a head. The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Vince Cable): I congratulate the right hon. Member Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): I thank for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) on securing my right hon. Friend for highlighting this Government’s the debate. I welcome it because it gives me the first lamentable record on the transparency and fairness of opportunity to set out in the House how we want to previous funding allocations. Does he agree that there is respond to the High Court, because we are dealing no justification for this latest round of gerrymandering essentially with the legal implications of that ruling. whereby the richer regions will benefit over and above Let me start with the legal particulars before getting areas such as Merseyside and his constituency and on to the wider policy question. On 7 February 2014, area? the High Court indeed quashed two decisions that I 239 EU Funding25 FEBRUARY 2014 EU Funding 240

[Vince Cable] Let me go to the central point. Following the ruling, we have to follow the law. That is obviously our duty, made last year. The first allocated EU funds to England, and I now have to take a fresh decision on the allocations, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the second having regard to the public sector equality duty. We are allocated funds to local enterprise partnerships within now doing further work, which we will take into account England. Two arguments were put forward by the in making a new decision. However, I have to be clear claimants—the LEPs representing south Yorkshire and about this point: on the basis of the Court ruling, the Merseyside—in the judicial review case. The first was new decision will be limited to reconsideration of allocations that the allocations were irrational and unreasonable, in light of any impact on equality. We are not planning which is the case the right hon. Gentleman has developed to reconsider the methodology, unless the equalities again today, and the second was that insufficient regard assessment highlights the need to do so. Obviously, we had been paid to the public sector equality duty. will need to be legally compliant and we will be legally On the first point—and this is absolutely crucial to compliant. the debate—the Court found that the methodology and We want to announce the decisions in the next few allocations were rational, proportionate and permissible, weeks and it is very important that we move quickly, and the claimants’ arguments on these points were because we want to end the uncertainty about the dismissed. That is relevant, because it was not so much allocation, which affects jobs and growth across the the right hon. Gentleman in his speech but some of his UK. I also want to make it clear that of course I regard colleagues in their interventions who talked about it as absolutely essential that we pursue policies that are gerrymandering, or the arbitrary attempt to include the equal and fair. I have set out on many occasions my Chancellor’s constituency. It is very clear that the Court vision that equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded found that the decisions were not arbitrary in that way. in what the Department does, so we will be working They may not have produced the satisfactory political hard over the next few weeks to ensure that we meet our outcome from Opposition Members’ point of view, but obligations under the public sector equality duty. the Court did not uphold the argument that there was any form of irrationality or disproportionality in the The right hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne decision. confirmed that Liverpool and Sheffield are seeking permission to try to overturn the High Court ruling on John Healey: The Secretary of State is factually correct, methodology. While they have every right to do so, I am as I said in my remarks, but does he regard those obviously disappointed that they feel the need to take decisions as fair and consistent with the purposes of the such action, not least because it risks delaying the European structural fund? allocation of funding. However, clearly the matter must be tested in the courts. Vince Cable: Well, we do, because we have been Let me say a little about the wider context regarding trying to reconcile a whole series of different issues. I Liverpool and Sheffield, because the right hon. Gentleman was going to make this point to the right hon. Gentleman is right that we must be balanced when looking at this in later: he has been a Local Government Minister in his the round. It is fundamental that we take account of earlier capacity. I remember petitioning on behalf of regions’ need and relative prosperity. Given his history my own council. He knows the problems of allocating in government, I am sure that he understands that resources when there is a fixed pot of money; some Sheffield and Liverpool will not be alone—this is the people will be happy and some people will be unhappy. nature of such allocations—in thinking that they would These are difficult decisions, and we derived a methodology like more money. However, the EU sets the overall that we believed to be fair. These decisions were not budget and we must address the needs of all UK regions. based on arbitrary allocations; they were based on a methodology. That is very important—these were not The Liverpool and Sheffield decisions were reached arbitrary decisions. after a great deal of thought and in recognition of the areas’ history, with which the right hon. Gentleman will The judge ruled—the ruling was very clear—on the be familiar. Between 2000 and 2006, Liverpool and sole ground that our public sector equality duty was not Sheffield were both objective 1 regions, meaning that met, even though an equality impact assessment was they were among the parts of the country with the completed and it concluded that it was unlikely that greatest need, which was reflected in their higher funding. having regard to such a duty would have made any In 2007, they were reclassified as phasing-in regions difference to the original decisions by the Department because the indicators showed, although the levels were for Business, Innovation and Skills. relatively low, that there had been considerable economic progress. Their recategorisation as phasing-in regions Steve Rotheram: Taken in isolation, perhaps the argument between 2007 and 2013 was designed to avoid the steep stands up in regard to what is perhaps a quirk of the and sudden cut in EU funding that would have followed formula. However, the moral argument may not be from relatively high levels of economic activity. about the methodology; it is certainly about the poorer areas being penalised by the richer areas, which are the As I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman knows, only beneficiaries from the formula. the phasing-in regions received a tapered reduction in funding between 2007 and 2010—given that he was in Vince Cable: It is simply not true that richer areas are government, I am sure that he followed that process the only beneficiaries. There was a redistributive effect closely—and then received the same amount of annual in some of the poorer areas of the country. If I remember funding between 2011 and 2013. The crucial point in correctly—I may be incorrect—the north-east of England, this argument is that the phasing-in regions were fully or many parts of it, benefited from this reallocation, but aware of their changing status, so they must have anticipated I will check that. a significant drop in funding between 2014 and 2020. 241 EU Funding25 FEBRUARY 2014 EU Funding 242

The right hon. Gentleman must have helped to negotiate addition, under the first three rounds of the regional the current programme when he was in government, growth fund Sheffield was allocated £57 million, including and it states categorically: £25 million in support to the LEP’s business investment “Because of its phasing-in status South Yorkshire’s financial programme to unlock £100 million in direct investment, allocation annual profile is heavily weighted towards the first four and £9 million has gone to three bids in round 4, years and tapers off towards the end of the programming period”. although they are still going through due diligence. The transition is clearly awkward for the areas affected, Finally, the advanced manufacturing research centre, but it was fully anticipated and had nothing to do with which I have taken a personal interest in—I met several a change of Government, as that was going to happen Sheffield colleagues early in my period in office to try to in any event. help facilitate it—has now been allocated £37 million South Yorkshire and Merseyside are now categorised for development and manufacturing research in the civil as transition regions and must be treated in the same nuclear sector. The centre is proving brilliantly successful way as other such regions. The original BIS decision and expanding rapidly. It is the source of the world’s gave each transition region a 15% funding increase most advanced research factory through the £43 million against an overall drop of 8% in European structural Factory of the Future project, to which we have granted funds, with an across-the-board formula applied. £10 million. To give a wider context, I want to say a little about A similar story can be told about Merseyside. I do the support that we are trying to give through regional not think that there are any Merseyside MPs here, growth, some aspects of which have fairly been mentioned. but—[Interruption.] Sorry, I failed to pick up the accent It needs to be emphasised—this was missing from the of the hon. Member for Liverpool, Walton (Steve right hon. Gentleman’s speech—that about half the funding Rotheram), which I thought was from the north-east—I in the period between 2007 and 2013 was retained for should have learnt from “Match of the Day” and not allocation by central Government, but we have tried to made that mistake. I profoundly apologise. As he will change to a more locally-based allocation system, with know, we have granted enterprise zone status to Liverpool local areas, through their LEPs, determining how 95% and Wirral Waters. The city deals are extensive. The of structural funds will be used. While some areas Liverpool and Liverpool city region deals have led to a might have had more funding in the past, they did not £75 million economic development fund. The regional have their current power to direct resources to their own growth fund has a programme of £10 million, leveraging priorities. £50 million for private investment and safeguarding EU funding is only one aspect of official funding. 1,200 jobs directly and £35 million for the new container The right hon. Gentleman will know about some of the port. Other major investments include the £470 million schemes we have going, which I will run through quickly. Government contribution to the Mersey Gateway bridge The Sheffield city region has been granted enterprise and the redevelopment of Liverpool Royal hospital. zone status to extend the capability of advanced If we take the position in the round, a great deal of manufacturing technology, including £14 million to develop thought has been given to how to support two parts of the Markham Vale site—I visited it some time ago the country that undoubtedly have real economic needs. following a suggestion by the hon. Member for Bolsover I will restate our position that we must obviously act (Mr Skinner)—which we expect to generate just under lawfully in respect of the Court’s judgment, which we £100 in private investment and create 2,000-plus new jobs. will now do. Sheffield’s city deal is expected to bring in £72 million Question put and agreed to. in public and private investment over the next three years. The transport fund alone could be worth £500 million. 5.22 pm Not every transition region has a deal of that kind. In House adjourned.

39WH 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Educational Attainment 40WH (Disadvantaged Pupils) five or more GCSEs at grade C or above: Newham, Westminster Hall Redbridge, Lambeth, Tower Hamlets, Westminster, and Kensington and Chelsea. At the other end of the scale, Tuesday 25 February 2014 in 14 authorities, fewer than 25% of children achieve that benchmark. Those areas are liberally scattered throughout the country—north, south, east and west. [MARTIN CATON in the Chair] The important point is that all the top performers are in London and the poorest performers are all over the Educational Attainment (Disadvantaged place. Pupils) Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): I apologise be now adjourned.—(John Penrose.) to my hon. Friend for missing the start of his speech. Our challenge in North Yorkshire is that the overall 9.30 am performance of schools is good, but only 33.9% of children eligible for free school meals achieve five GCSEs Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): It is a great at grade C or above. pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Caton. There is in this country a large gap in educational attainment between children from richer homes and Damian Hinds: Indeed; there are issues of that nature—a those from poorer homes as measured by eligibility for wide variation—throughout the country. Sometimes it free school meals. As the Minister has said on a number makes sense to look at this issue at the regional level—for of occasions, closing that gap is a moral imperative. I my hon. Friend, that would be Yorkshire and the am proud of the Government’s commitment on that Humber—and in other cases it makes sense to look at front, and of the fact that every time Ministers discuss individual local authorities. Sometimes we must actually raising standards in education the issue is always both drill down lower still. increasing overall attainment and closing the gap between In general and on average, if a child lives in a richer rich and poor. There have been many initiatives on that area they are more likely to go to a school judged good matter, and I am sure that there will be more, but or outstanding by Ofsted than if they live in a poorer probably the biggest change of all is how the pupil area. Ofsted’s report last year, “Unseen children”, highlights premium structurally funds schools. That has at least that point well. The report shows that the gap between three effects. First, it ensures that schools in disadvantaged the proportion of schools judged good or outstanding areas are better resourced; secondly, it funds specific for leadership and management in the poorest parts programmes and interventions; and thirdly, it makes relative to the wealthiest parts is biggest for primary pupils who are eligible for free school meals more schools in the south-east and east midlands, and biggest attractive—as it were—to schools. for secondary schools in Yorkshire and the Humber The key problem is that opportunity in Britain is still and the north-east. It is interesting that the report not evenly spread. Much continues to depend on the highlights how different areas have the biggest gap for type of family and income bracket that someone is born primary and secondary schools. The area with the starkest into. Of course, today we are discussing the fact that difference is probably the north-east, which has the opportunity also has much to do with where someone is biggest gap of all between the proportion of secondary born. There are several aspects to that, and I am going schools judged good or outstanding for leadership and to touch on three. First is the straightforward fact that management, whereas for primary schools it is the top there is variation in attainment for disadvantaged children performer in the entire country. The blended average of both within and between regions, and that seems to those two gaps ends up being quite good. happen differentially for primary and secondary phases. Another problem is the fact that within otherwise Secondly, there is the perhaps counterintuitive problem wealthy areas there is a danger that poorer children can of being born poor into a relatively wealthy area. Thirdly, be overlooked. I said at the start of my speech that it is there is my main focus: outperformance at the top end counterintuitive in many ways, but it seems to be true—at and the increasing exceptionalism of London. least to an extent—at both school and area level, that a I will talk first about the overall variation within and child from a disadvantaged background is best off between regions, although we must be careful when we being in a place where there are either hardly any other talk about regions because, in a sense, they are not children in that category or loads of them. They are really anything—they are just administrative constructs; worse off if they are somewhere in the middle range. geographical niceties. Nevertheless, there does seem to be some sort of regional pattern. If we look at the Ofsted has just started publishing regional-level reports, proportion of children who get five or more GCSEs at and of the south-east it said that grade C or above, including English and maths, we see “the poor performance of small numbers of pupils entitled to free that there is significant variation between regions. That school meals is lost in the midst of otherwise strong performance variation is more marked, however, in children eligible by 16-year-olds.” for free school meals. On both counts—children overall Of course, there are exceptions, and I was delighted to and disadvantaged children—London tops the table. note that one of the schools singled out in that report as Versus the rest, it is ahead by 3% overall and by 16% for doing particularly well in that regard was Bohunt school disadvantaged children specifically. in my constituency, which the Secretary of State visited There are also variations between individual areas a couple of weeks ago. Nevertheless, there is a problem within regions. In a number of local authorities, more in the south-east overall with children eligible for free than 55% of children eligible for free school meals achieve school meals. The report says that 41WH Educational Attainment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Educational Attainment 42WH (Disadvantaged Pupils) (Disadvantaged Pupils) [Damian Hinds] child should attract additional funding in school. That is not perfect, any more than free school meals, but it “pupils eligible for free school meals in the South East attain at seems to have some inherent sense behind it, because it levels below the national figure for similar pupils in every single is about the richness of the cultural experience of the local authority in the region.” child’s home life as well as the richness of the education that they get in school. David Simpson (Upper Bann) (DUP): I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on securing this debate. I realise Damian Hinds: I will return to the educational attainment that education is a devolved matter for Northern Ireland, of parents when I discuss London specifically. The hon. but he is painting an image mirrored across all regions Gentleman touches on something that I was about to of the United Kingdom. North and west Belfast are the mention. Entitlement to free schools and other measures worst areas we have in Northern Ireland for numbers of of disadvantage are often correlated with certain clear children eligible for free school meals, perhaps because indicators that children are less likely to do well at of the troubles. Does the hon. Gentleman agree with me school, particularly those involving the home learning that every child, whatever their background, deserves a environment—whether there are books at home and proper education? so on. Damian Hinds: The hon. Gentleman is of course Clearly, at system level, it makes sense to use the gap quite right. He will understand that I cannot comment between free school meal recipients and others to chart in detail on the figures for Belfast, but I agree with his our progress. Although entitlement to free school meals sentiment. In fact, one could argue that the worse off is not a perfect measure, it is the best we have in terms of and more difficult a child’s background, the greater the accuracy. However, now that we have the new progress moral imperative for politicians to ensure that a good measure, which tracks the progress of each attainment school is made available. group at entry and as they go through school, I wonder whether, particularly in secondary school, it would make A number of questions arise on within-school more sense to use that as the primary measure in closing underperformance. How should the pupil premium be the gap, so that when students arrive at secondary used? If a school has relatively small numbers of school, whatever their prior attainment, we ensure that disadvantaged children, what is the best way to use all schools are stretching all children to the best of their pupil premium moneys to benefit them? We know that, abilities. in general, whole school improvement programmes tend to disproportionately benefit the better off—although I have numerous questions about between-school and they may be beneficial overall, they are less likely to be between-area underperformance. The most obvious is beneficial in closing the gap. When a school has smaller how to get the best leaders and leadership support into numbers of disadvantaged children, specific, targeted the places where they are needed most, and how to interventions become quite difficult. Interventions are incentivise great teachers into the areas that need them presumably not targeted at pupils because they are most. As I mentioned earlier, there is a vexing pattern. entitled to free school meals—that would be both difficult Certain areas are good either at primary or secondary, and rather divisive, and not something we would want. but not both simultaneously. Sorry; I should not say that they are not good, but hon. Members know what I Ian Mearns (Gateshead) (Lab): Therein lies the problem. mean. The proportion of schools judged good or Schools are entitled to a pupil premium for children outstanding is in primary or secondary, but not both. receiving free school meals. Therefore, there is a problem I am pleased that this gives me an opportunity to say in some poorer neighbourhoods. Because of housing that within the south-east, Hampshire is an exception. I tenure and type, lots of youngsters who are not entitled pay tribute to John Coughlan and his team. Hampshire to the pupil premium or free school meals but who are is rated relatively well in both primary and secondary still in relatively low-income and deprived households education. Overall, if all regions could reach their own live cheek by jowl with kids who do generate the pupil internal benchmark—in other words, whether they are premium, and they often have as many educational outstanding at the primary or secondary level, if they problems as the youngsters entitled to funding. could get the other phase of education up to the same level—that would mean many thousands more pupils Damian Hinds: The hon. Gentleman raises a good were attending a good or outstanding school. point. There are a number of aspects to what he says. Turning to London, I have already mentioned the One is that free school meals entitlement is by definition gap at GCSE level between London and the rest of the a cliff-edge measure—children are either entitled or country, and how London outperforms considerably they are not—so, as he points out, crossing that line when it comes to poorer children. In fact, it starts a lot does not actually change whether a child is advantaged earlier than GCSEs, and the effect persists a long time rather than disadvantaged. There can be a disconnect. after age 16. It seems that in London, even before Being on free school meals is not an indication per se school begins, poorer children outperform children in that a pupil will not do well at school. The converse of the rest of the country at the early years foundation what he says is that, as we know, lots of children stage, to the extent that one can talk about a three-year-old entitled to free school meals do stunningly well at outperforming. They pull away as they progress to school. infant and junior school, and by the time they reach age 15 and 16, they are almost 50% more likely than children Ian Mearns: On that point, I am a member of the outside London to get five or more good GCSEs, they Select Committee on Education. We visited the Netherlands are twice as likely as disadvantaged children elsewhere last year, where the system considers the prior educational to go to university and, depending on which numbers attainment of the parents in determining whether a one looks at, they are perhaps up to four times as likely 43WH Educational Attainment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Educational Attainment 44WH (Disadvantaged Pupils) (Disadvantaged Pupils) to end up going to a Russell Group university, although could say that the London challenge had a bit of both. the numbers are still small—one in 25 rather than one On one hand, one area, Greater London, was doing its in 100. own thing, and within that, there was plenty of innovation Why is that? There was a thing called the London in individual schools, which were encouraged to innovate, challenge. Whenever the outperformance of London comes but on the other, it had system-wide leadership. There is up, the most obvious thing to say is, “London does well always a tension and a balance. because of the London challenge.” Is that true? I have The third reason to doubt that the London challenge absolutely no doubt that the London challenge has was the sole or primary cause of the improvements is been beneficial, and it is also true that there is a fuzzy that the difference between children on free school boundary around it. In the period from about 2000 meals and others was so marked, and the London until now, many initiatives have either happened first in challenge was not solely about children on free school London before spreading elsewhere or been specific to meals or poorer children. The fourth reason is that it London. They may or may not have been merchandised seems that London’s poorer pupils may already be as part of the London challenge, but in a broader sense ahead before school has even begun. There are so many it could be said that they were. other things that are different about London that we But—it is an important “but”—there are a number of owe it to ourselves to at least examine them and consider reasons to believe that the London challenge is not the what role they may have played. sole or primary cause of London’s educational outperformance. The first and most important reason is Ian Mearns: The hon. Gentleman has not yet covered that the year in which London’s GCSE performance one factor that I am convinced has an impact. The caught up with the rest of the country was 2003, the Greater London area employment market is such that it year when the London challenge started. By definition, is much easier to have achievable employment ambition all the kids who did their GCSEs in 2003 had spent their and aspiration than it is in other parts of the country. In entire life not in the London challenge. Politically, 2003 areas such as the north-east, where unemployment has was a good year to start a programme focused on continued to rise and youth unemployment is still growing, making London better, because from there everything ambition and aspiration are difficult for many, because was going up. The second reason is that after the initial they do not see light at the end of the tunnel. London challenge, when it was extended to Greater Manchester and the black country, it did not translate Damian Hinds: Can we hold that point? I will come as well. There were some improvements in performance, back to it a wee bit later. but not nearly on the same scale as in London. If the difference is not the London challenge alone—I totally acknowledge the beneficial effects of many of Ian Mearns: The hon. Gentleman is right about the the programmes within it—is it simply more money? Of starting date for the London challenge, but the London course, whenever we mention London’s outperformance, challenge came on the back of other initiatives instigated people say, “Oh, they get more money.” Yes, London by the previous Government, such as excellence in schools get more money, but when we adjust that for cities. Those programmes also occurred in other parts deprivation, we discover that the difference is not quite of the country, but they were not followed by the as big as it at first appeared. In other words, when London challenge. comparing the high number of free school meals in London with those in the rest of the country, the Damian Hinds: The hon. Gentleman is quite right. I funding premium is not quite as large, although costs acknowledged that there were a number of initiatives are higher in London, which is why there has historically before 2003, and others that were not necessarily branded been higher funding. as the London challenge, but could more broadly be If we were to say it is just about having more money, said to have been part of it. He is right that a number of we would have to say what more money has bought. things were done elsewhere, but the simple fact is that Since I started working on this subject, people have told after all of that, and with the ability to copy from me that class sizes in London are smaller, but they are London anything that anyone would want to copy, we not. Bizarrely, they are slightly bigger than in the rest of still have a 16 percentage point gap in GCSE performance the country, except at key stage 3. There is not a higher among disadvantaged pupils between those who happen proportion of teaching assistants. Teachers are paid to have been born in London and those who happen to more, as are people in lots of occupations and professions have been born in the rest of the country. in London, because of London weighting, but the difference in pay for the average London teacher versus Mr David Ward (Bradford East) (LD): I am in the the average teacher elsewhere is less than advertised. awkward position of trying to avoid questions to prompt According to the ads, someone can earn up to 25% the Minister that he will no doubt be asked at tomorrow’s more as a newly qualified teacher in London, but the meeting as well. Can I plant something for the hon. actual difference in take-home pay is on average smaller, Member for East Hampshire (Damian Hinds) to consider because London teachers are younger and further down as he goes through his analysis of the situation? Where the pay scales. does a national strategy as a remedy fit in with the What is different? I shall come to some of the things general direction of travel towards greater autonomy that the hon. Member for Gateshead mentioned. First, within schools? all sorts of things about the city are different compared with other parts of the country. The employment market Damian Hinds: There is always a balance. I suppose it is different, as he rightly says, which manifests itself in partly depends on one’s political tradition, where one different ways. There are differential rates of unemployment, comes from and what one tends to think works. We and youth unemployment in London remains concerning. 45WH Educational Attainment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Educational Attainment 46WH (Disadvantaged Pupils) (Disadvantaged Pupils) [Damian Hinds] parent at home. There is less use of formal child care, slightly lower participation in free school provision, and In addition, there is the visibility of opportunities. If slightly more use of tutors. One would normally associate someone is travelling on buses and underground trains, such things with lower educational attainment, particularly they will be interacting with all the adverts, the people in terms of early years participation, which again raises and all the rest of it. There is the cultural capital of the important, difficult and challenging questions. city—the museums and art galleries—and the pull factor What is different and what might we be able to have of more university places. There are more university an impact on, given that we cannot have much impact places per head of population in London than in other on the composition of the population? London teachers cities, and most people travel only a short distance from are more diverse, more likely to have been educated home to go to university. Everything is nearer. That abroad, more likely to be full time, and, before somebody helps with school choice—children go across local authority says it, a bit less likely to have qualified teacher status—given boundaries to go to school—and it helps schools wishing the sorts of numbers we are talking about, I do not to co-operate with one another. think that that is particularly relevant. Teachers are also a little less likely to be on upper pay Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): I have read the scales or the advanced skill scale and more likely to be report by the hon. Gentleman’s all-party group on on the main pay scales. Within the London challenge, social mobility. It is a fascinating, interesting and detailed there were various recruitment initiatives, which included piece of work, and I congratulate him on it. However, addressing housing problems. One of those initiatives all the factors that he has mentioned have not changed was Teach First. Opinions vary and sometimes teachers in the past 15 years. London is no further away from get wound up if we bang on too much about Teach anywhere else than it was 15 years ago. I presume he will First, but Teach First teachers can have a positive, go on to explain what he thinks has changed. disruptive impact as they come into schools, observe existing teachers, bring ideas of their own, swap things Damian Hinds: The shadow Minister is such a nice around and so on. Some 48% of Teach First teachers man. He has read “Capital Mobility”, the report by the are still in London, and I think there is an opportunity all-party group. I did not realise he had also read the to spread that scheme more widely. sheet of paper in front of me, which states that many of There was a big focus on leadership in the London those things were also true when London was the challenge. It was about supporting leaders in schools problem child of British education, before it became the and ensuring that they were paid properly. As an aside, poster child. Although such factors are relevant, we primary schools in London are on average a lot bigger cannot ascribe the difference in London performance than primary schools outside, and I wonder whether specifically to them. that means it is possible to afford more by way of The population make-up of London is one massive leadership. Alongside that support and remuneration change and a massive difference. London is diverse on a was intense scrutiny and what people close to the London scale unknown in the rest of the United Kingdom—indeed, challenge operation would describe as verging on unknown in most of the rest of the world. London’s ruthlessness to ensure that schools were being run absolutely state secondary schools are now 32% white British by as well as they could be. That was all facilitated by an ethnic origin, and the statistic for kids just starting intense use of data and what are called families of secondary school is extraordinary: 48% do not have schools, whereby someone could compare their school English as their mother tongue. An even more surprising to others in similar circumstances, so they could see statistic is that children with English as an additional what was really possible. language come very close in performance by GCSEs to London also over-indexed greatly on sponsored children who have English as their mother tongue, and academies. Compared with the rest of the country, in London they beat them—in GCSEs in London, London is much more likely to have sponsored academies. children who do not speak English as their mother That relatively small number of schools had a tongue very slightly outperform those who do. That disproportionately larger impact on the overall performance raises difficult questions. of London as a whole, because the results tended to go I do not want to pre-empt tomorrow’s Committee from very low to very good. meeting, at which, sadly, I will not be able to join my Where does all that leave us? I should like to put a Opposition compadres, but I know the Minister will be number of things to the Minister. I do not pretend for a appearing before the Committee to talk about the moment to have all the answers, or even most of them, performance of white working class pupils. It is true but some things are obvious challenges. First, on attracting that all ethnic groups do better in London than they do the best teachers, we know that most people stay in their outside—spectacularly so in the case of children of home region. That puts a premium on marketing intensely Pakistani origin. There is a 14% gap between the the teaching profession to high performers within the performance of pupils of Pakistani origin in London areas and regions where they are most needed, at school- versus the rest of the country. leaver level and university graduate level. There are other relevant differences in London, some Secondly, there has to be a big opportunity for Teach of which might be driven by differences and diversity in First outside London. That is happening, or starting to ethnicity and religion, such as larger families and older, happen, already. There is now a focus on Bournemouth, better educated mothers. Surprisingly, it is estimated which is welcome. We need to bear in mind why 48% of that parents in London are slightly more likely to be Teach First teachers were in London. One reason is that married than parents outside London. It is slightly odd the programme started there. Another is that, of course, that we can only estimate that, but that is another young people like to move to London; that cannot be question altogether. There are more families with a changed very much. Another big factor is the network 47WH Educational Attainment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Educational Attainment 48WH (Disadvantaged Pupils) (Disadvantaged Pupils) effect: knowing that other new graduates are doing the the Minister and his colleagues. However, quite a lot of same programme in schools relatively nearby and so questions remain. As I said, I certainly do not have all having social and support networks. Some co-ordinated, the answers and I am concerned that some of the geographically-focused expansion of Teach First would answers do not yet exist. However, we need to keep be smart. asking questions, including about how one area of the There are always questions in some schools about country can learn from another. That is the focus of this what the pupil premium can be used for. What is the debate, which I hope will play a small but useful role in Minister’s attitude to schools in heavily disadvantaged that quest. areas using it to pay teachers more, to attract the best? Alongside attracting the best teachers, there is also the 10.5 am matter of getting top leadership to the areas where it is needed most. In that regard, I look to the growth of Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): It is initiatives such as Future Leaders. I wonder whether the a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship again, incentives are enough. Can those be looked at, to ensure Mr Caton. that they are sufficient and that they persuade people to I congratulate the hon. Member for East Hampshire go where they are most needed? (Damian Hinds) on securing this debate. I am delighted I turn to geographical patterns. There can sometimes that he continues his interest in education, although I be an over-supply of national education leaders in areas suspect he still laments his retirement from the Education away from schools where their support would be most Committee. We probably agree about more things than beneficial. I wonder whether it is possible to improve we disagree about, and there are probably more things that situation by using technology, for example. that unite us than divide us. Julian Smith: On attracting talent, does my hon. We have already heard about the importance of Friend agree that, as well as the Government’s coming education. It is undeniably important, whether as a up with initiatives, we need to encourage schools and route into work, if work exists, as a means of attaining local authorities to cast the net wider? Again, coming personal potential, as a mode to better understanding back to north Yorkshire, it is a challenge to get local of the world we live in or simply as a quench for a thirst authority education department leaders or heads from for knowledge. It is—or at least should be—a powerful outside the region. We need to get the schools and tool for young people of all ages, driving social mobility council to work harder to achieve that. and providing the foundations on which our country’s future sits. Damian Hinds: My hon. Friend is right. An intense It is crucial that we do everything in our power to marketing effort, leaving no stone unturned in the search ensure that our young people have unrestricted access for talent, is absolutely essential. to education of the highest quality, to safeguard the Having mentioned people, let me speak more broadly. notion of equality of opportunity. Sadly, that opportunity We need to be impatient on behalf of the places where still depends on where people were born, to whom they the academies revolution has not happened. In London, were born, their ethnicity, their level of affluence, what we have seen what it can do. There needs, through the local offer is and, of course, as my hon. Friend the whatever means, to be a lot more push on that issue in Member for Gateshead (Ian Mearns) said, what their parts of the country where the change has not happened. parents’ prior attainment was. There are some specifics from the London challenge. In its recent report, the all-party group on social Are we using data enough outside London—particularly mobility recognised a series of seven key truths on in identifying families of schools, so that each school social mobility, related to education and the associated can compare itself with others? Although the term opportunities and policy challenges. Although countless “sub-regional strategies” always gives me a bit of a factors impact on social mobility, the report identifies rash, I wonder about the role of system-wide leadership. quality of teaching as When I am talking to teachers and head teachers about the London challenge, they always talk about the person “the most important controllable factor”. who led it and his assistant and immediate team. I We are aware that the education systems we would wonder about the balance that must be struck between deem to be the most successful are those that promote individual school autonomy, which I am a great supporter success at all levels for all students. We also appreciate of, and having a sense of shared ownership and system that levels of ability are not uniform across schools, let leadership. alone across entire regions. We recognise the challenges I started by commending the Government’s twin that that issue brings; the hon. Member for East Hampshire approach to education, in respect of raising overall outlined it in considerable detail. Some degree of variation attainment and narrowing the gap. It is right that we do in outcomes is to be expected. However, the Ofsted both; it is no good equalising performance around report of 2012-13 identified the north-east and the some sort of acceptable average. A lot has been done, Yorkshire and the Humber region as having an but the gap is still wide. There is much more to do in our “unacceptably large variation” in performance. I will quest for the combination of social justice and economic probably be a bit parochial or regional here. efficiency, which is social mobility or opportunity for all. Although the primary sector in the north-east is There is a lot going for us in that quest. We have among the best in the country, Yorkshire and the Humber unprecedented amounts of data at our fingertips as well has one of the highest proportions nationally of primary as international benchmarking and case studies. Schools schools rated as being less than good. In secondary have been set free to innovate, and we have the Early education, more than 90% of pupils in York attend a Intervention Foundation and the Education Endowment secondary school that is good or outstanding, while in Foundation. There is certainly the political will from Barnsley, only 40 or so miles away, that falls to just 20%. 49WH Educational Attainment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Educational Attainment 50WH (Disadvantaged Pupils) (Disadvantaged Pupils) [Alex Cunningham] school meals outside London, and the gap in attainment between those eligible for free school meals and those Julian Smith: In analysing such issues in Yorkshire, who are not is wider than the national average in does the hon. Gentleman feel that councils of whatever primary schools. Worse still, the gap widens by the time political hue have been coasting for too many years and pupils leave secondary school. need to get real about what they have to do, to get the Her Majesty’s chief inspector of education, children’s performance of their schools up, and markedly? services and skills may be right to assert that children in England now have the best chance they have ever had of Alex Cunningham: I do agree that there are examples attending a good school, but that broad remark fails to of local authorities across the country that have not acknowledge the dramatic regional variations that are been doing the job of driving up standards that we turning education into that most horrible of clichés, a would have hoped for. That varies throughout the country. postcode lottery. Indeed, Her Majesty’s chief inspector However, in local authority areas there are still excellent accepted as much when he described our school system schools, whether they have converted to academy status as or they remain as local authority schools. It is the ones “a tale of two nations.” that are not doing well that the local authorities and others need to turn their attentions to. He said that the system is Across the country, there are nine local authority “divided into lucky and unlucky children.” areas, predominantly in London, where every secondary “Luck” is not a word I work with, but that is what he school student attends a good or outstanding institution. said. He talked of an Yet in 13 local authority areas a majority of secondary “educational lottery that consigns some children to substandard students attend a school that is not good or outstanding. schools and favours others”. Although there are areas of high performance across Her Majesty’s chief inspector is clearly right to state the regions, they are unfortunately far from the norm. that too many children in our country are unlucky, but Ofsted’s report puts it bluntly, saying that secondary too many children from similar backgrounds and with schools in the north-east and Yorkshire and the Humber similar abilities end up with widely different prospects are among the worst in the country. That is not an because the quality of their education is not consistently observation I relish, as a north-east Member of Parliament, good—in other words, because they grew up in different but it is one that we cannot afford to hide from. Those regions and attended different schools with different results are symptomatic of an education system that is opportunities. failing many of our young people, but it is not all about As my hon. Friend the Member for Gateshead outlined, the system; there is something else. the north-south divide means that people in the south As has already been said, the Education Committee can aspire to tremendous things, but there is not so is currently examining the underachievement of white much aspiration in the north and other regions. That is working-class children, many of whom come from not fair. We must develop a system that minimises impoverished working and non-working families living regional and local variations and restores fairness to in areas where jobs are hard to come by and, as is the our education system, ensuring that it delivers the skills case in north-east England, regions where unemployment and knowledge that the young people of today will need continues to go up. We are looking for answers to that to succeed tomorrow. underachievement, and we want to understand the variation We must deliver not only to some young people but across the country. Perhaps the answer is back in early to all young people. A crucial element of attaining that years, as Governments appear to have agreed over the goal is to ensure that our teachers—their teachers—are years. fully equipped to do the job. The path to educational The previous Labour Government did much for early attainment, a path that every parent wants their children years provision. I witnessed that in the north-east region, to follow, is guided by teachers. Nobody, apart from where they did more than ever to give children a better family, is more important in children’s lives. It is clear to chance at the start of their education. However, we are me that the key to securing improved attainment for all, still not reaching the children we need to reach, and the irrespective of the geographical fortune of social loss of provision is a serious concern. It is not wholly circumstance, lies in ensuring that teachers are trained surprising that young people in the north-east and to the highest standards to allow the cycle of progress Yorkshire and the Humber are less likely to attain to continue. results above the national level in the key indicator of five good GCSEs, including English and mathematics, Ian Mearns: Outlining the importance of teachers is than young people from almost anywhere else in the crucial to this debate because, for too many youngsters, country. the school day is an oasis of calm in an otherwise As I said, we have successes in the north-east. The chaotic life. It is all too sad that we are asking teachers Secretary of State for Education, in his evidence to the to put right an awful lot that is wrong for our youngsters. Education Committee last month, talked about Sunderland, Gateshead and other pockets across the region where Alex Cunningham: We certainly do, and I have seen there have been improvements. In my own backyard, some tremendous examples in my constituency and the North Shore academy in my constituency has improved across the Stockton borough of teachers picking up a considerably in the past few years. The school was lot of education. Young children are arriving in nursery developed under Labour and delivered under the current school still not knowing how to use a knife and fork, Government. how to interact properly with children or even how Poverty is a strong and powerful player. The north-east to have a proper conversation. We rely on teachers has the highest proportion of pupils eligible for free tremendously, which is all the more reason why outreach 51WH Educational Attainment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Educational Attainment 52WH (Disadvantaged Pupils) (Disadvantaged Pupils) through children’s centres and other organisations is so Like many in this Chamber, I had some inspirational vital to helping parents and the wider family to help teachers, but I went to a school from which no one had children to develop. ever been to Oxford or Cambridge. It was hoped that I We need good teachers at all levels and in every might get into university, so when I did my summer neighbourhood, each equipped to deliver a modern job, which my father secured for me—patronage is education based on an up-to-date understanding of everywhere—at Llanwern steelworks and phoned up to developments in teaching practice, specific subject get my A-level results, it was much to my surprise that I knowledge and the latest educational tools and technology. had done so well. I went back to take the sandwiches The previous Labour Government responded to the from the canteen to the gang, and one of the men with challenge of failing education with huge investment in whom I was working said, “Youought to go to Oxford.” early years and across the primary and secondary sectors. That was the first time anyone had ever said that to me. The London challenge delivered great results, but that I had completed my A-levels and my schooling and was achievement was not reflected everywhere despite working at Llanwern steelworks, and he was the first unprecedented resources in our schools. person who had ever suggested to me that going to Oxford might be possible. The current Government are seeing some positive results from the pupil premium, but again the success is I feel passionately about this subject, as do many far from universal. I have no doubt that the social colleagues. I welcome the commitment from Members factors that my hon. Friend the Member for Gateshead from all parts of the House to trying to ensure that describes, as well as the quality of education, have to be people can fulfil their potential, and that poverty of addressed to build the desire to learn and the desire of aspiration is overcome as much as the problems resulting all parents to have high expectations of their children so from the economic consequences of poverty. Not that I that they do well in a society that offers equal opportunity was from a poor background, I hasten to add; my for good-quality jobs and careers that can ensure they parents were fortunate enough to be in employment for have a life to enjoy, rather than simply an existence. pretty much all their working lives. The subject is extremely important. In a sense, the debate is about regional disparities, rather than class or 10.16 am ethnicity, although those factors obviously play into it a Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): I congratulate great deal, as the hon. Member for East Hampshire the hon. Member for East Hampshire (Damian Hinds) said. Those disparities also play into the Select Committee’s on securing this debate, which has been excellent so far, report and its inquiry into the performance of white and on his thoughtful and, as ever, intelligent contribution. working-class boys. It is worth considering for a moment I once again congratulate him on the report, which I why white working-class boys are not doing as well as have read and is worthy of reading. I have also read his they should in our education system. Perhaps it is a blog, which is a little more partisan, but I will forgive misnomer to talk about white working-class boys in this him. One has to take such things into account. Heaven context, because it is often as much about the parents’ forfend that we should be partisan. background and their low educational attainment as it I visited Bohunt school in the hon. Gentleman’s is about income. It is also about worklessness and such constituency last year before the Secretary of State for factors within families. Education’s visit, and it is an excellent school that has a The hon. Gentleman talked about how the migrant healthy disregard for Government initiatives, including, factor plays into this issue, particularly in London. I hasten to add, the current Government’s initiatives Perhaps many such families look at the school system such as the EBacc. The school has a progressive approach with fresh eyes and high hopes compared with parents to the curriculum, which I am glad the hon. Gentleman who had a bad experience of the school system. They supports. Perhaps that is why it is such a good school. might have gone through in a low set and absorbed a I also congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for feeling that school was not valuable to them or that they Stockton North (Alex Cunningham) on his extremely were not valued by school. They might then have thoughtful contribution. I look forward to following transmitted that on to their children, which would be a the proceedings of tomorrow’s Education Committee, factor. I think we can all agree that parents’ behaviours before which the Minister will make one of his glittering and attitudes matter in this debate. One thing we should appearances. consider is how we best influence parents and the role that the Government can have in raising parents’aspirations My hon. Friend the Member for Stockton North said and encouraging good parenting on education. We have that Ofsted has talked about young people being lucky to consider policy on parents and not just policy within or unlucky, which triggered a thought, if the Chamber the four walls of the school. will indulge me, about my own background. I feel extremely lucky, because both my parents left school at The issue of geography, which is essentially what the 14, which was not unusual for the working class in my debate is about, and the issue in relation to London parents’ era. My father was an immigrant from the west have been raised, and I will come back to them later. of Ireland, although that part of Ireland was still part of the United Kingdom when he was born, and my Mr Ward: I suspect that the hon. Gentleman will mother was the daughter and sister of coal miners in come on to this, but it is a bit like we are casting the fly the south Wales valleys. They both left school at 14, but into the river; we keep coming near to this thing that I feel lucky because they both cared about education bites for the fly, but then it disappears again, and that and thought that it was an extremely important opportunity. thing is the quality of teaching. We have heard about My father was taken out of school by his father to go on aspirations, parental involvement and career advice and to the farm at a time when his teacher wanted him to so on, but we know about those and we keep coming stay on to get more education, so I feel lucky generationally. back to them. The hon. Member for East Hampshire 53WH Educational Attainment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Educational Attainment 54WH (Disadvantaged Pupils) (Disadvantaged Pupils) [Mr Ward] Mr Ward: In terms of the earlier discussion on the challenge in London, does the hon. Gentleman feel that (Damian Hinds) spoke about the quality of leadership there is a Hawthorne effect in London? Teaching in and management and the Ofsted reports about certain London is seen to be special and teachers held in high schools in certain areas, and we keep coming back to esteem compared with many other parts of the country, this idea of how we get the very best teachers into the where the teaching profession feels undervalued. most difficult schools. How do we deal with that conundrum when someone is deciding where they want to teach or Kevin Brennan: That might well be a factor. There where they want to be a head teacher? have been many initiatives in London and a real attempt to attract good quality graduates into the profession through a number of different routes, including Teach Kevin Brennan: I will come on to that. I was about to First, as the hon. Member for East Hampshire mentioned say that one of the key challenges is on how we motivate in his remarks. I have not seen data to show that the people to go into areas that are struggling with recruiting public regard teachers more highly in London than in and retaining highly effective teachers. How do we other parts of the country, but that might be a factor. spread out excellent teachers to ensure that they are Returning to the point I was making, on 13 January—I available to schools across the country? I will come have asked this question subsequently, too—I asked the back to that later. Minister The previous Government had policies on this issue “when he intends to publish the findings of the most recent and made narrowing the gap a priority, as this Government Teacher Workload Survey.” have. There is evidence that the previous Government Bear in mind that the survey was undertaken in March were successful in narrowing the gap. The Institute for 2013, almost 12 months ago. The Minister’s answer Public Policy Research report “A Long Division”contains was: some helpful information that illustrates that the attainment “Officials are currently analysing the data collected during the gap between the richest and poorest students narrowed 2013 Teacher Workload Survey.”—[Official Report, 13 January between 2003 and 2011. We have to monitor the gap 2014; Vol. 573, c. 360W.] closely to ensure that it does not widen once again. The Now, when one asks a parliamentary question, one never report shows that schools play a part in that, as does expects an answer—certainly not from the Department excellent teaching. Having good and outstanding schools for Education. The relevant word in my question was is an important and necessary method of ensuring that “when”, but there was no reference in the answer to we close the gap, although it is not sufficient in itself. when the Minister intends to publish the report—not We need to think more broadly about policies. even to “shortly”, “soon” or other civil service terms. Nor was there any reference to “in the autumn”—a Many hon. Members will be familiar with the Sutton term that usually extends to 31 December. Trust report, “The Reading Gap”, from July 2013. It showed that boys aged 15 from disadvantaged backgrounds Julian Smith: The shadow Minister seems to be alluding are some two and a half years behind their counterparts to the suggestion that the report contains some sort of from the most advantaged backgrounds. That shows smoking gun that teachers are overworked or unhappy. the problem of the attainment gap. Similarly, a Sutton Would it not be better to focus on what teachers need to Trust report from September 2011 highlighted the point do, which is to improve markedly, and on having a that the hon. Member for Bradford East (Mr Ward) just massive step change in our educational performance? made, namely the importance of high quality teaching. Worrying about what happened last year or whether The executive summary of that report said: teachers are feeling a bit stressed is not the goal. We “The effects of high-quality teaching are especially significant need to get our PISA rankings up, and that should be for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds: over a school year, the priority. these pupils gain 1.5 years’ worth of learning with very effective teachers, compared with 0.5 years with poorly performing teachers. Kevin Brennan: I do not know whether the report In other words, for poor pupils the difference between a good contains a smoking gun; I have no idea what it contains. teacher and a bad teacher is a whole year’s learning.” It cannot contain a smoking gun, because the gun has not been fired, despite us waiting a year to hear what That shows the significance of raising teaching standards the survey says. If the hon. Gentleman would care to and ensuring that they stay high. read in detail the OECD reports on the PISA rankings, Teacher morale matters. I said that in a recent debate he will see that they make the point that teacher morale in the House, although the Minister was unable to matters, and that it is a key component of ensuring that attend on that occasion. Digging down into the detail of our system produces good quality outcomes and, therefore, the programme for international student assessment a component of raising our performance in the PISA report and the OECD reports, they clearly show that in tables. systems where teacher morale is high and teachers feel valued—it is not necessarily where they are the best Ian Mearns: As a member of the Select Committee paid—pupils perform better. The Sutton Trust has shown on Education, I would find it useful if the Department that it is particularly important for disadvantaged pupils published the findings of the teachers’ work load survey. that we have high performing teachers. Will the Minister It would be useful for everyone in the field to see what commit to publishing the data collected during the 2013 those findings are. teacher work load survey? I and others have asked the Also, instead of focusing on PISA rankings, it is Secretary of State to publish that on many occasions. much more important for us to focus on educational We need to know what happens, because teacher morale outcomes for children. That will have a knock-on effect matters to pupil outcomes, particularly those from the on PISA rankings, but the matter is about educational most disadvantaged backgrounds. outcomes for individual children. 55WH Educational Attainment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Educational Attainment 56WH (Disadvantaged Pupils) (Disadvantaged Pupils) Kevin Brennan: My hon. Friend is absolutely correct. structural and cultural revolution, rather than looking I appreciate that the civil service’s work load may be at those key factors and attempting more effectively to great. I understand that in the most recent survey of replicate them. The system has been endangered by civil servants in the Department, many of them expressed wholesale atomisation—the creation of this kind of concern about how they are being treated. However, a Govian archipelago of schools across the country that year is a reasonable period, after a survey has been are not well connected. completed, to publish it. In this day and age, the Department What the London challenge tells us—I sense sometimes does not need to analyse the data; it should just publish that the Schools Minister may have some sympathy them. Others, including the Education Committee, the with this point—is that, while autonomy at school level hon. Member for East Hampshire, who is thorough in is important, it should be provided within a collaborative his research, as we have seen today, and many others in system and a culture of collaboration, with highly qualified the blogosphere so loved by the Secretary of State for and well motivated professionals working together in Education, will tell us what they conclude the survey to the interests of all the children in that particular area. say. Will the Minister commit today to publish the That was the lesson from the Ofsted report, which survey, in the interest of letting us know what is happening should be returned to and should become our mantra in with teachers; whether the Government are getting it trying to improve schools across the country. We should right in doing what they said they wanted to do in their not simply rely on the idea that changing the sign at the White Paper a few years ago, which is to give proper front of the school and introducing academies and free status to the importance of teaching; and whether the schools will solve all our problems. It will not, and any work force is well motivated by the Government’s policies? intelligent analysis will show that. I hope that he will tell us in his conclusion when he will We accept that we now have a variety of different publish the report, with the emphasis on “when”. types of schools, but let us re-introduce into the system The London factor was mentioned a lot in this debate. the values of the London challenge that have been There is considerable evidence of the impact of the shown to be valuable in raising standards. That is not to London challenge. I accept what the hon. Member for say that everything from London is replicable across the East Hampshire said in his remarks—that that is not country, due to many of the factors mentioned by the the only factor we should consider regarding the hon. Member for East Hampshire, but it is clear that performance of London’s schools, which have outperformed they are key features of the London challenge that schools in other parts of the country and are the most worked, and features of school systems in other parts of improved schools in the country—but the London challenge the world that show them to be a success. is undoubtedly an important part of the London factor. I am conscious of time and I want to leave the An Ofsted report published in 2010 found the London Minister with time to respond, so I will briefly say a few challenge to be a great success. The report attributed more things. We have not heard much today about the that to a number of factors: importance of early years. I am not going to speak “Clear, consistent leadership…Improvement programmes which extensively about what the previous Government did on matched strategies to the needs of individual schools…Strategic that; it has already been mentioned by other colleagues. deployment of support from the London Leadership We welcome and support—in fact, we proposed this—the Strategy…Successful heads mentoring head teachers in target extension of early years to two-year-olds. However, we schools…Sensitive matching of partners under the leadership of need to do much more on that, and we need to have a LC advisers…Support, ‘without strings attached and without much better offer for parents, particularly in relation to conflicts of interest’, from local authorities…external consultants child care. We have already proposed a primary child or teaching schools aimed at raising the quality of teaching and learning…Collaboration between schools and grouping schools care guarantee and extending free child care for three in families…Continuing development programmes for and four-year-olds from 15 hours to 24 hours per week. teachers…Teachers being committed to all London children not The Government ought to consider those proposals. just those in their own school…The development of robust The pupil premium has been mentioned. Let us be tracking systems to monitor children’s progress.” clear: it was not really a premium, in the sense that it did Those kinds of factors are the ones we should be not constitute any extra money in the system. When in seeking to replicate across the country. I have a concern—I opposition, the Schools Minister had said that there put it no more strongly than that, in this more academic would be additional money— forum this morning—that elements of the Government’s approach to education policy are militating against the The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws) indicated ability to achieve the 10 key factors that were identified dissent. in the Ofsted report. Kevin Brennan: The Minister may challenge the figures Damian Hinds: Just out of interest—this is not meant if he likes. The premium constituted no real increase in to be a political challenge—regarding all the things the the schools budget. I know that the Minister is an hon. Gentleman mentioned that could be replicated, economist, so if he wants to challenge what I say, he the Labour Government tried to do that in 2008 in the can, but it is a fact. When is a premium not a premium? black country and in Manchester. I am interested in his When it is a pupil premium. Nevertheless we welcome analysis of why there was no read-across. the focus on the most deprived children, and we need to talk more about how best to use what is in effect a Kevin Brennan: I think there was some read-across, ring-fenced part of the school budget to close the gap. particularly in Manchester, where it worked better than There is no silver bullet for that, or for overcoming elsewhere. I do not think the policy was given enough regional differences identified by the hon. Member time. This Government were wrong to abandon that for East Hampshire, but the factors I have mentioned approach when they came in, in favour of a wholesale are important, and teaching quality is essential. The 57WH Educational Attainment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Educational Attainment 58WH (Disadvantaged Pupils) (Disadvantaged Pupils) [Kevin Brennan] will be published, not just shortly, but on 4 March. In the very near future he will be able to see all the Government are getting that wrong with their message information and get all the answers he wants. about unqualified teachers, and we think all teachers should be willing to become qualified so that the profession Alex Cunningham: Will the Minister give us a few can be valued, so that they are up to date with the best headlines from the report? pedagogical methods, and so that they understand child development properly. Strengthening parents’ role is Mr Laws: I certainly do not intend to get into trouble vital and we need to think about how best to do that. by falling into the hon. Gentleman’s trap and giving out We have not talked much about the social and emotional information that has not yet been approved. It would be aspects of learning, but those are important for children, an affront to Parliament. and especially those from deprived backgrounds. We We have had a good debate and talked about the need to give more careful consideration to approaches challenge of raising attainment and closing the gap. My such as mindfulness for improving the attentiveness and hon. Friend the Member for East Hampshire talked in emotional well-being of children in school. Those are some detail about the pupil premium. Among the important factors in a good education. achievements of the coalition Government that is one of the policies I am proudest of. The pupil premium will Ian Mearns: The Select Committee recently went to rise next year to the full amount of funding that we Peterborough and met a gaggle of primary school heads. said, at the beginning of the Parliament, we would They said that because of the state in which some allocate to it—£2.5 billion. That means an uplift, for youngsters were coming to school they were using pupil each disadvantaged young person who receives it, of premium money to feed them. £1,300 in primary education and £935 in secondary education. That makes, and will in future make, a Kevin Brennan: Children often come to school with massive difference to the schools with the additional more than just the books in their schoolbags—they funding. come with their home issues; and sometimes, unfortunately, they come with little in their bellies. I am a former Contrary to what the hon. Member for Cardiff West teacher and it is difficult to teach them if they are suggested, that is on top of the existing cash protection hungry, or if they are distressed or perturbed because of per pupil. It is happening at a time of austerity in the something that has happened at home. We need to focus public sector, which would have been necessary whichever on more rounded issues to do with the child in education, party was in power, and when we have been deliberately if we are to close the gap. controlling the cost of schools by keeping down their biggest cost—teachers’ salaries. That has not been popular The shadow Education Secretary, my hon. Friend the with teachers, but it has enabled us to contain costs Member for Leeds West (Rachel Reeves), has made a while putting in additional money. Hon. Members will big contribution to the debate recently, which I welcome, be aware from visiting schools that the ones that receive with reference to the importance of character and resilience, a lot of pupil premium money, because they have many and schools’ role in helping to develop those qualities in children who qualify for it, notice the difference even in young people. Those are the bedrock of educational the present tough times. In Redcar, for instance, where attainment, and will contribute to closing the gap. the local economy has never properly recovered from the recession of the 1980s, I have visited schools where 10.42 am 80% or 90% of the young people are entitled to the The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): It is a pupil premium, which enables teachers and head teachers pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Caton. I to transform their opportunities. want to start in the traditional way by congratulating my hon. Friend the Member for East Hampshire (Damian Alex Cunningham: My hon. Friend the Member for Hinds) on securing the debate and choosing such an Gateshead alluded earlier to children on the margins, important issue—not just for education policy, but for particularly the children of the working poor, who are the challenges the country faces. I congratulate him, just below the threshold to qualify for the pupil premium. too, on setting out the case in such a thoughtful, measured Are there plans to address that, particularly for areas way. He built it strongly on recent work on educational such as the north-east, where the attainment gap is disadvantage by the all-party group on social mobility, wider? which he chairs, and highlighted some of the challenges that any Government will face in the coming years in Mr Laws: That is an important point. Some of the dealing with low attainment and the unacceptable gap ways in which we now allocate funding for disadvantage in out-turns between those from advantaged and go beyond the pupil premium. They include area-based disadvantaged backgrounds. methods and prior attainment, a factor that many local I thank other hon. Members who spoke. There were authorities use. It is not only through the pupil premium good speeches from the hon. Members for Stockton that we channel money into schools. However, I am North (Alex Cunningham) and for Cardiff West (Kevin serious when I say that we are keeping under review the Brennan), and interventions from my hon. Friend the question of whether in future we should have a different Member for Bradford East (Mr Ward) and the hon. way of targeting money at disadvantage. The hon. Member for Gateshead (Ian Mearns). I should put the Member for Gateshead raised the question of free hon. Member for Cardiff West out of his misery before school meals targeting, and whether that is sufficient. It he intervenes on me to ask about the teachers’ work is worth keeping other options in mind for the future load survey, which he has become obsessed about. I beyond the current Parliament. I was interested in his have fantastic news for him, which will make his day: it comments about the Netherlands experience of targeting 59WH Educational Attainment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Educational Attainment 60WH (Disadvantaged Pupils) (Disadvantaged Pupils) money towards children whose parents do not have As is well known, London schools are better funded, strong educational qualifications. We should not assume but we need to be careful about drawing easy conclusions that we have the perfect method for allocating disadvantage from that. Part of the headline difference simply relates funding at the moment, and should seek constantly to to area cost. London also has above-average unemployment build on what we do and improve it. and deprivation, so it might be expected to attract The performance of disadvantaged pupils has improved higher levels of funding on average. As my hon. Friend across the country since the coalition Government came pointed out, however, London has less experienced to power in 2010, and it improved before that. The teachers and larger, rather than smaller, class sizes, proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals who although it has more sponsored academies, which have achieve the expected standard in maths at the end of been making impressive progress under this Government primary school has risen from 66% to 74% since 2010, and the previous Labour Government in raising attainment and the gap between those children and their peers has and narrowing the gaps. narrowed by 4 percentage points. The picture is similar My hon. Friend also mentioned Teach First. It is true at key stage 4. The proportion of pupils eligible for free that around half of Teach First graduates are in London. school meals achieving at least five A* to C grade That is a hugely disproportionate share, but it reflects GCSEs, including English and maths, has risen from the fact that the programme started in London and 31% in 2010 to 38% in 2013. The gap between those that, to some extent, it is easier to find young people youngsters on free school meals and the rest of the who after university want to be located in our biggest pupil population has narrowed. As my hon. Friend cities. I am delighted that Teach First not only has the Member for East Hampshire pointed out, however, doubled in size since 2010 to become the country’s the performance of disadvantaged pupils is different largest graduate recruiter, but will from next year be throughout the United Kingdom and throughout England. present in every single region of the country. I hope that will ensure that we get effective teachers teaching in schools throughout the country and not only in our Kevin Brennan: Does the Minister agree that one largest cities. should not be complacent about such things? In England last year, the GCSE attainment gap widened in 72 out It is worth pointing out, as a number of hon. Members of 152 local authority areas. In 66 areas, it was larger have, that Teach First will only ever provide a minority than it was two years previously. In England as a whole, of teachers in this country. My hon. Friend the Member the gap was 26.7% last year, up from 26.4% in 2011-12, for Bradford East invited us to think about what more which means we should not be complacent. could be done to develop the talents of the rest of the teaching work force. After all, we have around a third of a million teachers, and we need to ensure that we attend Mr Laws: We certainly should not be complacent at to all of them and focus not simply on the Teach First all. We have a huge amount of progress to make in programme, important though that is. reducing the gap. In the previous year, 2012, there was a We need to look at ways in which to get teachers to particularly large reduction in the gap at secondary some of the most challenging schools and we need level, so I am not surprised to see some push back to allow schools to use the pupil premium in whatever against that in 2013. The trend is still clearly downwards, ways are effective, including paying to attract better but there is a long way to go and I would like a much teachers to the more challenging schools. We know, more rapid pace of progress than we have had in recent however, that some people will not move around the years. country, for family and other reasons, and we have to be A number of Members, including my hon. Friend the able to recruit good teachers throughout the country, in Member for East Hampshire, pointed out that progress every single area and region. We cannot assume that in London has been more impressive over the past teachers can be moved around. decade or so, as was said in the all-party group’s report, In some local authorities, our schools are not doing “Capital Mobility”, which was published at the end of well. For example, in England as a whole, just under last year. Disadvantaged young people in London are 80% of schools are now good or outstanding, which is now more than 10 percentage points more likely to the highest figure since Ofsted began, but in 13 local achieve five A* to C grades including English and authorities fewer than half of all secondary pupils are maths than those in the next highest-performing region. in such schools. None of those authorities is in London. The gap between disadvantaged young people and their They are clustered in Yorkshire and the Humber, in peers is narrowest in London. places such as Bradford, Doncaster, East Riding and We need to ask, as my hon. Friend did, what the Barnsley; and in the north-west, in places such as St Helens, important factors in London are. He was able to put Blackpool, Salford and Tameside. aside some factors that do not appear to be explanatory In 14 local authorities, the attainment of free school and to identify others that are significant, such as meal pupils at key stage 4 is more than 10 percentage aspiration among young people in London being higher, points below the national average for such pupils. In for which there is some evidence. There is also a different places such as Barnsley and Portsmouth, performance ethnic mix in London, compared with much of the rest is appalling: only 22% and 23% respectively of children of the country, with a greater proportion of London eligible for the pupil premium achieved five good GCSEs pupils from high-performing ethnic groups such as including English and maths, which is only just over Chinese, Indian and Korean. There is also important half the national figure. Achievement for that group of and impressive performance by many ethnically Pakistani pupils declined in 2013 in both places. In 12 local and Bangladeshi children, who perform better than authorities, attainment at the end of key stage 4 for white children in London, but worse than white children pupils eligible for free school meals was lower in 2013 outside London. than in 2010. That, too, is completely unacceptable. 61WH Educational Attainment 25 FEBRUARY 2014 62WH (Disadvantaged Pupils) [Mr Laws] Post Office Closure (Sutton)

Ofsted is addressing regional underperformance through 11 am its regional inspection arrangements, with focused inspections of local authorities and groups of schools. Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam) (LD): It is great to It is carrying out inspections not only of schools, but of have the opportunity to raise this matter in Westminster school improvement functions. I welcome the chief Hall this morning, and to debate the issue with the inspector’s plans to ask challenging questions of local Minister. I look forward to his response to the issues I authorities and others about their contribution to school want to bring on behalf of constituents and business improvement. After each such inspection, the Department interests in my constituency. looks carefully at Ofsted’s conclusions. Where the chief There is a proposal to close two Crown post offices in inspector is unhappy with a response, we will take Sutton and create one replacement Crown post office. action as necessary. The Crown post office in the St Nicholas shopping In the case of the Isle of Wight, we issued a direction centre is to close. That is in Sutton high street—I will under the Education Act 1996, which required the local say more about the geography of my constituency and authority to enter into a strategic partnership with the town in a minute. Under the proposals, its business Hampshire to tackle its weakness in school improvement. will be transferred to another post office, on Grove We will not hesitate to intervene again where local road, outside the main commercial district of Sutton authorities fail in their Ofsted inspections on school town centre. improvement and where they fail to improve swiftly or I will start by giving some geographical context. to rise to the challenge. Sutton town centre is on an old coaching route out of We are keen to see local authorities and sponsor London towards Brighton. That might not seem groups on the front foot, taking the initiative, rather immediately relevant until I mention that the sites of than waiting to be challenged by Ofsted or the Department. the old coaching inns at the top and bottom of the We are heartened to see initiatives breaking out in many town—the Angel inn and the Cock inn—are at the parts of the country to lead improvement in schools, bottom and top of a hill. In just under 1 km, the climb such as “By schools for schools” in Greater Manchester. from the bottom of my town centre to its top covers We are targeting schools and local authorities where 25 metres, so it is quite a haul to get from bottom to the the attainment of disadvantaged pupils is unacceptably top of that hill. That is one of the challenges of how low. I recently wrote to 214 schools—115 primary and town centres have been constructed over the years. 99 secondary—with the poorest value-added progress The climb is an issue that comes up in my mailbag among disadvantaged pupils. I will shortly be writing to and it leads to people not always choosing to shop in the schools, local authorities, dioceses and academy Sutton. The proposals will result in the Crown post sponsors so that they may provide additional challenge. office in the St Nicholas centre, which at the heart of the A number of Members mentioned the importance in town, being closed, and the next nearest being at the top a system of autonomous schools of having more school- of the hill. That will be an inconvenience. It is vexing to-school support to ensure that we spread best practice. many of my constituents, although it is not the only That is extremely important and something that the reason why they feel vexed by the proposals. Department takes seriously. Teaching school alliances The coaching inns have gone, and so have the coaches, and peer support networks can be effective in raising and today we have a Crown post office at the top of the standards. Currently, 345 teaching schools cover around town and one in the middle of the town. At the moment, 4,800 other schools. In September, the Secretary of State the proposals seem to amount to the Post Office placing announced an expansion to reach a total of 600 alliances its own convenience ahead of that of the public. The by 2016. I have seen for myself—in Redditch, for example— closure of the post office in the middle of the town will the importance of such arrangements and what the cause the maximum inconvenience to the maximum alliances can do for work on school improvement. number of customers of the Post Office’s services. We also need more national leaders of education in I have a number of objections to the proposals, as do those parts of the country in which they are in short the London borough of Sutton local authority and supply, as my hon. Friend the Member for East Hampshire many other interested parties. The first, as I have said, is mentioned. We need a programme to support our best the geography and topography of the area, which is an leaders and deputy leaders taking up posts in parts of important consideration, particularly for some of the the country in which there are large gaps and weaknesses people who use the services. Sutton has a stable and in educational attainment. That will not necessarily suit settled population, and around the town centre there is everyone, because many people have family and other a large elderly population. Those people are being told commitments to keep them in particular places. Many that they must now climb to the top of the hill to use the are willing to move, however—people with high aspirations, remaining post office in Grove road. I should stress that who might already have already improved their schools Grove road is part of Sutton’s one-way system, which and be willing to attempt it elsewhere in the country. allows the high street—the main commercial district of From September 2015, the talented leaders programme the town—to be a pedestrian-only area. Grove road is a announced by my right hon. Friend the Deputy Prime wide, busy, fast road and marks an important break Minister will start by matching 100 head teachers with between the retail heart of the town and the outer parts underperforming schools in areas that struggle to attract of the area. and develop outstanding school leaders. In these ways, I have received expressions of support and of concern we hope to spread the improvement that we have seen in about the proposals, not only from residents but from areas such as London to the whole country. local businesses. Sutton town centre has a business improvement district, called Successful Sutton—a really 63WH Post Office Closure (Sutton)25 FEBRUARY 2014 Post Office Closure (Sutton) 64WH good initiative taken by the town’s business leaders, My requests to the Minister are as follows. Will he who have taken the opportunity to use resources to assure me that customers will be put first, and in the invest in their own future. As part of Successful Sutton, event of a merger the best location for the post office there was a pre-Christmas offer to shoppers that introduced will be the Post Office’s priority? Secondly, will he press a complimentary customer buggy, similar to the sort of the Post Office to re-engage with the owners of the buggies used at airports, to transport people up and St Nicholas centre and to discuss options with Sutton down the hill I just mentioned. The director of Successful council and with me? Thirdly, will he clarify the safeguards Sutton, Ross Feeney, has told me that when the users of and guarantees that are in place already or could be the service were surveyed ahead of its proposed winding put in place should the Grove road Crown post office down after Christmas, many said that one of their become the candidate for the new merged and expanded principal concerns, and one reason that they would like Crown post office, so that, down the line, my constituents the service to be retained, was the threatened closure of do not face the prospect of a redevelopment leading to the post office in the St Nicholas centre. another search for an alternative location for a Crown post office? It was not only customers who were concerned. Successful Sutton has also told me that, as the leader of local Those are the issues I want to put to the Minister businesses in the town centre, it is concerned, and many today. They are causes of concern for my local authority, of its members have expressed concern as well, for a the local business community, local residents and local number of reasons. When I met Successful Sutton’s traders. I hope that he will be able to give us some representatives to discuss the closure, they were particularly indication of how the Post Office can engage constructively concerned about the impact it would have on cash with those issues and I look forward to his response. businesses in the town, which need to be able to bank their money at the end of the day. The convenience of 11.9 am having a post office in the heart of the retail district was The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew important to those businesses, for safety and security Hancock): It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, and their ability to carry on with business operations. Mr Caton, and to respond to this debate. I congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and Cheam Another concern raised was that traders want easy (Paul Burstow) on securing the debate and welcome the access to parcel services. As the proposals would close a opportunity to discuss post office provision in Sutton post office in a major shopping mall, a further issue is and more broadly. I acknowledge the role he has played the loss of footfall and potential loss of trade. Post and the reasonable tone he has adopted in tackling the offices are often important anchors in such facilities. tricky issue of the best future for the Post Office and its The impact is not just on the general public but on the customers in Sutton. business community and the town itself. We all recognise the Post Office’s vital role in our I referred earlier to the Post Office putting its own communities throughout the country. Communities are convenience ahead of the public’s, and I hope the worried whenever changes are proposed to the post Minister will be able to help by getting some information office network, not least because, as well as being shops, from the Post Office and possibly Royal Mail. The they are a vital hub of the local community. That is one Grove road Crown post office is leased from Royal reason why we made a commitment to provide almost Mail, on what I understand are very favourable terms—part £2 billion in the years to 2018 to protect the post office of the reason why the Post Office wishes to consolidate network, to ensure service provision in communities activity at that site. However, the site is a valuable piece and to put the network on a long-term footing. As I am of real estate. Although at present there is nothing, to sure my right hon. Friend expects, that will be the basis my knowledge, in the development pipeline, its location of my response today. next to Sutton railway station must make it a candidate We are acting now to the tune of almost £2 billion for consideration by Royal Mail as to whether best use and are committed to ensuring that the post office is being made of the site in the long run. The future of network is sustainable in the long term. That is particularly that site is a real question, as is the impact there would important following the closure programmes in 2003 be on provision of Crown post office services if the site and 2008, which saw 5,500 post offices close permanently were to be disposed of and redeveloped in future. under the previous Government. This Government’s I turn to the St Nicholas centre post office itself. My extra spending on the post office network to secure its understanding is that the Post Office walked away from future has achieved the most stable network in more negotiations about renewing that site’s lease despite the than two decades. flexible approach being adopted by the owners of the The closure programme impacted on many St Nicholas centre. I hope that the Minister will pursue constituencies, including Sutton, and we must take account with the Post Office the issue of whether those negotiations of later changes within the context of 5,500 post offices might be reopened. having closed over the last decade or so. Some local sub-post offices in Sutton closed in the last decade, and Sutton faces an unwelcome consultation about the I hope that my right hon. Friend agrees that our long-term loss of its post office. I think that there is a case for spending to secure a sustainable future for the network keeping both Crown post offices; I know that is what is the right broad approach. We are ensuring that a my constituents would prefer, but I am sure that I am minimum network size of 11,500 branches is maintained going to be told the economic costs of doing so and just and investing in those branches to ensure that they are how expensive Crown post offices are. However, if there high quality, attractive and more financially sustainable. is to be a merger, the Post Office must put the needs of its customers first. Maintaining a Crown post office in Paul Burstow: The Minister is right to talk about the the heart of the retail centre of the town should be the loss of sub-post offices in my constituency and many minimum the Post Office seeks to do. others. A map of Sutton and Cheam shows large gaps 65WH Post Office Closure (Sutton)25 FEBRUARY 2014 Post Office Closure (Sutton) 66WH

[Paul Burstow] that is out for consultation, so there would be advantages for customers as well as the obvious challenges that my in the network, with inconvenience for people who need right hon. Friend highlights. The merged branch will access to a post office. One has been closed for a long have considerable investment, and it will be refurbished time, but was never formally closed. I hope we will hear and modernised with a brighter environment. It will good news about that one reopening. have new technologies, an additional counter and a private consultation room. It will offer a wider range of Matthew Hancock: I cannot give my right hon. Friend services than are currently available at the high street good news on that today, but I am sure that his point branch, including an external cash machine and identity will be noted. We all care about post offices because services, allowing customers to apply for passports and they are critical to hundreds and thousands of small driving licences more easily. businesses and the many millions of customers who use them daily for the diverse range of services on offer in The high street Crown post office costs around £2 to the branches. I agree that local people of all ages and operate for every £1 of revenue that it brings in. The backgrounds regularly use post offices for mail and Grove road Crown post office costs £1.50 to operate for access to finance. The Post Office is living through a every £1 of revenue that it generates. I am sure my right period of technological change and it is vital in a world hon. Friend will understand that those costs are not of new technology, and to a positive and sustainable sustainable. If the two branches are merged, the Post future, that it can provide those services while allowing office will not only make its business more efficient but post offices to remain a hub for local communities. will protect services for the long term and make the I turn to the proposals for the Sutton Crown post branch sustainable, which is vital for local communities, office. The post office network is diverse and of the customers and small businesses. existing 11,800 branches only around 360—the Crown I understand that the Post Office considered several branches— are directly owned and operated by the Post options before proposing the merger and it was decided Office. The rest are operated by independent business that the current proposal offers the maximum benefits, people—sub-postmasters—who play a key role. The so it is out for consultation. My right hon. Friend asked 360 Crown branches represent only a small proportion about negotiations with the landlords of the high street of the total number of branches, but they are important premises. The Post Office has obviously approached the to the network as a whole because they tend to be larger current landlords but has not been able to negotiate a and to earn the greatest revenue. However, they also renewal rent that is better value for money than the have the highest costs, and they have been responsible current proposal to retain Grove road. Those conversations for a significant proportion of the Post Office’s losses in have taken place, but I cannot say whether there is more recent years. Bringing the Post Office into a sustainable to be done. Discussions have taken place, but were not long-term position involves trying to ensure that we get concluded successfully. Under the plan, customers will a grip on those losses. continue to have access to Grove road’s large Crown Last year, the 360 Crown post offices lost a total of post office, which will be improved, but the merger also £37 million throughout the country. Those losses are plans to eliminate the losses incurred in the branches, not sustainable, which is why the Post Office is working making them more sustainable and the whole post hard to tackle them. Probably the best way of doing so office system in Sutton more financially viable for the is through increasing revenue, which is a mark of a long term. rejuvenated post office network. In a similar vein, costs Having said all that, no decision has been taken. As must be reduced, and that includes the Post Office my right hon. Friend is aware, a consultation is out. I working with its employees and stakeholders to introduce am encouraged by the open dialogue taking place between new technologies. the Post Office and the council to see whether alternative We are investing about £70 million in 300 branches to options can be considered. All the issues, including the make them more attractive to customers and to identify topography and customer convenience, will be taken savings in property costs. We are making a short-term into account in the consultation. I urge any interested investment to ensure that costs are brought under control parties to submit their views to the Post Office as part of and revenue is increased to ensure that the Crown post the process and ensure that the community’s concerns offices come into balance. Those activities will deliver and points are considered appropriately. considerable benefits, but expanding revenue alone is not enough, so the Post Office is exploring the possibility of franchising about 70 Crown post offices and merging Paul Burstow: I want to ask the Minister about one around six Crown branches. That brings me to Sutton. other thing—he might not be able to help with it today, We must make the post office network sustainable for but perhaps through his officials he could come back to the long term. The Post Office is considering merging me. I am talking about the status of the Grove road post two branches in Sutton, which are less than half a mile office and guarantees about its future, given that it is apart. As my right hon. Friend said, the consultation is such a prime site for future development. still open. The situation is unusual because normally there is only one Crown post office for any given area. Matthew Hancock: I shall certainly get back to him Due to the Post Office’s franchising and merging activity with the position on longer-term guarantees about Grove and the imminent expiry of the lease on the High street road, should that be the option that goes forward after Crown post office, it is reviewing the configuration of consultation on the proposal. Discussions with the council the Crown post offices in the area. will be exploring a range of options, including the Merging the high street and Grove road branches will council identifying potential alternatives for a post office bring the benefit of more investment in the single close to the town centre, taking on board considerations Crown post office that will remain under the proposal about negotiations on the high street site and the location 67WH Post Office Closure (Sutton) 25 FEBRUARY 2014 68WH of the Grove road site. Discussions with the council Land Registry about an alternative location are part of the ongoing consultation. I urge the council to continue to work with the Post [MR CHARLES WALKER in the Chair] Office to try and address local concerns, while providing a sustainable, long-term financial future for post office 2.30 pm services. I know that Post Office management remain open to discussing all those options with the council Mrs Siân C. James (Swansea East) (Lab): I am pleased and trying to find a solution, in response to the consultation, to have secured this important debate and thank the that is best not only for the Post Office, but for the Post Minister for attending. I will declare an interest at the Office’s customers, who are a vital part of the Post top and state that the Land Registry has its largest Office, too. facility in the UK in my constituency of Swansea East. To sum up, I fully appreciate the concerns of not only That provides a substantial number of jobs and plays my right hon. Friend but his constituents about the an important role in the socio-economic life of Swansea proposed changes. I hope that I have been able to set East and the surrounding areas. out some of the thinking behind why the consultation On 23 January, the Minister announced plans to has been proposed in this way and also given some launch a consultation on ending the Land Registry’s assurances that the consultation is ongoing and that all status as a trading fund. The consultation exercise options are being considered. The reasonable approach proposed two things: first, that Her Majesty’s Land being taken by my right hon. Friend, the council and Registry be separated into an office of the chief land Post Office management is right. Everybody understands registrar and a service delivery arm; and secondly that that the losses in the Crown network were unsustainable. the service delivery arm be transferred out of the civil Given that finance is available to put together an option service and become a company, either a Government-owned that can be sustainable over the long term, it is important company—a GovCo—or a private or quasi-private that the process is gone through, but I am glad that it is company. open and consultative. The consultation closes in early Currently, the Land Registry, as a trading fund, is April, so anybody wanting submit a view has just over entirely self-funding and therefore no drain on the a month to put their points to the Post Office. I will Government purse. Furthermore, year on year the service ensure, and can provide reassurance, that the Post Office makes a surplus, which is passed on to the public by way is listening to all points and options that are put on of reduced costs for usage of the service and by way of the table. providing the Treasury with significant income. In closing, I hope that my right hon. Friend recognises The Public and Commercial Services Union suggests, not only the understanding of the vital role that post and I agree, that only by keeping the Land Registry’s offices play in communities, but that this genuine trading fund status can the service maintain its necessary consultation is about trying to find the best, financially independence, impartiality and accountability. I also secure, long-term solution to having a post office in the believe that the status of the organisation as it stands middle of Sutton—whether through the proposal on offers best value in providing a land registration service the table now or through other options being considered to the public. Given the success of the current service, with the council. Although some changes are likely, I not to include in the consultation a proposal to retain hope that, in the longer term, they will bring benefits to the current trading fund status seems ludicrous. It is his constituents and reassure them that they will have certainly not a good business move and shows a distinct a sustainable post office network to serve them in the lack of forward thinking by the Land Registry executives. way we all know and understand is so vital to our local Let me give some background. The Land Registry communities. has been a non-ministerial Department since 1862. It was established as an Executive agency of the Lord 11.25 am Chancellor in July 1990 and as a trading fund in April Sitting suspended. 1993. The main aims and functions of Her Majesty’s Land Registry are set out in the framework document of 2008. As with other non-ministerial Departments, the Land Registry’s functions have always been entirely statutory.It has no prerogative powers. The Land Registry’s main statutory functions are to keep a register of title to freehold and leasehold land throughout England and Wales, and to provide the statutory service of registering, on a daily basis, the many thousands of new titles and dealings with land. That includes registering mortgages, changes of ownership and many other legal interests. There are many challenges for the future. I repeat that the Land Registry’s managerial dilemma appears to be what sort of company the Land Registry should become—a GovCo or a private enterprise—but where is the evidence that changing from a trading fund to any sort of company would meet the Department’s objectives? None has been provided. The current system is tried, tested, evaluated and proven; and as the old adage goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. 69WH Land Registry25 FEBRUARY 2014 Land Registry 70WH

Mr Henry Bellingham (North West Norfolk) (Con): I Mrs James: I thank my hon. Friend for that intervention. have been approached by a number of companies in my Yes, the proposal beggars belief and causes me concern. constituency, including Norfolk Information Ltd, trading It causes me even greater concern when I consider that as the Property Search Group, Index Property Information that is how hard work and loyalty are repaid. We hear and AW Searches, which is also trading as the Property much about the training of staff and the investment in Search Group. They all say that the changes being staff and training, but now we are considering losing an proposed are important and that a much longer consultation excellently trained and efficient work force, and at what period is needed, particularly when we are talking about cost? That is of great concern. It is of even greater small and medium-sized enterprises, many of which are concern that we could even think about moving these expanding. As the Minister correctly keeps reminding people out of a job that is doing such great and good us, SMEs are the lifeblood of our economy. things for us as a society. No comparisons have been made to show how a Mrs James: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that company would achieve more than the organisation intervention. I will come to the importance of SMEs, does with the current trading fund status. No information the role that they have in the process and how we must is being offered as to how the supposed benefits of protect their interests. change, said to be agility, alignment and capability, will be achieved or even what those mean. The Government Mr Peter Hain (Neath) (Lab): I congratulate my hon. claim that a change in status from a trading fund would Friend on securing the debate and on the eloquence allow with which she is advancing her case. Is she aware that “greater flexibilities to operate around pay, recruitment and possibly the proposal has cast a big shadow of uncertainty and provide other services”. job insecurity over the staff of the organisation, some I suggest that there is ample scope in the current model of whom work in my constituency, which is nearby, and to accommodate all of those. that when Tesco recently advertised for staff to open a The Minister has declined to provide vital information local store in nearby Briton Ferry, 15 posts attracted to Parliament, as demonstrated in his responses to 600 applicants? These are communities of very high written parliamentary questions on 13 February on the unemployment, and job insecurity is therefore a big Land Registry’s business strategy and new plans for problem in the area. service delivery. I crave your patience now, Mr Walker, because I would like to quote directly two of the responses. Mrs James: It is. I thank my right hon. Friend for The first states: that intervention. The Land Registry jobs are quality, “The way in which Land Registry’s services are delivered will well paid and well respected posts, and it is very important likely change as the business pursues a digital, efficiency and that we retain them in a mixed economy and give job modernisation agenda through its Business Strategy. This will opportunities and a way forward to people from all continue irrespective of the outcome of the consultation—including sorts of backgrounds. I am very loth to lose one job, of if the status quo is maintained.” any type or description, from my constituency when, as He continues on the theme of service delivery, stating: he has just pointed out, they are all very important. “The target operating model”, which is the Land Registry service delivery plan, Have the Government failed to notice that the Land Registry has a customer satisfaction rating of 98%—a “includes initial operational planning based on the number of LR business delivery assumptions. The consultation reflects a broader rating that many large-scale, international and well and different range of issues, as it considers and seeks views on a known organisations would love to have—that it operates range of Land Registry commercial models. Some parts of the at no cost to the taxpayer and that it made £98.8 million TOM will be affected by the consultation’s outcome. Therefore, it last year for the Treasury? That was used to reduce fees would be misleading to provide further details.”—[Official Report, and to invest back into our everyday lives. Why is the 13 February 2014; Vol. 575, c. 773-774W.] Minister not standing up and congratulating that The Minister cannot have it both ways. If, as he claims, organisation on its effectiveness rather than swinging the proposed changes to service delivery will continue the sword of Damocles over its head? irrespective of the outcome of the consultation, he can The service users—every person in the UK who owns hardly refuse to reveal those changes on the basis that property—need a reliable, low-cost and secure land they would be misleading. registration service that also guards against the ever- The PCS has provided me with its formal consultation increasing crime of property fraud. Nothing in the response, which demonstrates that part of the rationale current proposal provides any evidence that moving to for moving from a trading fund to a company is tied to a commercial model will improve the existing service, so “speeding up” new methods of service delivery. That I ask again: why mend what is not broken? The talk is new service delivery, which is part of the Government’s rhetorical. digital by default agenda, appears to be a plan to remove the vast majority of the service provision of Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): My hon. land registration from the Land Registry and move it to Friend is, as has been said, making an excellent speech. the customers—conveyancers and solicitors. Those solicitors On behalf of my constituents who work in the Birkenhead and conveyancers will have to self-serve and they, not office, does she agree that her point—if it isn’t broke, the Land Registry, will have to register legal interests in why are we fixing it?—is apposite, and that, at a time of dealing with land on behalf of the public. If that is what high levels of insecurity, especially in parts of the country is planned, where is the evidence that solicitors and such as the north-west, the proposal adds insult to conveyancers have been consulted? injury for people such as my constituents who have The Government purport to be a friend of small worked incredibly hard for the satisfaction scores she businesses, but what evidence is there that small and mentions? medium-sized high street firms can make those changes 71WH Land Registry25 FEBRUARY 2014 Land Registry 72WH and become self-servers in land registration for the Swansea East (Mrs James) on her speech, and I would public without incurring massive costs in IT equipment like to put on the record that she will be a loss to the and increased staffing? If the Government put an end House when she leaves at the general election. She is a to the current low-cost, efficient public service of land diligent and hard-working Member. registration and make solicitors and conveyancers undertake Almost four years ago, I stood on the other side of that work, how will that change be reflected in the the Chamber opposite the then Justice Minister Michael prices paid by the public? How will such momentous Wills, who represented North Swindon. During that changes fit in with the aim of making the system less debate, I argued against the changes to the Land Registry vulnerable to increasing property fraud? We need answers estate that had been mooted by the previous Labour to those questions. Government. Those changes were driven by the Lyons The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster review of 2004, which focused on capital, land and General once accused the previous Labour Government buildings, and rental values. of losing control of IT procurement and locking out I opposed the proposal because the methodology small, innovative and efficient IT firms from supplying used was flawed, and it was very much a top-line, services to Government. The current Government claim cost-saving exercise rather than one about efficiency they have changed all that and that they support and effectiveness. It did not take into account the great procurement from SMEs in the form of the Government professionalism, esprit de corps and commitment of my Digital Service. Why, therefore, has the Land Registry constituents, some 210 of whom work in the Land board, which includes non-executive directors from the Registry in Peterborough. I seek, as always, to protect shareholder executive—part of the Department for the interests of my constituents; those are good-quality, Business, Innovation and Skills—said that it wants the white-collar jobs in Peterborough. “unfettered” agility to avoid the Government’s alleged There is a difference between those proposals and preference for using SMEs for procurement? How is the current ones, however. I echo the comments of that consistent with being a friend of small businesses? my hon. Friend the Member for North West Norfolk I said at the beginning of the debate that land registration (Mr Bellingham). There should be a consultation, but involves the granting of title to land and the guarantee the Government should consider extending it because of legal interests that it registers on a daily basis. Those the proposals will have implications for many small and are fundamental to every home owner in England and medium-sized enterprises involved in conveyancing and Wales and an essential part of the UK economy, and other property-related activities. If there is inherent there is much potential to expand. The Land Registry’s merit in the Government’s case, I do not think that it reputation is its greatest asset. As a public service, the will be damaged by extending the consultation. trust that has always been placed in it assures the public that it is independent and has authentic credentials of Mr Bellingham: Does my hon. Friend agree that honesty. It is entirely focused on its service to users and outside London and the south-east the housing market not distracted by profits, outside interests or political is still quite fragile, so any change in that local authority- interference. Given that it provides the state guarantee based arrangement may lead to a great deal of uncertainty? of title, it must surely remain entirely free from commercial That is another reason why the consultation period influence. might easily be extended a bit. The case against changing the Land Registry into a company, whether a GovCo or a privately financed Mr Jackson: I take my hon. Friend’s point, and I company, is that doing so would create a body with largely agree with him. However, it would be remiss of unclear commercial status, which would lose the necessary the Government not to look at different models for the independence from commercial influence. The proposed delivery of necessary public services. In some important funding changes might easily negate the current controls— public service activities, even the previous Government statutory and Treasury—on surpluses, which serve as looked at substantial changes in governance. That is the checks and balances on trading funds and control what distinction between the proposals enunciated by the surpluses can be retained. Those all feed into the argument previous Government between 2008 and 2010—as hon. that there are disadvantages to shifting the delivery of Members will have concluded, they resulted in the land registration to a commercial profit model. saving of the Peterborough Land Registry office and In conclusion, I emphasise that plans to make the others across the country—and the current proposals, Land Registry a commercial enterprise are unclear. We which are much more about governance. are not yet sure whether such an enterprise would be fit For the record, 10 constituents have written to or for purpose, because we do not know what the aims are. e-mailed me about the matter, which is substantially The proposal is uncosted, so we do not know whether fewer than contacted me about the debate four years any savings would result. It is untested, so we do not ago. I make no comment on that; I merely highlight it know whether it would work. We know, however, that for comparison. I support a proper debate on the delivery the current Land Registry trading fund model is self- of such an important service, but I have no ideological funding, profitable, reliable and trusted, tested, secure opposition to the splitting of functions, whereby a and in a good position for development. Once again, if GovCo might carry out practical land registration functions it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. separately from the office of the chief land registrar, which is much more policy-based. 2.45 pm I agree that there must be a new business model, not least because we must always be mindful of the fact that Mr Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): It is a our first priority as constituency MPs is to protect our pleasure to serve under your chairmanship for the first constituents’ job opportunities, as the hon. Member for time, Mr Walker. I congratulate the hon. Member for Wirral South (Alison McGovern) says, particularly in 73WH Land Registry25 FEBRUARY 2014 Land Registry 74WH

[Mr Stewart Jackson] accountability for the activities of the Land Registry—the Minister can take that as my direct consultation response. areas with high unemployment. However, we also have It is too important an operation and piece of our a wider responsibility to other stakeholders, including national life to be disregarded. There should be some the taxpayer and businesses that rely on the Land form of—circuitous, if necessary—direct or indirect Registry being efficient and delivering a good service. It accountability to Ministers and certainly to Parliament. is an important tripartite approach. I am also slightly concerned about the potential of Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): My hon. Friend is offshoring. I do not buy the concept that delivering a making a powerful point. Like him, I have had regular public service in a different way is necessarily a bad contact from constituents on this issue. North Yorkshire thing, in and of itself. Ultimately, the issue is what is Legal Services Ltd, based in York and run by one of my good for the taxpayers, the work force and the wider constituents, has written to me on a number of occasions. community. Nevertheless, when considering an important It is deeply concerned about how the proposals that my function such as the Land Registry, offshoring slightly hon. Friend has set out will affect the market. The worries me. I would like the Minister to reassure me on potential consequences could be devastating for my that point. constituent’s business. Does my hon. Friend agree that There must also be a strong business case for the we have to understand any wider implications before different model—the GovCo. They probably will not rushing into such decisions? want to do so today, but in future the Government may want to say that the proposed changes are a signpost to Mr Jackson: That is a typically astute point from my a future privatisation. That does not scare me particularly hon. Friend. He anticipates some of the comments I and in principle I am not against it, but there must be a will make later. robust, demonstrable, fact-based business case in the The Land Registry is almost totemic: it is a trusted, preparation of the target operating model going forward. strong brand and the people who work there are professional As my hon. Friend the Member for York Outer and committed to the public service ethos. There is a (Julian Sturdy) said earlier, there must also be very general commitment in the Conservative party—indeed, thorough analysis and scrutiny of not just the benefits across the House—to good governance and the aspiration but the costs of any new model. It is important that we to the proper ownership of land, owner-occupation and look at the costs of, say, moving over to e-conveyancing, property ownership in general. The Land Registry is at or of the development of new IT. That is important, the heart of that and, as the hon. Member for Swansea and I am sure that the Minister will want to reassure me East said earlier, it has been in existence, governed by on that point. statute, for more than 150 years. I will not be much longer, Mr Walker, because I know Mike Weatherley (Hove) (Con): GroundSure Ltd, a others wish to speak. As the hon. Member for Swansea company in Brighton and Hove, is very concerned East said, we are discussing a self-financing organisation about the impact of changes to the Land Registry on that currently costs the taxpayer nothing. The proposition smaller businesses. Does my hon. Friend agree that we I would put to the hon. Lady is that if we could replicate really should take such businesses into account? the professionalism and efficiency of the present Land Registry and also make a profit for the taxpayer, we Mr Jackson: Yes, indeed. would be duty bound to look into that. I would be remiss and rather churlish if I did not I would like to make a few other brief points. We compliment the work of the PCS union. Members do must have an open and transparent procurement process not often hear me saying that, but it has done a good for things such as IT. I am sure that the Minister is job on the research it has sent to Members and entered mindful of that. We should not have any sweetheart into a good, fact-based debate, which is as it should be. deals if we are looking into new IT procurement. If Members will no doubt be aware of the very good PCS people transfer over, we must also ensure that the document “The future of our Land Registry”. It might Government are mindful of TUPE in relation to the also be appropriate to mention the contribution of terms and conditions of people who have given a great Mr John Manthorpe, the former chief land registrar deal of their professional life and commitment to public who also prepared interesting information, both for me service in their local area. in 2010 and now for other Members and others. I want to see more details of the GovCo and would However, to a certain extent we have moved on, even want greater clarity in any future regulations or primary since 2010. The provision of services is now online legislation. I believe that there should be flexibility and much more than even four years ago. The digitisation of autonomy for the new company, if it so develops. That the core facilities and services of the Land Registry is could well be the right thing for the taxpayer, for the developing at a significant rate. We must take that on work force and for business. As I say, however, I currently board as an important factor that informs the debate. reserve my judgment. Let us extend the consultation This is not necessarily a party political point, but we and have a proper debate based on facts. We have a duty also need to remember that all public services are and to all stakeholders and I expect the Government to rise should be much more customer-focused than they ever to the challenge and robustly put their case for any were before. The integrity and reputation of the Land future changes. I look after the interests of my constituents Registry must, of course, be of uppermost concern. To in Peterborough who come first, last and always for me. a certain extent, I am reserving judgment on the proposed I hope that the Government are mindful of the individual changes. I would like to look in detail at any future circumstances resulting from any large-scale changes to primary legislation that governs the operation of the people’s jobs and opportunities. Land Registry. Although it may not be fashionable, I think that there must be a degree of ministerial Several hon. Members rose— 75WH Land Registry25 FEBRUARY 2014 Land Registry 76WH

Mr Charles Walker (in the Chair): Order. Four colleagues they will be backfilled by the private sector, but a recent have risen to speak, and there are just over 40 minutes Centre for Cities report flagged up the fact that Plymouth until winding up. That is about 10 minutes each if is probably in a slightly different situation. Our peripherality Members wish to take that long. makes it difficult for us to attract new business, and our issues with transport in recent weeks—the south-west has effectively been cut off—do not send out the message 2.58 pm to private sector businesses, “Come and set up in Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): It is a Plymouth.” pleasure to serve under your chairmanship for the first Some 650 jobs sit in our Land Registry; there is a time, Mr Walker. It is also a pleasure to follow the hon. slight difference—about 50 full-time equivalents—between Member for Peterborough (Mr Jackson)—my father the figures provided on the ground to me and the represented that seat, so I understand some of the figures in a parliamentary answer. Those jobs are well specific constituency issues he has mentioned. I am paid. They contribute to our economy significantly. delighted that my hon. Friend the Member for Swansea More importantly, we have about 100 highly skilled IT East (Mrs James) managed to secure this debate. people there. Plymouth has no capacity to soak up The hon. Member for Peterborough is absolutely those people if they are not employed at the Land right that there was a period under the previous Government Registry. That would be a loss to the city, so I hope that during which a number of us who were involved with the full socio-economic impact of any change, downsizing land registries in our constituencies had meetings with or moving of offices around the country would be the then Minister, Michael Wills, to express our concerns. seriously considered. The economy was then in a downturn and the Land One option is a GovCo, which would require people Registry was finding things quite difficult financially, to be imported to fill capability gaps. Is it the Minister’s for a whole range of reasons, but the position has now intention to offer enhanced salaries, terms and conditions, changed, as has the potential trading position. As the as the Ministry of Defence has done? If so, I assume hon. Member for Peterborough pointed out, there is that she is aware of the huge mess that the GoCo has potentially now scope for money to go back into the left in its wake. The Treasury is still baulking at offering Treasury, because the Land Registry is a successful the MOD freedoms and flexibilities. The union PCS enterprise. says in one of its briefing notes that it assumes that the The proposal suggests splitting away the Land Registry ability to vary pay will depend on the model chosen. At policy arm—comprising around 30 staff—and having a the moment, the Government’s own model, chosen by commercial delivery arm. The options for the latter are the MOD, is running up against the buffers. It would be set out: a GovCo, a joint venture partnership or contracting interesting to know whether the Minister has the Treasury’s out. All those could lead us down the route to eventual go-ahead to offer enhanced terms and conditions to privatisation, which is a major concern for all of us. people in a GovCo in this circumstance. At the moment, we do not have clarity—indeed, What is the Minister’s view on the experience of the there is quite a lot of confusion out there. It is partly Forensic Science Service, which has pursued a similar due to the compressed nature of the consultation, but option? Can he confirm that the assumed benefits of there are also issues involving Ministers’ approval for being commercially competitive did not in fact materialise? the Land Registry board to go ahead with a target Why does he feel that the Land Registry is different? operating model, which could lead to a significant rationalisation or downsizing of the organisation. However, Jenny Chapman (Darlington) (Lab): My hon. Friend we do not know what is in the TOM, as it is not public. is making an excellent case. What does she think the It is difficult for people to make a submission to a motivation might be for pursuing that line of approach? consultation when the ground rules are not properly If the Land Registry were making a loss, performing known and available. We could be saying that we want poorly or not providing customer satisfaction, perhaps to do X, when in fact, according to suggestions and we could understand. Why does she think the Government proposals in the TOM, Y would be a far more sensible are intent on following this particular course? route. The information is not available for people to Alison Seabeck: That is a good question. As the hon. respond intelligently to the consultation. Member for Peterborough said, if it ain’t broke, why fix A number of organisations have mentioned the length it? We need to understand from the Minister exactly of time available, which is not adequate as more and what the benefits of fixing it will be, or whether it is more small businesses come out of the woodwork. I purely ideologically driven, leading in the long term to have had a couple more letters today, on the back of the privatisation. 90 that I have already received. I take the point made In Plymouth, the registry’s computing centre has about differences in response, but more than 90 people been recognised as an award-winning success. There has have got in touch with me, and I am encouraging them been very little turnover of specialist staff, all of whom all to feed into the consultation. From my perspective, have an experienced Land Registry background, and this is all rather back to front. I know that the Minister’s unlike other Government computing centres in London, colleagues felt a few weeks ago, rather perversely, that it it does not constantly lose staff to the private sector. It would be misleading to provide any more detail. Does is not an exaggeration to say that the registry’s successful he take a different view? computerisation of the land register, its fast online Let us look at the implications of drastic change. Is inquiry services and the development of online lodgement the Minister aware that a decision to remove posts from succeeded where others in Government, dependent on cities such as Plymouth will pose problems? Plymouth is major outsourcing to private IT companies, have failed. still heavily dependent on the public sector. The Government We must look at what we do well, nurture it and learn have the view that if they remove public sector jobs, from it. 77WH Land Registry25 FEBRUARY 2014 Land Registry 78WH

[Alison Seabeck] potential privatisation. More than 400 highly skilled staff work at the Durham office. They provide a valuable Like other Members, I have been lobbied by organisations national service that returns considerable value for money such as the Local Land Charges Institute and those to the taxpayer. It is a strong brand and very much involved in independent land searches. All have serious trusted by the people who have to use Land Registry issues with the proposals, not least because of the target services. It is vital that we should scrutinise the Government’s operating model and the fact that it has not been made proposals and any impact that they could have. However, public. I would welcome the Minister’s view on whether that is quite difficult because of the lack of information the options proposed will fragment the local land charging from the Government in the public domain. function, as those organisations feel it will. The LLCI In its consultation paper, the Department for Business, feel that it will result in a poorer service to the property- Innovation and Skills proposes that the Land Registry buying public. Clearly, there are a range of views on the be replaced by both a small Government body and a subject, but the property-buying public are stuck in the new company, which would carry out the current service middle, and nothing that we have heard—either fact or delivery functions. There would be a new role of regulation rumour—inspires confidence in the process being and a maintained role of fee setting for a newly created undertaken by the Government and the board. Office of the Chief Land Registrar, which would sit Members of the Property Codes Compliance Board within Government and be accountable to a Minister. It feel that the proposed changes will negatively affect would set only the fees of the statutory functions, not those involved in the house-buying process and affect the commercial services it might provide. That is one of the market and small and medium-sized businesses, as the key aspects of the proposals that is creating a lot of we have heard from hon. Members. Their view is that nervousness in the sector. SMEs will be disproportionately affected by what they The Government suggest three options for this new see as Government transferring current activity into a service delivery company: 100% owned by Government; private-sector monopoly. They also express their concern jointly owned by Government and a private sector about the accuracy of the impact assessment. company; and 100% owned by Government, but day-to-day There are complaints all round about the consultation, operations would be the responsibility of a private involving its accuracy, the timing, the process, the questions sector company on the Government’s behalf, which I and the fact that a significant part of the picture has not think means outsourcing. Critically, what is not on the been painted for those responding. I have not received a list is the Land Registry staying as it is. single representation from any organisation or individual in favour of the proposals. I look forward to the Minister’s Significantly, the Government consultation describes response. the above models as being considered for the “transition phase”. We are not sure exactly what that means, but I suspect it means a transition phase on the way to a 3.7 pm future privatisation. If it does not mean that, the Minister Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) (Lab): will have to clarify the situation and be clear about what It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, the transition phase means. Mr Walker. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for In addition, the Government’s consultation does not Swansea East (Mrs James) for securing this timely address the issue of why the changes are being proposed; debate and making such a powerful case in support of it merely focuses on how they will be done. As other keeping the Land Registry much as it is. Like many hon. hon. Members have mentioned, there is no rationale as Members here, I am concerned by the Government’s to why the changes are necessary. Several organisations, recent statement on the future of the Land Registry ranging from the PCS to the independent Law Society, because of its potential impact on a national level; my have raised concerns regarding the consultation. The primary concern, of course, relates to my constituency. Law Society highlights the statement in the consultation There is a large Land Registry office in Durham. that Many local people are concerned about the possible “beyond the transformation phase, Government will review the consequences of the proposed changes announced in ownership and control of the service delivery company in line the consultation, should they go ahead. Significantly, with the policy on asset ownership”. they are concerned, as am I, about the potential impact Importantly, this policy includes assessing options for on jobs in Durham. Durham has had a Land Registry moving assets to the private sector for nearly 50 years. It has been the only one in the region since the closure of the office at York several “where there is no longer a strong policy reason for continued years ago. public ownership or where there is potential for an asset to operate more sensibly and efficiently in the private sector”. The Durham office is reported to be worth £10 million a year to the local economy. I hardly need remind the As has been said, that potentially leaves the door open Minister that Durham’s economy has gone through a for complete privatisation after the transition period. difficult period and is not yet fully experiencing what Again, there is no information available to us about the Government are referring to as an economic upturn. what the Government mean by Perhaps that is about to happen, but at the moment, “more sensibly and efficiently in the private sector”. things are still pretty depressed locally, leading to additional I find the proposed changes to be remarkable, particularly concern about what will happen to the Land Registry given both the lack of evidence offered by the Government and the jobs that go with it if the proposals go through. in support of their proposals and given that the Land The Land Registry office in Durham provides many Registry currently operates under a trading fund model, good-quality jobs that we desperately need locally, and and in 2012-13 made a surplus of £98.8 million. Equally I do not want that to be diminished in any way by remarkable is the fact that, despite such considerable 79WH Land Registry25 FEBRUARY 2014 Land Registry 80WH changes being proposed, my local Land Registry has In addition, there may be long-term costs to the state refused to meet me to discuss the issues. I find that truly and users of the service, which could undermine any extraordinary. sale price. If there are going to be new costs or restrictions In all my years as a Member of Parliament, I have on what information businesses, individuals and public never had an employing body refuse to meet me to sector agencies can access in relation to land programmes, discuss what are real concerns for many of my constituents. how will that be monitored? No details have been I was so shocked that I wrote to the Minister in January provided as to the precise nature of how of any of the and pointed out to him that I thought this was an options might operate, making it, as we have said many extraordinary course of action being taken by my local times, difficult to assess accurately the extent to which Land Registry. I asked him to intervene so that I would any new model will work better than the existing one. be able to attend a meeting to get more information and I finish with one further question to the Minister. The to raise concerns on behalf of my constituents. Land Registry in this country—I wonder whether he is I found the Minister’s response in February even aware of this—has been giving advice to many other more extraordinary. I will read out what the letter said: countries about how to set up land registry services. We “Some parts of the”— are seen as a model of best practice around the world. I implore him to think very carefully before he severely target operating model— disrupts a model that has been shown to work so well. “may be influenced by the outcome of the Government consultation as the future structure of Land Registry will necessarily affect Mr Charles Walker (in the Chair): We have time for business planning—and I understand that is why Land Registry three more colleagues with about seven minutes each. does not think a meeting with you to discuss potential impacts on staff at the current time would be productive.” Mr Bellingham, are you standing? In other words, it does not want to share its true Mr Bellingham: No. thinking, or it does not want it to be obvious that there is very little evidence behind the proposals, or it does Mr Charles Walker (in the Chair): I apologise. not want to be clear and open and honest and transparent, Mr McDonnell. as it should be, about what the true impact of the proposed changes will be on my constituents. I think Mr Bellingham: I may later. that is extremely bad practice. The Minister should have intervened and ensured that I got a meeting to represent Mr Charles Walker (in the Chair): Very well. my constituents. I would like to hear a further response from him today to see whether he has reflected further on this issue and come to a different conclusion. 3.19 pm John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab): I Jenny Chapman: I am very disturbed by what my shall be brief, because it is important that everyone hon. Friend has said. Many of the staff at the Land should have a say. My hon. Friend the Member for Registry in her constituency live in my constituency, Swansea East (Mrs James) gave a marvellous exposition which is the former constituency of the Minister. I hope of the arguments. She should rethink her decision to that he listens carefully to her remarks and has something stand down. The contributions that she has made in the positive to add. House have always been based on sound common sense, and so was her speech today. Roberta Blackman-Woods: I thank my hon. Friend, I chair the Public and Commercial Services Union who has made an excellent point. It is very wrong for parliamentary group and want to express the view that any employing body not to be prepared to meet a is coming back from PCS members. The PCS represents Member of Parliament, who will obviously raise issues 3,000 staff in the Land Registry, and there is a drop-in on behalf of their constituents. briefing from half-past 10 to 12 tomorrow in Room W1; The Law Society has stated: those who want to know what PCS members are concerned “No detailed evidence is provided to explain how any change about should come. The hon. Member for Peterborough to the current model could bring about increased efficiencies or (Mr Jackson) said that he has had only 10 letters this effectiveness to an organisation that currently makes a significant time. He need not worry: we will sort that out for him. profit.” There is real anxiety among the professional, highly The Minister needs to provide evidence to support his competent, dedicated and committed staff. proposals, and to address the following issues. If the In debates under the previous Government we argued move to more digital services leads to some job cuts that of course it is open to any Government to review through voluntary redundancy, can the Minister assure the administration of a service, but that they should not me that the Land Registry will continue to have a throw out the baby with the bathwater. If a service presence in the north-east, particularly in Durham? provides high standards of professionalism, brings income Can he explain why the delivery of land registration by to Government—which is unusual for any Government a company that would permit service—and is respected not just in this country but “greater flexibilities to operate around pay, recruitment and possibly throughout the world, the last thing to do is destabilise provide other services” it with rushed or hurried reform. To give the previous would make the Land Registry’s business strategy more Government their due, they carried out an exercise, and achievable? Will the taxpayer be getting value for money exhaustive consultation was carried out over a long from the privatisation? I do not trust this Government period, with staff, the relevant small and medium-sized to get it right, given their appalling track record on enterprises, and professional groups. They reached the undervaluing Royal Mail. What if the same situation conclusion that moving to a trading operation was the arises again? best way forward. 81WH Land Registry25 FEBRUARY 2014 Land Registry 82WH

[John McDonnell] of Parliament, just for some dialogue and discussion about their constituency concerns, it undermines the We expected that there would then be a long period principles of parliamentary democracy. It is a disgrace. of stability. The last thing that is needed is a continuous I do not know of any other Government organisation round of reform and change, which destabilises an that has refused to meet Members, including bodies organisation. A professional with a family, whose job is such as Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, where threatened every four years, will look for another profession there are confidentiality issues. That refusal builds on or line of work, and I fear that that is what will happen. people’s suspicions that the Government are not coming The professionals at the Land Registry will look elsewhere, clean. because of the insecurity of their situation, and we shall There is also suspicion about the point raised by the lose the bedrock of expertise as a result of continual hon. Member for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham)— attempts at change—and why? the short consultation period. Why is it so rushed? Why Everyone has asked the same question; what is the push it through so rapidly, other than to get to full motivation? The service operates effectively, on every privatisation before the next general election? That is premise. It has 98% satisfaction rates. I would love that unacceptable. Everyone is now asking the Government rating, for myself as an MP, and for any organisation, to stand back and carry out a full consultation with whether commercial, public or private. Even in the most staff and the professional bodies that have expressed an difficult circumstances, in the trough of recession, the interest; and to take into account something that has Land Registry still brought money to the Treasury, repeatedly been said—the fact that the staff in question covering its costs and making a contribution. There was are usually in locations where there is high unemployment a short period of deficit, but that was overcome as soon and high need. as the economy began to lift. The Land Registry has A range of examples about the impact on local won the respect of every professional body, and there is economies came out of the previous consultation. My now an alliance: I am the chair of the Socialist Campaign hon. Friend the Member for City of Durham (Roberta Group, which is in that alliance with the Law Society Blackman-Woods) mentioned the figure of £10 million. and the other groups that are coming forward. That I think that the calculations about Wales made it something shows the breadth of the support. Yet again, however, like £15 million the last time around. The impact is an attempt is being made at destabilisation. substantial. It is not acceptable to take a leap into the What is the motivation? We know what it is. As to the dark with respect to the organisation and the ramifications hedging of bets about the various consultation options, for towns and areas. Undertaking a consultation in I am sorry, but there is one option that the Government such a way, in a rush and with the information not fully want to pursue. It was in the report obtained by the available to all the interested parties, is not good governance. PCS in a freedom of information request: the 2012 I urge the Government to stand back and think KPMG report, which said that the GovCo was the best again. There are many other places where they can look way forward, to make it possible to move on to full for major reform, and there are areas worthy of privatisation. My concern is that that is the Government’s examination, or whose long-term futures need to be motivation; an attempt is being made at full privatisation, discussed, in which Ministers can busy themselves: the which will result in the siphoning off of the profitable Land Registry is not one of them. Why are 150 years of areas of the service, job cuts, and the undermining of public service about to be thrown out? I think it is workers’ conditions of employment. The result of that because of an ideological commitment to privatisation. will be to undermine their professionalism as well. The I cannot think of any other reason. Any other Department Government need to come clean about their long-term would want to keep the Land Registry in-house because objectives, because, if they do not, the suspicions will it is such a successful organisation. Any other Minister remain. I should rather that they would publicly state would be proud to represent such a successful area of that those are their intentions now—to follow the KPMG work. Privatisation must be the motivation, and that is recommendations for full privatisation. At least then we why PCS members are so anxious. I urge Members to could have an honest debate. At the moment I do not come along to tomorrow’s drop-in meeting to meet the think that the debate is honest, and as a result suspicion professionals and let them explain what they do, as well is building. Suspicion leads to lack of confidence in the as the implications of the threat to their services and organisation and further destabilisation. their own plans for making the Land Registry even more successful as a public service. Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): My hon. Friend makes a passionate plea on behalf of those Mr Charles Walker (in the Chair): I call Nia Griffith. who are worried about the future of the Land Registry. A concern expressed in response to the consultation is Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): It is pronounced Nia, that it will become less accountable to the public. Does Mr Walker. not the experience of my hon. Friend the Member for City of Durham (Roberta Blackman-Woods) heighten Mr Charles Walker (in the Chair): How rude of me. I our fears about the Land Registry’s future and its apologise. responsiveness to MPs’ and the public’s concerns? 3.28 pm John McDonnell: The reason the suspicion of Nia Griffith (Llanelli) (Lab): Thank you, Mr Walker. privatisation is so clear in the minds of PCS members is I shall try to be brief and not repeat too much of what that they cannot get access to information about the has been said by my hon. Friends and, indeed, coalition Government’s real plans—and nor can Members. When Members. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member an organisation refuses to have a meeting with a Member for Swansea East (Mrs James) on today’s excellent 83WH Land Registry25 FEBRUARY 2014 Land Registry 84WH exposé, and on all the work that she has done. We shall and low morale. I make no apology for wanting to all miss her genuine feeling for the community, and the protect quality job opportunities: I do not want to see a way she expresses that here. race to the bottom. But much more than that, I do not I shall come straight to the point and talk about the want a poorer service. High turnover of staff, loss of Government-owned company being part-way to morale and lack of expertise would result in a much privatisation. That is what is on the agenda, and we poorer service. That is without even talking about whisking should stop beating about the bush, and say it plainly. the jobs off to some far-flung place, as hon. Members Privatising the Land Registry would be nothing short of have mentioned. daylight robbery. It would rob the taxpayer of millions The point of moving some public sector jobs was of pounds. The Land Registry currently brings in close precisely to offer quality job opportunities in a range of to £100 million a year. It makes a profit and does a good locations, where perhaps there had not been such job. Why on earth would anyone want to hive it off to opportunities because some main industries had closed the public sector? It is madness to steal that money from down. What do we find in those areas? These are the public purse. What would happen afterwards? We prestigious jobs that people want and that they try to would stuff it into the pockets of private contractors; keep for a long time, because by comparison with local and what would they do? They want to maximise profits, rates they are good jobs. As has been mentioned, in so they would put up prices, and hike the fees for the some areas of the country where the economy has customer. Of course, who is to say that this Government heated up, the top-quality people are being lost. That would not be wilfully incompetent and sell off the Land control would be lost if the Land Registry were privatised, Registry at a bargain basement price, just as they did because there would be no choice about where the jobs with the Royal Mail, depriving the public purse of the were; they would be put into the private sector and true value of this asset? could go where they like. We are facing loss of income, potential privatisation Swansea has the largest Land Registry office. Many and potential hikes in fees—and a monopoly—if we go of my constituents work there and they have expertise. down the route of a Government-owned company. Part It does not take them three or four glances at a Welsh of the argument for privatisation is always that competition word to write it; they can write, type, speak it and say it will be a good thing and that prices can be driven down, on the telephone. They do not have to think twice about but this is an invaluable asset, looking after the land dealing with complex Welsh place names, even Llanfair- assets of the country, and it is a monopoly. What would pwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. we have if that were put into private hands? There [Interruption.] I would say it again if there were time. It would be profiteering, just as we see with some energy is essential that we keep these jobs in the public sector companies, which have managed to make six into one—a and do not go down the private sector route. monopoly. There is a wider role for the Land Registry. Surely, we It makes no sense to privatise the Land Registry, and value our land. Land is key to development and crucial that is before we come to the issue of trust. Currently, it to our economy. We have heard a lot about shortages of has a customer satisfaction rating of 98%. Hon. Members land for housing and about not being able to get planning have said that everybody would be overjoyed if their and about land banking. If we are going to have a more organisation had that rating. People can trust the Land strategic view and to have any opportunity to use the Registry precisely because it is a public body. They Land Registry in a much broader sense, again, we want know it is impartial. How can we possibly say we are to keep it firmly in the public sector. surprised when there are bank scandals and when people Finally, on the consultation, why on earth are we whose job is to make money try to make money in all going down this route? As has been said, past changes sorts of ways? Exactly the same situation would arise if are just about beginning to bed in, but here we are going the Land Registry were privatised. There would be through some sort of phoney consultation all over conflicts of interest. Would we be surprised, then, if again. I say “phoney” because there seems to be an shilly-shallying were going on or there was a lack of agenda behind it and because we do not have the integrity and, potentially, corruption, if people want to information available. There is a lack of clarity and use such a strong word? People want there to be the insufficient information. We do not know why we are utmost integrity in land transactions, but feel that the having this consultation. door would be left open for precisely the type of behaviour We should strongly resist any attempt whatever to I have mentioned if it were put in private hands. hive off the Land Registry into a Government-owned There is another issue: data protection. I am advised company, which would pave the way for privatisation. by the PCS that there would be nothing in law to Privatisation would mean selling it off at a low price, as prevent a private company from selling on personal was done with the Royal Mail, ripping the public off data to buyers who wanted the information. I think we with higher fees, leading to poorer terms and conditions have all had a gutsful of this, with information here and for the work force and, ultimately, no doubt, some great there, and people’s details being sold on. The last thing scandal in future, which we could avoid by avoiding people want is yet another source of data leaking out going down that path now. into places unnecessarily. I feel strongly that these are good reasons why we would not want the Land Registry Mr Charles Walker (in the Chair): Mr Bellingham, to be privatised. you have four minutes, but if you spoke for three minutes I am sure the Minister would be grateful. Of course, to maximise profits, private companies would look to reduce labour costs, worsen terms and 3.36 pm conditions and make jobs more insecure. It would be Mr Henry Bellingham (North West Norfolk) (Con): harder to attract high-quality staff and there would be a Of course, Mr Walker. It is a great pleasure to serve greater turnover of staff, leading to loss of expertise under your chairmanship for the first time. 85WH Land Registry25 FEBRUARY 2014 Land Registry 86WH

[Mr Henry Bellingham] I hope that the Minister will meet these SMEs, which are the lifeblood of our constituencies. Will he also This has been an interesting and important debate. It ensure that he has a meeting with the Council of Property was brought to my attention by a number of constituents Search Organisations? If he has already met CoPSO, whose companies I mentioned at the start of this debate, will he update us on exactly what it said? I hope that he when I intervened on the hon. Member for Swansea will take on board the strong points that have come out East (Mrs James). I spent quite a lot of time in the first of this debate and, above all else, allow further time for part of this Parliament, when I was on Her Majesty’s the consultation. Government’s payroll, going to developing countries. Quite often, I would ask them what more the Department 3.40 pm for International Development could do to help in terms of capacity building and improving the standard Mr Iain Wright (Hartlepool) (Lab): It is a pleasure to of government. Time and again, we were told that they serve again under your chairmanship, Mr Walker. I really respected our Land Registry and that they wanted remember with fond affection the Committee on the help embedding expertise, knowledge and capacity in Education Act 2011. My mother sends her regards. that area. Obviously, if there is no fit-for-purpose Land I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Swansea Registry system, it will be difficult to have a proper East (Mrs James) on securing this excellent and sensible market in property. debate. I reiterate what others have said by saying that I I respect the Minister’s intent in all this, but it is will be sorry to see her go. She will be a huge loss to the incredibly important that we get it right when he finishes House. She has served her constituents diligently, and it the process. I am concerned about a number of points. has been an absolute pleasure to work with her. At the moment, there is no question but that public The recording of land and property ownership is confidence in the organisation is high. As a number of vital and has to be done with integrity, impartiality, colleagues have said, the public respect this organisation professionalism and consistency, which has been provided and have confidence in it. The chief land registrar—the by the Land Registry since 1862. The Land Registry chief executive—has said that the new strategy is all serves a population of more than 55 million, and as its “around customer needs” annual report stated last year, it and that the organisation needs to focus on “facilitates one of the most active property and mortgage markets in the world”. “our customer needs…to improve our service delivery” More than 23.5 million titles are recorded by the Land However, he must be careful, as must the Minister, not Registry, which is an essential part of the home buying to take away homeowners’ confidence. market. Any changes to the service must be made with Let me say just a word about this organisation, which clarity and purpose and must be backed up with empirical is making substantial sums for the Treasury. I do not evidence, and it is clear from today’s debate that the have any difficulty with privatisation, but I am concerned Government have not provided that clarity. about an organisation that is successful and making I have a series of questions for the Minister based on money, remitting a dividend to the Treasury. If that three themes: the consultation, the process and the continues, it is good for Government finances and for impact on staff. The Minister published a written ministerial the Budget deficit. I accept that, if this organisation was statement announcing the consultation on 23 January privatised at a premium, it would perhaps help pay 2014. The consultation, as we have heard, is to last eight down the Government national debt by a small amount, weeks until 20 March 2014. Cabinet Office advice on but the Minister should also think about the recurring consultations issued in November 2013 said that income to the Treasury from the organisation in its consultation periods should be decided on a case-by-case current place in the public sector. That is not to say that basis but that: I rule out any changes in future. “For a new and contentious policy, 12 weeks or more may still I am concerned about the need for proper consultation. be appropriate.” In addition to the names of the companies I mentioned Employees of the Land Registry and the millions of earlier, I shall quote an e-mail from a constituent, who people like us who rely on the integrity of the data held says that 12 months ago he invested in a new property by the organisation will find the Government’s proposals information franchise, which he operates from his home, new and contentious. employing himself and his wife. He says: I hope the Minister saw the letter in The Times last “Due to the success of our business, only last week we took week by Ms Hilary Mobbs of Leeds, which stated: office space in Hunstanton”— “The consultation has not been widely advertised and the (very a small town in my constituency— short) consultation period ends in March.” “and employed two local people (both out of work) to keep up The hon. Member for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham) with demand”. made a pertinent intervention reflecting the concerns of He is looking to expand and hopes to take on another businesses in his area. Will the Minister respond to four. Over the next few months he may have increased Ms Mobbs and explain why only eight weeks was numbers further. He continues: decided upon? What sort of wide-scale communication campaign was put in place to alert stakeholders, including “These types of jobs are rare in this area and there will be no many members of the public, of the proposed changes? shortage of local candidates of all ages.” On the consultation document, it appears that the He wants to build his SME up, but says, Government are fairly agnostic on which option to “Needless to say, until we know exactly where Land Registry is choose, but there is some doubt about that. My hon. going with its plans I am reluctant to push on with my plans”. Friend the Member for Hayes and Harlington (John 87WH Land Registry25 FEBRUARY 2014 Land Registry 88WH

McDonnell) asked the Government to come clean on statutory status necessary? Given the high level of customer whether the GovCo is the preferred option for ultimately satisfaction, will the Minister say how he anticipates getting to privatisation. What is the Minister’s preferred fees will move in the next few years? Does he anticipate option? In the interest of greater scrutiny and transparency, that fees will increase and, if so, to what extent? will he publish the KPMG report, as has been asked? If The consultation document states that there is scope he does not have a preferred option, how on earth does for additional services and refers to amending the Land he know how the perceived benefits of greater flexibility Registration Act 2002. Will the Minister provide more to deliver, greater focus on service delivery and more detail? What other services does he anticipate and what flexibility on pay, recruitment and the provision of services would he like the new entity to provide? There other services, will be achieved? How will the outcome is talk in the consultation document of of the short consultation affect the Government’s thinking? If there is overwhelming support from stakeholders for “greater access to a richer data set.” maintaining the status quo, will the Minister pledge to What does that mean? It is vital that customers have ensure that that will be the Government’s policy? What faith in the integrity of registering land. To quote happens after the consultation? There will be a period Ms Mobbs from Leeds again: of Government consideration, and then presumably, if “One could envisage a situation, as has arisen with our power necessary, legislative changes will be outlined. Does the providers, whereby the registered title to all properties would be in Minister anticipate that something will be in the Gracious the hands of an overseas company or one with its own commercial Speech before the next Session? Does he ultimately interests in the property market. This concerns me.” think that legislation will have to be enacted before the I can understand Ms Mobbs’s concern. What will the next general election? Minister do to address that concern? Will a vertically The big theme of today’s debate is what problem the integrated business model, whereby a company provides consultation is trying to solve. As we have heard time the full range of property services to the customer, and again, the Land Registry does not seem to be a whether conveyancing, land registry or otherwise, be failing and inefficient organisation—quite the reverse. acceptable to the Government? Would the Minister be If the Minister thinks otherwise, perhaps he will say so. concerned if, say, Zoopla owned the company? What It is required by statute that income from fees charged about a bank? What will the Government do to put to customers covers all the Land Registry’s expenditure. safeguards in place to prevent that from happening? There is no burden on the taxpayer whatever, and there How will data protection be safeguarded? There is no is no need for a call on moneys from the House. clarity whatever on that in the consultation documentation. The annual report states that the previous chief executive Finally, I want to address the Land Registry’s staff. left the organisation More than 4,000 people spread across the country “in a healthy financial position with improving staff morale and a provide a prompt, professional and efficient service. We signed-off Business Strategy.” have heard a number of hon. Members talk about the The Land Registry, as we have heard, achieved a great work that their constituents do for the Land surplus of £98.8 million, showing that the organisation Registry. I have constituents from Hartlepool who work is on top of weeding out inefficiencies. Cost per unit for the Land Registry in Durham. What will happen to is £23.36, which is significantly better than the key those staff? The consultation document states that performance target of £28.41. The return on capital “we expect that the majority of staff would transfer to the service employed was a hugely impressive 23.4%. Many good delivery company and would cease to be civil servants.” private sector organisations would kill for such a return on capital employed. Net assets approach £0.5 billion There is a lot of ambiguity in that short sentence. What and the cash-flow position at year end is positive, with does the Minister mean by “majority of staff”? Does he £472 million cash in the bank. This year, the Land mean that all current staff who want a job will have a Registry paid a dividend back to the Treasury of £26 million. job, whether it is in the new service delivery company or Under no possible criterion could the Government claim in the proposed office of the chief land registrar? If so, that there is a need for private sector financial rigour to what about location? Would my constituents who travel be injected into the organisation. The Land Registry is to Durham be required to travel to Swansea if they well run and the financial metrics are sound. want to keep their job in the new organisation? Will the As we have heard time and again, the Land Registry Minister provide clarity? Does it mean that there will be has 98% customer satisfaction and, to quote the annual rationalisation of both work force and locations? What report again, enjoyed is the TUPE situation? Can the Minister make any “target-beating performance in terms of the quality and speed of comment on pension entitlements for current staff? our registrations.” The Government have poor form on such things, In such circumstances, I do not understand what the whether one considers the botched change in respect of Government are doing. That is especially pertinent the GoCo for the defence procurement function—that when paragraph 37 of the consultation document explicitly change was very similar to that proposed for the Land states: Registry—or the Royal Mail privatisation, which short- “The proposals outlined in this document would have a very changed the taxpayer. The Government are in danger limited impact on customers”. of making the same mistakes again. It is difficult to If that is the case, why on earth do it? Is it really to avoid the conclusion that, regardless of the organisation’s ensure that the Land Registry is fit for purpose in the performance and given the absence of evidence, the digital age, with a central focus on digitising land registration process is merely a means of privatisation. I ask services? If that is the case, why cannot it be done under the Minister to exert caution, provide more evidence the present statutory arrangements? The Land Registry before making a decision and consult widely—that has seems to be diversifying its business model and being currently been eluded—before embarking on such more innovative. Why is a change in corporate and important yet irreversible changes. 89WH Land Registry25 FEBRUARY 2014 Land Registry 90WH

3.50 pm to review continually whether the business can drive further benefits to its customers and the wider market The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation by driving digital by default services, which could deliver and Skills (Michael Fallon): I, too, congratulate the hon. lower-cost services and reduce processing time. Member for Swansea East (Mrs James) on securing this debate on an important subject. I am also sorry that she The proposal in the consultation to introduce a new is leaving us at the next election. I am sure that she is not service delivery company is aimed at supporting the considering retirement, and I wish her well in whatever business in delivering its business strategy in the best form of public politics she continues to pursue. I thank way possible. We have been working with the business all hon. Members who have participated in the debate. to consider whether the current model is fit for purpose I will try to reply to a number of their points, but if I or whether there may be benefits in considering alternative may, as there were a number of questions—not least commercial models. Following that, there should be a those fired at me by the hon. Member for Hartlepool number of benefits through a greater focus on service (Mr Wright)—I will reply by letter to some in the delivery, greater operational flexibility and a more clearly interests of time. defined relationship with Government. Central to any change in the commercial model is the guiding principle A well-functioning property market is critical to the that we must continue to protect the integrity of the UK economy.Ensuring that the market functions properly registry in such a way that its role in underpinning the has long been one of the Land Registry’s main tasks. It property market by giving confidence to buyers, sellers recently celebrated a landmark 150th year and continues and lenders is not compromised. to be a cornerstone of property ownership in England and Wales. It undertakes a range of functions and responsibilities that are critical to the property market Mr Stewart Jackson: I am sure the Minister would operating effectively. In the past, successive Governments like to reassure us on the comments made by the then have been at pains to ensure that land registration Lord Chancellor at the time of the feasibility study in procedures keep pace with a dynamic and rapidly-changing 2011. He said that property market. As we look to the future, it is important “the registry’s state guarantee of title to land and property is that the Land Registry is able to modernise successfully essential, and that it must be retained in any arrangements that we and move into the digital age. The Land Registry already make.”—[Official Report, 29 March 2011; Vol. 526, c. 151.] provides a number of services through digital channels, but it is looking to become a leader in digitising land Michael Fallon: Indeed. The proposal being considered and property services, and in the management and in the document is to introduce a new Land Registry reuse of land and property data. service company that would have responsibility for the performance of the service delivery functions. There Accordingly, its ambitious new business strategy is would be a separate office of the chief land registrar focused on a number of areas: the digitisation and retained within Government primarily to perform the re-engineering of its core registration services, which regulatory and fee-setting functions. It is also envisaged should reduce processing times, risk of error and the that the indemnity arrangements will continue to be costs of those services; playing a wider role in the land state-backed. The new company, if we choose to go and property market, including being able to take on down that particular road, could focus on delivery. Its other adjacent registers; and maximising the reuse of ability to carry out additional activities would no longer property data for the benefit of the wider economy. be narrowly constrained by legislation. It would be Reduced processing times, errors and costs, and wider outside the civil service and would have greater flexibility services and better access to public sector data, will all on pay and recruitment. bring significant benefits for customers and make it easier to register land in England and Wales. I emphasise that no decision has yet been taken about the ownership of such a new company, should we move The strategy also reflects our broader digital, efficiency forward with the proposal to create it following the and modernisation aims and as such is a key priority. consultation. A number of models are being considered, The experience of other countries in modernising their but the oversight that will be retained by the office of property services makes a compelling case for us to the chief land registrar would ensure that Land Registry realise those benefits at an early stage. A number of companies and the integrity of the register would be other countries and states have already successfully protected irrespective of ownership. Models being digitised their land registries, so it is important that considered include a wholly owned Government company, England and Wales do not fall behind where there are a joint venture and a contracting-out model. It is useful lessons that could be learned. Government policy to assess options for moving assets Before I turn to the commercial models, I will say to the private sector where there is no longer a strong something about local land charges. The Land Registry policy reason for continued public ownership or where is looking to become the sole registering authority for there is potential for an asset to operate more sensibly local land charges, a job that is currently undertaken and efficiently in the private sector. separately by each of the 348 local authorities. The I was asked what the transition period means—it benefit of the Land Registry providing a single central means the digital transformation phase. During that solution is that it would result in cheaper, quicker and phase, we see benefits in partnering with the private more standardised services, so avoiding the current sector, whether the status quo is maintained or whether postcode lottery. there is a change in model, as considered by the consultation. Commercial models dominated the debate. The hon. The form of that partnership with the private sector Member for Swansea East fairly asked: “If it ain’t would be different under each scenario. Looking broke, why fix it?” I will reply directly to that. Of course, internationally, a range of commercial models have the Land Registry is profitable, but we have a responsibility been adopted to deliver the digitisation of land registration, 91WH Land Registry 25 FEBRUARY 2014 92WH but in each case there has been partnership with the Local Television Stations private sector to bring in the capacity and capability needed. I was asked about data protection. I confirm that the 4pm data protection procedures that currently apply would Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): It is a delight apply to any new service delivery company, to ensure to speak under your chairmanship, Mr Walker. that personal information is not mishandled. I was The plans to introduce local television throughout asked about the KPMG report, which was prepared in the United Kingdom had cross-party support. The March 2011. Many parts of it are no longer relevant, Minister had previously concluded that legislation on but I understand that a redacted version of the report local television came as a result of “all-party support”. has been supplied to one of the unions under a freedom He said that, in his opinion, it was one of the Government’s of information request. “more popular policies”. Given the lack of competition My hon. Friend the Member for North West Norfolk for that dubious honour, I am not exactly sure how (Mr Bellingham) asked me specifically about conveyancing wonderful an accolade that is, but nevertheless. self-service. I make clear to him that the current customers Wales, rightly, has a reputation for the quality of its of the Land Registry will have their views sought before contribution to the television industry. We are proud to any new or revised services are launched. They would be associated with genuine screen legends such as Richard certainly be consulted again before any such services Burton, Anthony Hopkins, Michael Sheen and, more were mandated by the Land Registry. I hope that that recently, Rob Brydon, an ex-Porthcawl comprehensive reassurance will be of use to him. school pupil—the school is in my constituency—and I was asked about meetings with MPs. I say to the Ruth Jones, from the popular “Gavin and Stacey” hon. Members for City of Durham (Roberta Blackman- programme. Woods) and for Darlington (Jenny Chapman) that I do Those individuals have not just left Wales and gone not think it is satisfactory that the meeting was refused. to develop their careers outside Wales; they have come I am asking the management of Land Registry to look back to Wales and invested in developing the ability of at that again to see whether, as we come to the close of Welsh people to get into television, theatre and film. the consultation period, those meetings can now be For example, Ruth Jones has set up Tidy Productions, organised with the hon. Member for Darlington and which specialises in comedy and comedy drama set and her colleagues. I hope that it offers some comfort to her always filmed in Wales. New investment is coming all that my former constituents are still at the forefront of the time. my mind. Television companies are recognising the benefits that Wales can bring to their work. Pinewood Studios announced in 2012 that it would move the bulk of its studio facilities to Cardiff. It has brought the largest indoor film studio in Europe to Swansea, where top dramas such as “Da Vinci’s Demons” are filmed. Wales is also the home of some of the BBC’s most successful programmes recently, such as Doctor Who and Sherlock, which were filmed and made in Wales. Wales has become the home to innovative production companies and companies developing local talent and skills. It’s My Shout Productions, headed by ex-Porthcawl drama teacher Roger Burnell, seeks out and showcases emerging talent and skills. The company produces around 30 short films a year for Welsh television and has won several awards. It also has a training programme to pair young people with professionals in their chosen area of interest, so that their skills can be developed. All that shows how Bridgend and Wales as a whole have contributed to our television industry From the start, Welsh Members of Parliament have recognised that the introduction of local television services would bring us new opportunities, which we were eager to embrace. The introduction of local television in Wales moved relatively quickly. Made Productions was given a 12-year licence as the first local TV station to be based in Cardiff, called Made in Cardiff. As part of its agreement with Ofcom, it will provide a wide range of programming, focusing on local news, sport, traffic, community affairs and local entertainment. Welsh MPs recognised the opportunities to showcase our skills and talent. From the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama to the engineering department at Bridgend college, there were opportunities to be grasped. We recognised the wide range of employment opportunities 93WH Local Television Stations25 FEBRUARY 2014 Local Television Stations 94WH

[Mrs Madeleine Moon] Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): I associate myself with the points being made by my hon. Friend and wish for our constituents that the new and emerging talent, to add to them. One of the problems for local television production and TV opportunity offered. The creative is the marketing of a new and important service. Some industries are not just for performers or just about of the first 10 channels in Wales—such as ITV2 at actors or musicians; they bring work for writers, caterers, channel 6 on Freeview, BBC3 at channel 7 or ITV3 at handling crew, set designers, movers, drivers, electricians, channel 10—have lots of opportunities for cross-marketing, scaffolders and costume designers, as well as lawyers, such as by ITV1 or other ITV services, whereas local sales people, web designers and economists. All would television does not have such opportunities. That is why have opportunities for work, thanks to Made in Cardiff it is crucial for local television not to have to spend lots coming to Wales. of money on marketing because it is on an obscure Unfortunately, as the process moved forward, it became channel lower down on the dial. clear that the situation in Wales—as opposed to England and Northern Ireland—was not as positive as we had Mrs Moon: My hon. Friend made a point that I hoped. It is particularly disheartening that Made in intend to come on to, but one that I hope the Minister is Cardiff will be allocated channel 26 on Freeview, compared listening to, because this matters a great deal to us in with its counterparts in England and Northern Ireland, Wales. which will be allocated channel 8. Wales has experienced a double injustice. Services in Channel numbers have a direct impact on viewing Scotland will also suffer from being placed on channel 26, figures—the lower the number, the more likely a viewer but they will join England and Northern Ireland on Sky will turn to that channel. The majority of all viewings channel 117, while Wales has been given channel 134. on Freeview takes place on the first 10 channels. England That is a double reduction in prominence for Wales and Northern Ireland have been included within the compared with the other nations. Will the Minister first 10, so will the Minister tell us why Wales is being explain why? Why is Wales being singled out in that disadvantaged by being allocated a channel that few way? viewers will ever explore? The reduction in viewers will severely harm the income As recently as two weeks ago, the Minister reaffirmed that local television services will receive and use to make his personal commitment to maintaining the prominence and develop programmes, taking up the point made by of our public service broadcasters. Both the Secretary my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff West (Kevin of State and her predecessor have regularly spoken Brennan). Made Television will be forced to allocate about the importance of such broadcasters. Therefore, more of its resources to market its position on channel 26, why are public service broadcasters in Wales and Scotland because that is so low down the list, and that will result being treated in this way, with services in England and in reduced programme output and employment Northern Ireland given a higher priority on Freeview? opportunities—the absolute opposite of what the Minister was trying to achieve and which we in Wales were The Minister has previously admitted that the criterion desperate to be provided. for public service broadcasting—appropriate prominence —is “a relatively vague term”. He said that it was The responsibility for channel allocation on Freeview important that we update the regulations. Will he tell us lies with Ofcom. Clearly, it does not have the powers to when that will be done, and why it was not done before force any type of change to the position that Made in the roll-out of local television? Cardiff will be placed in on Freeview. The Minister has previously spoken of his desire to update the regulations. The Minister also claimed that the presence of S4C in Is he consulting with Ofcom and will he grant it the the Welsh television market is “an idiosyncratic situation”, necessary powers? a description I am not sure S4C or indeed the people of Wales feel particularly flattered by. Is the Minister The previous debate in Westminster Hall left us with claiming that the existence of S4C means that, while a guarantee that the Minister would go away and keep local television in England and Northern Ireland will be us updated on a consultation to grant Ofcom those able to occupy the channel 8 slot, local television in powers. He expected the consultation to take about Wales must be satisfied with channel 26? S4C does not three months, but he gave no indication of when it was operate in Scotland, so why is Scottish local TV also likely to begin. Since then, while he has been working going to be placed at 26? The argument about S4C on the issue, has a date been set? If not, will he explain simply does not make sense to me. why we are still waiting for a consultation to begin? The Minister has said that we should be grateful to be The Made in Cardiff channel launches this summer. at channel 26, as when the plans were originally tabled, Unless a consultation is about to start in the next few it was the intention that local television in Wales should days, no decision will be made in time for the company be allocated channel 45, and that 26 is a huge improvement. to do the marketing necessary before the launch of its While it is undeniable that going from channel 45, new channel. The argument is not esoteric, but about which most viewers would never find, to channel 26 is basic business, and it could demonstrate a greater chance better than nothing, that will still place the channel of success for Made in Cardiff. It is important for the below shopping and music channels. If the local television Minister to address the matter as soon as possible. station is placed below those sorts of programming, will This is the second Westminster Half debate on local anyone ever find local television in Wales? Does the television in two months. The channel in Cardiff, and Minister feel that that will bring appropriate prominence? the one in Glasgow to which the previous debate referred, If channel 26 is good enough for Wales and Scotland, launch in the summer. How can we allow that launch to why is it not good enough for England and Northern take place with the channels at a lower level on the Ireland? electronic programme guide than in England and Northern 95WH Local Television Stations25 FEBRUARY 2014 Local Television Stations 96WH

Ireland? Why are the two devolved Administrations in pointing out that the genesis of the policy emerged Wales and Scotland being dealt with in a totally different under the previous Secretary of State, my right hon. manner? Friend the Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), Prominence on the EPG has been used to ensure that who is now the Secretary of State for Health. His local services in England and Northern Ireland will be passion in opposition was to introduce local television, given the spot that they deserve, without detriment to and his energy and drive as Secretary of State saw it Channel 4. The Minister also places a lot of importance come about. We are on the verge of realising his vision, on the prominence of public service broadcasters. Can albeit with support from all parties. we therefore agree today that action will be taken to Last year, I went up to Grimsby to visit Estuary TV, ensure that Wales does not get a worse deal than the rest one of the first local television stations to start broadcasting. of the UK? Any consultation needed by the Minister in It is working in partnership with local media and local order to make changes to the regulations affecting universities. Local television therefore has the enormous Ofcom, so that it can address greater prominence for opportunity to provide not only the chance of yet Made in Cardiff, should begin, so that the three-month another media outlet for us, but so many community period indentified for the consultation can be completed organisations with the kind of media coverage that they and a decision made before the marketing for Made in need and deserve. The local television companies also Cardiff starts. have the opportunity to forge strong partnerships with I hope that the Minister understands that for us in many of those community organisations. Wales the matter is of grave importance. We have a The hon. Lady rightly referred to Made Television, huge reservoir of talent and we want the opportunities which will be running the Cardiff local television service. for people, in particular young people, to find work in It will serve a wide area stretching to her constituency. I the creative industries across a wide spectrum of job gather that it is due to launch as early as this summer. and skills. I hope that the Minister has some positive Along with Bay TV, it was awarded the Mold and news for us today. Swansea licences by Ofcom in January. It has set out a range of plans to develop a wide range of compelling programming, with local services broadening the choice 4.15 pm for viewers. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, That is just the tip of the iceberg: over the next three Media and Sport (Mr Edward Vaizey): It is a great months we will see the start out of the roll-out of local pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Walker. TV in earnest. As well as Estuary TV, which I have It is one of those moments to realise that someone I already mentioned, London Live will launch shortly, came into the House with is now of such august importance as will Mustard TV in Norwich and Notts TV in that he is chairing a Westminster Hall debate. Nottinghamshire. We hope that the majority of the I am grateful to the hon. Member for Bridgend (Mrs 19 phase 1 channels will be on air by autumn. Moon) for initiating the debate. She started with her Significant public money is being invested in the glass half full, but by the end her glass was half empty. I launch of local television services. In 2011, as part of hope to refill her glass, or at least to persuade her to the most recent licence fee settlement, which runs until take a slightly different perspective to the one suggested March 2017, the Government made £40 million available, by the tone she took later in her speech. I join her in £25 million of which has been allocated to the development paying tribute to the many Welsh stars mentioned in her of the local TV transmission network. That work is opening remarks, in particular Michael Sheen, Rob being undertaken by Comux, which was awarded the Brydon and Ruth Jones. I thank her for noticing the local TV multiplex licence by Ofcom in January 2013. fact that Pinewood Studios last week signed a deal to The remaining £15 million has been allocated for the develop in Cardiff. purchase by the BBC of the local TV content that will It is also probably worth noting that one of the be generated. Detailed arrangements for the distribution reasons for such a renaissance in television production of that funding have now been agreed with the BBC is this Government’s decision to continue the film tax executive. That investment will give local TV the best credit and to extend it to high-end television drama and possible chance of establishing itself against the ever animation. There has been a real renaissance in the increasing choice that viewers have, whether watching animation industry even over the past six months since on traditional linear channels or watching catch-up and the tax credit was introduced. We hope to have some downloadable content available on other platforms. news shortly on our application to the European So far, I hope that everybody’s glass remains firmly Commission for a tax credit for the video games industry. half full. The creative industries are thriving, and are The Chancellor has also announced proposals to extend supported by generous and ever-growing tax credits a tax credit to the visual effects industry, as well as to brought in by this Government. They will be supported regional and touring theatres. There is therefore good by the vision of the former Secretary of State, my right news for the creative industries, which the statistics hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey, for show are flourishing, and Wales—south Wales in the introduction of local television for the first time in particular—is one of the hotbeds of their development. the UK. In saying such things, I am echoing the hon. Member At this point, however, the glass becomes half empty, for Bridgend, who was setting the context for local as we debate the prominence of local television, particularly television not only in Wales, but throughout the country. in Wales. In her speech, the hon. Lady tried to give the The last time we debated local television was in impression that I was somehow saying that Wales should connection with its prominence in Scotland, when I be duly grateful for what we are giving it. I certainly generously said that I regard it as a cross-party issue. would not seek to give the impression that I thought I hope that I am not considered churlish, however, in that S4C was somehow an idiosyncrasy. What I meant 97WH Local Television Stations25 FEBRUARY 2014 Local Television Stations 98WH

[Mr Edward Vaizey] due to start “shortly”, but it was due to start shortly before Christmas. Before he concludes his remarks, will was that S4C is a unique channel for Wales. It represents he tell us exactly when the consultation will begin and something like £100 million of annual investment in whether in his view the channels should ultimately be in Welsh language programming, much of which is of an the top 10 on Freeview at the very least? extraordinarily high quality and is exported around the world. However, that leads to difficulties in trying to Mr Vaizey: I will conclude my point and then come find an appropriate slot for local television. on to when we are planning to publish the consultation. When initial bids were being sought for licences, the It is important to stress that the situation is different slot was at channel 41. As a Government, we are keen to in England and Northern Ireland, because the channel see local television succeed, and we want to see it move 8 slot used there for local television is used by BBC up the EPG rankings where possible. As slots have Alba in Scotland and by Channel 4 in Wales since the become available I am delighted that local television has usual slot for Channel 4 is occupied by S4C in Wales. moved up the rankings and that Scottish and Welsh That is why the channel 8 slot is not available for local local television channels have moved from channel 41 television services in Scotland and Wales. When we up to channel 26. But there is a debate going on about originally put together the policy on local television, the this matter—the hon. Lady is aware of the recent debate slot available was channel 45, so there have been significant led by the hon. Member for Linlithgow and East Falkirk changes. (Michael Connarty) on 18 December. I hate to give a response to the hon. Member for It is anomalous for local TV to have a different Cardiff West (Kevin Brennan) that he will almost certainly channel slot in different parts of the UK. It means that regard as inadequate, but I will have to answer in the local television is less prominent in Wales and Scotland, same way as I have answered him before, which is that and causes problems for local television in developing we are due to publish the consultation shortly. We have promotional activities collectively around a single channel it drafted and have had discussions with Ofcom to number. But local television was not coming into a clarify exactly what powers it currently has so that we greenfield site. We need to balance the needs of important can make it crystal clear in the consultation what powers services that already exist in Wales and Scotland and we seek to change. The consultation will go for Whitehall currently occupy the channel 8 slot. There is also the clearance shortly, so we are on the verge of publishing importance of certainty in the EPG regime for commercial it. I hope that will be in the next few weeks. broadcasters so that they can maintain their levels of Mrs Moon: I will be brief. Will the Minister tell us investment in programming. whether that “shortly” will be short enough to let Made We made it clear in our strategy paper “Connectivity, TV hang back from putting out publicity on which slot Content and Consumers”, which we published last summer, the channel will have, in the possibility that it will have that it is important that public service content should an opportunity to move up to another slot before its have prominence on TV platforms, in order to achieve launch in the summer? That is the dilemma being faced our wider broadcasting objectives, but the Communications at the moment. Act 2003 makes it clear that Ofcom rather than Government should determine the appropriate level of prominence. Mr Vaizey: It is important to emphasise that those The Government’s role is to determine which PSB channels people who have bid for local television licences—and should be included in the prominence regime, and local we welcome the people who bid and who have been TV was duly designated to be included in 2011. awarded the licences and will run those pioneering services—have gone into the process with their eyes Ofcom’s code of practice on EPGs, which was produced open. They knew what the slot was when we began the as a result of the 2003 Act, requires EPG providers to consultation. They have seen the slot change as we have comply with three general principles. One is that Ofcom encouraged Freeview to push local television up the will rankings when slots became available. The hon. Lady “have regard to the interests of citizens and the expectations of will have worked out that if we publish a consultation in consumers in considering whether a particular approach to listings March, there will be a period of consultation and then public service channels constitutes appropriate prominence”. decisions about making changes will have to be taken. That system has hitherto broadly worked well, but it is There is no way I can offer any kind of guarantee to important to recognise that it is not for Government or Made TV or any other local television provider that Ofcom to require a channel to have a specific slot on an changes will happen rapidly enough to move its slot up. EPG, but for the EPG providers to draw up a fair policy It is, in any event, a consultation, and I cannot prejudge on how to use free slots. its outcome. I am sorry to disappoint her. To return to my earlier theme, we should look at local Kevin Brennan: The problem is that, as the Minister television from the perspective of the glass being half has quite rightly said, this idea is the Government’s full. It is a fantastic innovation that has brilliant cross-party baby—although it has had support from all parties—and support. We are going to see pioneers and innovators he is rather neglecting its birth in Wales and Scotland. take to the airwaves over the next six months. I hope In the past, he has promised a consultation on the that the next debate we have on the matter will be matter, and in a recent answer to a written question celebrating the successful launch of a first for the UK from me, his Department said that the consultation was broadcasting ecology. 99WH 25 FEBRUARY 2014 Council Tax Banding 100WH

Council Tax Banding the appeal property more than those which did not overlook it in a similar way. The panel also noted that all access to and from the social housing was past the appeal property”. 4.30 pm There seems to be some inconsistency: in one appeal, Mr Mark Spencer (Sherwood) (Con): I congratulate social housing next to someone’s property was considered the Minister on his impeccable timing. I welcome this to lower the value to band E, but on another occasion it opportunity to set out my concerns about council tax was not. I am not here to discuss whether social housing banding. The topic may not fill the whole half hour, but in proximity to a property should or should not reduce it is too wide to explore in an oral question. council tax; there is an argument for saying that the landlord is irrelevant. What is relevant is how tenants Sherwood is seeing an enormous amount of conduct themselves, and I am sure that many owner- development, with new houses being built throughout occupiers in very expensive properties could be considered the constituency. The new occupants are keen to see to be antisocial neighbours. I am not sure whether which band their house falls into when the local authority having an antisocial neighbour is a consideration in sends its council tax bill. They are usually fairly content deciding what band a property is in. with the band they are given, as long as it is consistent with those of their neighbours. I am asking for clear guidance to the valuation office on the bands. I am aware that banding was set in 1991 Council tax bandings are obviously subjective and and that it is difficult to compare various bands, but my are decided by the valuation office. Most people accept constituent has gone to the trouble of researching properties that they must pay council tax and accept the band they with similar values back in 1991 in the Hucknall area are put into, but when one of their neighbours in a and most of them come out with an average value of similar or larger house is given a lower banding, that around £70,000, which instead of putting them in band causes enormous frustration. That is happening to a E puts them nearer the top end of band C. One can great extent on a new estate in Hucknall in my constituency. imagine the frustration when my constituent’s bill and Will the Minister tell us how the valuation office reaches those of several of his neighbours arrived showing that its decisions and how we can obtain more consistency in their properties were in band E, particularly when some the bandings so that my constituents understand the of his neighbours appealed against that decision and valuation office’s decisions? had their appeal granted, dropping to band D when There have been several successful and unsuccessful other neighbours’ appeals were rejected and they were applications for changes to council tax bandings for told that their banding would remain where it was. properties on the housing estate just off Papplewick When developers propose new properties, they come lane in Hucknall. Perhaps you will indulge me, Mr Walker, up with a plan and allocate names to the types of by allowing me to talk through some examples from my properties. A three-bedroom detached house will be constituents. I have been contacted by Mr Paul Wennington given a style name and a value. A four-bedroom house of 11 Falcon way, Mr and Mrs Paine of 7 Falcon way will be given another style name and value. On the same and Mr Gary King of 8 Hobben crescent on the same estate, the developer built properties identical in every estate. way, shape and form, including the design, type of Mr King’s case is particularly interesting because of bricks and type of tiles, yet some have been put into a several references to the locality of his property near different council tax band. social housing and whether that should or should not In summary, I want to draw the attention of the have an impact on the banding of a property. Mr King Department for Communities and Local Government has come to a conclusion about that and there is a to the frustration that my constituents feel at the council strong argument, which I will come back to, about tax banding that the valuation office is implementing. If social housing and its relevance. In the evidence, the the Minister can do anything to give it more support valuation office was clear. It said that the listing officer’s and guidance so that its approach to banding is more representative contended that band E was correct for consistent, that would be greatly appreciated. If that Mr King’s dwelling because it was in line guidance were forthcoming, perhaps some of my “with the established tone of value/band for such properties constituents could re-appeal the decisions against their based on its size on the appeal property’s estate and the adjoining banding on a more level playing field. development built by Bellway Homes which also had social housing in the locality.” 4.39 pm There is nothing too controversial about that. The listing officer’s representative then said that in view of The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the evidence he Communities and Local Government (Brandon Lewis): It “considered that the tone for properties of the appeal property is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Walker. size supported band E notwithstanding the proximity of the I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Sherwood social housing and asked the panel to dismiss the appeal”. (Mr Spencer) for securing the debate, as it provides an At that point the valuation office was clear that social opportunity to discuss the council tax banding system housing in the locality of Mr King’s property did not and the processes of the Valuation Office Agency. My have an effect on its value and the band it should be in. hon. Friend has, as always, fought hard in his speech to Reference was later made to other properties on ensure that he gets the best result for the residents of Peregrine road, where an appeal was allowed. The panel Sherwood. I know that he does that on a daily basis noted: across the House, lobbying myself and other Ministers. He is right to do so. “Regarding the appeal property’s specific position on the estate…the views from the front of the property looked directly down Falcon I want to be clear: I am keen that the council tax Way and overlooked the social housing, which was only several banding process is seen to be open, fair and transparent, houses away.The panel was of the opinion that this view disadvantaged and that council tax payers are clearly able to see and 101WH Council Tax Banding25 FEBRUARY 2014 Council Tax Banding 102WH

[Brandon Lewis] reassessed and revalued, and considered to be worth £70,000—more than a 10% change—but still stay in the know their rights if they want to challenge those bands. same council tax band. That could be one reason why It goes without saying that a person’s council tax bill residents can see no change in band despite a review on should be based on the correct council tax band for value, but I shall come back to that. their property. None of us could possibly want to argue The common valuation date of 1991 means that all against that. properties, including newly built properties, are valued I want to reiterate the Government’s position that we on a fair and consistent basis. That applies equally to all do not plan at the moment to make any changes to the homes, regardless of general fluctuations in the property banding system; I appreciate that that is not the point market since then. The banding system provides a link my hon. Friend was making. We are looking to do between the value of a dwelling and the level of council nothing of the sort, either by adding more bands or tax. Homes will vary according to a range of factors; splitting them, but I appreciate that there has been a lot some are obvious and some not so. If we think about of talk about that. We are aware of media reports the value of a property that any one of us may own, its calling for extra bands to cover higher-value properties. age and size will all have an effect on the value, as might Just a couple of weeks ago in the Chamber, Labour the level of modernisation and improvement. That can refused to rule out adding more bands and increasing again lead to a variation in valuation between two council tax. properties that, at first glance, may look very similar— We have no plans to introduce anything such as a or, indeed, the same. mansion tax or anything else, and we have made it The VOA looks at the property details for a property, abundantly clear that there will be no general revaluation and then looks at sales that took place on or around the during the lifetime of this Parliament, because that valuation date of 1991. Sales from around that time on would be costly and increase council tax bills. We have comparable properties are the strongest indicator of seen how that worked in Wales in 2005, when four times value. As the bands cover a range of values, many as many people moved up the bands as down. Wholesale different types and styles of property can fall in the revaluation is simply not the answer; it just causes more same band. Equally, fairly similar properties can fall problems. into different bands, depending on their value in 1991. For example, if the band level is £68,001, the property Jonathan Lord (Woking) (Con): Like the Minister, I could be in a different band for the sake of being £10 or congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Sherwood £15 apart in value, in theory. (Mr Spencer) on securing the debate. I am delighted When council tax was introduced in 1993, the that the Minister is ruling out any further council tax Government of the day did not want to discourage bands. Our hard-pressed council tax payers are paying people from improving their properties for fear of incurring quite enough as it is. additional council tax liability. Council tax is not, and This debate is timely; in my constituency of Woking, should not be, a tax on home improvement or extensions, we have a number of new developments—by the way, I but such changes are taken into account when a property thank the Minister for ensuring that some of the new is sold. That is intentional and there are no plans to homes bonus money is going to local authorities rather change it. than to local enterprise partnerships. The debate is timely and important. Thousands of houses are coming Mr Spencer: I am grateful for the Minister’s time and on stream in Woking and there must be an absolutely for his explanation. I hope that he recognises that I am transparent process that works, so that people are allocated talking about brand new properties on the same housing to the right band and those bands are of equivalence to estate, built to the same set of drawings, using the same the other properties in my constituency. bricks and the same tiles—they are identical apart from the fact that they are 100 yards apart—that are in a Brandon Lewis: My hon. Friend makes a valid and different band. That is what is causing the frustration. fair point, particularly regarding transparency. It would Brandon Lewis: I understand my hon. Friend’s point be useful for me to set out how the system works, how and I will turn to that specifically in a moment. Having bands are assigned—which will help deal with the direct said that, in various parts of the country, literally being point raised by my hon. Friend the Member for a few yards apart on opposite sides of the road can Sherwood—and what the taxpayer can do to challenge make a difference in valuation, even for the same properties. their banding. I appreciate that that can be frustrating for residents, In England, the main role of the Valuation Office but it can have an impact—it is about the valuation. It is Agency—or the VOA, as we all know it—is to provide important to be clear about how the system works, as the valuations and property advice required to support that will feed through to give a better understanding, taxation and benefits. There are eight bands—A to enabling me to give a clearer answer to where we are H—and every single one of the 23 million properties in and what my hon. Friend’s residents can do. England that are subject to council tax is assigned one As my hon. Friend rightly pointed out, there can be of those bands by the VOA. They are based on the open inconsistencies. Taxpayers can at times find themselves market value as of 1 April 1991, as my hon. Friend living in properties, new or old, that seem identical or mentioned. even smaller than a neighbour’s that is in a lower band. Each band has a range of values. For example, band The property has a different band level because D is for properties valued between £68,001 and £88,000 improvements have been made to it, or there are changes in 1991. That highlights that a property could have that are not clear at first. Even if it is only because it is its value changed and still not change bands. It could on the other side of the road, there can be a difference be valued at £87,999 and be in band D, then it could be in valuation. 103WH Council Tax Banding25 FEBRUARY 2014 Council Tax Banding 104WH

It is clear from my hon. Friend’s comments that he by my hon. Friend the Member for Sherwood, that that has called today’s debate because there is a specific issue is where the crux of the issue in his area may lie. The around new-build properties for his constituents, who valuation tribunal is independent from the VOA and find themselves in a situation in which the bandings are will hear evidence from both sides before making a final different for similar or, as he outlined, effectively identical decision. That can then be appealed to the High Court properties nearby. I can understand why that would be on a question of law, but that does not necessarily help frustrating not only for them, but for him in his work to the residents. represent them. If council tax payers believe that their band is incorrect, I say to my hon. Friend that after listening to what he they can contact the VOA with their concerns—I appreciate said, he has outlined a potentially apparent inconsistency that there is an issue with that, which I shall come in the valuation tribunal decisions, rather than in relation to—and the VOA will review a property’s banding and to the VOA. I would like to invite him to come and see amend it if the evidence suggests it is incorrect. While I me, and I will arrange for him to have a meeting on am here on the record—this is not so much for my hon. behalf of his residents to look at that specific issue. Friend’s benefit—I want to be clear that council tax bandings can be challenged in two ways. First, the If there is an inconsistency, we want to make sure council tax payer has formal challenge rights in the first that that is driven out; if there is not, we want the six months of either becoming the taxpayer of a property, residents to have a good understanding of why they or against a change made by the VOA, or where a have been banded differently. It may be for some of the material reduction in the value of the property or reasons that I outlined in the past few minutes, about locality has happened since council tax was introduced. differences that are not necessarily apparent at first between properties. If there is an inconsistency, we can When council tax payers do not have those formal make sure we drive to the bottom of that and deal with rights, taxpayers can have their band reviewed by the it for my hon. Friend’s residents. I have also written to VOA for free, if there is something to suggest that the all billing authorities to remind them of their statutory banding might not be right. The VOA uses its statutory duty to include the VOA contact details on council tax duty to maintain fair and accurate bandings as the bills. means to provide a free banding review service, which applies to all occupiers, whether or not they have proposals This is a complex system. It can be daunting and rights. frustrating, as we have heard this afternoon. However, it I make that point clear because I know that some is also very important. That is why I am so determined agencies out there—an increasing number of companies that we will ensure that it is as open and transparent as acting as agents—are promising council tax payers that possible and why I very much welcome today’s debate they can get their bands reduced. I want to be clear: and look forward to my hon. Friend coming and having although some of those are charging up-front fees, I am a conversation with us about the specifics of his case. keen for taxpayers to know that they can approach the VOA directly to challenge their banding. Full details Question put and agreed to. are on the VOA’s website. There is also the ability to have the case appealed to the valuation tribunal when the taxpayer and the VOA 4.50 pm cannot agree. It seems to me, from the comments made Sitting adjourned.

13WS Written Statements25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Statements 14WS Written Statements Single Resolution Mechanism The presidency updated the Council on the trilogue process with the European Parliament. The UK welcomed Tuesday 25 February 2014 the progress made on this file since the general approach was reached at ECOFIN in December 2013, and will be ensuring that it fully respects the unity and integrity of the single market. TREASURY

ECOFIN ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS

The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Sajid Javid): Agriculture and Fisheries Council A meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council was held in Brussels on 18 February. The following items were discussed. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Annual Growth Survey 2014: Guidance on the implementation Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (George Eustice): I of priorities agreed at the December European Council represented the UK at the EU Agriculture Council on on macroeconomic and fiscal matters 17 February. Scottish Minister, Richard Lochhead, and ECOFIN adopted Council conclusions on the annual Welsh Minister, Alun Davies, were also present. growth survey.The Government support the Commission’s Promotion of EU agricultural products focus on fiscal consolidation, promoting economic growth The Commission presented the main aspects of the and employment, and broadly agree with the Commission’s new proposal: a focus on third country markets; ending overall priorities. However, the Government consider national co-financing to ensure a level playing field; that the European semester should focus on the core simplifying the scheme by removing the member state priorities of growth and jobs, and that these conclusions pre-selection process; and expanding the scope of the should not provide a mandate for a justice scoreboard. scheme to cover more products. Alert Mechanism Report 2014 I was broadly in favour of the Commission’s proposal, ECOFIN adopted Council conclusions on the alert noting that the scope should include national quality mechanism report (AMR) which marks the start of the schemes. However, I stressed that for the budget increase macro-economic imbalance procedure cycle. to be justified, schemes would need to bring additional Preparation of G20 Meeting of Finance Ministers and revenue into the EU. Many member states called for Governors (Sydney, Australia, 22-23 February 2014) promotion to be allowed on the internal market; for national co-financing to be maintained; and for member The Council endorsed the EU terms of reference for states to continue pre-selecting projects to transmit to the G20 Finance Ministers and Governors meeting in the Commission. Sydney. School fruit and milk scheme Discharge procedure in respect of the implementation of the budget for 2012 The Commission presented its proposal to merge the existing EU school fruit and school milk schemes mainly The Council, on the basis of a report from the Court on efficiency grounds. I and other member states noted of Auditors, approved the recommendation on the discharge that the proposal to transfer provisions on the fixing of to be given to the Commission in respect of the aid rates for these schemes from the Council to the implementation of the general budget of the European European Parliament would not be consistent with the Union for the financial year 2012. The UK, along with Lisbon treaty. The dossier will now be discussed in the Netherlands and Sweden, voted against the discharge detail at working groups. of the EU budget and submitted a joint statement expressing disappointment that the Court of Auditors Dairy sector had been unable to give an unqualified statement of The Council discussed a presidency questionnaire on assurance for the 19th consecutive year and that the the future of the EU dairy sector following the expiry of overall error rate had increased. milk quotas in 2015. In discussion, two groups emerged: Budget guidelines for 2015 those member states in favour of a “soft landing”— effectively an early end to quota, or a large reduction in The Council adopted conclusions on the budget quota penalty—and those who wanted market intervention guidelines for 2015, which will be its overall reference tools which went beyond the recent CAP reform deal for the budget year. and the dairy package. Implementation of the Single Supervisory Mechanism I spoke in favour of a stable market, noting the The European Central Bank presented its first quarterly long-established position that quotas would end in 2015. report on progress in the implementation of the single To change the system at this late stage would damage supervisory mechanism (SSM). The establishment of the credibility of the EU to see through long-term the SSM will help to safeguard euro area financial policy decisions and give certainty to businesses. stability and is critical to restoring market confidence The Commission recommended that the issues be over the medium term. taken to the special committee on agriculture, discussed Current legislative proposals with stakeholders and the European Parliament, and The presidency provided information on the ongoing returned to Council ahead of the Commission’s planned work on financial services dossiers. report on the dairy sector in June 2014. 15WS Written Statements25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Statements 16WS

Any other business: CAP reform delegated Acts ¤2,000 to ¤10,000; a cap on court fees to 10% of the In response to an AOB request from 27 member value of the claim; a broadening of what constitutes a states, the Commission defended the latest CAP draft cross-border case to include within scope more disputes; delegated Acts, arguing that they had taken on board and a greater use of technology to decrease costs of member states comments wherever possible, but were service of documents and attendance at hearings—for constrained by the terms of the basic Act. I called for a example, through the use of video conferencing and more proportionate system of greening and cross- telephone conferencing. compliance sanctions, while welcoming the Commission’s The Government do not agree with all of the commitment to secure a workable minimum activity Commission’s suggestions. They will argue, for example, requirement. Over half of member states intervened that it is not appropriate for the EU to set rules on the with a range of outstanding concerns but there was a level of court fees in each member state and they will widespread view that sanctions should be lower. want to ensure that the text reflects properly the cross-border The Commission repeated its defence of progress and restriction in article 81 of the treaty on the functioning urged member states not to delay agreement of the Acts of the European Union. which should be adopted before the end of the current However, they recognise the value of a cross-border European Parliament. small claims procedure for consumers who have had African swine fever difficulties when buying goods from other member states, holidaymakers wishing to resolve problems encountered There was widespread support from member states when abroad or businesses trading across borders. for Lithuanian measures to stop the spread of African swine fever. Poland also confirmed that an infected wild They accept that such a procedure can help the boar had been found 1 km from its border with Belarus. working of the single market and for that reason believe Member states urged the Commission to continue to do it is in the United Kingdom’s interests to opt in to the all it could to lift the Russian trade ban on EU pork proposal. products. Severe weather: Slovenia Slovenia outlined the impact of a severe snow storm NORTHERN IRELAND on its agriculture and forestry sector in late January and confirmed that they were planning a call on the EU’s High Court Judgment solidarity fund. The last three AOB items were concluded quickly and without discussion. They were information from The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mrs Theresa the Commission on the implementation of the innovation Villiers): On 21 February, Mr Justice Sweeney ruled partnership for agricultural productivity, information that an abuse of process had taken place in the prosecution from the Netherlands on the outcome of the third of John Downey for offences relating to the Hyde Park global conference on agriculture, food security and bombing which took place on 20 July 1982. Mr Downey climate change, and a report from Lithuania on the was part of an administrative scheme set up by the conclusions of the 34th conference of EU paying agencies. previous Government to deal with so-called “on-the-runs”, On the latter item, the Commission underlined the that is, people who believed they might face questioning increasing importance of the work of paying agency or arrest in connection with terrorist or other criminal directors. offences committed prior to the 1998 political agreement if they returned to the United Kingdom. When he was arrested on 19 May 2013, Mr Downey JUSTICE was in possession of a letter from a senior official in the Northern Ireland Office dated July 2007 that read as follows: European Small Claims Regulation “The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has been informed by the Attorney General that on the basis of the information currently available, there is no outstanding direction for prosecution The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice in Northern Ireland, there are no warrants in existence nor are (Chris Grayling): The Government have today decided you wanted in Northern Ireland for arrest, questioning or charge by the police. The Police Service of Northern Ireland are not to opt in to the European Commission’s proposal which aware of any interest in you from any other police force in the amends the European small claims regulation. United Kingdom. If any other outstanding offence or offences The European small claims regulation was agreed in came to light, or if any request for extradition were to be received, 2007 and has been in use since 1 January 2009. It these would have to be dealt with in the usual way.” provides a simplified EU-wide procedure to allow citizens It has subsequently become clear that this letter contained and businesses to pursue cross-border claims with a an error. Mr Downey was in fact sought for arrest by value of ¤2,000 or less and to have the resulting judgments the Metropolitan Police at that time for charges relating recognised for enforcement automatically in another to the Hyde Park bombing, in which four soldiers of the member state. The simplified procedure aims to make Blues and Royals carrying out ceremonial duties were dispute resolution for low-value claims cheaper and murdered and seven horses were killed. quicker. Tragically, later that same day another bomb at Regent’s Following an evaluation of the current regulation the Park resulted in the murder of seven members of the Commission’s proposal aims to increase the knowledge Royal Green Jackets. The Government remain clear and use of the procedure. The main changes recommended that these were terrible terrorist atrocities that had are: an increase in the threshold for a small claim from absolutely no justification. 17WS Written Statements25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Statements 18WS

The judge concluded that the error had been made by Ireland Office subsequently dealt only with pending officers of the PSNI. The Northern Ireland Office had cases for which requests had been received prior to the sought confirmation before sending the letter that the general election. appropriate checks had been made. It was assured by Our records indicate that around 200 individuals the PSNI that they had been. As has been made clear were subject to the scheme. Of those, approximately by the legal proceedings relating to Mr Downey, an three quarters were informed by letter delivered through administrative scheme to deal with so-called “on the a Sinn Fein representative, that at the time they received runs” was in operation from around September 2000. It the letter, they were not sought for arrest, questioning was devised by the previous Government. The details or charge by police; but that if any new information were not fully set out to Parliament, though the scheme came to light that this was subject to change. was referred to in July 2002 in the answer to a parliamentary question given by the then Secretary of State for Northern This procedure clarified the positions of these individuals Ireland, John Reid. who were otherwise unsure whether they remained wanted Following the failure of the Northern Ireland (Offences) for arrest. In the light of the recent court judgment, my Bill in 2005-06, the administrative scheme became the Department is working with the police and prosecuting only mechanism for dealing with OTRs. Under the authorities to check whether anyone sent a similar letter scheme inquiries from individuals wishing to establish if is wanted for an offence committed before the date of they were wanted for arrest over suspected terrorist the letter. As policing and justice have been devolved activities were communicated, by Sinn Fein, through issues in Northern Ireland since 2010, any further requests the Northern Ireland Office, to the Attorney-General, for the scheme, or clarifications on whether particular who then referred them to the prosecuting authorities individuals remain wanted for arrest, should be directed and the police. The Government communicated back to the PSNI and devolved prosecuting authorities. the response to Sinn Fein via a letter from the Northern The Government are looking carefully at the judgment Ireland Office. of the court. It is right that time is taken to consider its On the information available to the police and prosecuting full implications. The PSNI will wish to reflect on authorities at the time, individuals who were not sought lessons learned from this case and the circumstances for arrest were informed of this. They were also advised that led to the serious error which has occurred. that should new information or evidence of wrongdoing As has been stated on a number of occasions, this come to light at any point in the future, then they would Government do not support an amnesty for people be subjected to normal criminal proceedings. There wanted by the police in connection with terrorist offences. was, therefore, no immunity from possible future arrest. We believe in upholding the rule of law. That is why The current Government looked again at the scheme both the coalition parties strongly opposed the legislation and decided that any future requests should be referred introduced by the Labour Government in 2005 which to the devolved authorities in Northern Ireland, in line would have introduced what was effectively an amnesty with the devolution of policing and justice. The Northern for so-called “on-the-runs”.

209W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 210W Written Answers to Children: Autism Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Questions Education what steps he is taking to ensure that children with autism are not excluded from the classroom. [188182] Monday 24 February 2014 Mr Timpson: All children, including those with autism, [Continued from column 208W] are entitled to a full-time education in school. The Children and Families Bill, supported by a new special educational needs (SEN) Code of Practice, will introduce EDUCATION improved arrangements for the identification, assessment and provision for children with SEN. Adoption The Department for Education is providing funding Mrs Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for of £1.5 million over 2013-15 to the Autism Education Education how many adoption breakdowns occurred Trust to provide training to staff in early years settings, in each of the years for which records are available. schools and further education colleges. The training [188471] ranges from basic awareness training to advanced training for staff such as lead practitioners in autism and school Mr Timpson: Information on the number of adoption SEN Coordinators. Improved awareness and skills in breakdowns is not currently available. As announced in meeting autistic children’s needs will help to prevent September 2012, we will begin collecting data from them being excluded from the classroom. local authorities in 2013-14 about the number of children The Department is also providing £440,000 in funding who return to care following a previous permanent to the National Autistic Society over two years. Part of arrangement. This data will be collected this spring, this funding is being used to employ an exclusions with publication of the first set of data expected in early adviser who can give advice to parents and professionals autumn. to help prevent all types of exclusion, from lessons to We have also commissioned the university of Bristol formal exclusion from school. The Department has to carry out new research on the frequency and causes issued revised statutory guidance on exclusion, clarifying of adoption breakdown. This research aims to address the legal process that must be followed when excluding the knowledge gap in relation to the rate of and reasons a pupil from school. The guidance also reinforces that for adoption breakdown after an adoption order has early intervention to address the underlying causes of been granted. The research commenced in December disruptive behaviour should include an assessment of 2011 and will report later in 2014. whether appropriate provision is in place to support any SEN or disability that a pupil may have. Children in Care: Special Educational Needs Children: Day Care Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 21 January 2014, Official Report, columns 120-1W, on children: income, Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for what information his Department holds on the special Education with reference to the publication of needs of looked after children who have some form of 13 February 2014, on the Regulation of Childcare special educational need to ensure that those children consultation report, what estimate he has made of the are being properly supported. [187864] number of schools that will now start to offer out-of-hours 8 to 6 care as a result. [188528] Mr Timpson: The Department for Education holds information on all episodes of care for children looked Elizabeth Truss: The Department for Education has after by local authorities in England. This has been not made such an estimate. matched to data supplied by schools on the school census return, including information on special educational Children: Protection needs (SEN) of children. This return includes information on whether the child has a SEN and, if so, their primary Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for and secondary types of need. It also includes information Education pursuant to the answer of 9 December 2013, on whether the child is educated in a SEN Unit and, if Official Report, column 76W, on integrated chronology so, whether they have a statement of SEN, or whether tool, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that they are classed as School Action or School Action children’s social care departments comply with the Plus. requirements of statutory safeguarding guidance, The Department annually publishes a Statistical First Working Together to Safeguard Children 2013. [188240] Release (SFR) on the outcomes for looked after children, the latest of which was published in December 2013 Mr Timpson: Local authorities are under a duty to and relates to children looked after on the 31 March follow statutory guidance issued by the Department for 2013: Education unless exceptional circumstances prevent them https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/outcomes-for- from doing so. Every local authority is subject to inspection children-looked-after-by-las-in-england by Ofsted as to the quality of their services for children This SFR contains four tables on SEN, including in need of help and protection. This includes whether information on the attainment of looked after children assessments are in line with ‘Working together to safeguard with SEN. children’. 211W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 212W

The Department intervenes to secure improvement in Mr Laws: Ofsted are members of the cross-Government local authorities where there is failure to deliver adequate Ministerial Board on PE and sport that meets monthly services, including in the provision of child protection. to discuss issues on PE and sport and were also consulted by Henry Dimbleby and John Vincent, the authors of Children: Social Services the School Food Plan. Ofsted revised the school inspection handbook from Mrs Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for autumn 2013 to ensure that primary schools are inspected Education what progress has been made towards the on their use of the additional sports funding. Specifically replacement of the Integrated Children’s System, as inspectors now look at how schools are improving the recommended in the Munro Review. [188468] quality and breadth of provision, including increasing participation in PE and sport so that all pupils develop Mr Timpson: Professor Munro did not make any healthy lifestyles. specific recommendations to replace the Integrated Ofsted also revised its subsidiary guidance for inspectors Children’s System (ICS) in her review of child protection. to include new content on dining and health. Her view was that it should be for local areas to determine how their IT systems operate. Since 2006, local authorities have had the autonomy to modify their ICS systems to Education: Finance respond to local needs. Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Classroom Assistants Education which local authorities provided information to the Education Funding Agency Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for regarding high needs funding for people aged between Education how many teaching assistants employed by five and 25 years old by 23 December 2013; which local academies and free schools which converted from the authorities failed to meet this deadline; and which local maintained sector were subject to changes in the terms authorities had failed to provided the information by and conditions of their employment contracts (a) 31 January 2014. [188478] when that conversion took place and (b) subsequently. [188350] Mr Laws: The Education Funding Agency received information from 124 local authorities by 23 December Mr Laws: The Department for Education does not 2013. All local authorities provided the information by collect this data. When a school becomes an academy, 31 January 2014. staff transfer to the academy under transfer of undertakings The 28 local authorities that returned their information (TUPE) regulations. This means that there are protections after 23 December 2013 are: in place, including a provision that the terms and conditions Barnsley of employment must not change as a result of the transfer except for very limited reasons. Bracknell Forest Brent Creationism Buckinghamshire Durham Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Greenwich Education what assessment he has made of the Hammersmith and Fulham appropriateness of the Council for Learning Outside Hampshire the Classroom rewarding establishments which promote creationism with a Quality Badge award. Herefordshire [187962] Kensington and Chelsea Lambeth Elizabeth Truss: We are committed to making sure Middlesbrough that all children receive a high-quality science education. North East Lincolnshire The national curriculum ensures that pupils will be North Lincolnshire taught the scientific knowledge, such as evolution, which is essential to sound understanding of, and progression Nottinghamshire in, biology and other scientific disciplines. Peterborough While the Department for Education is interested in Richmond upon Thames the work done by the Council for Learning Outside the Rutland Classroom (CLOtC), it does not provide funding for Sheffield them, nor is it involved in deciding which organisations Southend are accredited by the Council. It is entirely a decision for the CLOtC as to which organisations merit their Southwark Quality Badge. Stockton-on-Tees Sunderland Education: Assessments Tameside Westminster Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what discussions he has had with Ofsted Wokingham about altering the evaluation schedule to better Wolverhampton incentivise healthy outcomes for pupils. [188238] Yo rk 213W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 214W

Education: Standards West Midlands— Total revenue allocations £ million Local Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Authority 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Education pursuant to the answer of 10 February 2014, Official Report, column 549, when the Stoke-on- 195 213 195 202 204 consultation will be published; what criteria is outlined Trent in the consultation; when it started; who is being Telford and 131 139 129 131 132 consulted; and if he will look to address the problem of Wrekin absenteeism amongst Traveller communities. [188503] Walsall 236 257 237 242 243 Warwickshire 361 391 366 373 378 Michael Gove: Section 444 of the Education Act 1996 Wolverhampton 213 226 205 211 216 states that it is an offence for parents of school registered Worcestershire 372 396 369 374 375 pupils to fail to secure their attendance at school. Subsection (6) provides that it is a defence if the parents For the financial years 2009-10 and 2010-11 the can prove that, (a) the child has no fixed abode, (b) the allocations in the table include the Dedicated Schools parent’s job requires them to travel and that the child Grant (DSG), Standards Fund Grants and School has attended as regularly as the job permits, and (c) Standards Grants. In 2011-12 funding previously allocated where the child is at least six years of age, that the child through the Standards Fund and Schools Standards has made at least 200 attendances. With the aim of Grants was added to the DSG. From 2011-12 onwards improving the average poor school attendance and levels the allocations also include the pupil premium. For all of attainment for pupils from of Gypsy, Roma and the years in the table DSG allocations include allocations Travelling communities, the Department consulted on for pupils in schools that have converted to academy whether or not to repeal subsection (6) of the Act. The status since 2008, and pupil premium figures include consultation documents can be viewed at the following pupils in all academies. The data also include children’s link: services grants. https://www.education.gov.uk/consultations/ It is not possible to compare funding from year to index.cfm?action=conResults&consultationId=1851&external year. During this time there were some transfers of =no&menu=3 funding between the DFE and other Government The formal public consultation ran from 30 November Departments. These were mainly small amounts but the 2012 to 22 February 2013. It was a public consultation most significant were the education services grant, which directed at schools, local authorities, Travelling communities transferred from the Department for Communities and and included a child-friendly version. We are continuing Local Government (DCLG) to the DFE in 2013-14, to hold consultative meetings with members of the and the Early Intervention Grant, which was introduced travelling community, stakeholders and interested groups in 2011-12 and transferred from the DFE to DCLG in to discuss this sensitive and complex issue. The Government 2013-14. These grants are included in the figures for the is now carefully considering the facts and issues to years in which they were funded by the DFE. The support educational improvements for children from 2013-14 figures also include physical education and these communities, and aims to publish a response sport premium allocations. shortly. The following table sets out capital allocations (£ million) made to local authorities in the west midlands from Education: West Midlands financial year 2009-10 to 2013-14. Figures have been rounded to the nearest million and there may be small variations due to rounding of different funding streams. Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what (a) capital and (b) revenue funding It is not possible to compare funding across years, has been allocated by his Department to (i) Coventry because we fund school building and maintenance City Council and (ii) each local authority in the West differently over time, with, for example, less money now Midlands in each year since 2009-10. [187038] going to local authorities, and more being used to deliver centrally-managed programmes or going directly to academies and free schools. Mr Laws: The following table shows the total revenue allocations (£ millions) made to local authorities in the West Midlands—Total capital allocations (excluding TBN, PSBP, west midlands from financial year 2009-10 to 2013-14 DGCF, MyPlace projects and funding allocated directly to academies and free schools) by the Department for Education (DFE) and its agencies. £ million West Midlands— Total revenue allocations Local £ million authority 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Local Authority 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Coventry 25 17 17 16 12 Birmingham 92 106 183 96 29 Coventry 261 285 265 273 280 Dudley 22 19 8 7 7 Birmingham 1,058 1,151 1,067 1,104 1,128 Herefordshire 15 18 6 4 3 Dudley 247 269 246 250 253 Sandwell 44 45 48 13 12 Herefordshire 116 126 115 117 117 Shropshire 21 21 11 8 7 Sandwell 261 285 266 275 280 Solihull 15 15 6 5 4 Shropshire 187 203 188 191 191 Staffordshire 52 40 39 53 26 Solihull 160 175 164 168 170 Stoke-on- 15 32 86 64 36 Staffordshire 565 612 571 581 586 Trent 215W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 216W

West Midlands—Total capital allocations (excluding TBN, PSBP, Free School Meals DGCF, MyPlace projects and funding allocated directly to academies and free schools) £ million Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Local Education what effect the Government’s plans for free authority 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 school lunches for reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils in state schools will have on his Department’s use of Telford 12 38 19 22 35 the number of pupils from reception to Year 11 eligible and for free schools meals at any point in the last six years Wrekin when calculating pupil premium. [187717] Walsall 22 26 10 7 5 Warwickshire 36 32 24 27 15 Mr Laws: Schools will continue to receive pupil premium Wolverhampton 18 53 66 54 59 funding on the same basis as before. Funding allocations Worcestershire 37 36 19 17 12 for 2014-15 will be based on School Census data collected The data for the financial years 2009-10 and 2010-11 this January. In subsequent years, the Department for are taken from publicly available information on the Education will continue to use the School Census to website of the DCLG, and includes a wide range of gather the same data about pupils in families that grants. We have also included funding for Building receive the relevant benefits that currently entitle them Schools for the Future (BSF), for short breaks, and for to a free school meal. This information will be used to the legacy academies programme. It does not include allocate the pupil premium, as well as other deprivation- funding for 14-19 capital or young people’s secure related school funding. accommodation. Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for The data for the financial years 2011-12 onwards are Education what assessment he has made of the uptake taken from publicly available information on the DFE of funding for free school lunches for reception, year 1 website, and includes formulaic allocations for new and year 2 pupils in state schools; and whether there school places (basic need), and for maintenance (including will be clawback of this funding where uptake is less devolved formula capital). It also includes funding for than 100 per cent. [188548] BSF, for short breaks, and for the legacy academies programme as above. Mr Laws: All pupils in reception, year one and year Maintenance funding allocations made to individual two in state-funded schools in England will be offered local authorities have fallen over the period shown as free meals from September 2014. The take-up of meals maintained schools have converted to become academies by pupils involved in the universal primary free school and so instead are eligible to receive funding through meal pilots between 2009 and 2011 averaged 78% in the academies capital maintenance fund, which is not Newham and 85% in Durham in the first year, and 83% shown in this table. in both authorities in the second year, as published in The table does not include funding allocated through the impact report on the pilot areas.1 targeted and bid-based programmes such as the Targeted The revenue funding allocated to schools will be Basic Need (TBN) programme and the Demographic based on actual take-up of meals by newly eligible Growth Capital Fund (DGCF). It does not include infant pupils, when this is available. This will be measured centrally-managed programmes, such as the Priority in the school census from October 2014. Revenue funding Schools Building Programme (PSBP), or capital funding allocations will be adjusted to reflect take-up. allocated directly to academies and free schools. It does 1 not contain funding allocated to deliver MyPlace projects. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of- English Baccalaureate: Special Educational Needs the-free-school-rneals-pilot-impact-report

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Free Schools Education pursuant to the answer of 6 January 2014, Official Report, columns 105-6W, on special educational need, what guidance his Department gives Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for schools on whether to enter special educational need Education how many independent schools have applied pupils in the English Baccalaureate instead of GCSEs. to become free schools to date; how many such [188219] applications have been approved; and what the cost of the application and approval process is. [187722] Mr Timpson: The Department for Education encourages all pupils—including those with SEN—to pursue Mr Timpson: The Department for Education received achievement in EBacc qualifications where possible. 199 applications from independent schools seeking to become free schools in the first four waves. Of those Foster Care applications, 13 independent converters have opened to date with a further three in the pre-opening stage. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Education pursuant to the answer of 10 December We do not gather information on the costs of running 2013, Official Report, column 213W, on foster care, the application and approval stage of the process. when his Department’s human resources policy for staff who foster or are kinship carers will be available. Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for [188444] Education for what reasons independent schools can convert to free schools but maintained schools are Mr Timpson: This policy is scheduled to be published unable to do so; and if he will change this policy to shortly. allow maintained schools to so convert. [187724] 217W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 218W

Mr Timpson: Free schools are a type of academy with Data is based on the 2012/13 R14 Individualised the same legal structure and freedoms. Maintained schools Learner Record, the latest available full year of data. have their own conversion process which allows all Data refers to 18-year-old non-high needs students on schools to become academies either by themselves or as full-time (540+hours) programmes in a further education part of an established trust. Thousands of head teachers institution (GFE colleges, sixth-form colleges and in maintained schools have already chosen to take commercial and charitable providers). This will not advantage of the benefits that come with academy include any students on apprenticeship provision. Students status. who live in Birmingham, Hall Green constituency do not necessarily study there. Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Data supplied includes student numbers for further Education how many existing free schools (a) have a education colleges (FE), defined as sixth-form colleges leasehold or rental agreement for the site of their and general FE colleges, including tertiary colleges. school and (b) own the freehold of their school site. [187899] Gender Recognition

Mr Timpson: Of the 174 free schools that are currently Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for open, 125 have exchanged or completed contracts for Education what progress has been made by his their permanent sites. Of those 125, 54 own the freehold Department in implementing the commitments of their site and 71 occupy them on a leasehold basis. contained in the Government’s action plan for We are in the process of negotiating permanent sites transgender equality; and if he will make a statement. for the remaining 49. [188088] Elizabeth Truss: Good progress has been made in Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for delivering the commitments identified in ’Advancing Education how many free schools that have a rental or Transgender Equality: A Plan for Action’. leasehold agreement for the site of their school are owned by a (a) local authority, (b) public body, (c) A report on progress on the action plan will be company and (d) private individual. [187905] published in due course. Guardianship Mr Timpson: We do not hold the information requested centrally for all open free school sites and collating it would incur disproportionate cost. Mrs Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education if his Department will carry out a review of the effectiveness of child guardians and the effect their Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for involvement has on the length of care proceedings. Education (1) how many planned free schools that have [188470] a rental or leasehold agreement for the site of their school are owned by a (a) local authority, (b) public Mr Timpson: The length of care proceedings and the body, (c) company and (d) private individual; [187906] role of the children’s guardian were examined as part of (2) how many planned free schools (a) have a the Family Justice Review. This is available online at: leasehold or rental agreement for the site of their https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ school and (b) own the freehold of their school site. attachment_data/file/217343/family-justice-review-final- [187907] report.pdf Under the new framework for inspecting Cafcass, Mr Timpson: It is still early stages for schools due to which was launched in December 2013, Ofsted will look open in September 2014. We are confident that sites will closely at the effectiveness of children’s guardians. be agreed for the vast majority of schools due to open As set out in the Family Justice Board Action Plan this September. So far we have already, exchanged or for 2013-15, we are gathering data on the causes of completed contracts for sites for 16 free schools. This is court adjournments, including advice provided by children’s in line with previous years at the same stage. guardians. The action plan is available online at: Eight have a rental or leasehold agreement and eight https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ already own the freehold. Of the eight which have rental attachment_data/file/226853/family-justice-board-action- or leasehold agreements, five of those are owned by plan.pdf local authorities, two are owned by public bodies and one is owned by a company. ICT: Education

Further Education: Birmingham Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what funding or support his Department has provided to the Year of Code. [188530] Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many young people in Birmingham, Elizabeth Truss: The Year of Code campaign, which Hall Green constituency will be affected by the was launched on 4 February 2014, is an independent reduction in funding for 18-year-olds at further campaign. Although the Government did not contribute education colleges. [187432] any funding to this campaign, we believe that it will inspire young people to learn to code and develop an Matthew Hancock: There are 249 students aged 18 interest in computer science, something that will be who are affected by the reduction in funding who live in taught in schools as part of the new computing curriculum Birmingham, Hall Green constituency. from September 2014. 219W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 220W

Institute of Physics Ministers’ Private Offices

Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the success rates by route of entry is Education what the size, in square metres, of the offices for physics ITE place acceptances. [188001] assigned to each of his Department’s Ministers is; and how many officials, at what grade, work in the private Mr Laws: The following table is derived from published offices of each of his Department’s Ministers. [188314] initial teacher training (ITT) performance profiles.1 The latest published data is for the academic year 2011/12. Michael Gove: The annual cost of staffing Ministers’ The data for the academic year 2012/13 will be published private offices in the Department for Education has in the autumn of this year. been reduced by more than £440,000 under this Government. The size of Ministers’ allocated offices Qualified teacher status award rate of physics trainees by ITT route, 2011/12 and the number and grades of officials working for each Minister is presented in the following table. Apart from Percentage the office for the Minister for Skills, a new joint Business, Employment-based routes 89 Innovation and Skills and Department for Education Higher education institution routes 78 post created after the election in May 2010, the offices School-centred ITT routes 88 used by Ministers in the Department for Education are the same as those used by Ministers in the previous In 2011/12, 48% of physics entrants to employment-based Government: routes and 52% of physics entrants to school-centred routes with a UK degree had a 2:1 or above, compared Ministerial Office Private size Staff with 43% of physics entrants to higher education institution Office: m2 numbers Grade routes. 1 Available at: right hon. Secretary of State 73.5 1 EAAO Michael for Education https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/initial-teacher- Gove MP training-performance-profiles-2013-management-data 1—1EO 1— 2 HEO Kings Science Academy 1— 1 Grade 7 1— 1 Grade Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for 6 Education pursuant to the answer of 10 February 1— 1 SCS 2014, Official Report, column 427W, on Kings Science Band 1 Academy, if he will publish the assessment of the leasehold options against a freehold acquisition of right hon. Minister of State 45 1 EAAO Hartley Business Park in Lidget Green. [187965] David Laws (jointly with the MP Cabinet Office) Mr Timpson: The Department for Education does 1—1EO not publish such assessments. To do so could inhibit the 1— 1 HEO free and frank provision of advice and impact on the 1— 1 Grade Department’s ability to maintain a strong bargaining 7 position for other free school sites. Edward Parliamentary 45 3 EO Timpson MP Under-Secretary of Languages: Education State 1— 1 HEO David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps his Department is taking to help Elizabeth Parliamentary 36 3 EO students who want to learn foreign languages. [187819] Truss MP Under-Secretary of State 1 Elizabeth Truss: Learning a foreign language provides — 1 HEO an opening to other cultures, fostering pupils’ curiosity and deepening their understanding of the world. It also Lord Nash Parliamentary 45 3 EO equips pupils to study and work in other countries. Under-Secretary of State The English Baccalaureate is already encouraging 1— 1 HEO more young people to take a language at GCSE level. The number of pupils at the end of key stage 4 (ages 14 to 16) in England entered for a modem foreign language Matthew Minister of State 50 — — GCSE increased by over 20% from 2012 to 2013. Hancock MP (jointly with the Department for We have introduced a foreign language at key stage 2 Business, Innovation (ages seven to 11) as part of the new national curriculum, and Skills) which comes into force in England from September 1 Indicates brace 2014. Schools will be able to teach any modern or Private Office staff work in the open plan office space ancient foreign language. adjacent to ministerial offices. 221W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 222W

Mathew Hancock works jointly at the Department Mr Laws: By the summer we will have collected for Education and the Department for Business, Innovation up-to-date, reliable and validated condition information and Skills. One EO grade member of staff working in for the entire schools estate, and our intention remains Matthew Hancock’s private office is employed by the to use the information from the surveys to better target Department for Education. funding according to need from 2015-16. Pre-school Education

Lucy Powell: To ask the Secretary of State for Pupils: Disadvantaged Education how many three and four year olds in each parliamentary constituency receive free early years Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for education outside of reception classes. [188534] Education pursuant to the answer of 6 January 2014, Michael Gove: The numbers of three- and four-year-olds Official Report, column 101W, on pupils: accessing funded early years education, by local authority, disadvantaged, what estimate his Department has is available on the Department for Education’s website made of the number of pupils who will benefit from at: the pupil premium in (a) the West Midlands, (b) Worcestershire and (c) Redditch. [188455] www.gov.uk/government/publications/provision-for-children- under-5-years-of-age-in-england-january-2013 Priority School Building Programme Mr Laws: Pupil premium allocations for financial year 2014-15 will be finalised in summer 2014 when the Craig Whittaker: To ask the Secretary of State for January 2014 school census data are available. The Education when he expects the next round of priority numbers of pupils eligible for the pupil premium in school building funds to be available. [188277] 2013-14 in the requested areas are:

Redditch parliamentary Worcestershire West Midlands constituency county council region

Number of pupils eligible for the deprivation pupil premium1 2,950 14,710 241,480 Number of children eligible for the looked after child pupil premium2 n/a 370 5,510 Total disadvantaged pupils eligible for the pupil premium 2,980 15,250 250,130 1 Pupils known to be eligible for free schools meals since summer term 2007. 2 Pupils recorded as continuously in care for at least six months as at 31 March 2013. Note: The figures for the Redditch constituency do not include looked after children because funding is allocated at local authority level not individual school level. Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupil-premium-2013-to-2014-final-allocation-tables

Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for low-income backgrounds or minority ethnic groups Education pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member cannot be expected to do just as well and perform just for Aldridge-Brownhills of 29 January 2014, Official as highly as their peers. Report, column 534W, on pupils: disadvantaged, when Our academies programme is specifically benefiting data on the number of eligible pupils in each school black and minority ethnic (BME) pupils who most need which will be used to allocate the pupil premium for new educational opportunities. Sponsored academies 2014-15 and beyond will be available. [188580] have higher levels of BME pupils than the rest of the state sector, both at secondary and at primary. BME Mr Laws: Pupil premium allocations for financial pupils in sponsored academies outperform pupils from year 2014-15 will be finalised in summer 2014, when the similar backgrounds in comparable local authority schools. January 2014 school census data is available. Data from Free schools also have higher proportions of BME the January 2015 school census, used to calculate the pupils than the national average—and in some cases 2015-16 pupil premium allocations, will be available in higher than the average for their local area. summer 2015. Reforms such as the new secondary accountability measures, emphasis on core academic qualifications Pupils: Ethnic Groups through the EBacc, and the refocusing of Ofsted’s school inspection regime on teaching and learning, will Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for ensure high standards for all and hold schools to account. Education what initiatives his Department is The pupil premium will also help raise standards for undertaking to monitor and raise educational many minority ethnic pupils in low-income families. attainment among children of minority ethnic origin. [187427] Sandymoor School

Mr Laws: The Government’s education reforms are Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for designed to ensure that all pupils, including those from Education whether any additional funding (a) has minority ethnic groups, receive the high-quality education been and (b) is planned to be allocated to Sandymore they deserve. We refuse to accept that children from Free School in Runcorn during 2014. [187954] 223W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 224W

Mr Timpson: The total revenue funding awarded to up, contracts negotiated and planning permission secured. Sandymoor Free School in 2013-14 is published online: Under Building Schools for the Future (BSF), it took http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/executiveagencies/efa/ three years from first planning for building works to efafundingfinance/b00213953/academies-funding-2013-14/ begin. We have cut this to one year under the PSBP academyallocations1314 programme. There are no plans for any additional revenue funding Construction work has already started at 20 schools to be provided in the current academic year. (17 under main works contracts and three under early works agreements), and we expect work to start on a Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for further six to eight schools this month. Education how many pupils are currently enrolled in A list of the schools can be found as follows: Sandymore Free School, Runcorn. [187955] i. Alice Stevens School Mr Timpson: I refer the hon. Member to the answer ii. Durham Trinity School and Sports College given to the hon. Member for Scunthorpe (Nic Dakin), iii. Ernesford Grange Community School on 6 January 2014, Official Report, column 72W. iv. Fountaindale School v. Garston Manor School Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the current funding level per pupil is at vi. Hill Top School Sandymore Free School, Runcorn. [187956] vii. Ian Ramsey C of E Aided Comprehensive School viii. King James I Academy Bishop Auckland Mr Timpson: The total revenue funding awarded to ix. Lees Brook Community School Sandymoor Free School in 2013-14 is available here: x. Mill Green School http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/executiveagencies/efa/ xi. St Thomas More Catholic Primary School efafundingfinance/b00213953/academies-funding-2013-14/ xii. Stratford School Academy academyallocations1314 xiii. The Cedar School This was based on an estimated 119 pupils. Where free schools are funded in an academic year of its xiv. Usworth Grange Primary School estimated pupil numbers, we will make an adjustment in xv. West Cornforth Primary School line with its funding agreement in the following year, xvi. Whitmore Park Primary School clawing back or awarding more funding if the estimated xvii. Wyken Croft Primary School numbers are not realised. xviii. Goole High School All open free schools are funded using the local xix. Collegiate High School authority funding formula in the same way as academies xx. Highfurlong School and local authority maintained schools in their area. We will be working with all schools in the programme Typically, any new school with a new intake each year by the end of 2014 and the first school will open later would be on estimated pupil numbers. this year. All schools in the programme will be delivered Schools: Asbestos by the end of 2017. Schools: Fire Prevention Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Education which Government Department has Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for responsibility for asbestos policy for schools in Wales. Education pursuant to the answer of 23 October 2013 [188046] to the hon. Member for Poplar and Limehouse, Official Mr Laws: Responsibility for asbestos policy for schools Report, column 208W, on schools: buildings, what in Wales is a devolved matter for the Welsh Government. progress his Department has made with its review of the guidance on fire safety in schools; and what his Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for policy is on the installation of fire sprinklers in schools. Education which Government department is [187917] responsible for the management of asbestos in schools in Wales. [188123] Mr Laws: The Department for Education will be publishing revised guidance titled ‘Fire Safety Design Mr Laws: Responsibility for the management of asbestos for Schools’, later this year. This will replace the current in schools in Wales is a devolved matter for the Welsh guidance contained within Building Bulletin 100: Government. http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/adminandfinance/ schoolscapital/buildingsanddesign/environmental/a0063718/ Schools: Construction fire-safety-design-guidance-building-bulletin-100 Regarding the installation of sprinklers in schools, Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Department’s policy is that they should be installed Education pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2014, in new school buildings where there is a real and significant Official Report, column 60W, on schools: construction, risk, as identified in a fire risk assessment. which schools (a) have started construction and (b) will start construction before May 2015 under the Schools: Vocational Guidance current timetable. [187069] Mary Macleod: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Laws: We are currently working with 221 schools Education what assessment he has made of how in the Priority School Building Programme (PSBP). schools can best support pupils to pursue further Before building work can begin, plans must be drawn education and careers in STEM subjects. [185179] 225W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 226W

Elizabeth Truss: There has been a 30% rise in GCSE Mr Timpson: In the last 12 months the Department physics, chemistry and biology entries since 2010 and for Education has not received any written representations record numbers of pupils are taking maths and sciences from head teachers or parents about the quality of atAlevel. secondary education in Cumbria or Copeland. We are also making it clear to pupils and their In November and December last year, Ofsted carried parents that mathematics is vital whatever career they out focused inspections of a group of secondary schools want to go into. Those achieving A level maths earn up in Cumbria. The findings from these inspections are to 10% more as adults than those without. Mathematics, summarised in a letter from Ofsted to the chief executive computer science and engineering are among the top of Cumbria county council, which was published on five degrees for future earnings. Ofsted’s website on 10 February 2014: The key to getting more students to take mathematics http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/local-authorities/cumbria is the quality of teaching. To ensure high quality teaching we offer bursaries of up to £25,000 to attract the best Social Workers: Crimes of Violence graduates into teaching mathematics and science. We also fund programmes to provide good quality subject specific professional development, through the Regional Mrs Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Science Learning Centres and the National Centre for Education what assessment he has made of the Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics. We have adequacy of current legislative provisions to protect recently announced £11 million to fund 30 new maths social workers from violence when carrying out their hubs to drive up the quality of mathematics teaching work. [188469] from primary school onwards. We have an ambition for the overwhelming majority Mr Timpson: There are a range of offences having of young people in England to study mathematics at general application that criminalise disorderly and violent least to age 18 by 2020. We want to be in a position behaviour, which would apply in cases of violence towards where all students and their parents think about which people whose work brings them into contact with members kind of maths they will pursue as part of their post-16 of the public. These offences cover the full spectrum of programme rather than if they will continue to study unacceptable behaviour, from using abusive language to mathematics at all. That is why students who have not the most serious and violent offences. achieved at least a grade C in GCSE mathematics by the Moreover, sentencing guidelines specify that, where age of 16 are required to continue to study mathematics an assault is committed against someone providing a post-16. Furthermore, new core maths qualifications service to the public, this is an aggravating factor and so will be available from 2015, which build on GCSE study should result in a higher sentence within the current and develop competence in more advanced mathematical maxima. thinking and problem solving, and will be suitable for those students who do not go on to study A level Special Educational Needs mathematics. We are also funding Cambridge university to develop challenging materials for both mathematics and physics Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for A Levels to better prepare students for STEM degree Education pursuant to the answer of 10 December courses. These extension materials aim to boost students’ 2013, Official Report, columns 217-8W, on special problem solving skills and should give state school educational needs (SEN), what guidance his pupils a better chance of studying at the best universities. Department plans to issue to local authorities on They will be made available online for schools and building on existing parent partnership services in colleges to access and will be supported by a programme order to provide information, advice and support to of professional development for teachers. parents and young people up to 25 years old with SEN, about education, health and social care. [188241] Our reform of the national curriculum and qualifications will ensure young people have the essential skills and knowledge to progress to further study post-16. Mr Timpson: The SEN Code of Practice will set out more detail on what impartial advice and information Secondary Education: Copeland should be offered to children and young people with SEN or disabilities, and their parents. Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps his Department is taking to Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for improve the quality of secondary education in Education whether information about the statutory Copeland constituency. [187883] guidance on social care for deafblind children and adults guidance will be included in Special Educational Mr Timpson: We will challenge poor performance in Needs Code of Practice. [188573] any school. We will seek academy solutions when schools fail. Mr Timpson: The Department for Education recently Secondary Education: Cumbria consulted publicly on a draft special educational needs (SEN) code of practice. We are making revisions to it to Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for take account of developments during the passage of the Education what representations he has received from Children and Families Bill and responses to the consultation. (a) headteachers, (b) Ofsted and (c) parents on the As this is taken forward, we will continue to work quality of secondary education in (i) Cumbria and (ii) with people who must have regard to the code of Copeland constituency. [187884] practice and those who support children, young people 227W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 228W and families. Once this work is completed, the revised Young People: Visual Impairment code of practice will be placed before both Houses of Parliament for approval. Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Staff Education (1) what plans he has to update the publication Quality Standards: Delivery of Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Habilitation Training (Mobility and Independent Education what proportion of staff recruited to his Living Skills) for Children and Young People with a Department since 5 May 2010 identified their ethnicity Visual Impairment, published in January 2011; and as (a) white British and (b) from a minority ethnic whether that guidance will be put on a statutory background. [188071] footing; [188336] (2) what the role of the local offer will be in the Michael Gove: The Department has no mandatory or commissioning of habilitation and other specialist contractual requirement for staff to share their diversity services; [188337] data. As a result, the figures we have will include people (3) how (a) habilitation and (b) other specialist we have categorised as ’prefer not to say’. services will be commissioned after implementation of We are unable to identify the ethnicity of those the provisions of the Children and Families Bill; people that were recruited via external recruitments [188338] without exceeding the cost threshold. We have provided (4) whether local authorities will be expected to information on people that have been added to our include (a) habilitation services and (b) other headcount in the period. specialist services in their local offer for children and [188341] Percentage young people with special educational needs. 2010 2011 2012 2013 Mr Timpson: The Quality standards for Delivery of White 35.71 35.46 43.19 30.81 Habilitation Training (Mobility and Independent Living BME 1.43 5,95 7.91 5.95 Skills) for Children and Young People with a Visual Preferred 62.86 58.59 48.90 63.24 Impairment were developed by the Royal National Institute not to say for Blind People with funding from the then Department Total 100 100 100 100 for Children, Schools and Families. They are available The percentage figures in the table are all rounded to for local authorities and others to use if they wish. two decimal places. The Government has amended the clauses on joint commissioning and the local offer in the Children and Teachers: Industrial Disputes Families Bill to include services for disabled children and young people alongside those with special educational Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for needs (SEN). The draft SEN Code of Practice, published Education if he will enter into talks with the National for consultation in October 2013, makes clear that local Union of Teachers and NAWUWT to resolve their authorities should include in their local offer information trade disputes. [188212] about special educational provision made available to Mr Laws: The Secretary of State for Education, the mainstream schools, early years providers, special units, right hon. Member for Surrey Heath (Michael Gove), alternative provision and other settings such as sensory has met frequently with the National Union of Teachers support services. Local authorities will therefore be able (NUT) and the National Association of Schoolmasters to include information about habitation and other specialist Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) to discuss their services for children and young people with a visual concerns and will continue to do so. The Secretary of impairment. State has offered a programme of talks with all It will be up to local authorities and their partner representative organisations, including the NUT and commissioning bodies to decide what services to NASUWT.These talks will focus on policy implementation commission, taking account of local needs. Such services across a range of policy areas, including those covered could include habilitation and other specialist services. by the NUT and NASUWT trade disputes. Youth Custody Teachers: Training Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what the annual cost is of a place at a secure Education whether sixth form colleges are able to children’s homes; and what estimate his Department access the funding announced on 5 February 2014 to has made of the likely annual cost of a place at secure encourage graduates to teach mathematics. [188464] college or secure training college. [188369]

Matthew Hancock: This funding is for further education Mr Timpson: Placements in secure children’s homes colleges and training providers. occur via two different routes. Either young people will Sixth form colleges and school sixth forms already have been remanded or sentenced by the courts; or a have access to Initial Teacher Training bursaries, student secure welfare order is made under section 25 of the loans, subject knowledge enhancement payments, support Children Act 1989 when they become a danger to from specialist leaders of education and grants from the themselves or others. The Youth Justice Board (YJB) School Direct programme to cover recruitment and only has responsibility for those young people that are training of graduates. remanded or sentenced by the courts and has a series of These are not available to further education and the block contracts for that purpose. Welfare beds are spot new scheme has been introduced to address this. purchased by individual authorities as required. The 229W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 230W

2013/14 average annual price for YJB-contracted beds by 2019 and provides the necessary funding to facilitate is £209,000. The average annual price for welfare beds is this. The West Anglia Route Strategy is refreshing the £277,000. longer term usage forecasts and these will inform future In its response to the consultation Transforming Youth investment decisions. Custody, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) announced it Assets would be introducing a new model of youth custody, the secure college, which could accommodate all young Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State people currently placed in YOIs and secure training for Transport how many officials in his Department are centres (STCs), as well as some currently placed in working on the sale of (a) the Government’s SCHs. We anticipate retaining some specialist custodial shareholding in Eurostar International Ltd and (b) provision for the very youngest and most vulnerable London and Continental Railways property assets. young people remanded or sentenced to custody by the [187745] courts, but our vision is for secure colleges to cater for the vast majority of young people in custody. The Stephen Hammond: No sale processes for the UK average cost of a place in youth custody is around Government’s 40% shareholding in Eurostar International £100,000 per annum. Secure colleges will achieve ongoing Ltd or London and Continental Railways (LCR) Limited savings by operating at a significantly lower cost per ’major property holdings’ have been launched. Both place than the current average, while allowing withdrawal assets are held by LCR, which is 100% owned by the from more expensive and inefficient provision. The Department for Transport. larger sizes of secure colleges will allow a broader We currently have a total of three full time equivalent curriculum and range of services to be provided at a (where one FTE is from the Department of Business lower cost, without any compromise in the safeguarding Innovation and Skills) working on the sale feasibility of of young people. The MOJ will not be able to confirm Government’s shareholding in Eurostar. the annual cost per place until it has completed the In line with the autumn statement of 5 December operator competition for the pathfinder secure college. 2013, Official Report, columns 1101-1113, the potential Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for for these sales and targeted timeframe of 2014-20 for Education if he will place in the Library staff codes of both are subject to value for money assessments and conduct currently in use at secure children homes. key policy objectives. [188374] Aviation: India Mr Timpson: Staff in children’s homes, including secure children’s homes, have to meet the regulations, Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for statutory guidance, and national minimum standards Transport if he take steps to facilitate direct flights issued under the Children Act 1989 and the Care Standards from Heathrow to Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India; and Act 2000. Copies can be found at: if he will make a statement. [188404] http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/ Mr Goodwill: The opportunities already exist under families/childrenincare/g00222870/children-act-1989- the bilateral UK/India Air Services Arrangements for childrens-homes airlines to operate this route. Airlines operate in a and competitive commercial environment and it is entirely http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130903163257/ for individual airlines to assess and determine the services http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/ families/childrenincare/childrenshomes/a00191997/childrens- they plan to operate. homes-regulations-guidance-and-national-minimum- Bus Services: Greater London standards Copies have been placed in the House Library. Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for In 2012 the Youth Justice Board issued ’Managing Transport (1) what the total value is of the bus service the Behaviour of Children and Young People in the operator grant that has been devolved to the Greater Secure Estate Code of Practice’. A copy can be found London Assembly since 1 October 2013 to date; at: [188044] http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/youth-justice/custody/ (2) what estimate his Department has made of the mmpr/behaviour-management-code-of-practice.pdf total value of the bus service operator grant that will A copy has been placed in the House Library. devolve to the Greater London Assembly in (a) 2014-15, (b) 2015-6 and (c) 2016-17. [188045]

TRANSPORT Stephen Hammond: A sum of £45.875 million was paid to the Greater London Authority and Transport Abellio Greater Anglia for London in 2013 in the form of Business Rate Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Retention (BRR) and General Grant to replace the Bus Transport what his estimate is of the number of Service Operators Grant previously paid to bus operators commuters who will use Greater Anglia services at in London. A total of £92.404 million will be paid to peak time in each of the next 20 years; and what plans these bodies in due course for 2014-15, for the same he has to increase capacity (a) between London and purpose. The amount devoted to supporting bus services in 2015-16 will be for the GLA/TFL to decide from Colchester and (b) on other key sections. [187403] within their overall BRR and grant allocation for that Stephen Hammond: The Government’s Rail Investment year. Strategy (HLOS) sets out our forecast of peak passenger The figures for 2016-17 have yet to be agreed, and will growth to be accommodated into Liverpool Street station be addressed as part of the next spending review. 231W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 232W

Bus Services: Technology Stephen Hammond: A list of the bus companies which received funding under each of these incentives as of Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for May 2013 can be found at: Transport what estimate his Department has made of https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ the potential cost of installing facilities to announce attachment_data/file/199169/list-of-English-bus-operators.pdf the next stop and the final destinations in all buses used The total paid out under each incentive is set out in for public transport in the UK. [187750] the following table. Figures for individual operators are not readily available. Stephen Hammond: Our recent Accessibility Action Plan progress report, published on 23 December 2013, Payment of Bus Service Operators Grant incentives 2010-11 to 2012-13 estimated that installing audio-visual announcement £000 systems (including next-stop and final destination 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 information) on all new buses could cost between Low Carbon Emission 92 291 1,456 £5.75 million to £9.7 million every year, based on industry Smartcard only 240 2,854 2,296 projections. Automatic Vehicle 311 2,014 975 The total cost of retrofitting audio/visual technology Location only onto all buses is more difficult to estimate as this Smartcard and AVL 1,406 8,309 16,609 depends greatly on the complexity and layout of the existing core system and on a variety of different vehicle Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for designs. Bearing in mind the number of uncertainties Transport when he intends to launch a review into involved, we have estimated that installing these systems future incentive payments to bus operators for (a) on all buses in the UK under five years old could using low carbon emission buses, (b) fitting buses with somewhere between £29 million and £38.8 million. These smartcard technology and (c) fitting buses with figures do not include London, where all buses operate automatic vehicle location equipment; and whether the with audio/visual announcement systems. public will be consulted over the findings of such a review. [187909] Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) how many bus companies have Stephen Hammond: We intend that the low carbon voluntarily introduced audio-visual announcements emission, smartcard and automatic vehicle location into their fleets to date; and what the (a) number and incentives paid under the Bus Service Operators Grant (b) percentage of buses in operation is which provide (BSOG) system will be reviewed this year as part of a audio-visual announcements; [187814] planned wider review of BSOG. We envisage that those (2) what assessment he has made of the success of with an interest would be given an opportunity to his policy of encouraging voluntary uptake of audio- submit their views as part of the review. visual announcements on buses. [187815] Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland Stephen Hammond: Research commissioned by the Department for Transport estimates that in 2012 there Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State were 8,877 buses operating in England that offered for Transport when he expects to announce the audio announcements on the destination of the bus and outcome of his review of the work of the Driver and the next stop, compared to 8,812 buses in 2011. This Vehicle Agency in Northern Ireland. [188275] amounts to approximately 25% of all buses in England. Stephen Hammond: We were keen to listen to all Although we do not hold specific data from each bus representations from Northern Ireland elected operator on the number or percentage of buses using representatives and consider the full implications before audio/visual systems in 2013, we are currently examining reaching such an important decision. No final decision whether this information can be gathered as part of the has been taken. Once a decision is made an announcement Department’s next annual bus operator survey, due to will be made as soon as possible. be published in the autumn. Since 2012, we are aware that local operators such as Driving Offences Reading Buses and Go North East have added on-board audio visual announcements to a number of their major Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for bus routes, while Nottingham City Transport have invested Transport (1) how many new drivers accumulated six over £5 million in 2013 on new buses with audio visual penalty points within the two year probationary period announcements to enhance 20 routes across their city in each of the last five years; [187893] bus network. (2) how many notifications by a court or fixed In addition, at least five local authorities (Bournemouth, penalty office were received by the DVLA following the Hampshire, Milton Keynes, York and the West Midlands accumulation of six penalty points by a new driver ITA) are implementing plans to increase the provision within the two year probationary period in each of the of audio-visual systems on buses in their local area as last five years; [187903] part of projects bid for under the Department’s £70 million (3) how many notifications of endorsement from a ’Better Bus Area’ fund. court or fixed penalty office of a driver who meets the criteria of the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act 1995 Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for were received by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Transport which bus companies have received what Agency following the accumulation of six penalty value of incentive payments for use of (a) low carbon points by a new driver within the two year emission buses, (b) smart ticketing technology and (c) probationary period in each of the last five years. automatic vehicle location technology to date. [187908] [187904] 233W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 234W

Stephen Hammond: The information requested is available accountants sufficient time to undertake a full audit of only from 2010 onwards. Details of driving convictions those accounts prior to them being released to bidders prior to this will have been removed from the Driver as part of the Invitation to Tender. The specific date and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) record on expiry was picked as this is the end of a railway reporting of the endorsement—normally four years from the date period. of the offence. The following table shows the information requested from 1 February 2010 to 1 February 2014: Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport whether the acquisition price that the Number of drivers/notifications successful bidder will pay for the InterCity East Coast 2010 11,757 franchise is capped at £20 million; and what recent estimate he has made of the acquisition price for that 2011 11,074 franchise. [187749] 2012 10,781 2013 7,188 2014 up to 1 February 10 Stephen Hammond: The prospectus for the new Intercity East Coast franchise explains that we expect the acquisition price that the successful bidder will pay for the company Total 40,810 will be no more than £20 million. The final price will be Driving: Licensing set out in the forthcoming Invitation to Tender.

Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for East-West Rail Link Transport pursuant to the answer of 5 February 2014, Official Report, column 238W, on driving: licensing, what proportion of new drivers have had their licence Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for revoked by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Transport what progress he has made on identifying during their two year probationary period in each of and evaluating potential routes for the East-West rail link from Bedford to Cambridge; and if he will make a the last five years. [188222] statement. [187813] Stephen Hammond: The information requested is not usually collated. In 2009 the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Stephen Hammond: The East West Rail Consortium Agency did carry out detailed analysis of driving tests; is working with the Department and Network Rail to this analysis showed that of the 714,904 drivers who identify the transport needs and economic opportunities passed their first test in 2009, 12,666 were revoked a new railway between Bedford and Cambridge might during the probationary period. This equates to 2% of meet. The results are expected in March and will be the total. used to explore route options. East Coast Railway Line Equality Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport which areas of the InterCity East Coast Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport rail passenger franchise contract that bidders will be what the (a) total departmental expenditure, (b) encouraged to resource in addition to the acquisition number and (c) cost of people employed for the price set through the locked box mechanism. [187746] purpose of promoting equality and diversity was for Stephen Hammond: The acquisition price for the East each of the last five years. [187648] Coast Main Line Company Ltd will reflect the value that Directly Operated Railways place on certain assets Stephen Hammond: The total departmental expenditure (such as ticket barriers, driver simulators and the value for the purpose of promoting equality and diversity for of points in the customer loyalty scheme) of the business each of the last five years was: that is being sold through the locked box mechanism to 2010-11: £227,876 the successful bidder for the new Intercity East Coast 2011-12: £282,975 Franchise, in addition to acquiring these assets, bidders will be expected to submit tenders for the franchise in 2012-13: £270,991 accordance with the forthcoming Invitation to Tender, 2013-14: £185,229 (projected to 31 March 2014). which will include a proposed profile of premium payments. Expenditure records are not held centrally for financial years prior to 2010-11. Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) for what reasons 7 December 2013 The number and cost of people employed for the was selected as the locked box balance sheet date in the purpose of promoting equality and diversity for each of prospectus for the InterCity East Coast franchise; the last five years was: [187747] 2009-10: eight people1 (2) for what reasons 7 December 2013 was selected as 2010-11: five people: £172,420 the locked box balance sheet date for setting the 2011-12: three people (2.5 full-time equivalent): £130,631 acquisition price in the Invitation to Tender document 2012-13: three people (2.5 full-time equivalent): £132,064 for the InterCity East Coast franchise. [187748] 2013-14 (projected): three people (2.5 full-time equivalent): Stephen Hammond: The locked box balance sheet £132,865. date was set at 7 December 2013 to allow Directly 1 Expenditure records are not held centrally for financial years Operated Railways’ and East Coast Main Line’s reporting prior to 2010-11. 235W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 236W

First Capital Connect Phase One Number of properties purchased Local authority at 31 October 2013 Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from Solihull MBC 3 First Capital Connect seeking compensation from Staffordshire County Council 14 Network Rail in the event of Network Rail Warwickshire County 28 infrastructure failings; and if he will make a statement. [188032] Phase Two Number of properties purchased Stephen Hammond: The policy regarding compensatory Local authority at 31 October 2013 mechanisms for delays and cancellations attributed to Network Rail are a matter for operators and Network Staffordshire County Council 1 Rail. First Capital Connect provides its management Warwickshire County Council 1 accounts to the department on a four-weekly basis, The information requested in questions (b) and (c) which includes commercial and performance information, is not externally published data. For data protection although no further representations have been received purposes, it would be inappropriate to disclose such from First Capital Connect on this specific subject. information as it relates to incomplete purchases, potentially where an individual property-owner has not yet decided Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for how to proceed. Once a purchase has been concluded, it Transport what recent representations he has received is externally reported via regular publishing on data.gov.uk. from First Capital Connect on whether compensation from Network Rail in the event of delay to operating Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for services as a result of Network Rail infrastructure Transport pursuant to the answer of 15 January 2014, failings (a) over the Great Northern route and (b) the Official Report, column 555W, on High Speed 2: Hertford Loop will be passed on to the cost of railway line, whether his Department has received passengers’ tickets; and if he will make a statement. further representations on this issue; and what his [188033] policy is on outside investment in High Speed 2 infrastructure. [188458] Stephen Hammond: The operator compensation regime for delays and cancellations attributed to Network Rail Mr Goodwill: The Department for Transport has is entirely separate from First Capital Connects Delay received no further representations pursuant to the Repay compensation scheme, under which passengers answer of 15 January 2014, Official Report, column are entitled to claim compensation for delays to journeys 555W, on High Speed 2. of over 30 minutes whatever their cause. No recent representations have been received on this subject from Due to the scale, complexity and time frame of the First Capital Connect. project, our base assumption remains that the funding and financing will be provided in large part by central High Speed 2 Railway Line Government. Through the funding envelope allocated to both phases of HS2 during the spending round, the Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Government reiterated their ongoing commitment to Transport which properties in Phase 1 and Phase 2 ensuring the delivery of HS2. areas have (a) been purchased to date, (b) exchanged The Government will take forward dialogue on potential contracts for purchase and (c) undergone a regulation funding contributions with a range of third parties in to purchase by HS2 Ltd in each local authority area. specific localities, with a view to securing a fair deal for [188179] the taxpayer, the localities involved and other interested parties. Mr Goodwill: Land and property information for The case for HS2 has been calculated on the basis of Government Departments which falls under the the project being fully publicly funded. However, the responsibility of English Ministers is published online Department is considering the potential for private at the following link: financing to play a role in helping reduce the up-front http://data.gov.uk/dataset/epims costs to the taxpayer. This therefore includes the addresses of property owned by the Secretary of State for Transport, for question Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for (a). Transport if he will take immediate steps to reverse the The most recently published dataset relates to properties recently-announced decision by Dialogue by Design purchased by the end of October 2013. The following is that it will only accept responses to the Environment a summary of those data by local authority area and Statement Consultation on High Speed 2 that are HS2 Phase area: under 25MB. [188486] Phase One Mr Goodwill: There is no limit on the size of consultation Number of properties purchased responses that will be accepted. There is a limit of Local authority at 31 October 2013 25 MB on the size of emails that the consultation email Buckinghamshire County 44 address can receive. This is normal practice for email Greater London Authority 3 service providers, with gmail, Yahoo and Hotmail all Northamptonshire County 10 having the same 25 MB limit. Such limits are put in Oxfordshire County Council 2 place to ensure that email to all users is not blocked by very large files. 237W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 238W

Email is not the only route by which people can Average processing time respond to the consultation. We are happy to receive (working days) responses over 25 MB by alternative means, including via a memory stick through the post. So far we are only 2010-11 27 aware of one response that exceeds 25 MB and HS2 Ltd 2011-12 30 are in the process of finding a mutually agreeable solution. 2012-13 42 2013-14 (up to 31 January 2014) 39 Large Goods Vehicles: Speed Limits Parking: Fees and Charges Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the benefits Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for and costs of increasing the speed limit for hauliers from Transport pursuant to the answer of 9 January 2014, 40 mph to 50 mph where current limits apply. [187856] Official Report, columns 307-08W, on parking: fees and Stephen Hammond: The Department consulted in charges, what the (a) name and (b) region of November 2012 on raising the speed limit for heavy registration is of each of the 27 companies suspended goods vehicles (HGVs) on single carriageway roads from requesting vehicle keeper details from the Driver from 40 to 50 mph. An impact assessment was released and Vehicle Licensing Agency in 2013. [188034] with that consultation, and has been placed in the Libraries of the House. Ministers are considering whether Stephen Hammond: Of the 27 companies, only 20 to raise the speed limit following consultation, and a were private parking companies. The other companies further impact assessment is being undertaken as part that have been suspended include finance, insurance of that process. and security companies. The following table provides the names and regions Motor Vehicles: Registration of the 20 companies that have been suspended from requesting vehicle information from the Driver and Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Vehicle Licensing Agency: Transport what the average time was for issuing a registration certificate to vehicle keepers by the Driver Company name Region of registration* and Vehicle Licensing Agency in each year from 2010. Town & City Parking Perth and Kinross [188419] Smart Parking Perth and Kinross Stephen Hammond: The information requested is shown Gemini Parking Solutions Ltd London in the following table: T&SParkingServices Manchester BGS Services Guildford Average processing time (days) AS SecuriT Southampton VP Parking Solutions Southampton 2010-11 6 Norwich Traffic Control Norwich 2011-12 6 Parking Enforcement 365 London 2012-13 7 ANPR Parking Services Ltd Amersham 2013-14 (up to 31 January 2014) 8 ANPR PC Ltd London The drop in performance in 2013-14 is due to an Car Park Solutions Ltd Nottingham increase of 7% in the total number of transactions the Capital to Coast Security Ltd Hertford DVLA is processing based on estimated outturn for Car Parking Enforcement London 2013-14. Company Ltd These figures include certificates issued when a vehicle LDK Security Group Ltd London is first registered, when there has been a change of Capital Car Park Control London details, including a change of keeper, and requests for Controlled Parking Southall—Middlesex Management replacements. The average time refers to the time taken from the application being received at the Driver and Northern Parking Services Bristol Vehicle Licensing Agency to the customer receiving the Car Parking Enforcement Ltd London certificate. Three days have been included in the time Aumberry Parking Management Essex Ltd shown to allow for Royal Mail to deliver the certificate. * The ’region of registration’ information is the registered address area taken from information held by Companies House and the Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Finance Conduct Authority (FCA) Mutual Public Address. Transport what the average time was for processing an application for confirmation of non-eligibility for a Pokesdown for Boscombe Station grounds of disability by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in each year from 2010. [188422] Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans there are to improve disability Stephen Hammond: The information requested is not and pushchair access to Pokesdown for Boscombe readily available. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Railway Station; and if he will make a statement. has used several data sources to provide a best estimate [187449] of the time taken to process driving licence applications where medical investigations are needed, whether a Stephen Hammond: Last year the railway industry driving licence was refused or issued. A considerable was asked to nominate stations for the Access for All amount is spent engaging with medical professionals. programme for 2015-19. Although 277 stations were This information is shown in the following table: nominated, Pokesdown for Boscombe was not among 239W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 240W them. It will not therefore be considered for the programme. Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State We are not aware of any proposals by SSWT or third for Transport what plans he has to include a renewal of parties to improve access to the station. rolling stock on the Hertford Loop Line in a new franchise granted from September 2014. [187977] Railways: Franchises Stephen Hammond: The Invitation to Tender (ITT) Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for for the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise, Transport (1) if he will include in the new Greater published on 26 September 2013, does not mandate the Thameslink franchise agreement a conditional level of introduction of new rolling stock on the Hertford Loop. customer satisfaction on the current Great Northern However, Section 5.4.3 of the ITT makes clear that services with an option to withdraw from the franchise additional credit would be available to Bidders in the if breached; [187866] evaluation process for Bids that (2) if he will include in the new Greater Thameslink “improve the quality of rolling stock used by the Franchisee ... franchise agreement a conditional level of customer in ways that address identified passenger priorities for improvement”. satisfaction on the current Great Northern route services with an option to withdraw from the franchise Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State if breached across (a) the entire franchise area and (b) for Transport if he will take steps to roll out electronic the Hertford Loop; [188035] ticketing on the Greater Thameslink Northern Line franchise. [187980] Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to include a passenger Stephen Hammond: In the combined Thameslink, satisfaction obligation in the new Greater Thameslink Southern and Great Northern (TSGN) franchise Invitation Northern Line Franchise. [188031] To Tender published in September 2013, the Department requires a franchisee who will: Stephen Hammond: The winning bidder for the exploit new technology in relation to ticket retailing to benefit Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise customers, drive efficiencies and support sustainable growth of will be required to meet a certain level of customer the business; satisfaction, as measured by the National Passenger operate a fully interoperable smart and integrated ticketing Survey, together with a certain level of quality relating scheme for the duration of the franchise where already in operation, to station and on-train facilities (called ’QuEST’), and and for the remainder of the franchise map as soon as possible; will be incentivised to exceed those levels. Part of the allow passengers to use a single smart ticket or token on the assessment as to which bidder will operate the franchise TSGN network and other South East Flexible Ticketing (“SEFT”) is an assessment of the plans each bidder has produced TOC and TFL networks; to meet and exceed the customer satisfaction and train encourage the uptake and use of smart ticketing on the franchise, and station quality benchmarks. working with the SEFT Programme including detailed proposals If during the franchise period there is sustained and strategy for innovative smart ticketing arrangements. performance below the levels required, and there is either (a) no action taken by the franchisee, or (b) Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for action is taken but does not result in performance Transport if he will include in the new Greater improvements that bring performance back up to the Thameslink franchise agreement a conditional level of levels required, then the franchisee will be considered to customer satisfaction in the current Great Northern be in contravention of the franchise agreement and may services. [188027] be subject to formal remedial action. In that case, the Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin), Stephen Hammond: The winning bidder for the would ultimately have the option to terminate the franchise Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise if the franchisee materially fails to implement the actions will be required to meet a certain level of customer that are agreed as part of the formal remedial process. satisfaction, as measured by the National Passenger Survey, together with a certain level of quality relating Stephen McPartland: To ask the Secretary of State to station and on-train facilities (called ‘QuEST’), and for Transport what plans he has to increase passenger incentivised to exceed those levels. Part of the assessment access to WiFi in the new franchise on the Greater as to which bidder will operate the franchise is an Thameslink Northern line route from September 2014 . assessment of the plans each bidder has produced to meet and exceed the customer satisfaction and train [187971] and station quality benchmarks. Stephen Hammond: The invitation to tender (ITT) for the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern franchise, Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for published 26 September 2013, did not explicitly specify Transport if he will include in the new Greater an increase in passenger access to WiFi. Thameslink franchise agreement an unconditional However, Section 5.7.7 of the ITT (On train facilities requirement to refund season ticket holders and services) states that the Department requires a automatically when required to do so. [188036] franchisee who will provide on-train facilities and services (e.g. toilets, luggage space, heating and ventilation, facilities Stephen Hammond: The combined Thameslink, Southern for mobile communications, catering) that are appropriate and Great Northern (TSGN) franchise will include the to the needs of the markets served and operate to a high improved system of compensation known as Delay/Repay. standard of reliability. Under Delay/Repay all passengers, including season 241W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 242W ticket holders, are entitled to claim compensation for Road Traffic Offences: Fixed Penalties each delay of more than 30 minutes which they experience, whatever the cause. Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for The TSGN invitation to tender was published in Transport what research his Department is conducting September 2013 and is available on the GOV.UK website on the impact of enabling Part Six of the Traffic here: Management Act 2004 with regards to infringements made in mandatory cycle lanes. [188535] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/245041/invitation-to-tender.pdf Mr Goodwill: The Department for Transport is not This sets out the full specification for the franchise. Bids conducting any such research. have been received and are currently being evaluated. Roads: Repairs and Maintenance Railways: South West Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects to publish his Department’s Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for guidance on the economic impact of highways Transport on what date the £26 million for rail flood maintenance and disrepair. [188492] resilience work in the South West will be transferred from his Department to Network Rail. [188575] Mr Goodwill: The Department has commissioned a project to value the benefits of highways maintenance. Stephen Hammond: It is planned to transfer the It is expected the final outputs will be delivered in £26 million to Network Rail by the end of the financial summer 2014. year. Tractors Rescue Services: Belfast Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make an assessment of the cost and Transport how many staff at the Belfast Maritime benefit of introducing a two-tier licensing scheme for Coastguard Centre were asked to re-apply for their jobs tractors so that those which are suitably licensed can following the reform of the service; and how many such travel at 40 mph. [187857] staff were successful in their applications. [187865] Stephen Hammond: Tractors that meet certain requirements as laid down in the Road Vehicles Stephen Hammond: No coastguard has been asked to (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 can travel at re-apply for the job they currently perform. speeds up to 40 mph on public roads in England and The modernisation of Her Majesty’s Coastguard Wales. Tractors that do not meet these requirements can introduces new jobs, with enhanced responsibilities, for only travel at 20 mph under current legislation. The coastguards working within the new national network; Department has recently consulted on raising the speed these jobs are different to those currently performed by limits for low-speed tractors from 20 mph to 25 mph. coastguards. The responses are currently being considered and the As a result no staff at Belfast Maritime Rescue Government will issue a response in due course. Coordination Centre (MRCC), or any other MRCC Welsh Language around the UK, aligned into the new jobs. Therefore coastguards who want a new job in the modernised Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for structure had to apply for them. The recruitment process Transport what assessment he has made of services for this is currently ongoing. carried out by his Department in Wales in relation to the Welsh Language Act 1993 and the Welsh Language Road Traffic Control: Schools Standards. [187774] Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport Transport pursuant to the answer of 3 February 2014, has not made an assessment of the services it carries out Official Report, column 12W, on road traffic control: in Wales in relation to the Welsh Language Act 1993 schools, whether his Department has made an and the Welsh Language Standards. Following devolution assessment of the potential use of alternative methods the Department provides services to those living or of transport to reduce road congestion around primary residing in Wales mainly through its agencies. The schools. [188457] Department and its agencies report annually on the progress of Welsh language service provision to the Welsh Language Mr Goodwill: The Department has provided £600 million Commissioner. We are fully committed to the Welsh over four years through the Local Sustainable Transport language and fully committed to providing Government Fund. The Fund was established to enable the delivery services in the Welsh language where there is demand by local transport authorities of sustainable transport for them. solutions that support economic growth while reducing Wightlink carbon, this includes combating congestion. Local authorities are responsible for assessing the Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for methods of transport that will best suit their needs. The Transport if he will make an assessment of the effect of Department therefore is responsible for setting local the operations of Wightlink Ferries of the legal costs of sustainable transport policy at a national level and local dealing with previous and current applications from authorities are responsible for identifying and implementing the Lymington River Association in relation to the sustainable transport options for their local communities, operation of ferry services in the Lymington River. which might include travel to school initiatives. [188400] 243W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 244W

Stephen Hammond: Wightlink Ferries Ltd has stated (a) published Welsh language schemes; or publicly that it has incurred costs of more than £3.4 million (b) are covered by the Ministry of Justice Welsh language as a result of the legal challenges by Lymington River scheme; or Association. The Department for Transport has no (c) are developing their own scheme; means to verify the costs that have been incurred by setting out the actions they will take in the conduct of Wightlink Ferries, a private company. business and services in Wales in accordance with section 21 of the Welsh Language Act 1993. Other arm’s length bodies maintain an independent JUSTICE approach with their own separate Welsh language policy. Administration of Justice The schemes are living documents, reported on annually in respect of applicability and the achievements of their Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice objectives and revised tri-annually in conjunction with what recent steps his Department has taken to make the Welsh Language Commissioner’s office. the justice system more accessible and easier to Additionally, the Lord Chancellor’s Welsh Language understand for those without legal knowledge. [187124] Standing Committee, together with the Justice Wales Network work to ensure that the agencies working in Damian Green: The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) is the justice system adopt similar policies towards the committed to making sure the justice system is as Welsh language and the implementation of the Welsh accessible and easy to understand as possible. All published Language Act 1993. guidance is written in plain English and avoids using Note: legal jargon, complicated sentences and unfamiliar words The term ’justice system’ is broad. The answer provided relates to wherever possible. that part of the justice system that falls to the Ministry of Justice. MOJ has a number of websites, accessible through Armed Forces gov.uk—the Government online portal—which explain how the justice system works. These include: ‘Open Justice’, which explains how different elements of the Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if justice system work; ‘You be the Judge’, which provides he will issue guidance on when a sentence issued at a accessible information about sentencing; and Police.uk, summary hearing within the armed forces becomes which focuses on information about crime and policing. spent under the National Police Records (Recordable Information about legal aid, including how to apply, Offences) Regulations; and if he will make a statement. has also recently been updated and is available on [188105] gov.uk. All information on gov.uk adheres to strict plain English standards. Jeremy Wright: The National Police Records (Recordable MOJ has also taken forward a number of initiatives Offences) Regulations 2000 provide for the recording in aimed at increasing public understanding and awareness national police records of convictions. It is current across a range of justice issues. These have included: police policy to retain all information relating to cautions publishing a new Victims’ Code which more clearly sets and convictions on the police national computer until out the information, support and services that victims the subject reaches 100 years of age, for police operational can expect to receive from criminal justice agencies in reasons and in the interest of the prevention and detection England and Wales at every stage of the process; publishing of crime. leaflets to support victims of human trafficking in Rehabilitation periods for sentences, including for 11 foreign languages; providing information specifically sentences specific to the service justice system (eg detention targeted at those representing themselves in private law or dismissal) are set out in the Rehabilitation of Offenders family law cases; and producing a range of public Act 1974, A finding at Summary Hearing within the information materials about family mediation to help armed forces that a charge has been proved is treated as people understand what it offers as an alternative to a conviction, and any sentence imposed by the commanding court. MOJ will shortly publish the ‘Guide to Coroner officer is treated as a sentence, for the purposes of the Services’ booklet for bereaved people. This document 1974 Act. will explain, in easy to understand language, the coroner There is no separate guidance on convictions for investigation process. service offences, as they are treated in the same way as For those with learning difficulties and disabilities, ‘civilian’ offences. The same rehabilitation periods apply we additionally publish a number of documents in an to sentences which are imposed in the service justice Easy Read format, providing a clear summary of the system as are imposed by the civilian justice system. In main points to help them better understand the justice addition, there are specific rehabilitation periods for process and to ensure they can make informed decisions. sentences of dismissal and service detention. However, some advice for service personnel has been included in Administration of Justice: Welsh Language revised guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 which will be published shortly. Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what recent assessment he has made of the Charter of Fundamental Rights (EU) adequacy of provision of Welsh language services in the justice system. [186821] Sir Richard Shepherd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to his contribution on Mr Vara: The Ministry of Justice and the majority of 19 November 2013 on the EU Charter of Fundamental its delivery arms and associated agencies across the Rights, what meetings he has had with officials to justice system have either: determine a suitable test case; what time limit he has set 245W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 246W for his Department to identify a suitable test case; and EU rules this year; that will be deposited in Parliament when he intends to report to Parliament on progress once it is received. The 2014 Work Programme was made. [185717] deposited in Parliament on 15 November 2013: http://europeanmemoranda.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ Simon Hughes: Officials from the Ministry of Justice memorandum/communication-from-the-commission-to-the- are working with colleagues across government to identify european-parliament-the-council-the-european-economic- a suitable case in which to make clear our position on social-committee-1384673730 the legal effect of the EU Charter of Fundamental The Lithuanian presidency provided a state of play Rights. We are seeking to do so as soon as possible; the report on the EU’s accession to the European Convention timescale will depend upon when such a case arises. on Human Rights at the Justice and Home Affairs Council of 5-6 December, which the Lord Chancellor Dangerous Driving: Sentencing and Secretary of State for Justice, the right hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling), the Secretary of Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for State for Justice attended. Justice if the Government will undertake a full review That report indicated that the Commission’s legislative of the sentencing guidelines relating to dangerous proposal will not be issued until the European Court of driving offences. [187435] Justice has delivered its opinion on the compatibility of the draft accession agreement with the EU Treaties. Jeremy Wright: Guidance to the judiciary is produced This was set out in the written ministerial statement independently of Government, by the Sentencing Council. given by the Secretary of State for the Home Department, This is in line with the principle that, while the Government the right hon. Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), on decides what maximum penalties should be, the courts 12 December 2013, Official Report, columns 58-62WS: are responsible for deciding what sentence to impose within those limits. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/ cmhansrd/cm131212/wmstext/131212m0001.htm The sentencing guideline on causing death by driving was published by the Sentencing Guidelines Council in Family Conciliation Services 2008. It covers the offences of causing death by dangerous driving and causing death by careless driving as well as Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice causing death by dangerous driving while under the what steps his Department is taking to raise awareness influence of drink or drugs and causing death by driving of family mediation services for those are seeking to unlicensed, disqualified or uninsured. Last year, the resolve issues surrounding child contact. [187125] Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, my right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell Simon Hughes: The Government has put in place a (Chris Grayling), wrote to the Sentencing Council (as it comprehensive strategy to improve public awareness now is) to ask them to review the death by driving and to ensure that advice agencies, and other organisations guideline and they have agreed to include this in their have the correct information about the benefits of family programme of work. mediation for all issues which arise after separation. Severe maximum penalties, of 14 years imprisonment, This includes very clear information that legal aid and are available for those who cause death through dangerous legal support are still available subject to rules governing driving or under the influence of drink or drugs and qualification. We are also providing materials to help statistics show that the overwhelming majority of those mediation services publicise their services locally. convicted for these offences receive lengthy custodial sentences. Gender Recognition European Convention On Human Rights Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice when the provisions in the Legal Aid, Sir Richard Shepherd: To ask the Secretary of State Sentencing and Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 2012 for Justice pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for sentences to be aggravated for any offence for Christchurch of 10 December 2013, Official Report, motivated by hostility towards the victim on the column 123W, on the European Convention on Human grounds of being transgender were commenced; and Rights, when he intends to bring the EU’s accession to how many aggravated sentences of this kind have been the European Convention on Human Rights before imposed since commencement. [188094] Parliament for its approval; and what recent meetings he has had on this matter. [185716] Jeremy Wright: Changes to the law to bring transgender hate crime into line with offences motivated by hostility Simon Hughes: Parliament will be given a full opportunity on the grounds of race, religion, sexual orientation or to examine the terms of the EU’s accession to the disability, came into force on 3 December 2012. European Convention on Human Rights in accordance The Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database with the requirements of the Constitutional Reform holds information on defendants proceeded against, and Governance Act 2010 and the European Union found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in Act 2011, as well as the usual EU scrutiny processes in England and Wales. This database holds information each House. on offences provided by the statutes under which A draft accession agreement is currently before the proceedings are brought but not the specific circumstances European Court of Justice for an opinion on its of each case. It is not possible to separately identify compatibility with the EU Treaties. The Commission’s from this centrally held information the gender identity 2014 Work Programme sets out that the Commission of the victims of offences aggravated by prejudice and intends to produce a legislative proposal on the internal hate. This detailed information may be held by the 247W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 248W courts on individual case files which due to their size five years; and how many of the cases listed at each in and complexity are not reported to Justice Statistics each such year related to (i) family, (ii) criminal and (iii) Analytical Services. As such, this information can be other matters. [187812] obtained only at disproportionate cost. Mr Vara: In magistrates courts, data are recorded Judges where proceedings against a defendant are completed. The number of completed proceedings in Bedford and Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Luton magistrates courts split by jurisdiction is shown what the (a) name, (b) position and (c) date of in the following table: appointment is of all current High Court and circuit Completed proceedings at magistrates courts in Bedfordshire judges who have identified as belonging to an ethnic Criminal Criminal monitory. [188356] Family Bedford Luton Other Total Mr Vara: General judicial diversity information is in 2009 165 20,776 7,302 28,243 the public domain and is available on the judiciary 2010 129 7,534 9,721 7,715 25,099 website: 2011 545 6,974 10,392 13,270 31,181 http://www.judiciary.gov.uk/publications-and-reports/ 2012 767 6,148 13,527 15,080 35,522 statistics/diversity-stats-and-gen-overview 2013 645 2,747 8,726 6,001 18,119 Information provided by individual judicial office January to September holders about their ethnicity is deemed personal information Notes: and is therefore restricted under the provisions of the 1. Non-criminal performance data for magistrates courts is collected Data Protection Act 1998. by county and not by court location. Therefore Family and Other data cannot be split below Bedfordshire. Legal Opinion: Hearing Impairment 2. Crime data at courthouse level is only available from 2010 onwards as the courts had not migrated to Libra, the case Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for management system until December 2009. 3. Other includes Civil, Means Enquiries and Representation Orders. Justice what steps he is taking to ensure that 4. Data for 2013 covers January to September only, data covering implementation of new regulations by the Solicitors October to December will not be published until March 2014. Regulation Authority will result in deaf and hard of Source: hearing clients having access to interpreters when HMCTS Performance Database seeking legal counsel from solicitors’ firms. [188109] Magistrates: Welsh Language Mr Vara: The legal profession is independent of the Government and is regulated by approved regulators Susan Elan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for for which the Legal Services Board has oversight Justice what proportion of magistrates in (a) Wales responsibility. It is for the Solicitors Regulation Authority and (b) each Welsh county are Welsh speaking. [186822] to determine how it should implement and enforce any new regulatory requirements, including through their Mr Vara: The percentage of Welsh speaking magistrates Code of Conduct. All solicitors firms are subject to in Wales is 17%. The percentages on a county level are: disability discrimination legislation. Percentage Magistrates Anglesey 58 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Gwynedd 81 (1) what recruitment campaigns his Department has Conwy 22 run for magistrates vacancies since May 2010; in which Denbighshire 15 region such campaigns were run; and how many Flintshire 8 vacancies were (a) advertised and (b) filled; [187060] Wrexham 6 (2) what the publicised (a) opening and (b) closing Powys 15 date was of each recruitment campaign for a magistrate Dyfed 55 vacancy since May 2010; for which of those Gwent 3 recruitment campaigns the application process was Mid Glamorgan 3.5 closed early; and on what date each such early closure South Glamorgan 9 took place. [187425] West Glamorgan 5

Mr Vara: HMCTS does not hold centralised details The Ministry of Justice announced in 2010 that Advisory of recruitment campaigns for lay magistracy as magistrates Committees could actively advertise for Welsh speaking are recruited and selected by 47 local advisory committees. magistrates based on the principle of ensuring Benches adequately reflect the linguistic profile of the areas they HMCTS will contact the 47 advisory committees to serve. obtain the requested data, and we will write to you with the details. Non-molestation Orders: West Sussex Magistrates’ Courts: Bedfordshire Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Fuller: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many non-molestation orders were issued Justice how many cases have been listed at (a) Bedford by Horsham county court in West Sussex in (a) 2011, and (b) Luton Magistrates’ Court in each of the last (b) 2012 and (c) 2013. [186458] 249W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 250W

Simon Hughes: Table 1, as follows, shows the numbers Offender Management Service’s review of the women’s of non-molestation orders made at Horsham county custodial estate. Part of the outcome of the review was court in each quarter between January 2011 and September that all women’s prisons should be designated resettlement 2013. prisons in order to make sure that women prisoners in Table 1: Non-molestation orders made at Horsham county court, January 2011 every establishment have access to resettlement services. to September 2013 Most resettlement prisons for women prisoners will Quarter1 Number of non-molestation orders made serve more than one Contract Package Area (CPA) so that as many providers of probation services will have 2011 38 access to their area’s cohort of prisoners as is operationally 2012 60 viable. 2013 (to 30 62 The model developed for the women’s estate, which September) allows multiple providers access to most establishments, will mean that the majority of women prisoners will be 2011 1 9 provided resettlement services by the same provider 26who will provide statutory rehabilitation support upon 310release. For any women prisoners who are not 413accommodated in a prison to which their home provider has access, there will be a host lead provider, who will be responsible for preparing resettlement plans, delivering 2012 1 15 immediate requirements and engaging in pre-release 210planning with the women’s home CRC. 317 418Pay

2013 1 24 Chris Bryant: To ask the Secretary of State for 217Justice how many and what proportion of staff 321employed by (i) his Department, (ii) agencies of his 1 Quarter 1 = January to March, Quarter2=ApriltoJune,Quarter3=July Department and (iii) contractors of his Department to September and Quarter 4 = October to December. are paid less than the rate defined by the Living Wage Source: [184450] HM Courts and Tribunals Service’s FamilyMan case management system Foundation as a living wage. Offenders: Rehabilitation Simon Hughes: The overwhelming majority of our directly employed staff are paid more than the living Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for wage. We do not hold information on wages paid by our Justice what estimate he has made of the number of contractors. The Government encourages contractors women who will be recalled to custody under his to commit to paying a living wage and of course we Department’s Transforming Rehabilitation proposals. insist that employers pay at least the minimum wage. [187505] However, when awarding contracts we need to make sure that we get the best possible deal for taxpayers. Jeremy Wright: Under our Transforming Rehabilitation Such data as is held centrally is set out in the following reforms, we expect new providers of probation services table: to focus on making sure that all offenders, including women, do not return to custody and desist completely As at 30 November 2013 from reoffending. Providers will need to meet national On strength Proportion of Number below headcount staff employed standards set by the Secretary of State for the management living wage (number) (percentage) of offenders and will have to evidence in their bids how they would deliver gender-specific rehabilitation support (i) Department to female offenders. Successful bidders will be held to Includes HQ, NOMS, 409 64,241 0.64 account to deliver these services in their contracts. HMCTS, OPG and LAA The impact assessment for the Offender Rehabilitation Bill outlines our analysis of the projected impacts on overall breach rates for licence conditions, and can be (ii) Agencies found at the following link. This analysis does not HQ 1 4,303 0.02 specifically project breach or recall rates by gender. NOMS 237 38,880 0.61 HMCTS 171 18,987 0.90 https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/208171/updated-rehabilitation-bill- OPG 0 572 0 impact-assessment.pdf LAA 0 1,499 0

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for As of 30 November 2013, out of 64,241 direct employees Justice what steps he is taking to ensure women (headcount) working in national locations 409 direct released from prison into a different-contract package employees are paid less than the rate defined by the area receive high quality and holistic rehabilitation Living Wage Foundation as the UK living wage, using services and support. [187568] the new rates as of 4 November 2013. This equates to 0.64% of direct employees. Jeremy Wright: The proposed resettlement prison The direct employees included form part of the core model for women prisoners stems from the National Ministry of Justice (MoJ) and its agencies: 251W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 252W

the National Offender Management Service (NOMS); Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS); (1) how many civil servants are on each pay grade in Legal Aid Agency (LAA); (a) his Department and (b) agencies and public bodies and Office of the Public Guardian (OPG). accountable to him; [187250] The most recent pay rates for the lower paid direct (2) what proportion of staff of (a) his Department employees were set on 1 August 2013, prior to the new and (b) agencies and public bodies accountable to him UK living wage rates being introduced on 4 November work outside of London; and in which local authorities 2013. Prior to 4 November 2013 the core MoJ and such staff are located. [187272] agencies (excluding NOMS) had no staff below living wage rate. In NOMS, this stood at around 200 direct Mr Vara: Details regarding the number of civil servants employees. on each pay grade together with the proportion of staff Information on contractors paid less than the rate working both within and outside London can be found defined by the Living Wage Foundation as a living wage in the following tables. Figures include staff employed is not recorded centrally. We would need to approach all in the Ministry of Justice HQ (MoJ HQ), HM Courts of our contractors and or their agencies to get them to and Tribunal Service (HMCTS), National Offender provide the information. This could be obtained only at Management Service (NOMS), Office of the Public disproportionate cost. Guardian (OPG) and Legal Aid Agency (LAA).

Table 1: On strength headcount of civil servants in the Ministry of Justice and agencies by pay grade, as at 31 December 2013 Number Department/agency AA/AO EO SEO/HEO Grade 6/7 SCS Total

MoJ HQ Ministerial Department 913 868 1,627 710 113 4,231 HMCTS Executive Agency 13,178 2,850 2,416 508 31 18,983 NOMS Executive Agency 26,252 6,154 5,076 582 36 38,100 OPG Executive Agency 339 151 79 8 2 579 LAA Executive Agency 650 378 370 79 12 1,489

Total 41,332 10,401 9,568 1,887 194 63,382

Table 2: Total number of on strength staff by headcount employed by the Ministry of Justice and its agencies located in and outside London, as at 31 December 2013 Number Location MoJ HQ HMCTS NOMS OPG LAA Total

London 2,402 4,400 4,593 30 418 11,843 Outside London 1,829 14,583 33,507 549 1,071 51,539

Total 4,231 18,983 38,100 579 1,489 63,382

Table 3: Proportion of on strength staff by headcount employed by the Ministry of Justice and its agencies located in and outside London, as at 31 December 2013 Percentage Location MoJ HQ HMCTS NOMS OPG LAA Total

London 57 23 12 5 28 19 Outside London 43 77 88 95 72 81

Total 100 100 100 100 100 100

Information on non-departmental public bodies (a) AA, (b) AO and LO2, (c) EO and LO1, (d) HEO, (NDPBs) is not recorded centrally. Answering this element (e) SEO, (f) 7 and (g) SCS grades and equivalents of the question would require an individual commission since May 2010. [186038] for data from all MoJ NDPBs with the subsequent collation and production of an assured report. This Simon Hughes: I refer the hon. Member to the answer would incur a disproportionate cost. given by the Minister of State, Cabinet Office, the hon. In order to provide details of the number of MoJ Member for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner (Mr Hurd), staff located in each of the principal local authorities in on 4 February 2014, Official Report, column 215W: outside London, we would need to identify each MoJ, http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201314/ agency and NDPB local office and then cross reference cmhansrd/cm140204/text/ each with every local authority. This too would involve 140204w0003.htm#140204106000057 a disproportionate cost. Prison Service Pensions Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr McCann: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Justice what proportion of prison officers working in what effect changes in pension contributions have had (a) male and (b) female prisons are (i) male and (ii) on the take-home pay of officials of his Department at female. [187484] 253W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 254W

Jeremy Wright: Information on the proportion of They largely consist of situations where escort contractors male and female prison officers working in both adult are unable to transport the prisoner to a suitable prison male and adult female establishments is contained in following a court appearance, due perhaps to inclement the following table. The information relates to both weather or failings in the transport network or because public and private sector establishments. we have sufficient space but the places cannot be reached Table: Proportion of prison officers that are male and female by category of in the time available. This is solely for overnight establishment as at 31 March 2013 accommodation by the police before collection and Category of Gender of prison onward transmission to the prison establishment the establishment1 officers Percentage following working day Male Male 77 The following table shows the number of occasions establishments where prisoners were temporarily held overnight in Female 23 police cells in each month since May 2010. The totals include adults, young adults (18 to 20-year-olds) and Female Male 39 young people (15 to 17-year-olds). The number of prisoners establishments held overnight in a police cell has come down to below Female 61 1,000 in 2012-13, after reaching a peak of over 50,000 in 1 Information on HMP Dovegate was not available within the time available and 2007-08. is therefore not included within the calculations. Prison Service: Training Financial year Month 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice April — 16 84 42 how many training places are available each year for May21455538 custodial staff in (a) suicide prevention and (b) self-harm prevention; and if he will make a statement. June 3 27 74 33 July 5 25 56 41 [188142] August 17 6 46 37 Jeremy Wright: All staff working in prisons who have September 16 464 47 65 contact with prisoners, are required to undertake, as a October 15 276 35 189 minimum, the Introduction to Safer Custody course November 26 155 66 129 which is a half day course that includes training on December 28 154 32 122 suicide prevention and self-harm. Additional training, January 24 94 48 168 including enhanced mental health awareness, is provided February 18 115 69 — for the specialist roles of Assessment, Care in Custody March109774— and Teamwork (ACCT) case manager (two days) and Total 183 1,474 686 864 ACCT assessor (three days). Refresher training must be provided for all staff, but the extent of this is dependent on local training needs. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State The number of training places available each year is for Justice (1) how many people whose previous not held centrally. It is determined by an assessment of residence is listed as being in Coventry are currently in local need at each prison. prison; [182791] Prisoners (2) how many people whose previous residence is listed as being in the West Midlands are currently in prison. [182792] Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many prisoners have been kept overnight in (a) police cells and (b) court cells in each month since Jeremy Wright: As at 31 December 2013, there were May 2010. [180078] 5,482 male and female prisoners held in a prison or young offender institution with a recorded residential Jeremy Wright: Prison numbers fluctuate throughout address in the West Midlands. the year and we have sufficient accommodation for the Of these, 574 had a recorded residential address in current and expected population. We will always have the Coventry local authority area. enough prison places for those sent to us by the courts. There will be more adult male prison capacity in May These figures have been drawn from administrative 2015 than there was at the start of this Parliament. IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording Police cells, under Operation Safeguard, have not system, are subject to possible error(s) with data entry been used since 22 September 2008 and no police cells and processing. under Operation Safeguard have been on stand by since If no address is given, an offender’s committal court the end of October 2008. Court cells have not been used address is used as a proxy for the area in which they are since 28 February 2008 and have been stood down since resident. These figures are included in the answers above. March 2008. No address has been recorded and no court information Separately to Operation Safeguard arrangements, there is available for around 3% of all offenders, these are are occasions where prisoners may be temporarily held excluded from the answer. Information on offenders’ overnight in police cells. These occasions arise from a residences is provided by them on reception in prison number of factors, including late court sittings, which and recorded on a central IT system. Addresses can can compromise the contractors’ ability to deliver the include home address, an address to which offenders prisoner to prison prior to the reception closure time. intend to return on discharge or next of kin address. 255W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 256W

Prisoners: Counselling Prisoners: Nigeria

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Justice if his Department will expand the Samaritans what discussions he has had with the Nigerian and Listener Scheme within prisons in England and government about including James Ibori in a prisoner Wales. [188379] transfer agreement. [187446]

Jeremy Wright: The Government is committed to Mark Simmonds: I have been asked to reply on behalf reducing the number of deaths in prison custody. Peer of the Department for Foreign and Commonwealth support can be an effective tool to complement the Affairs. support given by staff to prisoners, particularly those Individual cases were not considered during discussion identified at risk of suicide or self-harm. The Samaritans or negotiation of the Prisoner Transfer Agreement with supported Listener scheme (Listeners are volunteer peer Nigeria, which was signed in Abuja in January 2014. supporters who are selected, trained and supported by The transfer of prisoners under the Prisoner Transfer Samaritans, to listen and offer confidential emotional Agreement is a matter for the Secretary of State for support to prisoners in distress) is recognised as a very Justice. effective scheme to support prisoners in distress. NOMS currently provides funding to Samaritans to support Prisoners: Self-harm their work in prisons. All prisons are required to provide prisoners with Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if access to peer support, although this does not have to he will make it his policy to introduce comprehensive be through a Samaritans supported Listener scheme. psychological assessments for a prisoner who has There are currently 113 Samaritans supported Listener carried out an episode of self-harm; and if he will make schemes in prisons. a statement. [188139] Prisoners: Foreign Nationals Jeremy Wright: All prisons are required to have in place procedures to identify, manage and support people Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for who are at risk of harm to themselves. There are Justice how many foreign national prisoners have been procedures in place to reduce that risk which include sentenced (a) for drug offences and (b) under the Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork (ACCT) section 1(1) of the Street Offences Act 1959 in each of process. This is a prisoner-centred, flexible care planning the last five years. [187526] system for those identified as at risk of suicide or self-harm. An ACCT plan will be put in place following Jeremy Wright: In answer to part (a), the following a prisoner’s episode of self-harm or where a risk has table provides information on the number of foreign been identified. national offenders in prison for drug offences in England Within 24 hours of the ACCT plan being established and Wales in each of the last five years. a multi-disciplinary case review will take place. The case In answer to part (b), offence information held centrally review team will develop a care and management plan within prison population data is not available at sufficient for each prisoner based on the risk presented to address detail to enable the offence to be explicitly identified. their individual needs. This may include a referral to This information may be available in individual prisoner psychological services or mental health in-reach team. records for offender management purposes but to retrieve Prisoners may also be referred for a mental health and collate the information would incur disproportionate assessment. cost. Reducing the foreign national offender (FNO) population Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if is a top priority for this Government. We are working he will make it his policy to introduce a system of case hard to reduce the flow of foreign national offenders reviews of prisoners engaging in multiple acts of into our prison system and increase the number removed self-harm to determine likely contributory factors; and from the UK through prisoner transfer agreements if he will make a statement. [188140] (PTAs); the Early Removal scheme (ERS) and Tariff Jeremy Wright: A system of case reviews for prisoners Expired Removal scheme (TERS). engaging in multiple acts of self-harm is in place. All All foreign national offenders sentenced to custody prisons are required to have procedures to identify, are referred to the Home Office for them to consider manage and support people who are at risk of harm to deportation at the earliest possible opportunity. themselves and to reduce that risk. These procedures Foreign national prisoners serving an immediate custodial sentence for include the Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork drug offences, 30 June 2009-13, England and Wales (ACCT) process, which is a prisoner-centred, flexible Total care planning system for those identified as at risk of suicide or self-harm. 2009 2,138 2010 2,057 Within the ACCT process there is an enhanced case 2011 1,757 review system for use in particularly challenging cases, 2012 1,716 including prisoners who display prolific, sustained and/or extreme incidents of self-harming behaviour. The enhanced 2013 1,370 case review team will draw on more specialists, including Note: These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems which, a member of the mental health team, and a higher level as with any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors of operational management, according to the specific with data entry and processing. needs of the individual. 257W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 258W

Prisoners: Suicide Jeremy Wright: Under our Transforming Rehabilitation proposals, payment by results will offer a strong incentive Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice to providers to focus on reducing reoffending. We are what estimate he has made of the number of currently piloting a number of different approaches to individuals who took their own lives within (a) one payment by results across Government, and the pilots month and (b) two months at the end of a custodial in Peterborough and Doncaster have been of particular sentence in each year between 2010 and 2013; and if he value as we begin to roll out new ways of working. will make a statement. [188136] According to interim reconviction data, these pilots are Jeremy Wright: This information is not held centrally. having a positive effect and show a marked fall in Data on deaths of all offenders who either serve or reoffending; complete their sentences in the community are not https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ available. It is therefore not possible to estimate the attachment_data/file/254186/annex-a-payment-by-results- oct13.pdf number of individuals who took their own lives during the last two months of their sentences. Final results for the first pilot cohorts will be available in 2014. Probation There are certain elements of the reforms that are not Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice possible to pilot on a local basis. For example, the whether community rehabilitation companies will provisions in the Offender Rehabilitation Bill that will continue to be badged as the Probation Service. extend license and supervision to offenders released [185352] from short custodial sentences could not be introduced in one part of the country but not another. Jeremy Wright: Our Transforming Rehabilitation reforms are extending supervision to short-sentenced offenders John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for and opening up the market to a wider range of providers Justice what funds he will make available to the in order to bring more innovation into rehabilitation National Probation Service after 1 June 2014 for the services and deliver a reduction in reoffending. The recruitment of trainee probation officers in England national probation service (NPS) will retain responsibility and Wales. [187390] for the supervision of offenders who pose a high risk of serious harm to the public. Those offenders assessed as Jeremy Wright: The National Probation Service (NPS) posing a low to medium risk will be supervised by one will make a fundamental contribution to protecting the of the new community rehabilitation companies (CRCs). public from the most dangerous offenders in the community. While supervision will in future be handled by providers Adequate resources and funding will be available for the from the public, private and voluntary sectors, there recruitment of trainee probation officers in England will be a coherent system in place which will be instantly and Wales, and the National Offender Management recognisable to the public as a probation service. For Service is in the process of letting a contract to provide this reason, there will be common branding for both the recruitment services for the Probation Qualification NPS and CRCs which retains a probation identity. Framework programme. This will enable the recruitment Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice of staff with the potential to develop the skills and whether any proposals under the Probation Change knowledge to work effectively with offenders. programme for partnership working will be piloted Probation Trusts before a national roll-out. [186042] Jeremy Wright: Under our Transforming Rehabilitation John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for proposals, providers will be incentivised to reduce Justice what the anticipated underspend for the reoffending, and to establish links with statutory and financial year 2013-14 for each of the 35 probation non-statutory partners. trusts in England and Wales is. [187387] We are currently piloting a number of different approaches to payment by results across Government. Jeremy Wright: The National Offender Management Of particular value in terms of learning for the roll-out Service expects each Probation Trust to keep their of our reform are the pilots in Peterborough and Doncaster. expenditure in line with agreed individual contract values According to interim reconviction data, these pilots are in relation to the services they have been commissioned having a positive effect and show a marked fall in to deliver to NOMS. The National Offender Management reoffending: Service works with Trusts to adjust contracts and redeploy https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ resources as appropriate with a view to avoiding under attachment_data/file/254186/annex-a-payment-by-results- spends at the end of the financial year and to making oct13.pdf best use of taxpayer’s money. Final results for the first pilot cohorts will be available Probation: Private Sector in 2014. Organisations bidding to run one of the new Community Rehabilitation Companies will need to clearly demonstrate Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State how they will engage with statutory and non-statutory for Justice what evidence his Department has used in partners in order to deliver offender services. formulating its proposals to sell parts of the Probation Service. [182794] Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether he plans to pilot payment by results Jeremy Wright: Published re-offending statistics show schemes run under contracts won by the private sector. that, in the year to March 2012, 58% of prisoners [186079] serving sentences of less than 12 months re-offended 259W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 260W within 12 months of release from custody, compared to Defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts 1 2,3 34% for prisoners released from sentences of 12 months for rape offence , England and Wales, 2008 to 2012 Proceeded Conviction or more. Overall, reoffending rates have barely changed Quarter against Found guilty ratio5 (%) over the last decade. 4 The National Audit Office (2010) report “Managing 2008 Q1 583 208 35.7 Offenders on Short Custodial Sentences” estimated that Q2 630 245 38.9 the total cost to the economy of crime committed by Q3 578 239 41.3 short-sentenced offenders during 2007-08 was around Q4 604 230 38.1 £7 billion to £10 billion a year. Total 2,395 922 38.5 These figures make the case for reform very clear. Under our proposals in “Transforming Rehabilitation—A 2009 Q1 680 239 35.1 strategy for reform”, which we published in May 2013, Q2 716 251 35.1 we are extending supervision to short sentenced offenders and incentivising providers to reduce offending. The Q3 759 235 31.0 pilots in Peterborough and Doncaster have informed Q4 642 272 42.4 the new strategy, particularly in terms of working in Total 2,797 997 35.6 partnership with providers from the private and voluntary 2010 Q1 776 274 35.3 sectors. According to interim reconviction data, these Q2 806 216 26.8 pilots show a fall in reoffending rates among the cohort Q3 768 271 35.3 of offenders covered by the scheme: Q4 721 297 41.2 Property Total 3,071 1,058 34.5

Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2011 Q1 728 320 44.0 what the (a) name, (b) location, (c) floor space, (d) Q2 711 274 38.5 tenure status and (e) value is of properties (i) owned Q3 762 292 38.3 and (ii) occupied by (A) his Department and (B) Q4 723 267 36.9 agencies and public bodies accountable to him. [187291] Total 2,924 1,153 39.4

Simon Hughes: The Ministry of Justice estate is one of the largest in central Government and comprises of 2012 Q1 707 309 43.7 over 1,500 properties. Q2 693 276 39.8 Details of the Government Central Civil Estate, such Q3 711 268 37.7 as the property name, location, tenure, and Net Internal Q4 711 292 41.1 Area, are recorded on the Central Government property Total 2,822 1,145 40.6 database, Epims. These records are available via the 1 Includes attempted rape. following link: 2 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has www.data.gov.uk/dataset/epims been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum Rape: Convictions penalty is the most severe. 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police Justice if he will publish a quarterly summary of the forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those number of convictions for a primary offence of rape data are used. over the last three years. [185445] 4 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. 5 Conviction ratio is calculated as the number of convictions as a proportion of the number of proceedings. Jeremy Wright: Rape and sexual violence are abhorrent Source: crimes for which there are tough sentences available. Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice. Every report of rape is treated seriously and all investigations Reparation by Offenders and prosecutions are conducted thoroughly and professionally. Tougher sentences are available to the Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice courts for those who commit these offences, including a (1) how many victims have (a) been offered and (b) new mandatory life sentence for anyone convicted of a taken part in restorative justice programmes since 2010; second very serious sexual or violent crime. The proportion [186163] of offenders sentenced to custody has been around the same level for the last five years. (2) how many (a) female and (b) male offenders held in prisons have been included in restorative justice We already publish annual figures for prosecutions programmes since 2010. [186164] and convictions for rape offences. The number of defendants proceeded against at Jeremy Wright: The Government is committed to magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts for ensuring that restorative justice is victim-focused, of a rape offences, in England and Wales, from 2008 to 2012 good quality and available at all stages of the criminal (latest available) can be viewed in the following table. justice system across England and Wales. Court proceedings data for 2013 are planned for We recently announced funding of almost £30 million publication in May 2014. over three years for restorative justice. Of this nearly 261W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 262W

£23 million has been allocated to police and crime Sentencing commissioners to build capacity and capability and where that is sufficient, commission victim-initiated Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for restorative justice and pre-sentence restorative justice Justice how many defendants were sentenced to services. between six and 12 months custody by a Crown court Information about the numbers of victims or offenders for one either way offence in each of the last three who are invited to participate in a restorative justice years. [180347] programme, or take up that offer, is not collated centrally. Residence Orders Jeremy Wright: Triable either way offences can be heard in the Crown court for trial if the magistrates court considers it is so serious that only the Crown Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for court could deal with the case, or for sentence if the Justice in what proportion of all cases heard in family magistrates do not consider that they have sufficient courts where both the mother and father sought sentencing powers. The defendant may also elect to be custody of their children the residence order was tried in the Crown court if charged with a triable either awarded to (a) the mother, (b) the father and (c) way offence. jointly to both the mother and father in each of the last five years. [186222] The proportion of defendants sentenced to between six and 12 months immediate custody by a Crown court Simon Hughes: The information held on the departmental for a single either way offence, in England and Wales database on family cases does not record details of the has increased from 7.48% in 2008 to 8.21% in 2012 (the orders given, such as which party or parties were awarded latest available). The figures can be viewed in the following the order. The information requested can only be obtained table. through the inspection of individual files at disproportionate Court proceedings for the calendar year 2013 are cost. planned for publication in May 2014.

Defendants sentenced to immediate custody1 at the Crown court for triable either way offences2 in England and Wales, 2008 to 20123, 4 Sentence band Custody 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Over 6 months under 12 months Immediate custody 4,947 5,611 5,619 6,292 5,764 Custody rate 7.48 7.81 7.16 7.91 8.21 (percentage)5 1 Includes: sentences imposed under sections 90-92 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000; indeterminate sentence for public protection; extended sentence for public protection; Detention and Training Orders; Young Offenders Institute; and unsuspended imprisonment. 2 Offences that fall within this category can be dealt with either in the magistrates court or the Crown court. The defendant can elect the trial court. If the defendant elects to be tried in the Crown court, the case is automatically committed to the Crown court. Where the defence ask to be dealt with in the magistrates court then it is for the magistrates to decide whether this is appropriate. 3 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 4 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfrom large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 5 The proportion of offenders sentenced who are sentenced to immediate custody for triable either way offences only. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services-Ministry of Justice.

Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice previous offending. Under the Government’s proposals how many people were sentenced to (a) less than one in the Offender Rehabilitation Bill offenders serving month imprisonment, (b) between one and two sentences of less than 12 months will in the future be months imprisonment, (c) between two and three released with licence conditions and subject to additional months imprisonment, (d) between three and six supervision. These reforms are designed to address the months imprisonment, (e) between six and nine unacceptably high levels of reoffending and the prevent months imprisonment and (f) between nine and 12 the public from being victims of crime. months imprisonment in the last year for which figures are available. [187571] The number of persons sentenced to a custodial sentence of 12 months or less from 2008 to 2012 can be Jeremy Wright: Many offenders who receive short viewed in the table. custodial sentences do so because of their history of

Offenders sentenced to immediate custody by length of sentence, 2008 to 2012, England and Wales1, 2 Sentence length 1 month 2 months 3 months 6 months 9 months Other and less and less and less and less and less immediate Less than 1 than 2 than 3 than 6 than 9 than 12 custodial Total sentenced month months months months months months 12 months sentences to custody

20083 11,587 9,986 9,180 21,593 8,783 3,867 5,652 28,877 99,525 2009 12,154 10,633 9,827 19,473 8,729 3,753 5,837 29,825 100,231 2010 13,513 11,551 9,999 18,425 8,435 3,626 5,618 30,346 101,513 2011 13,986 12,095 10,225 18,423 8,984 3,866 5,947 32,644 106,170 263W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 264W

Offenders sentenced to immediate custody by length of sentence, 2008 to 2012, England and Wales1, 2 Sentence length 1 month 2 months 3 months 6 months 9 months Other and less and less and less and less and less immediate Less than 1 than 2 than 3 than 6 than 9 than 12 custodial Total sentenced month months months months months months 12 months sentences to custody

2012 13,280 11,276 9,571 16,724 8,292 3,421 4,788 30,695 98,047 1 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services-Ministry of Justice.

Serco community sentence for under-18s. All these provisions in the Bill are in line with the UNCRC. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice The Ministry of Justice shares policy responsibility how many complaints have been received by Serco in with the Department for Education for certain provisions relation to the contract for Community Payback in in the Children and Families Bill which is currently London since taking over that contract. [188280] before Parliament. A formal assessment of the Bill against the UNCRC was carried out prior to its publication. Jeremy Wright: I refer the right hon. Member to the A copy has been placed in the Library and can be found reply I gave to him on 10 February 2014, Official on the Department for Education website at: Report, column 486W. http://media.education.gov.uk/assets/files/pdf/e/ 140213%20echr%20and%20uncr%20note%20for%20publication% UN Convention on the Rights of the Child 20final%20lao.pdf The Department for Education also published a Children Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for and Young Persons guide to the Children and Families Justice with reference to the Government’s Bill on 25 February 2013 and this is available here: commitment to give due consideration to the UN https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-young- Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) persons-guide-to-the-children-and-families-bill when making new policy and legislation, if he will The UK Government is due to report to the UN place in the Library all assessments of how new policy Committee responsible for the UN Convention on the and legislation from his Department since January Rights of the Child shortly.The Department for Education 2013 has given due consideration to the UNCRC. is co-ordinating the response with contributions from [186590] other Government Departments, including the Ministry of Justice. Once the Government has submitted its Simon Hughes: The Ministry of Justice is committed response to the UN Committee a copy of the report will to giving due consideration to the UN Convention on be placed in the House Library. the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) during the policy-making process. Welsh Language The Ministry of Justice has the lead policy responsibility for the Criminal Justice and Courts Bill which was Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for introduced on 5 February.A memorandum on compliance Justice what assessment he has made of services carried with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) out by his Department in Wales in relation to the Welsh was published with the Bill and made available in both Language Act 1993 and the Welsh Language Houses: Standards. [187773] https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/277929/european-convention-human- Mr Vara: The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is fully rights-memorandum.pdf committed to the Welsh language and fully committed Individuals’ Convention rights overlap with the rights to providing MoJ services in the Welsh language so far set out in the UNCRC. as is both appropriate in the circumstances and reasonably practicable. It is important that in the non-devolved The Bill includes the introduction of secure colleges. areas sufficient support should be given to the Welsh The Government consulted on this proposal. The Ministry language, and we are committed to ensuring this is of Justice published a young person’s version of the done. consultation paper and engaged extensively with young people in custody. More than 400 young people responded To this end, the Ministry of Justice and the majority to the consultation. The central proposal for a greater of its delivery arms and associated agencies have either: focus on education and training in custody was supported (a) published Welsh language schemes; or by the majority of respondents. (b) are covered by the Ministry of Justice Welsh language The Bill provides for an appropriate adult to be scheme; or available for a formal youth out-of-court disposal given (c) are developing their own scheme. to anyone aged 17, bringing the position of 17-year-olds setting out the actions they will take in the conduct of into line with the position of younger children. The Bill business and services in Wales in accordance with section 21 also makes minor changes to youth referral orders, a of the Welsh Language Act 1993. 265W Written Answers24 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 266W

Other arm’s length bodies maintain an independent Information on whether a deceased prisoner was approach with their own separate Welsh language policy. diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder The schemes are living documents, reported on annually (ADHD) is not recorded centrally. in respect of applicability and the achievements of their Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice objectives, and revised every three years in conjunction how many investigations into injuries of children with the Welsh Language Commissioner’s office. resident in secure children homes have taken place since 2010; and how many such investigations have concluded that restraint of the child by a member or Youth Custody members of staff have been found to be the cause of the injury. [188375] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Timpson: I have been asked to reply on behalf of how many deaths in custody have involved an the Department for Education. individual diagnosed with ADHD in each year since The responsibility for secure children’s homes (SCH) 2010. [187367] rests with local authorities who commission placements on behalf of individual children. Ofsted inspects the quality and support provided by SCHs twice a year. Jeremy Wright: We are committed to the safety of This includes looking at incidents of restraint that prisoners and to preventing deaths in prison custody. occur in the homes.

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Jane Ellison: Reports of the popularity of the drinking Written Answers to game neknomination are a matter of concern. The game’s encouragement of participants to outdo each Questions other with ever more reckless stunts brings with it significant risks of alcohol-related harm including acute intoxication, alcohol poisoning, accidents and injury. Tuesday 25 February 2014 There is also the potential for cyber bullying of those who are seen to ‘chicken out’. It has already cost lives and we would advise anyone against taking part in the HEALTH game to avoid putting themselves in a potentially dangerous situation. Calciphylaxis On 6 February 2014, Public Health England posted 18. Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for some information about the risks of taking part in Health what recent assessment he has made of trends neknomination on its FRANK drug information website in the number of cases of calciphylaxis. [902641] (aimed at young people): www.talktofrank.com/news/hide-your-goldfish Jane Ellison: Calciphylaxis is thankfully rare. Information The article warned of the health risks of drinking too on the number of cases is not collected centrally, so it is much alcohol on a single occasion, and included some not yet possible to identify trends. advice about what to do if young people are feeling A calciphylaxis registry has been set up in Manchester, under pressure. but data from this is not yet available. Young Adult Carers Ambulance Services

22. Simon Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Scott: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Health what steps he is taking to support young adult what plans his Department has to provide ambulance carers. [902645] crews with additional specialised equipment to allow them to deal safely with moving larger patients. Norman Lamb: Carers are central to Government’s [188335] care and support reforms. The Care Bill contains significant improvements for adults caring for adults, which apply Jane Ellison: Decision-making regarding the equipment to young adult carers. The Bill extends carers’ rights to in ambulances is an operational issue and is therefore a assessments and for the first time, there will be a duty matter for the local ambulance trust. on local authorities to meet carers’ eligible support needs. Asbestos: Children Independent Reconfiguration Panel Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for 23. Jack Lopresti: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department has specialist expertise Health what guidance he has given the Independent on the asbestos risks to children. [188133] Reconfiguration Panel on the length of time that body should take to make a decision once a referral has been Jane Ellison: Public Health England has expertise in made. [R] [902646] toxicology within its Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards and can draw on expertise Mr Jeremy Hunt: The Independent Reconfiguration on asbestos risks to children through the Department Panel advises the Secretary of State for Health on of Health expert committee on carcinogenicity (COC) contested proposals for local clinical service changes. It of chemicals in food, consumer products and the is not a decision-making body. environment. This Committee has reviewed evidence and produced a statement on the relative vulnerability Abortion of children to asbestos compared to adults, which can be found at: Sir Edward Leigh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 30 January 2014, www.iacoc.org.uk/statements/documents/ Asbestosinschoolsstatement_000.pdf Official Report, columns 650-51W, on abortion, when the issue with extracting data from the HSA4 form first Further information on the Committee, including the started to occur; and what steps the Government is papers and minutes of the discussions on relative taking to address the problem. [187682] vulnerability of children to asbestos compared to adults, is available from the COC website at: Jane Ellison [holding answer 13 February 2014]: The www.iacoc.org.uk current issue came to light when compiling the information requested in the PQ table by my hon. Friend the Member Baby Care Units for Congleton (Fiona Bruce), on 23 January 2014. Officials are now reviewing the data collection processes. Chris Heaton-Harris: To ask the Secretary of State Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse for Health what NHS England’s budget for neonatal services will be in (a) 2013-14 and (b) 2014-15. David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for [188507] Health what steps the Government is taking to tackle neknomination. [187487] Dr Poulter: This information is not collected centrally. 269W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 270W

’Routine’ neonatal care is commissioned by clinical We are currently putting the legislative framework for commissioning groups (CCGs) and ’specialised’ neonatal the cap in place, and will consult on draft regulations care is directly commissioned by NHS England. and guidance in autumn this year. NHS England does not hold data on current spend across the country on specialised neonatal care. It is in Chronic Illnesses the process of developing a single, standard mechanism for counting, coding and analysing specialised services Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health activity and finance data. NHS England does not hold (1) what steps he is taking to improve the management information relating to CCG expenditure on ’routine’ of patients with long-term conditions such as neonatal care. cardiovascular disease and diabetes; and if he will Breast Cancer make a statement; [187878] (2) if he will publish annual reviews of the Mrs Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes Strategy; and if he Health what discussions he has had with the Office for will make a statement; [187879] National Statistics about providing data on breast (3) what progress his Department has made in cancer incidence and survival by clinical reducing premature mortality from cardiovascular commissioning group. [188055] disease. [187880]

Jane Ellison: No discussions have been had with the Jane Ellison: Through the Government’s Mandate to Office for National Statistics (ONS) about providing NHS England, we are monitoring how well the national data on breast cancer incidence and survival by clinical health service supports people with long-term conditions commissioning group. The ONS has not published breast such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. One cancer incidence and survival by clinical commissioning of the improvements measured is how successfully the group. Public Health England plan to make available NHS manages long-term conditions by looking at results on breast cancer incidence over the coming year unnecessary hospital admissions and excessive length of but these will not be official statistics. stay in hospital. Cancer: Drugs In January 2014 NHS England published ‘Action for Diabetes’, which sets out how NHS England will drive Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for prevention of type 2 diabetes and earlier diagnosis of Health what estimate he has made of the amount spent all diabetes, and support better management of diabetes on research to develop drugs to treat cancer in children in primary care. in the UK in each of the last five years. [188348] The CVD Outcomes Strategy, published in 2013, sets out key actions for commissioners and providers to Dr Poulter: Estimated expenditure on paediatric cancer improve outcomes in CVD and includes a chapter on drug research and development by the Department’s living with cardiovascular disease. NHS Improving Quality National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) through is supporting the delivery of the strategy by NHS its infrastructure for experimental medicine is shown in England. the following table: NHS England advises that it has no immediate plans to publish an annual report on progress in implementing £ million the CVD outcomes Strategy. 2008-09 0.3 Between 2001 and 2010 the CVD mortality rate in the 2009-10 0.3 under 75s fell from 108 deaths per 100,000 to 65 deaths 2010-11 0.3 per 100,000—a fall of 40%. Between 2011 and 2012, 2011-12 0.5 this rate fell from 58 deaths per 100,000 to 56 deaths per 1 2012-13 0.4 100,000 1 Direct comparison with previous year’s mortality, prior to 2011, Total NIHR spend on this topic is higher than this is not advisable. There was a decrease in the number of deaths, because expenditure by the NIHR Clinical Research with an underlying cause coded as ’Cardiovascular Disease’. Network (CRN) on paediatric cancer drug trials cannot However, a large proportion of this decrease is caused by a be disaggregated from total CRN expenditure. correction to the coding of vascular dementia, which was coded as underlying cause CVD (167.9) until 2010 and is now coded as The Department has made no estimate of paediatric underlying cause in “Mental Health” deaths (F01). Further details cancer drug research and development by other United can be found at: Kingdom funders including industry and medical research www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/subnational-health3/results-of-the- charities. icd-10-v2010-bridge-coding-study--england-and-wales--2009/ Care Homes: Fees and Charges 2009/index.html Clinical Priorities Advisory Group Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made on introducing a cap on care costs. [902628] Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps NHS England has taken to ensure Norman Lamb: Everyone will be protected against the transparency and public accountability of its catastrophic costs by the insurance the cap will provide Clinical Priorities Advisory Group (CPAG); and from April 2016, in line with the Dilnot Commission’s whether CPAG meeting papers will be published on the recommendations. NHS England website. [187742] 271W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 272W

Jane Ellison: The Directly Commissioned Services Delivery of the NHS Health Check Programme has Committee (a Committee of the NHS England Board) been mandated to local authorities from April 2013, determined at its meeting in January 2014 that the and NHS England has an objective in its mandate from agenda and. minutes of the Clinical Priorities Advisory the Department to work with Public Health England to Group (CPAG) will be published on the NHS England support local government in this work. website, at the point at which the recommendations of the CPAG have been approved. Papers taken to the CPAG are usually national service Drugs: Misuse specifications or clinical access policies and these are routinely taken through a 12 week public consultation, Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health unless there is an urgent clinical reason to move rapidly how many deaths have been recorded from volatile to implementation. substance abuse in (a) North Staffordshire and (b) the Depressive Illnesses UK in each of the last five years; and what steps he is taking to prevent volatile substance abuse among Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health children and young adults. [188480] how many and what proportion of patients with depression were given mindfulness-based therapies in Jane Ellison: The following table shows information each primary care trust area in England in the last year collected by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for which figures are available. [188568] about the number of deaths where the underlying cause was drug poisoning and a volatile substance was mentioned Norman Lamb: Currently we not collect data on the anywhere on the death certificate registered between proportion of patients with depression who were given 2008 to 2012, the latest year for which data are available. mindfulness-based therapies. However, from July 2014 ONS holds information for deaths occurring only in the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) England and Wales. Data Standard will be expanded to include mindfulness Number of deaths related to drug poisoning where a volatile substance was as a delivered therapy type. mentioned on the death certificate, England and Wales, West Midlands and Data on the number of sessions of Mindfulness North Staffordshire, deaths registered between 2008 to 2012 delivered by IAPT services will be held by the NHS Registration England and North year Wales West Midlands Staffordshire Health and Social Care Information Centre. Diabetes 2008 18 1 0 2009 19 3 0 Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2010 20 2 1 how much has been allocated by Health and Wellbeing 2011 17 1 0 Boards towards (a) primary and secondary care for 2012 15 2 1 type-2 diabetes and (b) prevention of type-2 diabetes. Notes: 1. Cause of death was defined using the International Classification of Diseases, [188200] Tenth Revision (ICD-10). Deaths were included where the underlying cause was due to drug poisoning (ICD 10 codes used were - F11-F16, F18-F19 Mental Norman Lamb: The Department does not systematically and behavioural disorders due to drug use (excluding alcohol and tobacco), X40-X44 Accidental poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological substances, collect information on the priorities of local areas, or X60-X64 Intentional self-poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological their spending on diabetes prevention and treatment. substances, X85 Assault by drugs, medicaments and biological substances and Health and wellbeing boards are for local authorities, Y10-Y14 Poisoning by drugs, medicaments and biological substances, undetermined intent) and where a volatile substance was mentioned on the death certificate. the national health service, local Healthwatch, communities 2. Based on boundaries as of 2013. North Staffordshire includes Stoke-on Trent and wider partners, to share system leadership of both Unitary authority, Newcastle-under-Lyme local authority and Staffordshire Moorlands local authority. health and care services and population health. 3. Deaths of non-residents are excluded from figures for West Midlands and While boards do not hold budgets or allocate funds, North Staffordshire. they are responsible for developing Joint Health and 4. Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year. 5. The figures presented are not the total number of deaths involving volatile Wellbeing Strategies (JHWS) (based on Joint Strategic substances as (i) the underlying cause must be within the ONS definition of Needs Assessments (JSNA)) that form the basis of drug poisoning and (ii) the volatile substance may not be recorded by the NHS and local authorities’ own commissioning plans coroner on the death certificate. across health, social care, public health and children’s Education plays an important role in helping to services. ensure that young people are equipped with the information JSNA and JHWS are locally-led processes through they need to make informed, healthy decisions and to which local areas identify the current and future health keep themselves safe. Drug education, including information and well-being needs of the local population, and may about volatile substances, is part of national curriculum well include provision for diabetes prevention and treatment. science at key stage 2 and key stage 3. Provision in this In January 2014, NHS England published ’Action for area can be built on through personal, social, health Diabetes’, which sets out how plans should be prepared and economic (PSHE) education. for the prevention of type 2 diabetes, earlier diagnosis Public Health England manage the Talk to FRANK of all diabetes and integrated care for those living with service which provides young people in England with diabetes. friendly, confidential advice and information about drugs, NHS England is also putting a real emphasis on including volatile substances, and has tips on how to screening for high risk or the presence of type 2 diabetes resist peer pressure to experiment. The service is provided through NHS health checks. The NHS Health Check is in a range of channels (helpline, website, SMS, email, a risk assessment and management programme, for web chat) to suit a variety of different needs. those aged 40 to 74, aimed at raising awareness and The Association of Convenience Stores helps ensure preventing a range of illnesses, including diabetes. that its members: 273W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 274W

(a) understand that it is illegal to supply gas lighter Health Services: Young People refills to anyone under the age of 18; (b) reduce underage access to gas lighter refills by Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for removing accessible displays, helping to prevent shoplifting Health (1) what amount his Department has allocated of gas lighter refills; and to provision of habilitation services for blind and (c) restrict sales to one tin per customer. partially-sighted children and young people under the age of 25 in each of the next three years; [188339] The Department has worked with the Association of Convenience Stores to encourage retailers who are not (2) what amount his Department spent on members of the Association to adopt the same standard habilitation services for children and young people of practice. under the age of 25 in the last (a) 12 and (b) 24 months. [188340] Also, the Department has funded Re-Solv to develop its Community for Recovery website to help people who Norman Lamb: The Department does not collect this abuse volatile substances. This can be accessed at: information centrally. www.communityforrecovery.org/ Health: Weather Electronic Cigarettes Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Mrs Main: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary pursuant to the answer of 10 February 2014, Official of State for Energy and Climate Change about the Report, column 606, if he will assess the effects of effects of cold homes on (a) individual health and (b) e-cigarettes on passive smokers in cars; and what NHS services. [187554] estimate he has made of the cost of prescribing e-cigarettes through the NHS. [188502] Jane Ellison: The Secretary of State for Health met with the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Jane Ellison: The limited number of studies conducted Change on 13 February to discuss the effects of cold to date indicate that the risk of passive exposure to homes on individual health and NHS services as part of electronic cigarette vapour is small relative to tobacco a wider discussion on fuel poverty and health. cigarettes. Further research was, however, recommended No other discussions on this subject have taken place. to evaluate the impact of e-cigarettes on indoor air quality and to estimate any possible effects of passive Home Care Services inhalation of e-cigarette vapour. There is no research assessing the risks to health in small confined spaces, such as cars. Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what requirements his Department places No estimate has been made of the cost of prescribing on local authorities to record or declare the number of licensed e-cigarettes. Any e-cigarette licensed as a medicine visits cancelled or unattended by carers to clients under would be treated as a nicotine replacement therapy the care of a local authority; [188110] (NRT) in accordance with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence public health guidance on (2) what requirements there are on local authorities smoking harm reduction. The revised European Union and commissioned care agencies to ensure the health Tobacco Products Directive makes provision for e-cigarettes and wellbeing of a client on the occasions a carer is not subject to medicines licensing to be regulated as unable to attend an appointment; [188111] consumer goods with specific requirements set out in (3) what assessment his Department has made of the the directive. cost to local authorities of cancelled or unattended The current cost of prescribing NRT on the national carer visits in each of the last five years; [188112] health service can be found in the Prescription Cost (4) whether local authorities are required to pay care Analysis section of the NHS Business Services website agencies for appointments where the carer fails to at: attend the appointment or the provider cancels the www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/PrescriptionServices/3494.aspx appointment; [188113] (5) what systems his Department has to monitor how Gender Recognition many care appointment visits are cancelled by care organisations paid by local authorities. [188115]

Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Norman Lamb: The Department has made no such Health what progress has been made by his assessments and does not monitor numbers or the cost Department in implementing the commitments of missed care visits or appointments. Local authorities contained in the Government’s action plan for are responsible, under the National Health Service and transgender equality; and if he will make a statement. Community Care Act 1990, for providing or arranging [188089] adult social care services for their communities and for ensuring that such services meet peoples’ assessed needs. Dr Poulter: Good progress has been made in delivering It is for local authorities to ensure, where services are the commitments identified in “Advancing Transgender delivered by external providers under contract, that the Equality: A Plan for Action”. terms of any such contract are adhered to, that A report on progress on the action plan will be appointments are not missed and that service users published in due course. receive the care they have been assessed as needing. 275W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 276W

Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and public; what the sample size and sampling respect and to receive good quality care, whether in methodology is of this survey; and who will carry out their own homes, in hospital or in care homes. More the survey on behalf of NHS England. [188235] than 300,000 people in England currently rely on publicly- funded homecare services. The great majority of care is Dr Poulter: The research methodology being used to very good, but there are still examples of poor practice. evaluate the survey is face to face interviews, in a We are determined to drive up quality and stamp out representative spread of locations across England and poor care. is being carried out by the independent market research We recognise the importance of local authority agency BDRC-Continental. The sample size of the purchasing decisions to those whose care is publicly research is 1,500. funded. We are working with the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and the Local Government Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Association to develop standards for local authority what steps his Department has taken to ensure that commissioning that will support sector-led continuous people with a visual impairment or a learning disability improvement that should lead to more effective purchasing are aware of and understand the care.data scheme. and better quality services being provided. The Care [188253] Bill provides that in commissioning services local authorities must consider the impact on peoples’ well-being. Norman Lamb: The patient information leaflet ‘Better Information means Better Care’ is available in a range Medical Records: Databases of accessible formats, for example, braille, audio, large print and easy read and are available online: Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.nhs.uk/caredata Health what discretion GPs will have not to make or can be ordered via the patient line. patients records automatically available to NHS NHS England is also working alongside a number of schemes. [187690] organisations, including the disability partnership programme, to understand how awareness amongst these Dr Poulter: NHS England has directed the Health groups can be further developed. and Social Care Information Centre under the Health and Social Care Act 2012 to extract data from general On 18 February 2014, NHS England announced that practitioner (GP) practices for the care data programme. they will collect data from GP surgeries in the autumn, However, identifiable data will not be extracted from instead of April, to allow more time to build public GP records of patients who have objected to the sharing awareness of the benefits of using the information, of this information. what safeguards are in place, how people can opt out if they choose, and look into further measures that could On 18 February 2014, NHS England announced that be taken to build public confidence. they will collect data from GP surgeries in the autumn, instead of April, to allow more time to build public awareness of the benefits of using the information, Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what safeguards are in place, how people can opt out if what steps his Department has taken to ensure that they choose, and look into further measures that could psychiatric inpatients who are not living at home are be taken to build public confidence. aware of the effects of the care.data scheme on their medical data. [188255] Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 29 January 2014, Official Dr Poulter: NHS England is working with colleagues Report, column 589W, on medical records: databases, responsible for the commissioning and provision of whether there would be grounds to take legal action mental health services to understand how they can against a GP who releases less data than that requested improve awareness among psychiatric in-patients. by the Health and Social Care Information Centre. On 18 February 2014, NHS England announced that [187918] they will collect data from GP surgeries in the autumn, instead of April, to allow more time to build public Dr Poulter: Although a general practitioner (GP) awareness of the benefits of using the information, who failed to provide information requested by the what safeguards are in place, how people can opt out if Health and Social Care Information Centre under its they choose, and look into further measures that could powers to obtain information would be breaking the be taken to ensure greater public confidence in the law, there would be no grounds for taking legal action programme. against that GP. However, the GP would be in breach of contractual Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health terms that require compliance with all legal requirements for what reasons he decided not to publish the findings and NHS England would need to consider whether to of the review carried out by the Health and Social Care take remedial action for breach of contract. Information Centre at the request of NHS England on the possibility of pseudonymising data extracted under Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the care.data scheme at source. [188256] pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Copeland, of 11 February 2014, Official Report, Dr Poulter: The review being carried out by the column 616W, on medical records: database, whether Health and Social Care Information Centre on the the full findings of the survey evaluating the Better application of pseudonymisation is still under way, this information means better care leaflet will be made involves discussions with a range of stakeholders. 277W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 278W

Mental Health Services NHS England will continue to consider the NRIG recommendations as one of the sources of standards, Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health information and evidence when making decisions about what recent assessment he has made of levels of access future radiotherapy progress and planning. to mindfulness-based therapy. [188266] Royal Sussex County Hospital Norman Lamb: No such assessment has been made. Currently we do not collect data about levels of access Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for to mindfulness-based therapy. However, from July 2014, Health if he will update the House on the proposed Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) timescale for the release of funding for the 3Ts services will be collecting data on mindfulness as a redevelopment of the Royal Sussex County Hospital. therapy type as part of the IAPT Data Standard. [188416] Nursing and Midwifery Council Dr Poulter: An Outline Business Case for the redevelopment of the Royal Sussex County Hospital is Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for currently being reviewed by the Government. Release of Health if he will hold discussions with the Nursing and funding for the redevelopment will be dependent on Midwifery Council on that body reversing the increase approval of a subsequent Full Business Case (FBC), in its compulsory annual fee. [188536] which will confirm the final construction costs and contract details. However, it is not yet possible to give Dr Poulter: The Nursing and Midwifery Council an indication of when an FBC will be approved, and (NMC) is an independent body and it is therefore for funding released. the NMC Council to determine the level of the annual fee it charges for registration. The NMC advises that no Self-harm: Prisoners decision has been made. Any proposed increase would be subject to public consultation where the NMC’s case Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health would be scrutinised. (1) if he will commission research to develop treatment guidelines to be followed across the prison estate for Obesity males and females who self-harm; and if he will make a statement; [188137] Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (2) if he will discuss with the National Institute for how much has been allocated by Health and Wellbeing Health and Care Excellence developing self-harm Boards towards lifestyle weight management guidelines within the prison estate; [188138] programmes. [188201] (3) if he will introduce a minimum threshold for Norman Lamb: The Department does not systematically moving an individual out of the prison estate and into collect information on the priorities of local areas, or a psychiatric setting; and if he will make a statement; their spending on lifestyle weight management programmes. [188143] Health and wellbeing boards are for local authorities, (4) how many randomised trials of treatments for the national health service, local Healthwatch, communities mental health issues and self-harm have been carried and wider partners, to share system leadership of both out by academic researchers within the prison estate health and care services and population health. since 2008; and if he will make a statement. [188145] While boards do not hold budgets or allocate funds Norman Lamb: Clinicians and healthcare staff treating as such, they are responsible for developing Joint Health prisoners in English prisons who self-harm are expected and Wellbeing Strategies (JHWS) (based, on Joint Strategic to take National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Needs Assessments (JSSA)) that form the basis of NHS (NICE) clinical guidelines into account when making and local authorities’ own commissioning plans across treatment decisions. Copies of this guidance, “Self-harm: health, social care, public health and children’s services. the short-term physical and psychological management JSNA and JHWS are locally-led processes through and secondary prevention of self-harm in primary and which local areas identify the current and future health secondary care” NICE clinical guideline number 16 and well-being needs of the local population, and may (2004) and “Longer-term care and treatment of self-harm” well include provision for weight management services. NICE clinical guideline number 133 (2011) have been placed in the Library. Radiotherapy Clinical guideline 133 on longer term care and treatment Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health is due for review by NICE in 2014 and NICE plans to whether the recommendations made by the 2011 review clinical guideline 16 in 2015. NHS England has National Radiotherapy Implementation Group report no current or confirmed plans to introduce further into stereotactic radiotherapy remain the standard by treatment guidelines specific to treating self-harm in which progress in the treatment of stereotactic prisons. radiotherapy is measured. [188509] Decisions about transferring prisoners with severe mental illnesses (SMI) to secure psychiatric units are Jane Ellison: The National Radiotherapy Implementation clinical decisions based on clinical judgement about the Group (NRIG) report on Stereotactic Ablative prisoner’s need for hospital treatment. Most SMI conditions Radiotherapy (SABR), published in 2011, was one of a are treatable within prison. Prisoners are considered for number of sources of evidence and guidance which transfer to secure psychiatric units when a prison cannot NHS England considered when developing its- provide appropriate treatment in the judgement of the commissioning policy statement on SABR. consultant psychiatrist in charge of the prisoner’s treatment. 279W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 280W

NHS England is currently analysing data on self-inflicted Tobacco: Packaging deaths across the prison estate to identify trends and to ensure that lessons are learned. This will include initiatives Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State to reduce self-harm amongst prisoners. NHS England for Health what evidence has been submitted to the is also working with the National Offender Management Chantler Review of standardised packaging of tobacco Service and the Royal College of General Practitioners which is considered to be outside the remit of that Secure Environment Group to improve commissioning Review; why each such submission is so considered; for prisoners who self-harm and ensure that their physical and whether he plans to publish such evidence. [188153] and mental health needs are met. Jane Ellison: The Chantler Review into the public Specialised Services Patient and Public Engagement health impact of standardised packaging of tobacco is Steering Group due to report in March. The review is independent and it will be up to the review itself to set out the evidence Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health submitted and how it has been considered. Sir Cyril if he will publish the minutes of all meetings of NHS Chantler has set out the way of working for the review, England’s Patient and Public Engagement Steering including how it proposed to seek further relevant evidence, Group to date. [188510] in a method statement available at: www.kcl.ac.uk/health/packaging-review.aspx Dr Poulter: NHS England’s intention is to publish on its website the minutes for all of The Patient and Public Engagement Steering Group for Specialised Commissioning meetings since April 2013, when NHS England came INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT into existence. Developing Countries: Abortion The request to publish the minutes needs to be formally agreed by the Patient and Public Engagement Steering Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Group for Specialised Commissioning which next meets International Development (1) how many abortions on 18 March 2014. funded by her Department were (a) procured in jurisdictions other than the UK and (b) provided in Staff cases of rape in each of the last 10 years; [188049] (2) how much financial support was provided as aid Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for to procure abortion services overseas in each of the last Health what proportion of staff recruited to his 10 years; and if she will make a statement. [188052] Department since 5 May 2010 identified their ethnicity as (a) white British and (b) from a minority ethnic Lynne Featherstone: The information requested is not background. [188076] available. On access to abortion services, UK policy is clear: Where abortion is permitted, we can consider Dr Poulter: The proportions by ethnicity of the 378 support for activities to improve the quality, safety and civil servants recruited to the Department since 5 May accessibility of abortion services. 2010 are presented in the following table. Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Proportion of total International Development what steps she has put in Ethnicity Headcount (percentage) place to ensure value for money in the provision of overseas aid to abortion providers; and if she will make White—British 176 47 a statement. [188437] Black and Minority 44 12 Ethnic Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for White—Irish 9 2 International Development how her Department White—Any other 35 9 ensures value for money in overseas aid to abortion White background providers; and if she will make a statement. [188050] None given 89 24 Unknown 25 7 Lynne Featherstone: DFID seeks to ensure value for money in all our programmes in order to maximise the Streptococcus impact of each pound spent to improve poor people’s lives. Mike Thornton: To ask the Secretary of State for The UK funds partners to deliver comprehensive Health what his future plans are for introducing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services including Enriched Culture Medium testing for Group B Strep. in humanitarian situations. Investing in reproductive, [188108] maternal and newborn health is excellent value for money due to its low cost and far reaching benefits. We Dr Poulter: There are currently no plans to introduce, encourage others to do likewise. These SRH services the test because within current clinical guidance from may include improving access to safe abortion in line the key professional bodies, the Royal College of with our policy paper on safe and unsafe abortion. Obstetricians and Gynaecologists or the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, there are no clinical Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for indications which should prompt the offer of an enriched International Development (1) how many abortions culture medium test for group B streptococcus. funded by her Department were procured in Should the clinical guidance change the situation jurisdictions other than the UK in each of the last would be reviewed. 10 years; [188501] 281W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 282W

(2) how much financial support the Government has Disaster Relief provided in aid to procure abortion services overseas in each of the last 10 years. [188436] Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department Lynne Featherstone: The information requested is not is taking to monitor its expenditure on disaster risk available. On access to abortion services, UK policy is reduction. [188173] clear: Where abortion is permitted, we can consider support for activities to improve the quality, safety and Justine Greening: Expenditure is principally tracked accessibility of abortion services. through the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Creditor Reporting System (CRS). Developing Countries: Family Planning

Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for SCOTLAND International Development how much financial support was provided to (a) Marie Stopes Equality International, (b) the International Planned Parenthood Federation and (c) the United Nations Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland Population Fund in each of the last 10 years; and if she what the (a) total departmental expenditure, (b) will make a statement. [188053] number and (c) cost of people employed for the purpose of promoting equality and diversity was for Lynne Featherstone: The question has been answered each of the last five years. [187647] covering the past three years instead of 10 years due to the time it would take to gather historical data. DFID David Mundell: All the staff in the Scotland Office provided £1.06 million to Marie Stopes International are on loan or secondment, mainly from the Scottish (MSI) in 2010-11; in 2011-12 MSI received a £4.35 million Government or the Ministry of Justice; both bodies Programme Partnership Arrangement (PPA) grant plus provide a range of initiatives promoting equality and an additional £4.7 million of other DFID funding; in diversity. There are no direct costs to the Scotland 2012-13 MSI received £4.35 million of PPA funding Office. plus an additional £16.8 million of other DFID funding. Staff International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) received £9 million of PPA funds in 2010-11, £8.6 million Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for of PPA funds in 2011-12 and £8.6 million of PPA funds Scotland what proportion of staff recruited to his in 2012-13. DFID provided United Nations Population Department since 5 May 2010 identified their ethnicity Fund (UNFPA) with £20 million each year for the as (a) white British and (b) from a minority ethnic period 2010-11 to 2012-13. background. [188081] Details of further historical funding can be found in Table 18 and 19 of the Statistics on International David Mundell: I refer the hon. Lady to the answer I Development (SID) which are available in the Library gave on 26 November 2013, Official Report, columns of the House. 197-98W.

Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much financial FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE support the Government provided to (a) Marie Stopes Ministers’ Private Offices International, (b) the International Planned Parenthood Federation and (c) the United Nations Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Population Fund in each of the last 10 years. [188438] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the size, in square metres, of the offices assigned to each of his Lynne Featherstone: The question has been answered Department’s Ministers is; and how many officials, at covering the past three years instead of 10 years due to what grade, work in the private offices of each of his the time it would take to gather historical data. DFID Department’s Ministers. [188317] provided £1.06 million to Marie Stopes International (MSI) in 2010-11; in 2011-12 MSI received a £4.35 million Mr Lidington: The size of the offices assigned to each Programme Partnership Arrangement (PPA) grant plus Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister is as follows: an additional £4.7 million of other DFID funding; in 2012-13 MSI received £4.35 million of PPA funding Office size (m2) plus an additional £16.8 million of other DFID funding. International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs 373.60 received £9 million of PPA funds in 2010-11, £8.6 million Mr Lidington 145.40 of PPA funds in 2011-12 and £8.6 million of PPA funds Baroness Warsi 97 in 2012-13. DFID provided United Nations Population Mr Swire 107.70 Fund (UNFPA) with £20 million each year for the Mr Robertson and Mr Simmonds 203.30 period 2010-11 to 2012-13. Lord Livingston 82.20 Shared Meeting room 26 Details of further historical funding can be found in Table 18 and 19 of the Statistics on International Please note that these room sizes include the Minister’s Development (SID) which are available in the Library office and all of the outer offices where the Minister’s of the House. staff sit. 283W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 284W

For information on the number and grade of staff in Business: West Midlands private offices, I refer the hon. Member to my previous answer to the hon. Member for Barnsley East (Michael Karen Lumley: To ask the Chancellor of the Dugher) dated 8 October 2013, Official Report, Exchequer how many small businesses in (a) the West column 47W. Midlands, (b) Worcestershire and (c) Redditch have benfited from the Funding for Lending Scheme. [188451] DEFENCE Tornado Aircraft Sajid Javid: The Bank of England publishes net lending data for the UK for each participating bank Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for under the Funding for Lending Scheme (FLS) on a Defence (1) what steps were taken in respect of quarterly basis. Decisions about whether to lend to recommendation 95 in the Tornado Airworthiness specific businesses in specific locations remain commercial Review Team Report Table of Recommendations, decisions for banks and building societies. Action Officers and Status Notes dated 5 February In November 2013, the Government announced that 1998; [186448] the scheme extension will be re-focused on business (2) what safety issues were identified in lending, SMEs in particular. Recent evidence shows recommendation 95 of the Tornado Airworthiness that credit conditions have improved significantly for Review Team Report Table of Recommendations, businesses, including small businesses. Gross lending to Action Officers and Status Notes dated 5 February SMEs was £4.49 billion (12%) higher in 2013 than in 2012. 1998 regarding the Tornado’s ejection seat. [186449] Mr Dunne: I will write to the hon. Member shortly. Equality Substantive answer from Philip Dunne to Angus Robertson: Mr Raab: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer I undertook to write to you in answer to your Parliamentary what the (a) total departmental expenditure, (b) th Questions on 10 February 2014 (Official Report, column 473W) number and (c) cost of people employed for the about recommendation 95 of the Tornado Airworthiness Review Team report. purpose of promoting equality and diversity was for each of the last five years. [187649] The Tornado Airworthiness Review Team report was produced circa 1996 and, although information on the recommendations made by the Review Team remains extant, despite a thorough Nicky Morgan: In common with other Government search, we have been unable to locate a copy of the full report. Departments HM Treasury seeks to promote equality In the absence of the report, it is not possible today to of opportunity for all its employees. re-identify the specific issue in the ejection seat that recommendation Table 1 gives the total expenditure in each of the last 95 was intended to address. What is clear is that by March 1998 five financial years on promoting equality and diversity. the issue had been satisfactorily addressed and this had been briefed to the relevant RAF personnel. Recommendation 95 was Table 1 considered closed, as were all of the recommendations arising £ from the Tornado Airworthiness Review. This, together with the 2008-09 75,665 passage of time since 1998, may explain why no copy of the report has been retained. 2009-10 107,199 I should add that in the 18 years since the Tornado Airworthiness 2010-11 139,465 Review Team reported, the Mk10 ejection seat has been the 2011-12 96,663 subject of a mid-life upgrade programme, in the late 1990s, and 2012-13 156,018 an extensive modification programme from 2007 to 2010 that 1 2008-12 the salary cost for a support worker for an employee with a introduced many improvements. The Mk10 ejection seat in its disability was met from the diversity budget. In 2012-13 this cost (HM current configuration is much improved as compared to 1996. As Treasury Range C, salary range £21,837-£27,970) was met from the you are aware, further improvements are now being made as a employee’s team budget. result of the tragic accident to Flt Lt Sean Cunningham in The expenditure detailed in Table 1 includes funding November 2011. for reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities as required by the disability section of the Equality Act. Staff costs on promoting equality and diversity are (i) TREASURY one full-time equivalent employee at HM Treasury Range Banks: Foreign Investment D/D2 in last five years (in current pay range £31,000 to £45,000) and (ii) from April 2013, 20% of an HR Austin Mitchell: To ask the Chancellor of the Business Partner leading on diversity at HM Treasury Exchequer what estimate he has made of the total Range E (in current pay range £45,283-£64,498). investment of British banks in the national debt for (a) Greece, (b) Spain, (c) Italy and (d) Ireland. [188394] Equity Finance

Sajid Javid: Data on external claims of UK-owned David Simpson: To ask the Chancellor of the monetary financial institutions, and of their branches Exchequer what consideration he has given to the use and subsidiaries abroad, are available on the Bank of of tax breaks to encourage companies to use equity England website at: finance. [187823] www.bankofengland.co.uk/statistics/Documents/bankstats/ 2013/sep13/tabc4.2.xls Sajid Javid: The Government continues to explore These data include UK banking groups’ direct exposures ways to enhance equity financing in the UK and, as to the entire public sectors of Greece, Spain, Italy and announced at the autumn statement, will shortly publish Ireland. a discussion paper on this topic. 285W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 286W

Gender Recognition Mr Gauke: HMRC takes customer confidence in their online services very seriously. Ministers have asked Hugh Bayley: To ask the Chancellor of the a cross-government group, at which HMRC is a participant, Exchequer (1) what progress has been made by his to work with industry experts to mitigate the risks Department in implementing the commitment posed by copycat websites to our customers. contained in the Government’s action plan for HMRC’s extensive online services are best accessed transgender equality to improve guidance for by typing this address employers and customers for the implications of www.hmrc.gov.uk gender reassignment for tax purposes; [188099] (2) if he will issue guidance for employers and directly into an internet browser. customers for people who do not wish to be identified Taxation: Business for tax purposes as a particular gender. [188100] Mr Gauke: The gender of customers is needed by Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Chancellor of the HMRC to fulfil their statutory duty of confidentiality Exchequer how many people were employed by HM to confirm customers’ identities. Revenue and Customs to work in the Large Business HMRC will publish updated PAYE guidance for Service in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12, (c) 2012-13 and employers with transgender employees in the Employer (d) 2013-14 to date. [183521] Further Guide to PAYE (booklet CWG2) and in web guidance when both are updated on 6 April 2014. Mr Gauke: HMRC’s Large Business Service deals Guidance for customers will be made available at the with the tax affairs of the 800 or so largest businesses in same time. the UK. HMRC’s approach has enabled it to recover over £16 billion in additional compliance revenues from Mortgages: Government Assistance large businesses dealt with by Large Business Service between April 2010 and March 2013, as follows: Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his Department has spent on Additional compliance revenues advertising and marketing the Help to Buy mortgage recovered (£ billion) guarantee scheme to date. [187603] 2010-11 5.74 2011-12 5.04 Sajid Javid: [holding answer 13 February 2014]: As part of the Government’s transparency agenda, all 2012-13 5.28 Departments publish details of transactions above £25,000. The numbers of people employed by HMRC to work Data are published one month in arrears. Any data in the Large Business Service at each year end and relating to Help to Buy advertising and marketing currently are: expenditure above this threshold will appear in future releases at: Number of people https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/25000-spend employed in Large Equivalent to full- 31 March Business Service time posts State Retirement Pensions 2011 1,438 1,353 Gregg McClymont: To ask the Chancellor of the 2012 1,306 1,212 Exchequer what recent assessment he has made of the 2013 1,194 1,095 cost to the public purse of continuing the triple lock The Large Business Service also calls on the services policy of uprating the basic state pension for each of specialist staff employed in other units in HMRC financial year between 2015 and 2020. [184039] when dealing with the tax affairs of the large businesses Mr Gauke [holding answer 23 January 2014]: As a for which it is responsible. result of the triple lock commitment; the basic state Taxation: Charities pension now represents a higher share of average earnings than at any time over the last 20 years. Thanks to the Nick de Bois: To ask the Chancellor of the triple lock the rate of the basic state pension will be Exchequer (1) how many charities using the online around £440 a year higher from next April, than it portal have been fined for late return of an annual would have been if uprated in line with average earnings return in each year since 2010; [183506] since 2011-12. By the end of this year, the Government will have spent £5.9 billion in total on the triple lock. (2) what the average cost has been to charities The cost of the triple lock is included in OBR forecasts. appealing against late filing penalties of the online The triple lock provides reassurance and certainty for annual return in each year since 2010. [183507] pensioners and delivers dignity in old age. Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Taxation recognises that asking a charity to claim tax relief every year would be administratively burdensome and therefore Jim Dobbin: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer they do not require every charity to file a tax return what assessment his Department has made of every year. fraudulent websites mimicking HM Revenue and However, they do require every charity to file a tax Customs tax return services; and whether HM Revenue return once every few years so that they can check that and Customs has any procedure for making the public the charity is claiming any tax exemptions and reliefs in aware of potential scams. [182319] accordance with the law. In addition, charities have an 287W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 288W obligation to complete a tax return where they have carried out within the UK except for an aerial plant reason to believe that they should be paying tax on survey in Peru carried out by the Royal Botanic Gardens, some of their income or gains. Kew. If HMRC send a notice to a charity to file a tax UAV systems used include: return the charity must complete it and submit it within Quest UAV 200 the time limits given on the forms or they may face a Flysense Ebee penalty. DJI S800 Spreading Wings HMRC have issued charities with penalties for late Swinglet. submission of their company tax returns in each of the financial years since 2008 as follows: CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Penalties Staff 2008-09 1,418 2009-10 1,437 Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010-11 1,312 Culture, Media and Sport what proportion of staff 2011-12 1,438 recruited to her Department since 5 May 2010 2012-13 1,723 identified their ethnicity as (a) white British and (b) from a minority ethnic background. [188069] This includes penalties issued on paper returns. From 1 April 2011, nearly all company tax returns for periods Mrs Grant: The proportion of staff, recruited to ending after 31 March 2010 have to be delivered to DCMS since 5 May 2010, that identified their ethnicity HMRC online. is shown in the table: HMRC does not collect data on the cost to charities of appealing these penalties. No. % VAT: Local Government (a) White British 43 13.11 (b) Minority Ethnic 14 4.27 Alison Seabeck: To ask the Chancellor of the background Exchequer how many local authorities were selected by Prefer not to say 2 0.61 HM Revenue and Customs for checks specific to their Not declared 269 82.01 VAT returns; and how long such checks took in each Completion of these data is non-mandatory for staff. case. [187743] As such these figures may not be fully representative of work force diversity. Mr Gauke: For the current year to date HMRC have undertaken 701 checks in relation to the VAT returns of Telecommunications local authorities. For 2012-13 the number was 657. The length of time involved in each case differs Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for according to the nature of the check. In the case of Culture, Media and Sport what assessment she has simple checks, where perhaps a phone call to the customer made of the potential benefit to consumers in the is all that is needed, the case is resolved on the same day communications sector of the Government’s proposals as it is started. In the case of other checks, especially in to streamline regulatory and competition appeals. relation the larger local authorities, these may last weeks, [187440] months, or longer. Mr Vaizey: I believe that streamlining the framework for regulatory and competition appeals offers benefits for consumers and industry. The Government published ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS an impact assessment alongside its consultation on proposals to streamline regulatory appeals and this is Unmanned Air Vehicles available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for attachment_data/file/207702/bis-13-924-regulatory-and- Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the competition-appeals-impact_assessment.pdf answer of the Department for Transport of This assessment is being updated in light of consultation 11 February 2014, Official Report, columns 525-6W, on responses received and we will publish that alongside Government Departments: unmanned air vehicles, the Government’s response to the consultation in the which remotely piloted aircraft systems his Department spring. employs to collect data; which policies are supported by the collection of such data; and where those systems Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for are operated. [R] [188570] Culture, Media and Sport what her timetable is for reform of the regulatory and competition appeals Dan Rogerson: Core DEFRA has not used any processes in the communications sector. [187441] unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Food Mr Vaizey: My officials have been working closely and Environment Research Agency, Environment Agency, with officials in the Department for Business, Innovation Natural England and the Royal Botanic Gardens have and Skills following the consultation on appeals that used unmanned aerial vehicles to support work on was held last year. We are considering the responses flood defence and coastal erosion and the monitoring received and will publish the Government’s response in of crops, plants and nature reserves. All flights were due course. 289W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 290W

COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT of private offices by 25% from 2009-10 to 2012-13, Gender Recognition reflecting the broader administrative savings we are making across the Department. Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for In relation to office size of each private office, the Communities and Local Government what progress Secretary of State’s is 61 square metres, the Senior has been made by his Department in implementing the Minister of State’s private office is 35 square metres commitments contained in the Government’s action (who also has a Foreign and Commonwealth Private plan for transgender equality; and if he will make a Office), and the five Parliamentary Under-Secretaries statement. [188095] of States’ offices are 40, 42, 42, 42 and 56 square metres respectively. Such dimensions are substantively unchanged Stephen Williams: Good progress has been made in from the last Administration. To assist the hon. Member, delivering the commitments identified in advancing I would note that (as stated in the answer of 28 June transgender equality: A plan for action. 2006, Official Report, column 457W), the private office A report on progress on the action plan will be of John Prescott when he was a Cabinet Minister was published in due course. 802 square feet. Housing: Construction The Department will be making further savings from office space when we move to Marsham Street later this Mr Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for year, sharing a building with the Home Office. The Communities and Local Government (1) what move will save my Department a net £9 million per year, assessment he has made of the Consumer Code for and save taxpayers a total of £220 million over the Homebuilders; [188481] lifetime of the building’s lease commitments. This illustrates the scope for sensible savings by councils and the wider (2) what his policy is on the introduction of a public sector from better property management and statutory redress mechanism for new homebuyers. sharing of services. [188482] Kris Hopkins: The Consumer Code for Homebuilders (the Code), is an industry led scheme which gives protection EDUCATION and rights to purchasers of new homes, ensuring that new homebuyers are treated fairly and are fully informed Independent Schools Inspectorate about their purchase. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for The Code applies to all homebuyers who reserve to Education (1) whether the parental complaints he has buy a new or newly converted home, on or after 1 April received connected with the termination of inspectors 2010, built by a home builder registered with one of the working for the Independent Schools Inspectorate supporting warranty bodies. It also offers an independent relate to concerns over the treatment of children within dispute resolution scheme that determines a builder’s the schools inspected; [187216] responsibilities without the consumer having to take (2) how many inspectors working for the legal action. Independent Schools Inspectorate have ceased to be Its Management Board publishes a report on an deployed for reasons connected with statutory notices annual basis setting out progress and future plans for being served on schools to date; [187217] ensuring that consumers continue to be well-protected. (3) pursuant to the answer of 3 February 2014, The reports are available on the Consumer Code for Official Report, column 52W, on private education: Homebuilders’ web-site. offences against children, on what date the inspector It is right that industry is taking a lead on this and I subject to direct allegations was suspended. [187369] am pleased that the industry-led work to further increase the impact of the Code is being progressed. Mr Timpson: We have asked the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and have been given the following Ministers’ Private Offices information: Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for 1. in the case concerned, the complaint related to the treatment of children in a school which the inspector had been associated Communities and Local Government what the size, in with; square metres, of the offices assigned to each of his 2. information is only available from 2013 onwards: in that Department’s Ministers is; and how many officials, at time 16 team inspectors from a total of 10 schools have ceased to what grade, work in the private offices of each of his be deployed after the school received a statutory notice; Department’s Ministers. [188310] 3. the inspector concerned was suspended from deployment on 5 March 2012 by ISI immediately when it was informed of the Brandon Lewis: I refer the hon. Member to my answer allegations. of 8 October 2013, Official Report, column 138W, on the staffing of private offices. Ministerial private offices are a key link in handling HOME DEPARTMENT ministerial correspondence, organising the ministerial diaries, supporting Ministers on external engagements Asylum: Pregnant Women and visits, conveying Ministers’ views to officials and overseeing the provision of advice to Ministers, handling Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for communications and policy discussions with other the Home Department when her Department plans to Government Departments, and providing Ministers with publish revised guidance on procedures for dispersing general information and views from their Departments. and accommodating pregnant women who seek asylum Notwithstanding, we have cut the administrative costs in the UK. [188376] 291W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 292W

James Brokenshire: The Home Office has been consulting be gathered is subject to regular review. Her Majesty’s about changes to the guidance. The Refugee Council Passport Office collects only information considered and Maternity Action have provided a detailed response relevant to ensure the safe and secure issue of the which we are considering. Once that is completed we British passport and to protect the identity of the will move towards finalising and publishing the revised individual and ensure their safe passage through guidance. international borders. British Nationality: Armed Forces As the review above indicates, gender is considered an important identifier. Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for the It is used to assist the application process and, at Home Department how many applications for British frontiers, provides border agencies with direction on the citizenship have been made by foreign and handling of the passport holder. We recognise that a Commonwealth personnel (a) currently or (b) very small number of countries have adopted the use of recently serving in the armed forces who have been an ’X’ in the passport but UK law does not recognise a refused citizenship on the grounds that the good third gender classification. character request is not met; and if she will make a Immigration Controls statement. [188104] Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for the James Brokenshire: Four serving members of HM Home Department what steps her Department is armed forces have been refused British citizenship because taking to increase pre-entry medical screening for those they did not meet the criteria set for good character in wishing to reside in the UK for more than six months. the 12 months leading to their application. [188157] Gender Recognition James Brokenshire: We are switching to TB pre-entry Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for the screening abroad in preference to screening on entry to Home Department (1) what progress her Department the UK. We are currently operating TB pre-entry screening has made on implementing the commitments in 94 locations. We will complete our planned overseas contained in the Government’s action plan for roll-out this year, expanding to 101 locations by the end transgender equality to review how gender of March 2014. identification is represented in passport application Nadine Dorries: To ask the Secretary of State for the forms and passports; and if she will make a statement; Home Department what assessment her Department [188091] has made of the effectiveness of the UK Border Force (2) when her Department ceased to record on in safeguarding public health. [188158] passports the holder’s (a) profession, (b) place of birth, (c) date of birth, (d) country of residence, (e) James Brokenshire: The Border Force operational height, (f) eye colour, (g) hair colour, (h) special command of the Home Office plays an effective role in peculiarities and (i) distinguishing features; for what helping to safeguard public health. Medical Inspectors reasons the Government decided to cease recording appointed by Public Health England are available at each of the characteristics on passports; what rules it various ports. currently applies to people of indeterminate sex and Border Force works closely with the Medical Inspectors people who do not identify as either gender in relation and where appropriate refers arriving passengers to to how they describe their gender on passports; what them. consideration she has given on the need to record a person’s sex on passports; and if she will make a Unmanned Air Vehicles statement. [188102] Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the James Brokenshire: A copy of Her Majesty’s Passport Home Department pursuant to the answer of the Office review into gender markings in the British passport Department for Transport of 11 February 2014, has been placed in the Library of both Houses. Official Report, columns 525-6W, on Government http://data.parliament.uk/DepositedPapers/Files/DEP2014- Departments: unmanned air vehicles, which remotely 0152/Gendermarkings__290114.pdf piloted aircraft systems her Department employs to The review was carried out in response to the collect data; which policies are supported by the recommendation in the Government’s action plan for collection of such data; and where those systems are transgender equality published on 8 December 2011. operated. [R] [188569] The information set out in the biographic page of the Damian Green: The Home Office does not employ British passport conforms to standards set by the remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The British passport biographical page lists name, nationality, date of birth, gender, place of birth, photograph, and signature of the holder in addition to place and WALES date of issue of the passport. Equality Previous information contained in the British passport has been removed in the light of technological advances Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales in the quality of photographs or because the information what the (a) total departmental expenditure, (b) was no longer considered relevant to the person’s ability number and (c) cost of people employed for the to apply for and use the passport. Changes have been purpose of promoting equality and diversity was for made from time to time and the need for information to each of the last five years. [187650] 293W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 294W

Stephen Crabb: No post exists solely for promoting Department’s Nuclear Resilience and Assurance equality and diversity within the Wales Office, the function directorate; how many such staff work on nuclear is incorporated into the generic HR role. As such, the security matters; and what proportion such staff have Wales Office is unable to disaggregate the total departmental expertise in nuclear security. [187993] expenditure for the purpose of promoting equality and diversity. Michael Fallon: The Nuclear Resilience and Assurance Directorate (NRAD) in my Department is responsible for the policy frameworks for civil nuclear security, ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE emergency planning and safety assurance, as well as Energy: Meters working to improve the security of nuclear and radiological material overseas and taking forward UK nuclear non- Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for proliferation priorities. NRAD also houses the UK Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the Chemical Weapons Convention National Authority. The contribution of the Minister of State of 4 February Directorate currently has an allocation of 52 staff with 2014, Official Report, column 237, whether his a range of cross cutting expertise in these areas, who Department has made an assessment of the number of work closely with expert partners in other organisations suppliers who charge customers to have prepayment including the Office for Nuclear Regulation, the Civil meters removed and level of such charges. [187756] Nuclear Constabulary and the International Atomic Energy Agency. Michael Fallon: Energy suppliers have different policies Property on whether to pass on costs incurred from Meter Operators to change a customer from a prepayment to a credit Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy meter. Suppliers may waive charges for vulnerable and Climate Change what the (a) name, (b) location, consumers. DECC understands that companies that (c) floor space, (d) tenure status and (e) value is of make no charge include British Gas, EON and EDF. properties (i) owned and (ii) occupied by (A) his The following table shows the energy supply companies Department and (B) agencies and public bodies that charge. accountable to him. [187285] £ Gregory Barker: The following table includes the Supplier Charge for gas PPM Charge for electricity PPM name, location, floor space and tenure status of buildings Npower 60 60 occupied by the Department. The Electronic Property Scottish 62.90 45.91 Information Mapping Service (e-PIMS™) is the central Power database of Government Central Civil Estate properties SSE 52.00 52.00 and land. A subset of data from e-PIMS™ is in the Co-op 69.02 66.15 public domain: Ebico 52.00 52.00 www.data.gov.uk and includes details of property location, tenure, and Nuclear Installations other key attributes. It is a sample of all departmental holdings. Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy The global running cost figure for the central civil and Climate Change how many staff work in his estate of c£3 billion per annum.

Department/Non Departmental Floor space—occupied Public Body Property Name/Address Tenure status (NIA) M2

DECC 3 Whitehall Place, London, SW1A 2AW Leasehold 8,786 DECC 55 Whitehall, London, SWA 2EY Crown Estate 1,710 DECC 1 Victoria Street, London, SW1H OET MOTO1 414 DECC Atholl House 84-88 Guild St, Aberdeen, AB11 6NB Leasehold 1,408 DECC Kings Buildings, 16 Smith Sq, London, SW1P3HQ Licence 1,178 Committee on Climate Change (CCC) 7 Holbein Place, London, SW1W 8NR Renting 1 floor from Heritage 340 Lottery Fund Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Herdus House Westlakes Science and Technology Park, Leasehold 2,736 (ND A)2 HQ Moor Row, Cumbria CA24 3HU NDA Harwell Building 587 Curie Avenue Harwell Oxford Didcot OX11 Ground Lease, Building Freehold 1,871 ORH NDA Forss Freswick House Newpark Business and Technology Park, Leasehold-will surrender in 2014 194 Thurso, Caithness KW14 7UZ as unoccupied now. NDA Dounreay Building D2003 Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd (DSRL), Leasehold on the DRSL Nuclear 115 Thurso, Caithness. KW14 7TZ Site NDA Warrington Hinton House Birchwood Park Avenue, Warrington, Leasehold NDA-679 Cheshire. WA3 6GR NDA London Eland House9th floor, Eland House, Bressenden Place, Leasehold 340 London SW1E 5DU Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) Buildings E6 AND F6, Culham Science Centre, Lease 1,588 Abingdon, 0X14 3DB CNC Building F7 Culham Science Centre, Abingdon, 0X14 Lease 529 3DB 295W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 296W

Department/Non Departmental Floor space—occupied Public Body Property Name/Address Tenure status (NIA) M2

CNC Greengarths (including Core shed) Allerdale Court, Licence 447 Cumbria CNC Lord Roberts Centre, (including meeting rooms, training Leasehold 695 area and armoury) Bisley, GU24 ONP Coal Authority3 Coal Authority Mansfield, 200 Lichfield Lane, Berry Hill, Freehold 44,379 Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG18 4RG Coal Authority Team Valley, Unit 3 Team Valley Trading Estate, 3 Earls Leasehold (Expires December 2014) 590 Court, Fifth Avenue, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear NE11 OHF 1 MOTO stands for Memorandum of Terms of Occupation and is a type of licence agreement for the sharing of accommodation between Government organisations known as ″Crown Bodies″. 2 For Nuclear Decommissioning Authority the properties listed in the schedule are those where there is direct occupation by the NDA as a NDPB with responsibility to DECC. In addition, NDA subsidiary companies and nuclear site contractors own and occupy land and buildings that are used in furtherance of the nuclear mission. Details are available in the Corporate Asset Management Plan, available on the website: http://www.nda.gov.uk/documents/upload/Corporate-Asset-Management-Plan-May-2013.pdf 3 Coal Authority have no other buildings that are occupied except for those related to our operational minewater schemes, details of which are availableontheCA website: http://coal.decc.gov.uk 4 2,851 by CA, remainder to tenants.

Public Appointments Mrs Villiers: My Department is fully committed to promoting equality and diversity and to fulfilling our Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for statutory responsibilities in this regard. This work is Energy and Climate Change (1) which paid public co-ordinated by our Corporate Governance team in appointment contracts he has (a) renewed and (b) not addition to a range of other duties. As such, it is not renewed since May 2010; and how many posts were possible to provide a breakdown of costs and staff held by (i) women and (ii) men; [187017] numbers as to do so would incur disproportionate cost. (2) what the titles are of the individual public My Department has published an Equality Scheme and appointments that have been made by his Department provides annual progress reports on delivery of the since May 2010; and which of those appointees were Scheme to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland women. [187078] in line with our Section 15 responsibilities. Gregory Barker: I refer the hon. Member to the All staff in my Department have received Section 75 answer given by the Minister for the Cabinet Office and equality training—in 2013-14 this was provided at a Paymaster General, my right hon. Friend the Member cost of £4,775. In addition, all staff have access to a for Horsham (Mr Maude), on 11 February 2014, Official wide range of diversity networks in both Belfast and Report, column 607W. London. Staff Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for CABINET OFFICE Energy and Climate Change what proportion of staff recruited to his Department since 5 May 2010 Civil Servants identified their ethnicity as (a) white British and (b) Heidi Alexander: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet from a minority ethnic background. [188072] Office pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for the Gregory Barker: Prior to November 2010 the Shared Vale of Glamorgan on 11 December 2013, Official Service provision for Human Resource in the Department Report, column 224, in which Government Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) was provided each official was employed. [187852] by two suppliers with data maintained in differing Mr Maude: Details of facility time provision, broken formats. Therefore data in a consistent format is only down by Department, are published on gov.uk. available from November 2010. From November 2010 to January 2014, 56% of civil Civil Servants: Career Development servants who were been recruited to DECC have declared diversity data. Of those who have declared diversity Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet data, 78% have declared that they are white British and Office (1) what the average career progression of fast 13% have declared that they are from a minority ethnic stream civil servants who identify as (a) white British background. and (b) any other minority ethnic background has The remaining 9% are other white backgrounds. been since May 2010; [187935] (2) what the average pay progression of fast stream civil servants who identify as (a) white British and (b) NORTHERN IRELAND any other minority ethnic background has been since May 2010; [187936] Equality (3) what the average career progression of (a) male Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern and (b) female fast stream civil servants has been since Ireland what the (a) total departmental expenditure, May 2010; [187937] (b) number and (c) cost of people employed for the (4) what the average pay progression of (a) male and purpose of promoting equality and diversity was for (b) female fast stream civil servants has been since each of the last five years. [187646] May 2010. [187938] 297W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 298W

Mr Maude: Civil servants can, but are not compelled, Mr Vara: A more diverse judiciary is important in to declare their ethnicity. As a result, we don’t hold retaining the public’s confidence and trust in justice, sufficient information to give an accurate response. The and better reflecting the society it serves. This Government civil service is, however, committed to harnessing the has made a number of changes through the Crime and ambition and potential of its staff, whoever they are. In Courts Act 2013 that we believe will promote judicial addition to initiatives such as the Summer Diversity diversity. We have introduced part-time working in the Internship Programme, which specifically targets those senior, courts, including the Supreme Court, we have of minority ethnic or lower socio-economic background, enabled the equal merit provision for judicial appointments it is a key component of the civil service talent strategy to allow protected characteristics to be taken into account to ensure that all talent development schemes are accessible where two applicants are of equal merit, and a statutory to all those who show the ability and aspiration to make duty for the Lord Chancellor and Lord Chief Justice to a difference to the civil service. encourage judicial diversity. Magistrates in England and Wales are recruited and JUSTICE selected by a network of local advisory committees, which record data on the diversity profile of magistrates Magistrates in their respective areas. In order to be able to provide the requested information, we have interpreted the Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if reference to panels in the question to mean local advisory he will provide a breakdown by ethnic background, age committee areas. The following tables contain the requested cohort and gender of lay magistrates in each panel for data: each year from 2010. [188223]

Magistrates diversity profile by Advisory Committee Areas as at 31 March 2010 Gender Age Advisory Committee Area Total Male Female Under 40 40-49 50-59 60 and over

Avon 318 153 165 14 51 107 146 Barnsley 112 61 51 5 20 39 48 Batley and Dewsbury 95 52 43 5 21 26 43 Bedfordshire 306 148 158 19 52 84 151 Berkshire 374 163 211 15 78 111 170 Birmingham 424 212 212 27 60 137 200 Bolton 196 96 100 8 21 57 110 Bradford 278 129 149 19 47 99 113 Bristol 308 145 163 12 42 97 157 Buckinghamshire 370 177 193 11 65 101 193 Bury 184 91 93 8 23 55 98 Calderdale 145 72 73 8 15 50 72 Cambridgeshire 328 153 175 7 41 103 177 Carmarthenshire 129 72 57 1 11 42 75 Ceredigion 51 24 27 1 1 19 30 Cheshire 480 249 231 11 81 170 218 Cities of Westminster and London 433 180 253 29 44 125 235 Clwyd 309 151 158 6 46 89 168 Cornwall 196 96 100 2 29 59 106 Coventry 211 105 106 9 28 68 106 Cumbria 270 135 135 5 30 73 162 Derbyshire 411 215 196 16 49 119 227 Devon 343 138 205 9 39 93 202 Doncaster 180 88 92 6 15 52 107 Dorset 325 174 151 6 28 97 194 Dudley 175 90 85 3 25 61 86 Durham 303 151 152 7 50 101 145 East Sussex 402 181 221 11 53 119 219 Essex 592 315 277 17 70 169 336 Gateshead 128 60 68 5 14 36 73 Gloucestershire 263 133 130 12 41 87 123 Gwent 320 170 150 9 29 96 186 Gwynedd 105 57 48 3 10 36 56 Hampshire 714 338 376 17 91 218 388 Hereford and Worcester 502 246 256 14 56 168 264 Hertfordshire 474 224 250 19 106 151 198 Huddersfield 95 46 49 5 11 36 43 Humberside 279 145 134 6 48 77 148 Isle of Wight 69 33 36 3 8 28 30 Keighley 118 62 56 5 19 37 57 299W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 300W

Magistrates diversity profile by Advisory Committee Areas as at 31 March 2010 Gender Age Advisory Committee Area Total Male Female Under 40 40-49 50-59 60 and over

Kent 908 457 451 35 110 291 472 Kingston Upon Hull 164 95 69 10 15 47 92 Knowsley 8146351 62648 Lancashire 1,143 572 571 57 141 364 581 Leeds District 423 207 216 24 78 132 189 Leicester 306 157 149 12 53 88 153 Leicestershire 225 98 127 9 28 64 124 Lincolnshire 341 168 173 3 49 98 191 Liverpool 295 153 142 6 50 93 146 Manchester 404 196 208 22 79 130 173 Mid Glamorgan 258 138 120 13 35 71 139 Newcastle Upon Tyne 228 113 115 9 30 76 113 Norfolk 402 209 193 9 35 113 245 North Cleveland 86 45 41 3 15 26 42 North East London 651 331 320 67 155 174 255 North Sefton 79 41 38 0 13 20 46 North Tyneside 155 76 79 9 24 44 78 North West London 805 359 446 33 140 250 382 North Yorkshire 395 204 191 17 54 137 187 Northamptonshire 415 192 223 14 66 129 206 Northumberland 183 86 97 3 26 47 107 Nottingham 442 207 235 21 75 131 215 Nottinghamshire 237 129 108 3 19 74 141 Oldham 174 87 87 13 14 60 87 Oxfordshire 316 143 173 10 33 105 168 Pembroke 62 29 33 1 4 18 39 Plymouth 151 81 70 3 18 47 83 Pontefract 85 51 34 4 15 27 39 Powys 86 41 45 1 7 30 48 Rochdale Middleton and Heywood 166 89 77 5 14 45 102 Rotherham 108 56 52 6 16 37 49 Salford 168 76 92 8 28 47 85 Sandwell 213 108 105 10 41 64 98 Sheffield 309 171 138 13 54 90 152 Shropshire 229 118 111 11 26 74 118 Solihull 165 84 81 2 29 53 81 Somerset 241 118 123 3 28 76 134 South Cleveland 324 173 151 12 50 108 154 South East London 605 280 325 30 103 193 279 South Glamorgan 335 173 162 16 59 105 155 South Sefton 130 58 72 2 17 38 73 South Tyneside 133 70 63 8 22 40 63 South West London 751 325 426 42 146 222 341 St. Helens 140 67 73 6 17 36 81 Staffordshire 520 261 259 22 75 172 251 Stockport 171 80 91 8 19 52 92 Suffolk 261 118 143 3 31 78 149 Sunderland 188 98 90 6 27 65 90 Surrey 366 165 201 14 52 127 173 Sutton Coldfield 129 57 72 3 16 43 67 Tameside 163 80 83 8 22 47 86 Trafford 143 63 80 1 17 48 77 Wakefield 96 48 48 5 15 29 47 Walsall 143 79 64 9 23 38 73 Warwickshire 220 107 113 7 28 67 118 West Glamorgan 225 114 111 9 27 69 120 West Sussex 339 177 162 14 44 101 180 Wigan and Leigh 186 102 84 4 25 77 80 Wiltshire 255 126 129 6 40 95 114 Wirral 230 112 118 3 23 74 130 Wolverhampton 140 73 67 4 22 51 63 Total 28,607 14,067 14,540 1,107 4,111 8,865 14,524 301W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 302W

Ethnicity Advisory Committee Area White Mixed Black Asian Chinese Other Unknown

Avon 310134000 Barnsley 108111010 BatleyandDewsbury 85071110 Bedfordshire 264 2 23 14 1 2 0 Berkshire 328 4 25 12 1 4 0 Birmingham 330 6 55 31 2 0 0 Bolton 1771135000 Bradford 2281407020 Bristol 285 0 10 12 1 0 0 Buckinghamshire 336 2 18 13 1 0 0 Bury 176071000 Calderdale 132252040 Cambridgeshire 314 163040 Carmarthenshire 126 030000 Ceredigion 51000000 Cheshire 466 271130 Cities of Westminster and London 368 2 13 43 3 4 0 Clwyd 303030030 Cornwall 194200000 Coventry 1831197010 Cumbria 266 022000 Derbyshire 3850167030 Devon 339110020 Doncaster 177 120000 Dorset 315224110 Dudley 168 070000 Durham 297042000 East Sussex 385 054260 Essex 572189020 Gateshead 127 001000 Gloucestershire 250 174010 Gwent 309173000 Gwynedd 102 100020 Hampshire 689 3 10 3180 Hereford and Worcester 487 345120 Hertfordshire 4450169130 Huddersfield 87053000 Humberside 272 060100 IsleofWight 67101000 Keighley 111070000 Kent 865 5 16 17 2 3 0 Kingston Upon Hull 161 020010 Knowsley 80010000 Lancashire 1,073 8 59 2010 Leeds District 386 1 17 17 1 1 0 Leicester 249 1 38 13 0 5 0 Leicestershire 212081040 Lincolnshire 332 152010 Liverpool 277 176400 Manchester 345 4 30 18 3 4 0 Mid Glamorgan 253 302000 Newcastle Upon Tyne 219 242100 Norfolk 391140240 NorthCleveland 82120010 North East London 445 11 80 105 1 9 0 NorthSefton 78010000 NorthTyneside 151121000 North West London 645 7 63 85 2 3 0 NorthYorkshire 387151010 Northamptonshire 384 1 16 13 1 0 0 Northumberland 183 000000 Nottingham 405 4 17 13 1 2 0 Nottinghamshire 232 022010 303W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 304W

Ethnicity Advisory Committee Area White Mixed Black Asian Chinese Other Unknown

Oldham 155 0 15 3100 Oxfordshire 300 096010 Pembroke 62 000000 Plymouth 148 200010 Pontefract 84010000 Powys 85010000 Rochdale Middleton and Heywood 158 080000 Rotherham 101070000 Salford 162033000 Sandwell 162 0 37 11 0 3 0 Sheffield 280 2 17 7120 Shropshire 218260030 Solihull 152065020 Somerset 234 113020 South Cleveland 307 1 12 1120 South East London 484 1 37 72 3 8 0 South Glamorgan 312 5 10 6020 South Sefton 129 000010 South Tyneside 127 240000 South West London 605 16 74 38 6 12 0 St.Helens 138001100 Staffordshire 4882218010 Stockport 164 034000 Suffolk 252132120 Sunderland 182 121110 Surrey 3426106020 SuttonColdfield 118074000 Tameside 1500121000 Trafford 136043000 Wakefield 90032010 Walsall 1220155010 Warwickshire 200 0 16 4000 West Glamorgan 218 050110 WestSussex 332070000 WiganandLeigh 181031010 Wiltshire 243 155100 Wirral 229001000 Wolverhampton 115 1 15 8100 Total 26,414 140 1,125 725 54 149 0

Magistrates diversity profile by Advisory Committee Areas as at 31 March 2011 Gender Age Advisory Committee Area Total Male Female Under 40 40-49 50-59 60 and over

Avon 314 152 162 14 49 107 144 Barnsley 111 62 49 7 17 33 54 Batley and Dewsbury 92 50 42 5 22 23 42 Bedfordshire 274 131 143 12 54 77 131 Berkshire 374 162 212 11 78 106 179 Birmingham and Heart of England 882 430 452 35 124 274 449 Black Country 609 308 301 19 101 185 304 Bolton 182 86 96 7 20 44 111 Bradford 273 128 145 18 43 86 126 Bristol 302 144 158 14 42 88 158 Buckinghamshire 338 160 178 9 60 92 177 Bury 174 86 88 5 21 46 102 Calderdale 139 69 70 6 9 51 73 Cambridgeshire 304 144 160 3 35 93 173 Carmarthenshire 126 67 59 1 10 43 72 Ceredigion 45 20 25 1 1 15 28 Cheshire 482 248 234 12 77 159 234 Cities of Westminster and London 436 174 262 33 44 124 235 Cleveland 388 206 182 16 54 125 193 Cornwall 189 93 96 2 26 46 115 305W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 306W

Magistrates diversity profile by Advisory Committee Areas as at 31 March 2011 Gender Age Advisory Committee Area Total Male Female Under 40 40-49 50-59 60 and over

Cumbria 261 134 127 6 24 68 163 Derbyshire 422 219 203 17 55 110 240 Devon 313 125 188 10 38 78 187 Doncaster 175 88 87 7 13 51 104 Dorset 318 163 155 7 26 89 196 Durham 292 144 148 5 46 96 145 East Sussex 374 166 208 8 43 112 211 Essex 567 294 273 15 67 154 331 Gateshead 117 55 62 6 13 33 65 Gloucestershire 258 129 129 9 46 83 120 Gwent 300 163 137 8 29 79 184 Hampshire 699 341 358 17 93 200 389 Hereford and Worcester 496 244 252 12 54 158 272 Hertfordshire 458 221 237 12 104 140 202 Huddersfield 90 45 45 5 10 31 44 Humberside 286 148 138 7 42 80 157 Isle of Wight 67 33 34 2 9 25 31 Keighley 110 57 53 6 14 36 54 Kent 881 446 435 34 96 271 480 Kingston Upon Hull 157 89 68 11 14 48 84 Lancashire 1,117 548 569 51 124 333 609 Leeds District 415 200 215 26 67 124 198 Leicester 299 152 147 12 51 84 152 Leicestershire 212 91 121 6 27 59 120 Lincolnshire 329 158 171 3 46 83 197 Manchester 374 183 191 20 64 115 175 Merseyside 279 144 135 3 45 83 148 Mid and South Glamorgan 541 284 257 25 84 161 271 Newcastle Upon Tyne 205 102 103 8 26 62 109 Norfolk 375 201 174 7 32 96 240 North East London 668 329 339 68 158 178 264 North Tyneside 152 73 79 9 22 42 79 North Wales 406 203 203 7 49 121 229 North West London 829 364 465 45 139 266 379 North Yorkshire 376 197 179 15 48 131 182 Northamptonshire 357 164 193 13 55 112 177 Northumberland 188 91 97 3 31 49 105 Nottingham 418 195 223 19 68 119 212 Nottinghamshire 226 125 101 2 18 67 139 Oldham 164 85 79 11 12 47 94 Oxfordshire 273 123 150 8 25 86 154 Pembroke 59 30 29 1 4 19 35 Plymouth 151 81 70 4 16 42 89 Pontefract 79 45 34 3 16 23 37 Powys 83 40 43 1 6 28 48 Rochdale Middleton and Heywood 152 76 76 4 12 38 98 Rotherham 109 53 56 6 17 34 52 Salford 160 74 86 5 28 45 82 Sheffield 297 165 132 10 51 87 149 Shropshire 229 114 115 5 34 68 122 Somerset 229 111 118 2 23 75 129 South East London 602 274 328 33 100 191 278 South Tyneside 127 68 59 9 20 38 60 South West London 757 321 436 43 150 229 335 Staffordshire 494 246 248 19 68 155 252 Stockport 163 76 87 7 16 44 96 Suffolk 247 112 135 3 24 77 143 Sunderland 198 107 91 5 26 69 98 Surrey 359 165 194 12 46 125 176 Tameside 157 78 79 8 18 43 88 Trafford 136 58 78 1 15 40 80 Wakefield 90 43 47 5 13 22 50 Warwickshire 217 106 111 6 23 58 130 307W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 308W

Magistrates diversity profile by Advisory Committee Areas as at 31 March 2011 Gender Age Advisory Committee Area Total Male Female Under 40 40-49 50-59 60 and over

West Glamorgan 219 109 110 9 28 69 113 West Sussex 335 173 162 15 36 98 186 Wigan and Leigh 186 101 85 5 24 70 87 Wiltshire 253 124 129 6 41 90 116 Total 26,966 13,186 13,780 1,022 3,769 8,054 14,121

Ethnicity Advisory Committee Area White Mixed Black Asian Chinese Any other Unknown

Avon 30522500 0 Barnsley 10711101 0 BatleyandDewsbury 82071110 Bedfordshire 236 1 20 14 1 2 0 Berkshire 328 4 25 11 1 5 0 Birmingham and Heart of England 740 7 83 47 2 3 0 Black Country 511 2 69 22 1 4 0 Bolton 163 1 13 5 0 0 0 Bradford 223 1 40 7 0 2 0 Bristol 277 0 10 14 1 0 0 Buckinghamshire 305 2 17 13 1 0 0 Bury 16607100 0 Calderdale 12625204 0 Cambridgeshire 291 16204 0 Carmarthenshire 123 03000 0 Ceredigion 45000000 Cheshire 468 27113 0 Cities of Westminster and London 371 1 12 44 3 5 0 Cleveland 368 2 15 0 0 3 0 Cornwall 18720000 0 Cumbria 257 02200 0 Derbyshire 393 1 17 7 0 4 0 Devon 31010002 0 Doncaster 172 12000 0 Dorset 30922311 0 Durham 28604200 0 East Sussex 358 05326 0 Essex 546 0 8 11 0 2 0 Gateshead 117 00000 0 Gloucestershire 245 17401 0 Gwent 28917300 0 Hampshire 673 3 11 3 1 8 0 Hereford and Worcester 482 33512 0 Hertfordshire 426 0 17 9 1 5 0 Huddersfield 82053000 Humberside 279 05011 0 IsleofWight 65101000 Keighley 10207100 0 Kent 836 6 15 17 2 5 0 Kingston Upon Hull 155 02000 0 Lancashire 1,048 6 60 2 0 1 0 Leeds District 377 1 18 16 2 1 0 Leicester 243 2 37 13 0 4 0 Leicestershire 19908104 0 Lincolnshire 320 15201 0 Manchester 322 4 24 17 3 4 0 Merseyside 264 17340 0 Mid and South Glamorgan 516 69901 0 Newcastle Upon Tyne 197 23210 0 Norfolk 36414024 0 North East London 455 12 80 111 1 9 0 NorthTyneside 14812100 0 NorthWales 39613006 0 North West London 664 6 68 84 1 6 0 309W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 310W

Ethnicity Advisory Committee Area White Mixed Black Asian Chinese Any other Unknown

NorthYorkshire 36815101 0 Northamptonshire 334 1 14 8 0 0 0 Northumberland 188 00000 0 Nottingham 380 4 17 13 1 3 0 Nottinghamshire 221 02201 0 Oldham 145 0 15 3 1 0 0 Oxfordshire 261 07500 0 Pembroke 5900000 0 Plymouth 148 20001 0 Pontefract 78001000 Powys 82010000 Rochdale Middleton and Heywood 146 06000 0 Rotherham 10306000 0 Salford 15403300 0 Sheffield 267 2 18 7 1 2 0 Shropshire 21727003 0 Somerset 222 11302 0 South East London 483 1 36 72 3 7 0 South Tyneside 121 24000 0 South West London 613 17 73 37 5 12 0 Staffordshire 464 1 19 9 0 1 0 Stockport 156 03400 0 Suffolk 24013111 0 Sunderland 192 03111 0 Surrey 335 6 10 6 0 2 0 Tameside 144 0 12 1 0 0 0 Trafford 13003300 0 Wakefield 83032020 Warwickshire 197 0 16 4 0 0 0 West Glamorgan 211 06011 0 WestSussex 32905100 0 WiganandLeigh 18202101 0 Wiltshire 241 15510 0 Total 24,811 137 10,94 718 50 156 0

Magistrates diversity profile by Advisory Committee Areas as at 31 March 2012 Gender Age Advisory Committee Area Total Male Female Under 40 40-49 50-59 60 and over

Avon and Somerset 837 386 451 25 106 248 458 Bedfordshire 248 125 123 11 44 75 118 Berkshire 333 138 195 10 69 99 155 Birmingham and Heart of England 798 384 414 27 106 253 412 Black Country 558 276 282 16 81 183 278 Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire 541 252 289 14 75 153 299 Cambridgeshire 267 125 142 2 28 80 157 Central and South London 897 388 509 72 141 288 396 Cheshire 452 231 221 11 70 130 241 Cleveland 346 179 167 12 41 100 193 Cumbria 230 121 109 6 17 56 151 Derbyshire 411 208 203 18 49 108 236 Devon and Cornwall 603 280 323 14 67 154 368 Dorset 286 149 137 5 27 74 180 Durham 272 133 139 2 37 87 146 Dyfed Powys 273 135 138 4 16 89 164 Essex 518 275 243 11 59 141 307 Gloucestershire 220 105 115 6 34 71 109 Greater Manchester 1,612 786 826 54 184 458 916 Gwent 291 157 134 7 29 71 184 Hampshire and Isle of Wight 723 357 366 18 86 218 401 Hertfordshire 446 221 225 10 103 133 200 Humber 410 216 194 12 49 120 229 Kent 828 415 413 25 91 248 464 Lancashire 1,080 530 550 54 121 311 594 311W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 312W

Magistrates diversity profile by Advisory Committee Areas as at 31 March 2012 Gender Age Advisory Committee Area Total Male Female Under 40 40-49 50-59 60 and over

Leicestershire and Rutland 393 191 202 16 58 111 208 Lincolnshire 305 145 160 2 35 79 189 London West 1,040 446 594 50 185 326 479 Merseyside 769 384 385 10 94 222 443 Mid and South Glamorgan 489 254 235 18 71 152 248 Norfolk 353 195 158 7 30 88 228 North and East London 963 447 516 82 193 277 411 North Wales 397 198 199 8 45 118 226 North Yorkshire 344 180 164 11 44 116 173 Northamptonshire 341 152 189 11 46 114 170 Northumbria 901 443 458 35 121 264 481 Nottinghamshire 583 291 292 16 64 161 342 South Yorkshire 628 335 293 27 78 177 346 Staffordshire 438 209 229 13 60 137 228 Suffolk 225 101 124 1 24 64 136 Surrey 340 154 186 10 43 104 183 Sussex 664 320 344 17 75 189 383 Warwickshire 204 97 107 6 21 54 123 West Glamorgan 210 102 108 5 33 70 102 West Mercia 684 337 347 15 84 189 396 West Yorkshire 1177 580 597 61 174 349 593 Wiltshire 242 119 123 6 38 81 117 Total 25,170 12,252 12,918 873 3,346 7390 13,561

Ethnicity Advisory Committee Area White Mixed Black Asian Chinese Any other Unknown

Avon and Somerset 795 3 14 21 1 2 1 Bedfordshire 215 1 17 12 1 2 0 Berkshire 292 4 20 11 1 5 0 Birmingham and Heart of England 665 7 77 44 2 3 0 Black Country 463 2 69 20 1 3 0 Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire 498 2 24 16 1 0 0 Cambridgeshire 257 042040 Central and South London 714 7 52 100 8 16 0 Cheshire 440 261120 Cleveland 3292120030 Cumbria 226 022000 Derbyshire 3821187030 DevonandCornwall 595500030 Dorset 279212110 Durham 267032000 DyfedPowys 269040000 Essex 497 0 9 11 0 1 0 Gloucestershire 209 163010 Greater Manchester 1,486 3 80 34 4 5 0 Gwent 280173000 Hampshire and Isle of Wight 698 3 11 3170 Hertfordshire 4140198140 Humber 402 060110 Kent 782 7 16 16 2 5 0 Lancashire 1,013 8 56 2010 Leicestershire and Rutland 330 1 41 13 0 8 0 Lincolnshire 297 142010 London West 813 15 119 76 1 16 0 Merseyside 748 185520 Mid and South Glamorgan 466 697010 Norfolk 344140130 North and East London 706 13 93 141 1 9 0 NorthWales 387130060 NorthYorkshire 336151010 Northamptonshire 317 2 14 8000 Northumbria 877 6 11 5110 313W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 314W

Ethnicity Advisory Committee Area White Mixed Black Asian Chinese Any other Unknown

Nottinghamshire 544 4 18 12 1 4 0 South Yorkshire 589 4 25 7120 Staffordshire 4091189010 Suffolk 219121110 Surrey 319676020 Sussex 6440103250 Warwickshire 188 0 12 4000 West Glamorgan 201 070110 WestMercia 6585105150 West Yorkshire 1,046 4 82 32 3 10 0 Wiltshire 231 145100 Total 23,136 135 1,039 662 46 151 1

Magistrates diversity profile by Advisory Committee Areas as at 31 March 2013 Gender Age Advisory Committee Area Total Male Female Under 40 40-49 50-59 60 and Over

Central and South London 873 380 493 74 148 273 378 North and East London 900 411 489 69 174 260 397 London West 967 413 554 38 157 293 479 Birmingham and Heart of England 744 353 391 18 92 239 395 Black Country 508 248 260 15 67 168 258 Derbyshire 377 188 189 15 50 101 211 Leicestershire and Rutland 421 191 230 14 51 123 233 Lincolnshire 270 130 140 2 25 74 169 Northamptonshire 330 141 189 11 43 112 164 Nottinghamshire 539 264 275 16 49 150 324 Staffordshire 394 190 204 10 52 117 215 Warwickshire 195 92 103 5 17 53 120 West Mercia 632 308 324 12 79 157 384 Cleveland 331 166 165 12 33 99 187 Durham 263 130 133 5 32 78 148 Humber 374 199 175 10 41 107 216 Northumbria 838 405 433 28 106 241 463 North Yorkshire 310 163 147 7 36 98 169 South Yorkshire 575 307 268 22 69 149 335 West Yorkshire 1,071 529 542 51 153 294 573 Cheshire 428 215 213 7 59 121 241 Cumbria 212 105 107 5 17 51 139 Greater Manchester 1,476 713 763 44 157 407 868 Lancashire 1,040 503 537 52 115 300 573 Merseyside 697 341 356 8 78 186 425 Bedfordshire 226 112 114 10 36 61 119 Berkshire 312 128 184 7 57 100 148 Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire 499 231 268 12 67 135 285 Cambridgeshire 230 106 124 1 26 61 142 Essex 486 254 232 8 50 133 295 Hertfordshire 441 211 230 11 90 134 206 Kent 748 375 373 24 77 217 430 Norfolk 343 188 155 7 27 82 227 Suffolk 210 98 112 0 19 61 130 Surrey 307 135 172 8 33 97 169 Sussex 618 292 326 14 70 169 365 Avon and Somerset 722 336 386 18 90 206 408 Devon and Cornwall 565 262 303 13 59 147 346 Dorset 268 136 132 4 25 63 176 Gloucestershire 203 96 107 3 33 64 103 Hampshire and Isle of Wight 690 344 346 16 82 196 396 Wiltshire 199 97 102 6 30 71 92 Dyfed Powys 268 131 137 4 18 80 166 Gwent 277 150 127 6 35 69 167 Mid and South Glamorgan 458 235 223 17 74 136 231 North Wales 358 177 181 8 40 96 214 West Glamorgan 208 104 104 5 29 75 99 315W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 316W

Magistrates diversity profile by Advisory Committee Areas as at 31 March 2013 Gender Age Advisory Committee Area Total Male Female Under 40 40-49 50-59 60 and Over

Total 23,401 11,283 12,118 752 2,967 6,704 12,978

Ethnicity Advisory Committee Area White Mixed Black Asian Chinese Any other Unknown

Central and South London 692 10 99 51 7 14 0 North and East London 654 11 133 91 1 10 0 London West 753 14 74 111 1 14 0 Birmingham and Heart of England 615 6 41 75 2 5 0 Black Country 422 1 19 62 1 3 0 Derbyshire 348 1 6 19 0 3 0 Leicestershire and Rutland 360 1 12 41 0 7 0 Lincolnshire 264 113010 Northamptonshire 302 4 9 14 0 1 0 Nottinghamshire 502 4 12 16 1 4 0 Staffordshire 366 1 8 18 0 1 0 Warwickshire 179 0 4 12 0 0 0 WestMercia 610557140 Cleveland 316 2 0 11 0 2 0 Durham 258023000 Humber 368 005010 Northumbria 817 4 4 11 1 1 0 NorthYorkshire 303115000 South Yorkshire 538 4 7 24 0 2 0 West Yorkshire 946 4 29 79 3 10 0 Cheshire 417 215120 Cumbria 208 022000 Greater Manchester 1,350 4 32 81 4 5 0 Lancashire 974 7 2 55 0 1 1 Merseyside 678 156520 Bedfordshire 196 1 10 16 1 2 0 Berkshire 273 4 9 20 1 5 0 Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire 456 2 16 24 1 0 0 Cambridgeshire 219 025040 Essex 4650119010 Hertfordshire 411 0 7 19 1 3 0 Kent 705 7 14 15 2 5 0 Norfolk 335104120 Suffolk 204112110 Surrey 287567020 Sussex 599039250 Avon and Somerset 685 3 20 11 1 2 0 DevonandCornwall 557500030 Dorset 261221110 Gloucestershire 192 136010 Hampshire and Isle of Wight 665 3 3 11 1 7 0 Wiltshire 190 152100 DyfedPowys 264004000 Gwent 266236000 Mid and South Glamorgan 431 7 8 10 0 2 0 NorthWales 349103050 West Glamorgan 199 007110 Total 21,449 134 631 998 43 145 1

Prisons: Wrexham (4) what estimate he has made of spending on construction of the new prison in Wrexham in (a) Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2013-14, (b) 2014-15, (c) 2015-16, (d) 2016-17 and (1) when the contract for construction of the new (e) 2017-18; [188358] prison in Wrexham will be signed; [188334] (5) what estimate he has made of the total cost to the (2) when construction will (a) begin and (b) be public purse of constructing the new prison in completed on the new prison in Wrexham; [188355] Wrexham; and what estimate he has made of the (3) when his Department plans to make a decision amount that will come from (a) his Department’s on who will run the new prison in Wrexham; [188357] budgets and (b) other Government budgets. [188370] 317W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 318W

Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice plans to Mike Penning: HSE specialists do have expertise in appoint a prime contractor to build the prison in spring assessing the risks of asbestos to children. They work 2014 with work on site beginning in summer 2014. The with the wider scientific community and collaborate prison is expected to be fully operational by late 2017. with independent researchers. The new prison will cost around £250 million to HSE recently advised the Committee on Carcinogenicity construct and will be Ministry of Justice funded. However, of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the the Ministry of Justice is still in the procurement phase Environment about how the known risks for asbestos and therefore estimates of spending in each of the exposure in adults are likely to be modified for exposure financial years are commercially sensitive. in children. The Ministry of Justice is considering a full range of Buildings options relating to the operation of the new prison. Young Offender Institutions Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on which buildings occupied by his Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Department’s agencies and non-departmental public (1) what assessment his Department has made of the bodies will the lease be due for renewal in the next four effectiveness of the Assessment, Care in Custody and years. [187983] Teamwork in young offender institutions; [186343] Mike Penning: The information is as follows: (2) how many young people in custody are subject to Assessment, Care in Custody and Teamwork to NDPB Building Location Tenure Event Date minimise the risk of self-harm and suicide. [186321] HSE Tyr Myrrdin Carmarthen Lease Break 25 May Jeremy Wright: The National Offender Management 2014 HSE Edison Court Wrexham Lease End 11 August Service has undertaken a review of the Assessment, 2014 Care in Custody and Teamwork process and its applicability HSE Lyme Vale Court Stoke Lease Break 8 for young people (aged under 18). The review will be February completed by the end of March 2014. 2016 HSE St James House Cheltenham Lease Break 1 June Assessment, Care in Custody, and Teamwork (ACCT) 2016 is a prisoner-focused care planning system for prisoners HSE Stinsford Road Poole Lease End 19 March who are identified as being at risk of self-harm and/or 2017 suicide. Young offender institutions who hold young HSE 900 Pavillion Drive Northampton Lease End 28 people record and monitor the number of prisoners October 2017 supported through an ACCT plan, locally. There is HSE Belford House & Edinburgh Lease End 28 currently no ability to centrally report this information. Douglas House November 2017 HSE Mercantile Glasgow Lease Break 28 Chambers November WORK AND PENSIONS 2017 HSE Council Office Oxted Lease Break 31 Advertising December 2017 HSE North Quay House Plymouth Lease Break 25 March Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 2018 and Pensions how much his Department spent on advertising in each newspaper in the latest year for Employment and Support Allowance which figures are available. [187888] Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Mike Penning: The total spent on print advertising by Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to increase the Department for Work & Pensions in 2012-13 was the number of decision assurance calls to employment £2,540,520. and support allowance applicants; and what We are unable to provide information by individual assessment he has made of their effect. [187832] title. Like all Government Departments and public bodies, Esther McVey: My Department will run a pilot exercise we have a duty to help the public understand and in March to test possible improvements to the success manage new legal changes and rights. We are delivering rate of the decision assurance call. The pilot will aim to major reforms with levels of spend underlining our increase the success rates using text messages, with a commitment to provide essential public information at text message being issued prior to the decision assurance the appropriate time. We are careful to ensure we deliver call to give a stronger message to the claimant that it is value for money with these communications delivering important to take this call to prevent a gap or delay in significant benefits for individuals and wider society in payment. A follow up message will be issued after the understanding vital changes. second unsuccessful call to advise of the need to claim JSA immediately so that benefit payments can be made Asbestos: Children where employment and support allowance is to be disallowed. The results of the pilot will be monitored Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for and evaluated to ensure that improvements can be Work and Pensions whether the Health and Safety successfully rolled out nationally. In addition guidance Executive has specialist expertise on the risks of improvements have been made to increase the success asbestos to children. [188132] rate of calls. 319W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 320W

As part of the fourth independent review of the work However, key national-level statistics such as those capability assessment Dr Paul Litchfield made a for housing benefit are also available through routine recommendation about the decision assurance call. We statistical releases. More detailed tables, generally at are considering this, along with Dr Litchfield’s other regional or local authority level, are also available, recommendations, as part of the Government’s response through ready made tables within Stat-Xplore and also to Dr Litchfield’s review, which will be published in the within a set of spreadsheet tables available on our first quarter of 2014. website here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department- Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for for-work-pensions/about/statistics Work and Pensions if he will allow employment and Please note that for very detailed statistical breakdowns, support allowance decision makers greater access to Stat-Xplore has been specifically developed as it allows evidence held in his Department than those managing users much more flexibility than is possible within other benefits. [187835] spreadsheet-based tables. Mike Penning: Decision makers are not restricted in Pension Credit their evidence-gathering role and can request other evidence which they consider may be relevant. Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will change the eligibility criteria for Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for pensions credit for people who have come to the UK Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to publish from abroad and reached the qualifying age but did not data on Atos quality and performance for employment make national insurance contributions during their and support allowance assessments. [187840] working life. [186797] Mike Penning: There are no plans to publish the results of the Department’s routine monitoring of the Steve Webb: Pension credit is an income related benefit delivery and quality of the services provided to it by for the poorest pensioners living in Great Britain and is Atos Healthcare. not based on contributions paid. There are no plans to change this. However, in order to qualify for pension Internet credit a person must also have a right to reside in Great Britain, be habitually resident and physically present, Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for and not be subject to provisions that mean they have no Work and Pensions (1) pursuant to the answer of recourse to public funds whilst in Great Britain. 6 February 2014, Official Report, column 378W, on Photographs internet, how many users of the Stat-Xplore website have provided feedback on the site; and if he will publish all such feedback received; [187791] Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much his Department has spent on (2) pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2014, official photographs of its Ministers since May 2010. Official Report, column 378W, on internet, whether he plans to provide training to (a) hon. Members, (b) [187987] hon. Members staff and (c) the public in the use of the Mike Penning: I refer the hon. Member to the reply Stat-Xplore website; [187792] given to the hon. Member for Edinburgh East (Sheila (3) pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2014, Gilmore), on 19 July 2011, Official Report, column Official Report, columns 376-8W, on internet, if he will 839W. undertake not to refer hon. Members to the Stat- Information is not recorded in a format to provide Xplore website as a substitute for providing substantive further costs on official photographs. However, wherever answers to Parliamentary Questions about housing possible the Department uses in-house facilities for benefit and other data until such time as the usability photography. as that site has been substantially improved. [188165] Secondment Mike Penning: A total of 162 e-mails have been received from users of Stat-Xplore. There are no plans Pete Wishart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work to publish individual feedback. and Pensions what procedures his Department uses to Training was provided to staff at the House Library ensure equal opportunities in relation to staff prior to the launch of Stat-Xplore but I would be happy secondments to the Department. [187984] for my officials to provide training to both hon. Members, and their staff in the use of Stat-Xplore and will instruct Mike Penning: The Department complies with the them to undertake this. In addition, plans are in place requirement of appointment on merit on the basis of to train journalists in the use of the tool. As well as the fair and open competition as laid down by the Civil provision of the on-line Help facility within Stat-Xplore, Service Commission in its Recruitment Principles. all registered users will be sent, via e-mail, a Stat-Xplore User Guide. Social Security Benefits Stat-Xplore was designed to meet this Government’s transparency commitments, and to allow much more Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for granular interrogation of the Department’s datasets Work and Pensions how many applicants in the last than was previously possible, and is part of Department’s year for which figures are available were assigned to the efficiency agenda, being designed to control the costs of Support Group under Regulations 29 and 35 of the parliamentary questions. Welfare Reform Act 2007. [187837] 321W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 322W

Mike Penning: The information as requested is not absent voting, what assessment the Electoral available and could be provided only at disproportionate Commission has made of the reasons for the high levels cost. of satisfaction with postal voting revealed by its 2010 However the latest data available on employment and post-election research; and whether that research was support allowance new claims, placed in the Support taken into account when it arrived at its decision to Group or Work Related Activity Group at functional propose limiting the handling of postal ballot assessment, initially or after appeal, split into reasons application forms. [188016] for assignment by month of claim start, Great Britain, can be found in table 5 and 6 respectively at: Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/esa-outcomes- that its 2010 post-election public opinion survey found of-work-capability-assessments-january-2014 that the most popular reason postal voters gave for choosing to vote by post related to convenience: 58% Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations said it was more convenient for them than voting in person, and 12% that they would have otherwise have Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for had difficulty getting to their polling station on polling Work and Pensions if he will make an assessment of day. the efficiency of Atos in undertaking face-to-face The same survey also found that 95% of postal voters assessments on the Isle of Wight. [188485] found voting by post to be either very or fairly convenient and 97% said they found it easy to complete and return Mike Penning: Officials meet regularly with Atos their postal vote. Healthcare to discuss performance in line with their contractual commitments, including timeliness and quality. The Electoral Commission’s recommendation to restrict Recently, Atos Healthcare has undertaken a process to the involvement of campaigners in the absent vote reaccredit their entire health care professional work administration process was based on a range of evidence, force who conduct work capability assessments, with including qualitative public opinion research into the aim of improving quality and effectiveness. perceptions of electoral fraud. This research with the public found that restricting Staff the handling of completed postal vote application forms and postal ballot packs by political parties, candidates, Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work canvassers and campaigners was felt to be a worthwhile and Pensions what proportion of staff recruited to his policy change that would bring the system into line with Department since 5 May 2010 identified their ethnicity their expectations. It also found that people felt this as (a) white British and (b) from a minority ethnic move would increase the overall security of elections background. [188085] without having a negative impact on voter participation (either for themselves or vulnerable electors). Mike Penning: The following table shows the percentage Findings from this research are available on the of employees recruited to the Department for Work and Commission’s website at: Pensions (DWP) from 5 May 2010 to 31 December (a) www.electoralcommission.org.uk/find-information-by- 2013 who have identified their ethnicity as white subject/electoral-fraud/electoral-fraud-vulnerabilities-review British and (b) from a minority ethnic background.

Percentage Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on White British 18.3 the Electoral Commission, what assessment the Ethnic Minority 3.5 Electoral Commission has made of the (a) role of postal ballots in increasing voter participation and engagement and (b) the potential effects of its restrictions on the handling of postal ballots on voter ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE participation and engagement. [188017] Absent Voting Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me that it conducts regular public opinion research following Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South elections and has asked some specific questions on the West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on impact of postal voting on voter participation. Following the Electoral Commission, pursuant to the answer of the English and Welsh local elections in 2008 the 10 February 2014, Official Report, column 411W, on Commission’s post-election research found that nearly absent voting, what assessment the Electoral six in 10 (58%) of those that voted by post (or 7% of all Commission has made of the role political parties have people) said that the availability of postal voting encouraged played in increasing the proportion of postal votes them to vote. Four in 10 (42%) said it had little effect. from four per cent to 15 per cent. [188015] Postal voters, in the survey, who said that the availability Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me of postal voting encouraged them to vote, were also that it has made no formal assessment of this. asked if they would have still voted if postal voting was not available. Just over half (56%) said they would not Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South otherwise have voted. West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on The Electoral Commission’s recommendation to restrict the Electoral Commission, pursuant to the answer of the involvement of campaigners in the absent vote 10 February 2014, Official Report, column 411W, on administration process was based on a range of evidence, 323W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 324W including public opinion research. The Commission campaigners to commit to following a revised code for believes that campaigners play a vital role in encouraging elections after 2014, including the May 2015 UK participation in elections, including helping to publicise parliamentary general election. and explain different voting methods to electors who might not be able to vote in person at a polling station. Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South They can also play an important role in encouraging West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on people to register to vote. It does not believe it is the Electoral Commission, what steps the Electoral appropriate, however, for campaigners to be directly Commission has taken to improve security of voting by involved in the voting process, including completing post; how much those steps have cost to implement; absent vote applications and handling postal ballot and how effective they have been in reducing postal packs. ballot fraud. [188021] The Commission carried out qualitative research with the public into perceptions of electoral fraud. This Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me research found that the proposal to restrict the involvement that since 2003 it has made a number of recommendations of campaigners in the completion or return of postal to improve the security of postal voting in Great Britain. vote application forms or postal ballot packs was considered In 2003 the Commission first recommended the to be a positive change. This was because participants introduction of individual electoral registration in Great felt it would increase the overall security of elections Britain in order to help secure the entry point to the without having a negative impact on voter participation. electoral process. Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South Individual electoral registration (IER) will be West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on implemented in Great Britain from June 2014. The UK the Electoral Commission, what number and Government has indicated that it will fully fund the proportion of (a) allegations of postal ballot fraud transition to individual electoral registration. In 2012 and (b) successful prosecutions for postal ballot fraud the Government estimated the initial costs of introducing were for (i) distributing and collecting postal ballot IER to be £85 million in 2014-15, plus subsequent application forms and (ii) collecting postal ballot forms additional costs of £13 million per year. for the purpose of voting in the latest period for which In 2005 the Commission recommended the introduction figures are available. [188018] of a system of verifiable personal identifiers for postal voting in Great Britain. Since 2006 returning officers Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission has been have been required to verify the date of birth and working with the UK’s Associations of Chief Police signature on a minimum 20% sample of returned postal Officers since 2007 to collect and publish data on cases voting statements against the details provided at the of alleged electoral fraud under the Representation of time of application. The Commission continued to the People Act 1983. These data are available on the recommend that returning officers should verify the Commission’s website at: personal identifiers on all returned postal voting statements, www.electoralcommission.org.uk/find-information-by- and legislation passed in 2013 will make this a requirement subject/electoral-fraud/electoral-fraud-responsibilities for elections from May 2014 onwards. The UK Government provided funding to meet the costs of the introduction The data does not show the proportion of cases of of this change in 2007. alleged electoral fraud which relate to distributing or collecting completed postal vote application forms or The Commission published an evaluation of the collecting completed postal ballot packs. It is not currently introduction of absent vote identifiers in England and an offence for anyone to distribute or collect postal vote Wales in July 2007 but this did not include any analysis application forms or to collect postal ballot packs from of the costs of the policy. It did, however, note that the electors; therefore no prosecutions have been recorded. 2007 elections, conducted under the new rules requiring verifiable personal identifiers, resulted in far fewer allegations Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South of postal voting fraud when compared to the previous West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on period, 2004 to 2006. The evaluation can be found on the Electoral Commission, if the Electoral the Commission’s website here: Commission will delay changes to restrictions on the http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/ handling of postal ballots until after the Political and electoral_commission_pdf_file/0008/13202/AVI-Final-For- Constitutional Reform Committee has completed its Web_26954-19967__E__N__S__W__.pdf inquiry into improving voter turnout. [188019] Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission will consult West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on on proposed changes to the Code of Conduct for the Electoral Commission, if the Electoral Campaigners after May 2014, with a view to implementing Commission will publish all correspondence it holds on any agreed changes by November 2014. On the basis of postal ballot fraud. [188022] our current understanding of the timetable for the PCRC’s inquiry, we therefore expect that the Committee’s Mr Streeter: The Commission informs me that it is views will influence that consultation before it closes. unable to fulfil this request on the grounds of the The Commission also looks forward to engaging with significant costs of searching for and extracting the this important inquiry as invited. comprehensive volume of relevant correspondence and If, following our consultations with interested parties, published materials required. Much of this correspondence it is possible to agree changes to the Code of Conduct also includes confidential or personal data that would for Campaigners, the Commission will encourage have to be withheld. 325W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 326W

The Commission’s final report, Electoral Fraud in further discussions with hon. Members, as well as political the UK—final report and recommendations, includes parties, campaigners, Returning Officers and Electoral respondents’ views on postal vote fraud. This report is Registration Officers in advance of any proposals being available on the Commission’s website here: introduced. Members of Parliament will be invited and www.electoralcommission.org.uk/_data/assets/pdf_file/0008/ encouraged to respond to consultation on proposed 164609/Electoral-fraud-review-final-report.pdf changes to the Code after the May 2014 elections. If it is possible to successfully agree changes to the Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South Code of Conduct for Campaigners, the Commission West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on will encourage campaigners to commit to following a the Electoral Commission, what research the Electoral revised Code of Conduct for Campaigners for elections Commission has conducted into the effect of an after 2014, including the May 2015 UK parliamentary all-postal ballot election on turnout and voter general election. engagement; and what assessment it has made of the results of that research. [188023] Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on Mr Streeter: The Commission informs me that it the Electoral Commission, whether the consultations evaluated a number of all-postal voting pilot schemes with hon. Members concerning restrictions on the conducted by English local authorities at local elections handling of postal ballots will start before or after between 2002 and 2004, and in four European electoral those restrictions have been introduced. [188025] regions at the June 2004 European parliamentary elections. The Commission’s evaluations noted that all-postal Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission intends to pilots had demonstrated some success in improving discuss its proposed changes to its Code of Conduct for voter turnout. For example, at the 2004 European Campaigners with hon. Members, as well as political parliamentary elections, turnout in the four UK pilot parties, campaigners, returning officers and electoral regions was 42.42%, just over five percentage points registration officers in advance of any proposals being higher than the 37.11% in non-pilot regions. introduced. Members of Parliament will be invited and encouraged to respond to consultation on proposed The Commission’s evaluations also noted that people changes to the code after the May 2014 elections. valued the convenience and ease of use of postal voting. If it is possible to successfully agree changes to the The Commission also highlighted the administrative Code of Conduct for Campaigners, the Commission challenges associated with all-postal voting; concerns will encourage campaigners to commit to following a expressed at the time about the need for improved revised Code of Conduct for Campaigners for elections security in the electoral registration and postal voting after 2014, including the May 2015 UK parliamentary processes; and the fact that people valued having a general election. It will make public details of which choice about which voting method to use. parties and campaigners have agreed to follow the code. The Commission recommended in 2004 that, while postal voting should remain part of the UK voting Electoral Register system, all-postal voting should not be pursued for use at UK statutory elections. Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South the Electoral Commission, what assessment the West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on Electoral Commission has made of the introduction of the Electoral Commission, on what date the Electoral individual electoral registration on voter registration in Commission decided to consider restrictions to the each (a) 10-year cohort from 18 onwards, (b) handling of postal ballot forms by political parties. socio-economic grouping and (c) ethnic grouping. [188024] [188020]

Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission’s research Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me and submissions from interested groups and individuals that its analysis of the results of the nationwide test of raised concerns about the handling of post vote application the confirmation process, to be used during transition forms and postal ballot packs by campaigners. In response, to individual electoral registration, showed that young these concerns were reflected in a Commission evidence people are less likely to be matched with the Department and issues paper issued in May 2013. The Commission for Work and Pensions database. However, it was not sought views on proposals to restrict the handling of possible to conduct a detailed analysis by 10-year age postal vote application forms and post ballot packs by band as an elector’s age is not held on the registers. campaigners during further public consultation between There was no evidence that the matching process is May and August 2013. less successful for different socio-economic groups or The Electoral Commission board approved the final for different ethnic groups. recommendations for the review of electoral fraud This dry run of confirmation also means electoral vulnerabilities at its meeting on 18 September 2013. registration officers (EROs) will know where in their Minutes of all Electoral Commission board meetings area will have lower match rates and where they therefore are published on the Commission’s website at: need to target their efforts in encouraging people to www.electoralcommission.org.uk/our-work/who-we-are/the- register individually under the new system. commissioners/commissioner-meetings Funding provided by Cabinet Office to EROs as part The Electoral Commission’s proposed changes to its of the implementation of IER also varies depending on Code of Conduct for Campaigners will be the subject of the likely match rates that different areas can expect. 327W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 328W

The Electoral Commission’s planning for the Electoral Commission has made of the accuracy and introduction of IER has taken account of the Cabinet fairness of media coverage of electoral registration Office funded research study: ‘Under-registered Groups fraud. [187542] and Individual Electoral Registration (June 2012)’ available here: Mr Streeter: The Commission informs me that it has www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ made no formal assessment of the accuracy and fairness attachment_data/file/62636/ of media coverage of electoral registration fraud. URG_Research_Report_25_07_12.pdf The Commission does believe that the media can play an important role in drawing attention to potential Electoral Register: Clwyd incidences of electoral fraud. It has, however, noted in its recent electoral fraud vulnerabilities review that Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on “poorly-founded media reporting can present a distorted image and, through the sensationalisation of cases, may simply heighten the Electoral Commission, what recent discussions the public concern.” Electoral Commission has had with the Electoral The Commission informs me that its qualitative research Registration Officer for Denbighshire on what lessons undertaken as part of its electoral fraud vulnerabilities can be drawn from his success in increasing registration review found that the media and second hand information in the Vale of Clwyd. [187543] passed on by word of mouth (often based on media Mr Streeter: The Commission informs me that it has stories) were key sources of information for people not had any recent discussions with the Electoral about electoral fraud. People who thought fraud was a Registration Officer in Denbighshire specifically about ’very big’ or ’fairly big’ problem were more likely to increases in registration in the Vale of Clwyd but has have seen stories in the media than those that didn’t received information from the ERO’s team about their think it was a problem (49% compared with 32%). plans for the transition to individual electoral registration. Electoral Register: Northern Ireland This has included the approach taken in Denbighshire to maximising local data matching which has been Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South shared with other EROs in Wales by the Cabinet Office West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on Regional Delivery Manager, and within the Commission the Electoral Commission, pursuant to the answer of so that good practice examples can be shared as part of 10 February 2014, Official Report, columns 391-2W, on their targeted work with individual EROs and, where electoral register, what assessment the Electoral applicable, more widely through their weekly bulletin to Commission has made of the effectiveness of door-to- electoral administrators. door canvassing in improving registration rates in The Commission sets and monitors performance Northern Ireland. [188026] standards for EROs, which covers the completeness and Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me accuracy of electoral registers. For the last five years, that the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland the ERO for Denbighshire has met or exceeded all the has advised the Commission that he believed the door- relevant performance standards for EROs. to-door canvassing exercise was effective in registering Electoral Register: Fraud people to vote and was complimented by data matching. Altogether, the Chief Electoral Officer reported that Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South 1,241,079 entries were included on the new register West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on published on 2 December 2013. This represents the Electoral Commission, what steps the Electoral approximately 88.3% of the eligible electorate. Commission is taking to correct misconceptions held The Electoral Commission supported the door-to-door by the public about levels of electoral registration canvass by conducting a public awareness campaign fraud. [187541] during the canvass period. Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me The Commission will be producing a report on the that it collects and analyses data from police forces canvass in Northern Ireland in March. about cases of alleged electoral fraud in the UK each year and ensures that these details are publically available on its website here: BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS www.electoralcommission.org.uk/find-information-by- Research subject/electoral-fraud/electoral-fraud-responsibilities This information, which has consistently shown that Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for allegations or actual incidents of fraud are not widespread, Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on is also proactively shared with the media to encourage the creation of new research institutions; and if he will accurate reporting. The Commission also monitors the make a statement. [188498] media, and issues statements to rebut incorrect or misleading coverage. Mr Willetts [holding answer 24 February 2014]: The The Commission expects to publish its next report on Government supports a dynamic research environment cases of alleged electoral fraud in 2013 within the next in the UK, including the creation, where appropriate, of two months. new research institutions. Funding provided through the £300 million UK Research Partnership Investment Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South Fund has supported the establishment of new research West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on institutes, including the ‘National Structural Integrity the Electoral Commission, what assessment the Research Centre’ at Granta Park and the ‘Energy Safety 329W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 330W

Research Institute’ at Swansea University, as well other £ million major strategic research partnerships between universities and business and charities. The establishment of a new Scheme 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 Total Postgraduate Institute is part of BIS’ ambition for Linking — — 8.0 7.5 — 15.5 strengthening the role of the National Physical Laboratory Communities through its links with academic partners. In addition, Bike and Rail — — 7.0 7.5 — 14.5 BIS has provided strategic support towards the Junctions — — 15.0 — — 15.0 establishment of new research centres and institutes, (London-TfL) and campus developments, where these have been prioritised Junctions — — 15.0 5.0 — 20.0 by the Research Councils and address critical areas of (England not new challenges or build on existing areas of strength for London) the UK, such as the ‘Higgs Institute for Innovation’ at Cycle — — — 66.0 11.5 77.5 Ambitions Edinburgh University. (City) Following the announcement last year of a long-term Cycle —- — — 3.1 13.7 16.8 science capital budget to 2020-21, the Government will Ambitions shortly publish a science capital consultation. This will (National Park) inform the content of a Science Capital Roadmap, Links to — 12.0 — — — 12.0 which is central to the Science and Innovation Strategy Schools to be launched at autumn statement 2014. Bikeability — 11.0 11.0 11.0 11.0 44.0 Cycling 63.0 — — — — 63.0 England Students: Finance Total 63.0 23.0 56.0 100.1 36.2 278.3

Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, The previous administration provided Cycling England Innovation and Skills how much funding is allocated to with £140 million from 2008 to 2011. (a) the Student Opportunity Fund and (b) the Access In addition, 94 out of 96 Local Sustainable Transport to Learning Fund in 2014-15. [188643] Fund (LSTF) projects include cycling as an element in their delivery programmes; these 94 projects receive a Mr Willetts: The Department for Business, Innovation total of £535 million of funding. The LSTF has been and Skills has set out our plans in the Higher Education boosted by a further £178.5 million of funding for Funding Council for England (HEFCE) Grant Letter, 2015-16. published on 10 February. Local authorities in England (outside of London) are The Student Opportunity Fund is part of the overall also provided with Integrated Transport Block funding Teaching Grant allocated to higher education institutions for small transport improvement schemes. This includes: by HEFCE. It is HEFCE’s responsibility to take decisions road safety schemes, bus priority schemes, and walking on precisely how its budgets are allocated. and cycling schemes. This funding is not ring-fenced The Access to Learning Fund is transferring to HEFCE and local authorities are free to spend it as they see fit, in 2014-15, ensuring money is still available to students according to their own priorities. In line with the policy facing hardship. HEFCE will provide more details in of localism, we do not require local authorities to detail due course. how this money is distributed across modes.

Integrated transport block (£ million)

TRANSPORT 2014-15 450 2013-14 320 Cycling: Finance 2012-13 320 2011-12 350 Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010-11 451 Transport (1) pursuant to the answer of 11 February 2009-10 589 2014, Official Report, column 525W, on cycling, if he 2008-09 576 will publish a breakdown of the source of funding for 2007-08 571 cycling by (a) central government, (b) local authority 2006-07 547 and (c) other sources in each of the last eight years; [188062] Similarly we provide funding to Transport for London (2) pursuant to the answer of 11 February 2014, (TfL) via the Greater London Authority Transport Official Report, column 525W, on cycling, how much Grant. This supports TfL’s infrastructure investment was spent on cycling by (a) scheme and (b) source of programme, including the delivery of the Mayor’s Vision funding by (i) central government, (ii) local authority for Cycling in London. However, we do not record the and (iii) other sources in each of the last eight years. detail of their specific expenditure on cycling. [188063] Throughout this administration, some central Government funded schemes have been supported by Mr Goodwill [holding answer 24 February 2014]: The local match funding, but we do not collect the detail of breakdown of funding by scheme for this administration, the precise sources for this match funding. For those which all came from central Government sources is as schemes that have received match funding, the total follows: match funding over the lifetime of these projects is: 331W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 332W

Scheme Match Funding (£ million) Percentage processed within seven days Linking Communities and Bike 22.2 Rail 2010-11 99.4 Junctions (England not London) 20.0 2011-12 99.9 Cycle Ambitions (City) 45.4 2012-13 98.3 Cycle Ambitions (National Park) 9.0 2013-14 (up to 31 January 2014) 48.8 Local Sustainable Transport Fund 526.0 The lower performance in 2013-14 is due to changes in the way applications are processed and increased Driving: Licences transaction volumes. The average time to process these between April and September 2013 was 9.8 days. This Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for has reduced to an average of seven days between September Transport what assessment he has made of the 2013 and January 2014. feasibility of issuing non-gender specific driving In 2013, the DVLA closed its 39 local offices and licences to people who do not identify as a particular performance deteriorated between April and September. gender. [188101] This is reflected in the performance for 2013-14 shown in the table. Steps have been taken to improve performance Stephen Hammond: No assessment has been made as and turnaround times are now being reduced. a person’s gender is not shown on driving licences. Parking: Hospitals Driving: Licensing Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what proportion of applications made to the Transport what the average time for processing a appeals service for parking on private land have related driving licence application by the Driver and Vehicle to parking charge notices in hospital car parks; and Licensing Agency was in each of the years from 2010. what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State [188396] for Health on the issues raised in such applications. [188122] Stephen Hammond: The information requested is shown in the following table: Mr Goodwill: Information on numbers of parking charge notices issued in hospital car parks is not held Average processing time (days) centrally. The independent appeals service Parking on 2010-11 4 Private Land Appeals (PoPLA) issues an annual report 2011-12 5 which contains information on overall numbers of parking 2012-13 5 charge notices issued and which is available at: 2013-14 (up to 31 January 2014) 5 https://www.popla.org.uk/AnnualReport.htm The Secretary of State for Transport, my right hon. The average time refers to the time taken from the Friend the Member for Derbyshire Dales (Mr McLoughlin), application being received at the Driver and Vehicle has not had any discussions with the Secretary of State Licensing Agency to the customer receiving the driving for Health, my right hon. Friend the Member for South licence. Three days are included in the processing time West Surrey (Mr Hunt), on issues raised in appeals to shown to allow for Royal Mail to deliver the driving PoPLA related to parking in hospital car parks. licence to the customer. Railways: Franchises Motor Vehicles: Registration Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will require new replacement 313 Transport what the average time was for issuing vehicle rolling stock for the current Great Northern route as a registration marks by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing condition of the new Greater Thameslink franchise; Agency in each year from 2010. [188412] [187853] (2) what representations he has received on updating Stephen Hammond: Information about the average 313 rolling stock on the current Great Northern route time to issue a vehicle registration mark on first registration including the Hertford Loop; and if he will make a is unavailable. Registration marks are issued in advance statement. [187868] to dealers who use the digital first registration system. Customers are allocated a registration mark when the vehicle is registered. Stephen Hammond: The Department held a consultation exercise on the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern Customers who purchase a vehicle from a dealer (TSGN) franchise in 2012 and published its response to outside the scheme, or register it independently, receive the consultation on 26 September 2013 (Stakeholder the registration mark when they receive the vehicle Briefing Document and Consultation response). Updating registration certificate. the Class 313 rolling stock on the Great Northern route The following table shows the amount of personalised including the Hertford Loop does not appear in the registration applications processed within the published document as an issue that was raised during the consultation target: process. 333W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 334W

The Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the TSGN franchise, Stephen Hammond: On grounds of confidentiality in published on 26 September 2013, does not mandate the line with the Data Protection Act we are unable to introduction of new rolling stock to replace the Class 313 provide the information requested. trains on the Great Northern Route. However, Section 5.4.3 of the ITT makes clear that additional credit would be Roads: Litter available to bidders in the evaluation process for bids that Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for “improve the quality of rolling stock used by the Franchisee... Transport what steps the Highways Agency takes to in ways that address identified passenger priorities for improvement”. minimise litter on the highways. [188574] Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received from Mr Goodwill: The Highways Agency has launched its First Capital Connect on compensation from Network first litter strategy, setting out how, with the support of Rail in the event of delay as a result of Network Rail road users, it will reduce litter on England’s motorway infrastructure failings (a) over the Great Northern and trunk road network. route and (b) the Hertford Loop; and if he will make a The Agency’s aim is to reduce the need to collect statement. [188028] litter in the first place, while ensuring it delivers an effective and safe litter picking service. Stephen Hammond: First Capital Connect provides The new strategy sets out four areas the Agency will its management accounts to the department on a four- work on to reduce the amount of litter on its roads: weekly basis, which includes commercial and performance encouraging road users and the wider public to not drop litter information, although the information provided is not in the first place; disaggregated to the level requested. improving the way it collects litter safely and causing as little Railways: South West disruption as possible; welcoming and responding to customer feedback about litter; Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for and Transport what funds for rail resilience work in the working more closely with key partners and stakeholders, South West will come from (a) his Department’s including local authorities, motorway service areas, Keep Britain Tidy and the freight and haulage industry. existing budget and (b) other sources. [188302] The document includes case studies of some of the Stephen Hammond: On 11 February, the Prime Minister work already done in these areas, such as campaigns confirmed a package of £31 million of funding for using variable message signs, closer working with local resilience works on the Great Western route. £26 million authorities and working with traffic commissioners to will be paid from Department for Transport funds and reduce litter from commercial vehicles. £5 million will come from Network Rail’s budget. Staff Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the timetable is for his Department’s Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for review of all rail infrastructure west of Exeter. [188409] Transport what proportion of staff recruited to his Stephen Hammond: The Department is working with Department since 5 May 2010 identified their ethnicity Network Rail and others in the rail industry to assess as (a) white British and (b) from a minority ethnic options to ensure that rail services to the west of England background. [188082] are sustained. A timetable of work will be published in due course. Stephen Hammond: The following information is for the Department for Transport and its agencies. Recruitment The figure shown at (a) is for individuals who have declared themselves to be white. We do not offer a Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for specific white British category. Transport how many new posts have been created in his (a) 26.9% Department since May 2010; and what the cost of recruitment to those posts was. [188189] The figure shown at (b) are for individuals who have declared themselves to be of minority ethnic background. Stephen Hammond: The Department’s systems do (b) 2.6% not hold data at a level that allow us to identify which of The figure shown at (c) are for individuals who chose the posts we have recruited into were new. Additionally not to disclose this information. the department does not capture the overall cost of (c) 70.5%. recruitment, only advertising costs (where this applies). Therefore this information could only be provided at disproportionate cost. Tachographs Re-employment Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the average time was for registering and Lilian Greenwood: To ask the Secretary of State for issuing tachograph cards by the Driver and Vehicle Transport pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2014, Licensing Agency in each year from 2010. [188413] Official Report, column 2MC, on re-employment, what the job title and salary is of each of the 10 posts filled Stephen Hammond: The information requested is shown by individuals re-hired by his Department. [188331] in the following table: 335W Written Answers25 FEBRUARY 2014 Written Answers 336W

Mrs Grant: The information is not held. GEO employees Average processing time (days) joined the DCMS payroll on 1 June 2013. They were 2010-11 5 encouraged to declare their status from that date. Under 2011-12 5 the machinery of government change project, the project 2012-13 5 board agreed that no diversity and ethnicity data will be 2013-14 (up to 31 January 2014) 5 transferred from Home Office to DCMS. The average time refers to the time taken from the application being received at the DVLA to the customer CHURCH COMMISSIONERS receiving the tachograph card. Three days are included in the processing time shown to allow for Royal Mail to Floods deliver the tachograph card to the customer. Miss McIntosh: To ask the right hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, WOMEN AND EQUALITIES what work the Church Commissioners are undertaking to support flooded communities and farmers. [188650] Females: Public Appointments Sir Tony Baldry: Following my comments to the Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Minister for Women and House on 13 February 2014, Official Report, column 1010, Equalities what targets she has set for the the Church Urban Fund have launched a ‘Flood Appeal representation of women on Government Fund’. This follows highly successful funds set up in departmental boards. [187508] 2000 and the year 2007 where the Church Urban Fund and the Church of England co-ordinated the collection Mr Maude: I have been asked to reply on behalf of of money to help support flood victims and businesses. Cabinet Office. By working alongside the Church of England’s Appointments to Government departmental boards infrastructure the Church Urban Fund are already present are guided by the principles set out in the joint HM in a large number of communities and aim to strengthen Treasury and Cabinet Office document ‘Corporate existing resource and capacity, to be more effective and governance in central Government Departments: Code sustainable for the long term. of good practice’ which was published in July 2011, and The money raised in this fund will be available to requires Departments to pay due attention to diversity. victims of the floods across the country in both urban and rural areas. It is hoped the Church Urban Fund will Staff be able to support those in most need as it did when the last major floods hit the country in 2000 and 2007. The Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Minister for Women and Church Commissioners are also aware that the Dioceses Equalities what proportion of staff recruited to the in the south-west of England are supporting locally Government Equalities Office since 5 May 2010 focused funds which have been set up to provide assistance identified their ethnicity as (a) white British and (b) to the flood affected families and businesses in the from a minority ethnic background. [188075] south-west.

1MC Ministerial Corrections25 FEBRUARY 2014 Ministerial Corrections 2MC

15. Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): How Ministerial Correction many applications for academy status from community primary schools have been declined by his Department. Tuesday 25 February 2014 [902483] The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): Eighty. EDUCATION [Official Report, 10 February 2014, Vol. 575, c. 552-3.] Letter of correction from Michael Gove: Community Primary Schools An error has been identified in an oral answer given The following is the answer given by the Secretary of on 10 February 2014. The correct answer should have State for Education, the right hon. Member for Surrey been: Heath (Michael Gove), to a question from the hon. Member for Hammersmith (Mr Slaughter) during Education The Secretary of State for Education (Michael Gove): Question Time on 10 February 2014. Twenty-six.

ORAL ANSWERS

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH...... 141 HEALTH—continued Accident and Emergency Attendances ...... 156 Mental Health Crisis Beds ...... 149 Alternative Medicines (NHS)...... 151 Mental Health Services ...... 153 Cap on Care Costs ...... 145 Out-of-hospital Care...... 141 Dispensing Doctors (NHS) ...... 146 Private Health Care Sector...... 155 Female Genital Mutilation...... 152 Sex-selective Abortion...... 156 General Practice Extraction Service...... 146 Topical Questions ...... 157 Maternity Care ...... 143 Veterans’ Health...... 153 ME/CFS ...... 154 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Col. No. Col. No. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 16WS AFFAIRS...... 14WS High Court Judgment ...... 16WS Agriculture and Fisheries Council...... 14WS

JUSTICE...... 15WS TREASURY ...... 13WS European Small Claims Regulation ...... 15WS ECOFIN...... 13WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION...... 209W EDUCATION—continued Adoption ...... 209W Secondary Education: Cumbria ...... 225W Children: Autism...... 210W Social Workers: Crimes of Violence ...... 226W Children: Day Care ...... 210W Special Educational Needs...... 226W Children in Care: Special Educational Needs...... 209W Staff ...... 227W Children: Protection...... 210W Teachers: Industrial Disputes...... 227W Children: Social Services...... 211W Teachers: Training...... 227W Classroom Assistants ...... 211W Young People: Visual Impairment...... 228W Creationism...... 211W Youth Custody...... 228W Education: Assessments ...... 211W Education: Finance...... 212W JUSTICE...... 243W Education: Standards...... 213W Administration of Justice...... 243W Education: West Midlands ...... 213W Administration of Justice: Welsh Language ...... 243W English Baccalaureate: Special Educational Armed Forces ...... 244W Needs...... 215W Charter of Fundamental Rights (EU)...... 244W Foster Care ...... 215W Dangerous Driving: Sentencing ...... 245W Free School Meals...... 216W European Convention On Human Rights ...... 245W Free Schools...... 216W Family Conciliation Services...... 246W Further Education: Birmingham...... 217W Gender Recognition...... 246W Gender Recognition...... 218W Judges ...... 247W Guardianship...... 218W Legal Opinion: Hearing Impairment...... 247W ICT: Education ...... 218W Magistrates ...... 247W Institute of Physics...... 219W Magistrates’ Courts: Bedfordshire...... 247W Kings Science Academy ...... 219W Magistrates: Welsh Language...... 248W Languages: Education...... 219W Non-molestation Orders: West Sussex...... 248W Ministers’ Private Offices ...... 220W Offenders: Rehabilitation ...... 249W Pre-school Education...... 221W Pay...... 250W Priority School Building Programme ...... 221W Pensions...... 251W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 222W Prison Service ...... 252W Pupils: Ethnic Groups...... 221W Prison Service: Training ...... 253W Sandymoor School...... 222W Prisoners ...... 253W Schools: Asbestos...... 223W Prisoners: Counselling ...... 255W Schools: Construction...... 223W Prisoners: Foreign Nationals...... 255W Schools: Fire Prevention ...... 224W Prisoners: Nigeria ...... 256W Schools: Vocational Guidance...... 224W Prisoners: Self-harm...... 256W Secondary Education: Copeland...... 225W Prisoners: Suicide...... 257W Col. No. Col. No. JUSTICE—continued TRANSPORT—continued Probation ...... 257W Driving: Licensing...... 233W Probation: Private Sector ...... 258W Driving Offences ...... 232W Probation Trusts ...... 258W East Coast Railway Line ...... 233W Property...... 259W East-West Rail Link ...... 234W Rape: Convictions...... 259W Equality ...... 234W Reparation by Offenders ...... 260W First Capital Connect...... 235W Residence Orders ...... 261W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 235W Sentencing...... 262W Large Goods Vehicles: Speed Limits ...... 237W Serco ...... 263W Motor Vehicles: Registration...... 237W UN Convention on the Rights of the Child ...... 263W Parking: Fees and Charges...... 238W Welsh Language...... 264W Pokesdown for Boscombe Station ...... 238W Youth Custody...... 265W Railways: Franchises ...... 239W Railways: South West...... 241W TRANSPORT ...... 229W Rescue Services: Belfast ...... 241W Abellio Greater Anglia...... 229W Road Traffic Control: Schools...... 241W Assets...... 230W Road Traffic Offences: Fixed Penalties...... 242W Aviation: India ...... 230W Roads: Repairs and Maintenance...... 242W Bus Services: Greater London...... 230W Tractors...... 242W Bus Services: Technology ...... 231W Welsh Language...... 242W Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland ..... 232W Wightlink...... 242W WRITTEN ANSWERS

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 328W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 282W Research ...... 328W Ministers’ Private Offices ...... 282W Students: Finance ...... 329W HEALTH...... 267W CABINET OFFICE...... 296W Abortion ...... 267W Civil Servants...... 296W Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse...... 267W Civil Servants: Career Development...... 296W Ambulance Services ...... 268W Asbestos: Children...... 268W CHURCH COMMISSIONERS ...... 336W Baby Care Units...... 268W Floods...... 336W Breast Cancer...... 269W Calciphylaxis...... 267W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 289W Cancer: Drugs...... 269W Gender Recognition...... 289W Care Homes: Fees and Charges...... 269W Housing: Construction...... 289W Chronic Illnesses ...... 270W Ministers’ Private Offices ...... 289W Clinical Priorities Advisory Group...... 270W Depressive Illnesses...... 271W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 288W Diabetes ...... 271W Staff ...... 288W Drugs: Misuse...... 272W Telecommunications ...... 288W Electronic Cigarettes ...... 273W Gender Recognition...... 273W DEFENCE...... 283W Health Services: Young People...... 274W Tornado Aircraft...... 283W Health: Weather ...... 274W Home Care Services ...... 274W EDUCATION...... 290W Independent Reconfiguration Panel...... 267W Independent Schools Inspectorate...... 290W Medical Records: Databases ...... 275W Mental Health Services ...... 277W ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE ...... 321W Nursing and Midwifery Council ...... 277W Absent Voting ...... 321W Obesity...... 277W Electoral Register...... 326W Radiotherapy ...... 277W Electoral Register: Clwyd...... 327W Royal Sussex County Hospital ...... 278W Electoral Register: Fraud ...... 327W Self-harm: Prisoners...... 278W Electoral Register: Northern Ireland...... 328W Specialised Services Patient and Public Engagement Steering Group...... 279W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 293W Staff ...... 279W Energy: Meters...... 293W Streptococcus...... 279W Nuclear Installations...... 293W Tobacco: Packaging ...... 280W Property...... 294W Young Adult Carers ...... 267W Public Appointments ...... 295W Staff ...... 295W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 290W Asylum: Pregnant Women ...... 290W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL British Nationality: Armed Forces ...... 291W AFFAIRS...... 287W Gender Recognition...... 291W Unmanned Air Vehicles ...... 287W Immigration Controls ...... 292W Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT—continued TREASURY ...... 283W Unmanned Air Vehicles ...... 292W Banks: Foreign Investment...... 283W Business: West Midlands...... 284W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 280W Equality ...... 284W Developing Countries: Abortion...... 280W Equity Finance...... 284W Developing Countries: Family Planning...... 281W Gender Recognition...... 285W Disaster Relief...... 282W Mortgages: Government Assistance...... 285W State Retirement Pensions...... 285W JUSTICE...... 297W Taxation...... 285W Magistrates ...... 297W Taxation: Business ...... 286W Prisons: Wrexham ...... 315W Taxation: Charities...... 286W Young Offender Institutions...... 317W VAT: Local Government ...... 287W

NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 295W WALES...... 292W Equality ...... 295W Equality ...... 292W SCOTLAND...... 282W Equality ...... 282W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 335W Staff ...... 282W Females: Public Appointments...... 335W Staff ...... 335W TRANSPORT ...... 329W Cycling: Finance ...... 329W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 317W Driving: Licences ...... 331W Advertising ...... 317W Driving: Licensing...... 331W Asbestos: Children...... 317W Motor Vehicles: Registration...... 331W Buildings...... 318W Parking: Hospitals ...... 332W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 318W Railways: Franchises ...... 332W Internet ...... 319W Railways: South West...... 333W Pension Credit...... 320W Recruitment ...... 333W Photographs...... 320W Re-employment...... 333W Secondment ...... 320W Roads: Litter...... 334W Social Security Benefits...... 320W Staff ...... 334W Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations..... 321W Tachographs...... 334W Staff ...... 321W MINISTERIAL CORRECTION

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Col. No. EDUCATION...... 1MC Community Primary Schools...... 1MC Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Tuesday 4 March 2014

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CONTENTS

Tuesday 25 February 2014

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 141] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Health

National Insurance (Renaming) [Col. 164] Motion for leave to bring in Bill—(Ben Gummer)—agreed to Bill presented, and read the First time

Pensions and Benefits Uprating [Col. 167] Motion—(Steve Webb)—agreed to

Social Security Benefits Up-rating Order 2014 [Col. 185] Motion—(Steve Webb)—agreed to

Backbench Business Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership [Col. 186] Motion—(John Healey)—agreed to

EU Funding [Col. 235] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Educational Attainment (Disadvantaged Pupils) [Col. 39WH] Post Office Closure (Sutton) [Col. 62WH] Land Registry [Col. 68WH] Local Television Stations [Col. 92WH] Council Tax Banding [Col. 99WH] Debates on motion for Adjournment

Written Statements [Col. 13WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 209W]

Ministerial Correction [Col. 1MC]