Thursday Volume 566 18 July 2013 No. 39

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Thursday 18 July 2013

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2013 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Open Parliament licence, which is published at www.parliament.uk/site-information/copyright/. 1295 18 JULY 2013 1296

Vince Cable: The hon. Gentleman is correct to say House of Commons that our overall export performance would improve considerably if more British companies were exporting. The big contrast with Germany is that roughly twice as Thursday 18 July 2013 many of its small and medium-sized enterprises are involved in exporting. UKTI has been substantially The House met at half-past Nine o’clock reformed in the past couple of years, and it now has a much more small and medium-sized company focus. It has activities around the country, and we have a lot of PRAYERS evidence that its outreach is substantially improving. I hope that it will reach the companies in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency too. [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] Mr Iain Wright (Hartlepool) (Lab): At the last Business, Innovation and Skills questions, the Secretary of State Oral Answers to Questions admitted: “The figures on exports are not great”.—[Official Report, 13 June 2013; Vol. 564, c. 470.] Since then, the UK trade deficit has widened to the BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS point at which it is now the largest trade gap in the European Union, and the widest it has been since 1989. Following on from the question from my hon. Friend The Secretary of State was asked— the Member for Blaenau Gwent (Nick Smith), will the Technology Exports Secretary of State tell the House whether he is happier with export performance this month? What changes to policy or priorities will he now make to facilitate an 1. Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): What assistance export-led recovery, or does he not think that changes his Department provides to UK technology companies are necessary? with exports; and if he will make a statement. [165958]

The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Vince Cable: Monthly variations are not the issue, (Vince Cable): My Department helps UK technology but there is an underlying problem. British exporters exporters through UK Trade & Investment. In 2012-13, are currently doing extremely well in the big emerging UKTI helped more than 3,000 companies with technology- markets. We have rapid export growth to countries such related exports, and it is set to help more than 3,500 in as Russia, China, India and Brazil, for example, but 2013-14. exports to the eurozone are weak, for obvious reasons. We accept that there are underlying weaknesses. We Sir Bob Russell: I am grateful to the Secretary of have not had the recovery of export volume growth that State for his answer. He will be aware of my concern we would expect following a substantial devaluation. that officials in his Department are perhaps not operating Much of this relates to the way in which supply chains a level playing field, in that American companies exporting were hollowed out in the long period of manufacturing products from their country are treated more favourably decline, but we are trying to rebuild them through the than companies in this country producing exactly the industrial strategy. same products. Will he give me some clarification as to what is going on? Automotive Industry Vince Cable: First, I should explain that the Minister for Universities and Science, my right hon. Friend the 2. Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): What recent Member for Havant (Mr Willetts), who might have support his Department has given to the automotive answered this question, is currently at Chequers for a industry. [165959] Cabinet away day. My hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Sir Bob Russell) is an assiduous defender of his constituents, their companies and their jobs. He has The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills discussed this matter with me, and I have pursued it. It (Vince Cable): The automotive industrial strategy was is not the case that Britain is more difficult than the launched on Friday by the Department in association United States when it comes to clearing export licences, with the Automotive Council. In partnership with industry, but I have none the less established that we should we will invest around £1 billion over 10 years in a new dispense with some procedures relating to quarterly advanced propulsion centre. reporting, and we will do so. We will also work with the company in question to try to establish whether an open Mr Jones: I met a number of business people from general licence can operate in this case. the motor manufacturing supply chain recently, and the main theme of the meeting was skills, and what we Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): A survey by the could do to help to increase the skills in the sector, in Federation of Small Businesses has found that only one which there is now a real resurgence. Will my right hon. in five of its members uses UKTI services. What steps Friend explain a little more about his strategy? Will he will the Secretary of State take to encourage UKTI to tell us what part skills will play in it, and what more we work more closely with small businesses? can do to help the supply chain? 1297 Oral Answers18 JULY 2013 Oral Answers 1298

Vince Cable: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab): If the regional Automotive Council has identified skills shortages as a growth fund is to be at all successful, it must not only key problem. As a result of the adoption of the strategy create jobs but improve the skills base in our country. document, the industry has committed itself to a significant What checks has the Minister put in place to make sure growth in the number of apprenticeships. We have that this actually happens? already seen a considerable increase, but he is right to suggest that this is an issue not simply for the big Michael Fallon: The regional growth fund makes original equipment manufacturers but for the supply grants not simply to projects and individual companies, chains, and a lot more needs to be done to make the car but to programmes organised by local enterprise industry seriously competitive through skills. partnerships and other private sector organisations, many of which focus on improving the level of skills in Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): Will the Secretary of these particular areas. State comment on the success of the sector and the impact on the supply chain? On Friday, I had the Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Would my benefit of meeting a small business in my constituency, right hon. Friend be kind enough to accept an invitation Automotive Insulations, which supplies products to, to visit the site of the proposed junction 10A on the among others, Jaguar Land Rover and Bentley. It is A14 near Kettering, which has attracted the interest of looking to move to a new 60,000 square foot building, the Department of Energy and Climate Change, the to employ a further 60 people and to generate £1 million- Department for Transport and the Department for worth of investment over the next few years. Communities and Local Government? An investment of £30 million in the regional growth fund could trigger Vince Cable: This is indeed a very successful industry. private sector investment of more than £1 billion. Over the last couple of years, we have had commitments to something in the order of £6 billion-worth of new Michael Fallon: Happily, I have not fully finalised my investment. One factor has undoubtedly been the confidence summer plans, so I shall add to them this visit to a that the Government are fully supportive of the industry motorway junction. [Laughter.] My hon. Friend makes and are working with it through the Automotive Council. a serious point: there is clearly a bottleneck that needs The confidence factor is indeed spreading into the to be removed. I will see if I can accept my hon. Friend’s supply chain. There are very good economic reasons invitation. why a significant amount of the supply chain that has been offshored should now be onshored—and that Traineeships process is beginning. We want to do everything we can to encourage it. 4. Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con): What steps he is taking to encourage traineeships. [165961] Regional Growth Fund The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills (Matthew Hancock): Following the spending review, we 3. Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con): have extended the traineeships programme to young What recent assessment he has made of the performance people up to the age of 24. Yesterday, we published the of the Regional Growth Fund. [165960] framework for delivery, and the first traineeships will start next month. We have already had strong interest The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation expressed from employers such as Mercedes and Brompton and Skills (Michael Fallon): The regional growth fund is Bicycle Ltd. We very much look forward to taking the a success. Last week, I published our first annual monitoring programme forward. report, which shows that job creation in rounds 1 and 2 is on track. With our accelerated timetable, we have Mark Menzies: Skills delivery is at its best when it is now completed the contracting process with all but a led by employers and by businesses. Can my hon. Friend handful of beneficiaries in rounds 1, 2 and 3. Last week, assure me that that will remain the case throughout? I also announced that in round 4, 102 selected bidders will have access to over £500 million. Overall, this Matthew Hancock: Absolutely. It is vital to make sure Government have committed over £2.6 billion to areas that the skills system is focused on the needs of employers that most need private sector-led growth and employment. so that people who go through that system go on to get an apprenticeship and a good job. That is exactly what Eric Ollerenshaw: We have now had four rounds of the traineeship scheme is designed to achieve. the regional growth fund, and the north-west has done very well out of it, for which I am grateful to the Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): The Government Minister. Will he confirm that the Government will suggested that trainees might be eligible for jobseeker’s continue to use this as a mechanism to narrow that allowance while they are undertaking their traineeships. north-south divide, which of course grew so much Has the Minister sorted out the details with the Department wider under the previous Government? for Work and Pensions because, at the moment, someone studying for more than 15 hours a week would not be Michael Fallon: I thank my hon. Friend for his important eligible for the benefit? report on the north, and I congratulate him on his appointment as a small business ambassador. The spending Matthew Hancock: The hon. Lady makes an important review last month confirmed that there will be further point because the link to the benefits system, particularly rounds of the regional growth fund in 2015-16 and in for those aged over 18 who are in traineeships, is vital. 2016-17, totalling over £300 million in each case. In the framework for delivery set out yesterday, she will 1299 Oral Answers18 JULY 2013 Oral Answers 1300 have seen the details, ensuring that eligibility for JSA Chris Williamson: Despite those assurances, the public and eligibility to get a traineeship are aligned. Of course, have seen that previous ideologically driven and badly with the introduction of universal credit and changes in executed privatisations have led to substandard services the jobcentres, we are making it easier for people to get and price increases. The fact is that the polls show that training while also looking for work. Work experience is the vast majority of the British public oppose this a vital part of that and a vital part of traineeships. privatisation. Why is the Minister riding roughshod over the wishes of the British people? Dan Rogerson (North Cornwall) (LD): Employers are being encouraged to provide travel support for Michael Fallon: Parliament has already decided that young trainees. Will the Minister look closely at the Royal Mail should have access to private capital. We are issue of young people living in remote rural areas, and implementing that decision of Parliament, and the decision ensure that they, as well as those who happen to live to put 10% of the shares in the hands of the employees. near their employers, are given fair access to traineeships? The level of service is protected under the Postal Services Act 2011, and any change in ownership does not affect Matthew Hancock: Not only will I look at that issue control over the price of stamps or the future of the closely but I have already done so, because it is a vital six-days-a-week service. aspect of traineeships. Traineeships are there because far too many people leave school or college without the Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): It skills that they need to secure a job or apprenticeship. is clear that there are none so deaf as those who do not Of course we are reforming the school system to sort want to hear. My right hon. Friend has stated on many out that problem, but we must also ensure that everyone occasions—but perhaps he will reiterate it for the benefit has an opportunity to acquire the character traits and of the House—that, regardless of ownership, Royal skills that they need in order to get a job, and transport Mail will remain the designated universal service provider. is a vital part of the practicalities of making that happen. Michael Fallon: Yes, and my hon. Friend need not Universal Service Obligation take my word for that. It is in the statute. It is a duty of the regulator, Ofcom, to ensure that the service is protected, and that can only be changed by a vote in Parliament. 5. Graeme Morrice (Livingston) (Lab): What steps he is taking to protect the universal service obligation under plans for the privatisation of Royal Mail. Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): I am grateful for my [165963] right hon. Friend’s reassurances, but my constituents in the remoter reaches of west Cornwall, and indeed on the Isles of Scilly, want to be reassured about the 12. Chris Williamson (Derby North) (Lab): What delivery of not only first and second-class letters and steps he is taking to protect the universal service postcards, but packages. They fear that the cost of obligation under plans for the privatisation of Royal those services will become prohibitive. What can be Mail. [165974] done to protect my constituents from exorbitant charges?

The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Michael Fallon):The Government’s overarching Michael Fallon: The best protection that I can offer objective is to secure the future of the universal postal my hon. Friend is to ensure that Royal Mail’s finances service. The minimum requirements of the universal are put on a sustainable, long-term footing, and that it service are enshrined in primary legislation, which means has access to the capital that it needs in order to that the six-days-a-week, one-price-goes-anywhere service innovate, compete and respond to changing technologies. to every address in the United Kingdom can only be Its parcels business is already growing rapidly, but it is amended by Parliament. That protection will continue in a competitive marketplace, and we need to free it so to apply following any sale of shares in Royal Mail. that it can operate like any other commercial company.

Graeme Morrice: The Government’s Royal Mail Mr Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP): As the Minister will privatisation has been opposed by a broad coalition, appreciate, a universal service depends not only on including employees of Royal Mail, the Countryside deliveries but on uplift points, and there are serious Alliance, the National Federation of SubPostmasters, concerns about the post office network and in particular and even the Conservative think-tank the Bow Group. whether post office locals will all be able to provide the Moreover, the results of a recent poll showed that the parcel service. If that comes to pass, what powers do vast majority of the British public oppose it as well. Is it Ofcom or the Minister have to intervene to make sure not time that the Secretary of State abandoned his that service is available? plans for the fire sale of Royal Mail in the face of that overwhelming opposition? Michael Fallon: I am proud to be part of a Government who have put an end to the post office closure programme Michael Fallon: Last week’s announcement confirmed we saw in the last few years. That has been brought to our plans to allow this very successful British business an end, and the post office network is being put on to a access to private capital for the first time, and to deliver better footing, but the regulator Ofcom has all the what Parliament agreed more than two years ago, namely powers it needs to ensure that the universal, six-days-a-week, that 10% of the company should be in the hands of the everywhere-in-the-UK service is fully protected in the work force. future, irrespective of any change in ownership. 1301 Oral Answers18 JULY 2013 Oral Answers 1302

Royal Mail Employment Law Reform

6. Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): What progress 7. Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): he has made on a sale of shares in Royal Mail. [165965] What recent progress he has made on employment law reform. [165966] The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Michael Fallon): On 10 July the Secretary of State laid a report in Parliament and made an oral The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, statement setting out our decision to sell Royal Mail Innovation and Skills (Jo Swinson): We are making good shares through an initial public offering in this financial progress on our review of employment law. On Friday year. Shares will be available to both institutional and the Government published an update including a call retail investors, and 10% of the shares will be available for evidence on whistleblowing and outlining that the free of charge to eligible employees so that they have a new employment tribunal rules of procedure will come real stake in the business. into effect on 29 July. We are also making changes through the Children and Families Bill to extend the right to request flexible working to everyone and introduce Richard Graham: As my right hon. Friend the Minister a radical new system of shared parental leave. has already heard this morning—and there are postcard campaigns to confirm it—a large amount of misleading information is being given to my constituents in Gloucester Mary Macleod: In the last few weeks two Opposition and elsewhere in the country: claims that the Royal Front-Bench Members have been to my constituency to Mail and the Post Office are the same entity, and that talk to businesses, and I am so glad they are taking their the Queen’s head will go, the universal service disappear lead from the Prime Minister, who was there in 2011 to and prices rise. Does my right hon. Friend agree that talk to small businesses about simplifying employment those of us who want to see Royal Mail succeed deplore legislation. Will the Minister build on the great work this campaign of misleading information and want the this Government have been doing in simplifying the innovation from new capital investing in new equipment, process of doing business for entrepreneurs by reducing such as to track parcels that will enable Royal Mail to the amount of red tape and admin? succeed in the way all of us in this House want? Jo Swinson: I commend my hon. Friend on her work Michael Fallon: Given that Parliament has already championing small business in her constituency and decided that this is the right future for Royal Mail, I beyond. She is absolutely right that we need to drive hope the Opposition will now join in dismissing some of through the implementation of the reforms we have the unnecessary scaremongering, and make clear what already outlined. She will be pleased to note that the would happen if there was ever the horror of a future CBI-Harvey Nash employment trends survey shows a Labour Government: do they intend to renationalise significant improvement in employer perceptions of the the Royal Mail? burden of employment law. That is good for British business and good for job creation, too. Mr Dennis Skinner (Bolsover) (Lab): It is not misleading to say that when the share-owning democracy of Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): According to the Mrs Thatcher was launched in the ’80s and ’90s and all OECD, the UK already has one of the most lightly those public utilities were sold off and many of the regulated labour markets among developed countries; employees received shares—just like the possibility of only the USA and Canada have lighter regulation. Why that on this occasion—the net result is that those public on earth are we trying to water down employment utilities, almost without exception, are now owned by as rights even further? many as 30 countries. What guarantee has the Minister got that this will not happen to Royal Mail as well? Jo Swinson: The first thing I would say to the hon. Lady is that our lightly regulated employment market is Michael Fallon: In a public offering it is not possible an asset to the British economy. It helps the economy to to prevent others from subscribing for the shares, but grow and it is one of the reasons why, despite the very we hope that Royal Mail, given now the freedom— later challenging economic circumstances we have seen and this year, we hope—to access private capital, will be put despite the fact that unemployment is still too high, we on to a longer-term sustainable footing and will be able have seen employment rates bear up rather better than to develop its business not just here in Britain, but in some other countries. It is important that we simplify overseas. employment law—I would have hoped that there would be cross-party agreement on that—but of course it is Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): I remember also important for a functioning economy that we ensure what happened when Rolls-Royce was privatised and that basic protections remain in place for workers. the work force was given shares—I did not accept any, by the way. Within about two years those shares will be sold. This is only a sop to the work force. Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con) rose—

Michael Fallon: I have yet to hear whether the Opposition Mr Speaker: Order. In conformity with long-standing want to renationalise any of these businesses—Rolls-Royce convention, the hon. Gentleman cannot come in a or British Telecom or British Airways. I think they at second time on substantive questions. His enthusiasm least owe it to the 130,000 employees of Royal Mail to and appetite are appreciated and he can try his luck make clear whether they would renationalise the business. during topical questions. 1303 Oral Answers18 JULY 2013 Oral Answers 1304

Lending to Small Businesses Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): Two years ago, there was a crisis in small business lending. We have just 8. Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East heard from the Secretary of State that in 22 of those Cleveland) (Lab): In how many of the past 24 months 24 months, it has got worse. The Institute of Chartered net lending by banks to British small businesses has (a) Accountants in England and Wales is the latest to risen and (b) fallen. [165967] acknowledge that the Government response to the SME funding crisis is totally inadequate, using a British investment bank that funnels existing inadequate schemes through The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills our uncompetitive banking system. Is it not time that (Vince Cable): The Bank of England now publishes the Secretary of State admitted that the Government monthly estimates for lending by UK banks to small will never deliver the scale of change needed and threw and medium-sized companies. Those figures show for his weight behind Labour’s plan for a new generation of the 24 months up to May 2013 an increase in net local banks with local decision making, based on the lending in two months and a decrease in the others. The key features of the German Sparkasse model? Let us Government are working to increase the lending available get the real change that British small businesses desperately to SMEs through the new business bank and, with the need. Bank of England, through the funding for lending scheme. Vince Cable: I am a great fan of the German Sparkasse system, and it is a pity that we never had it in Britain. If Tom Blenkinsop: Does the Secretary of State agree the hon. Gentleman looks back on the record of the with the Minister of State, Department for Business, previous Labour Government, he will recall that in Innovation and Skills, the right hon. Member for Sevenoaks 2000, they had a report prepared for them on the (Michael Fallon), that there is no evidence that the inadequacies of British business lending and the enormous funding for lending scheme is helping small business? problems created by the fact that four banks accounted for all the business. The Government of the day, despite Vince Cable: The funding for lending scheme primarily urging from myself and others, did absolutely nothing benefits mortgage lending, but changes were made in about the problem. As a result, we went into the banking April to make it accessible to asset-based finance, for crisis with massively over-concentrated ownership and example. Several of the new challenger banks are now damaged banks that are no longer able to perform taking advantage of it, and it is beginning to make an properly.We are seeking reform, supporting new challenger impact on SME lending. banks though the business bank, and dealing with a problem that should have been dealt with a decade ago. Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): I visited the bank recently and was told that all people who come to Apprenticeships it are given a fair hearing and that small business men are getting the loans they need. Is it not the case that 9. Mr Laurence Robertson (Tewkesbury) (Con): What what got the banks into this mess was irresponsible and recent assessment he has made of the take-up of over-optimistic lending and that what we need now is apprenticeships. [165968] prudent and responsible lending to small businesses? The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills Vince Cable: Of course, we need prudent, responsible (Matthew Hancock): There were 520,000 apprenticeship lending, but I subscribe to the view, which I hear starts in the academic year 2011-12. That is almost frequently around the country, that many SMEs find it double the number in 2010. Our priority is to make difficult to access finance from the banks and that we apprenticeships both widely available and the very best cannot just let the situation remain as it is. That is why quality, rooting out poor provision and enforcing a we are in the process of establishing the business bank, minimum duration. As we speak, 750,000 people are on which is currently marketing £300 million. There is an apprenticeship, which is a record: it is more than at substantial interest in investing in that project. any time in our history.

Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): In the last period Mr Robertson: I am grateful to the Minister for that of time, it has been quite understandable that there have response. As he knows, I have a lot of engineering been problems with getting loans from banks, but another companies in my constituency, the largest being GE problem has been with small and medium-sized businesses Aviation, which has more than 100 apprentices. being paid in time. It has been suggested that some £30 Nevertheless, those companies find it difficult to recruit billion is outstanding in payments from big business to young people. Is the Minister satisfied that schools have small business. What steps are being taken by the Secretary adequate incentives to promote the concept of of State to help small business get moneys paid on time apprenticeship schemes, and will he consider awarding by big business? them recognition status marks for each apprenticeship that is taken up? Vince Cable: My colleague the Minister of State has launched an initiative to ensure rapid settlement, particularly Matthew Hancock: We introduced a new duty on down the supply chain. We name the big companies schools to provide independent and impartial advice in that do not settle their debts properly in that way. We September, and Ofsted is looking at, and will report on, also have a programme of supply chain financing, the how well that is being implemented. I pay tribute to my advanced manufacturing supply chain initiative, which hon. Friend, who brings together companies in his will help the settlements to which the hon. Gentleman constituency to promote skills and working together, so refers. that even though companies compete locally and nationally 1305 Oral Answers18 JULY 2013 Oral Answers 1306 with their products, they come together on the skills The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, issue to make sure that they give new skills to young Innovation and Skills (Jo Swinson): The Government’s people, rather than poaching from each other. payday lending summit provided an excellent opportunity to deliver a strong message to the payday industry to get Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): The Minister’s its house in order. It focused particularly on the Financial Department has found that one in five apprentices Conduct Authority’s priorities for reducing consumer currently receives no training. There has also been a harm when it becomes the regulator in April, ahead of reported rise in employers’ non-compliance with the its consultation on its credit rulebook this September. national minimum wage for apprentices. Does he agree that for apprenticeships to be of value, apprentices need decent training, and need to be paid a decent wage? What Jonathan Reynolds: I welcome the Minister’s answer is his Department doing to ensure that that happens? and the summit, but let us be honest—the Government have consistently ducked clamping down on predatory Matthew Hancock: Yes, I do, and we are taking action. pricing and extortionate interest charges, despite the amendment secured last year in the House of Lords Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): Will the Minister that gives the regulators the ability to control costs and join me in welcoming the initiative of Worcestershire loan duration. Notwithstanding the spin of holding a housing associations, which created an 18-to-30 payday lenders summit, when is the Minister going to apprenticeships and job fair, bringing together local promise to act so that families across the country can be employers and the National Apprenticeship Service? protected from these predatory activities? Does he agree that the huge increase in apprenticeship take-up is one of the reasons why youth unemployment Jo Swinson: Significant action is being taken. The in Worcester is down 30% from its peak under Labour? Office of Fair Trading has referred the industry to the Competition Commission because of widespread non- Matthew Hancock: It is very good news that youth compliance. It is taking its own enforcement action, unemployment is falling—there was a 20,000 fall announced which has already resulted in a third of the lenders that yesterday—but it is still too high, and there is still much have responded so far—the rest are due to do so this more to do. I pay tribute to my hon. Friend’s work, and month—leaving the market altogether as a result of the the work of others across the House, to make sure that tough action being taken. We have given the FCA apprenticeships and traineeships are available in future stronger powers to enable it to ban products, impose to help with that. unlimited fines and order money to be paid back to consumers who have been ripped off. That is a pretty Mr Gordon Marsden (Blackpool South) (Lab): Does comprehensive package of action to clamp down on not the Minister’s rhetoric on apprenticeships hit the this unscrupulous and irresponsible lending behaviour. buffers in reality? No amount of his crowing or tweeting alters the latest facts: there is a 13% drop in 16 to Ann McKechin: If other jurisdictions, such as Florida, 18-year-olds starting apprenticeships, and a 6% drop already have effective real-time recording systems that across the board. He has failed to take up our plans to stop borrowers accumulating unpayable debts, why cannot create thousands of new apprenticeships via Government we have such a system here, now? procurement, and he has also failed to get a deal with Department for Work and Pensions Ministers. The Association of Colleges said yesterday that 14 to 19-year- Jo Swinson: Such systems rely on the industry to be olds taking up his new traineeships, so that they can able to update them. The industry is looking at and move on to apprenticeships, are not likely to have any working on that. We have credit reference agencies, money to live on. When will he stop dithering and start which work well in many of the credit markets, but the delivering? real-time issue that the hon. Lady raises is a genuine one and more difficult to set up than the systems in place. Matthew Hancock: We are delivering the new traineeships We are encouraging the industry to address that, because from next month. Given the need, after years of inaction, it will help to improve affordability assessments. to bring together support for work experience and skills for those approaching the job market, I would have Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): Is thought that the hon. Gentleman would welcome that. I this issue not also about the level of household debt— would have thought that the Opposition would have households running into debt and not knowing how to supported the rise in the number of apprenticeships to manage a household budget? Much more information record levels since the election. should be available to take people away from payday lenders. Payday Lenders Jo Swinson: My hon. Friend makes an extremely 10. Jonathan Reynolds (Stalybridge and Hyde) (Lab/ important point. We are introducing financial education Co-op): What the outcomes were of his Department’s in schools, which is an important development to make summit meeting with payday lenders on 1 July 2013; sure that people have the tools to make decisions, but it and if he will make a statement. [165970] is also important to note that half of the people who take out a payday loan are already showing signs of 11. Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): What the financial stress. So although we need to tackle the outcomes were of his Department’s summit meeting problems of payday lending, we also need to tackle the with payday lenders on 1 July 2013; and if he will make problems that get people there in the first place, and a statement. [165972] make sure that they have good access to the free and 1307 Oral Answers18 JULY 2013 Oral Answers 1308 confidential debt advice available. I encourage anyone Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ in financial difficulty to seek help sooner rather than Co-op): One of the biggest infrastructure projects in later. this country over the next 20 years will be the construction of High Speed 2. That, through the supply chain, has Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): A recent report potential benefits for businesses and workers not just by the Office of Fair Trading accused payday lenders of along the route of HS2, but throughout the entire UK. causing “misery and hardship”. The Minister herself What steps is the Department taking to engage in said that discussion with the Department for Transport to ensure “the scale of unscrupulous behaviour...andtheimpact on that those supply chain benefits are indeed available consumers is deeply concerning” throughout the entire UK? and that the Government “wants to see tough action”. Matthew Hancock: There are continual discussions between the Department and the Department for Transport Despite an amendment in the other place last year, to about making sure that great benefits accrue not only which my hon. Friend the Member for Stalybridge and when we build important infrastructure, but during its Hyde (Jonathan Reynolds) referred, to give the regulators construction. We must ensure that there is good value the ability to curb costs, the Minister is still failing to for money, but value for money should be considered in act. The public will note with interest that a major the broadest possible sense. donor to the Conservative party, Adrian Beecroft, has a significant interest in this industry. Is that what is holding Economic Growth (Humber) the hon. Lady back from stronger regulation? She is in severe danger of becoming known as the Minister for APR. 14. Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): What recent assessment he has made of the prospects for economic Jo Swinson: The short answer to the hon. Gentleman’s growth in the Humber sub-region. [165977] question is no, because the Government are taking significant action. I think he misunderstands; the OFT The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills report shows the biggest set of problems in the industry. (Vince Cable): We are working hard to support the I know that much of the focus ends up on the APR Humber local enterprise partnership to deliver the priorities headlines, but the surveys and the consumer organisations for growth set out in their plan for the Humber. In working with the issue day in, day out show the problems round 4 of the regional growth fund £21.3 million was around issues such as affordability assessments, continuous allocated to two successful bids from the Humber, one payment authority abuse and abuse of the way in which of them from the local authority in my hon. Friend’s roll-overs are used. The FCA has said specifically that it constituency. is looking to plug any gaps in regulation in all those areas when it takes on the role of regulator next April. Martin Vickers: The local economy is experiencing We do not have to wait very long to see its draft rule something of a renaissance. Only yesterday, I and colleagues book, which will be published this September. from neighbouring constituencies met a representative from Scunthorpe-based Wren Kitchens, which is looking Supply Chains to take over the former Kimberley Clark factory at Barton-upon-Humber, which closed earlier this year with the loss of 500 jobs. The hope is that, within two or 13. Neil Carmichael (Stroud) (Con): What recent three years, those jobs will be replaced one-for-one. It is assessment he has made of the value of supply chains a major site and there were fears that it would turn into to the UK economy. [165976] a rusting hulk. Will my right hon. Friend, or one of his ministerial team, commit to visiting the factory when it The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills opens in the near future? (Matthew Hancock): In the UK and across the world, supply chains are diverse, complex and global. Their value is huge and their importance is vital. Support for Vince Cable: I praise my hon. Friend for the work that supply chains is studded through our policy and he has done. He has already taken me to his constituency underpinned by the industrial strategies. and shown me the plans for the area. The Kimberley Clark closure was a major blow and it is good to hear Neil Carmichael: In contrast to the Labour Government, that it is being replaced. Last week I was with the Humber this Government are clearly doing something to build local enterprise partnership when it met in Hull. We capacity in our supply chains. I welcome that and I see discussed some of these plans, particularly the enormous evidence of it in my constituency. May I stress the potential of the energy sector in the North sea. I am importance of making sure that supply chains are developed certainly very happy to visit that factory in due course. in our regions to ensure that we have a truly balanced Economic Development (North-East) economy, not just between manufacturing and services, but across our regions? 15. Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) Matthew Hancock: Absolutely. I pay tribute to my (Lab): What steps he is taking to promote sustainable hon. Friend’s work on promoting the importance of economic development in the North East. [165980] supply chains, not least because of the high proportion of manufacturing in his constituency. We will make sure The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation that they stay at front and centre of what we do in the and Skills (Michael Fallon): I welcome the most recent Department. reduction in unemployment in the north-east. Across 1309 Oral Answers18 JULY 2013 Oral Answers 1310 the region we have offered support of £330 million to Jo Swinson: I will happily do so. I am answering on 101 projects and programmes through the regional growth behalf of a colleague, but I will happily have that meeting. fund with the potential to safeguard or create 66,000 jobs. We are also working with the North Eastern local Hugh Bayley: Thank you. enterprise partnership to agree a local growth deal based on Lord Adonis’s recent report. Mr Speaker: Order. We are ahead of ourselves, notwithstanding the sedentary chuntering. All relevant Chi Onwurah: The north-east has real strengths in personnel are present and correct so we will proceed sustainable process energy and transport industries, but with topical questions. lacks the funds and the skills to support them. Since the demise of the regional development authority, there has Topical Questions not been an effective champion to bring this about. The regional growth fund is not getting the money through T1. [165983] Hazel Blears (Salford and Eccles) (Lab): quickly enough. What is he going to do to change that, If he will make a statement on his departmental so that the skills and the finances are available to responsibilities. industry in the north-east? The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Michael Fallon: If I may say so, the hon. Lady is (Vince Cable): My Department plays a key role in taking a rather pessimistic view of her region. There is supporting the rebalancing of the economy through plenty of money flowing from the regional growth fund business to deliver growth while increasing skills and to projects, two of which I have visited on the Tyne. learning. There is plenty more support to come through the structural fund allocation, which has also gone to the Hazel Blears: The Secretary of State will be aware local enterprise partnership, and through the invitation that legislation is in place, supported by the Government, that has gone to the region to bid for the single local to ensure that when commissioning public services we growth fund from 2015-16. seek social value as part of a wider value-for-money framework. That means local jobs, local supply chains, Science and Society apprenticeships and local labour. How will the Secretary of State ensure that in his area, through the regional growth fund and massive investment in infrastructure, 16. Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): What outcomes we get the same kind of social value to support our his Department is seeking through its science and society regional and local economies and get young people budget. [165981] back to work?

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, Vince Cable: I recognise the considerable value of the Innovation and Skills (Jo Swinson): Our science and Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012, and I acknowledge society programme successfully engages people of all the right hon. Lady’s role in promoting its take-up. The ages and backgrounds with science. It includes 25,000 Department has a unit that is currently promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics social enterprise, which lies at the core of this issue. ambassadors providing positive role models for students Some 68,000 such enterprises now employ 1 million to increase and widen participation in science; the biggest people, and I was at the launch of that unit last year. ever Big Bang Fair in March this year; and public For our overall policy, we try through the industrial dialogue supported through Sciencewise to inform public strategy to ensure that procurement is strategic and policy. takes into account long-term training and innovation requirements. Hugh Bayley: The Science Museum Group, which includes the National Railway museum in York, has T2. [165986] Guto Bebb (Aberconwy) (Con): My right had its budget cut by a quarter over the last two hon. Friend is well aware of the scandal of mis-selling spending reviews. It does immensely important work in interest rate derivatives to small businesses, but despite encouraging young people to take an interest in science, the establishment of the Financial Conduct Authority leading to careers in science. Will the Minister meet redress scheme in January, not a penny has yet been people from the museum to consider how the science paid out to small businesses. On Tuesday, one small and society budget could be used to fund some of their business was offered a redress package for a technical outreach work, especially with young people? fault of £1.3 million, but the offer was made on condition that no payments would be made by the Jo Swinson: As the hon. Gentleman knows, the science bank in question unless the business also settled the budget has been protected because we absolutely recognise consequential loss claim. Will my right hon. Friend the importance of science and research to the future take up that issue with the FCA and ensure that economy and in encouraging people to take on science. technical redress is paid prior to any agreement on The lead sponsor Department for the Science museum consequential losses? and museums generally is the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and colleagues in DCMS will have Vince Cable: My hon. Friend is right that this is a been engaging significantly with the Science museum major scandal and it is being pursued through negotiation and others. I am sure that the relevant Minister will be with the banks. As he rightly says, there are major very happy to meet— anxieties about the terms of the settlement and some of the products currently excluded from it. I will see Hugh Bayley: Will you meet them? It is your budget. the head of the FCA next week to pursue the matter 1311 Oral Answers18 JULY 2013 Oral Answers 1312 in some detail on behalf of my hon. Friend and his before the UK Green Investment Bank can actually colleagues, and I acknowledge the enormous work he become a green investment bank—that public sector has done in the background to bring these problems to debt must be falling as a percentage of GDP—presents proper attention. serious challenges for people planning green and low-carbon investments for the future? If so, will he take the opportunity Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): Businesses, of the recess to seek an urgent meeting with the Chancellor particularly on the high street, have found the trading to see whether he can change that formula, so that the environment very tough while the economy has flatlined UK Green Investment Bank can actually become a for three years under this Government. Does the Business green investment bank in the not-to-distant future? Secretary agree that increasing parking enforcement charges at this time would be nonsensical and drive Vince Cable: I think the hon. Gentleman might have customers away from businesses in our town centres at missed some recent announcements. The UK Green the very time they need that custom? Investment Bank is now succeeding and expanding rapidly, having already committed £700 million or more. Vince Cable: Of course there has been a major problem In the spending reviews for 2015-16 and 2017-18, the in many of our high streets as a result of the recession, Treasury has committed to providing an extra £800 million and particularly as a result of the development of internet of funding and to beginning borrowing, initially through commerce, which has changed the pattern of shopping. the national loans fund, in order to meet the objective As the hon. Gentleman knows, parking charges are I think he wishes to achieve. primarily an issue for local authorities, but the Department has developed a strategy with the retail sector to help it T4. [165988] Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): develop areas of growth, including export business. Boomerang Plastics is an innovative recycling start-up based in Tamworth and looking to expand, but one of Mr Umunna: The Under-Secretary of State for Transport, its challenges is finding the right space to expand. What the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker), said this are Ministers doing with the Department for Communities week that the Government are consulting on proposals and Local Government to encourage developers to to increase the maximum parking enforcement charges construct the right sorts of business parks and to encourage that local authorities may levy outside London—a local authorities to offer the right sorts of planning competence for which they are responsible. Apparently, rights to allow firms such as Boomerang to find the the Secretary of State for Communities and Local space to grow and expand? Government thinks that would be a bad idea, but he is in no position to lecture given that Conservative councils Michael Fallon: My hon. Friend raises an important impose higher parking charges than others. We are clear point. It will be for his local enterprise partnership, as that massively hiking parking enforcement charges at part of its local growth strategy, to ensure sufficient this time for businesses and their customers amounts to space for the development of business parks, so that a stealth tax on our high streets. Why does the Business companies can grow successfully without constantly Secretary not stand up for our businesses and kill off having to move from their premises and can expand that proposal? next door. Vince Cable: I already have responsibility for one of the biggest Departments in Government, and taking Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op): over responsibility for parking charges from my colleagues There is considerable concern among the further education and local councils would be an exercise in departmental college sector about the potential low take-up of the imperialism that I will not embark on. I note the hon. post-24 advanced learning loans and the impact that Gentleman’s question and I am happy to talk to my that will have on people’s finances. What assessment has colleagues in government about it, but he is missing the the Minister made of this issue, and what help will he bigger picture of how we help the retail sector adapt to give to those colleges, if indeed there is such a low the massive technological changes that are taking place, take-up? and the perverse fiscal incentives that currently operate. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills T3. [165987] Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con): What efforts (Matthew Hancock): Since we launched the loans in are the Minister and his Department taking to support April, there has been a robust take-up, and we are small and medium-sized businesses in Lancashire in the working hard to ensure not only that colleges are aware export market? of the opportunities presented by loans to help over-24s to learn at higher levels, but that people are aware of the The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation opportunities available to improve their skills. and Skills (Michael Fallon): My hon. Friend might know that more resource has been made available to Mr Speaker: Sir Malcolm Bruce—not here. UK Export Finance. It is important now to ensure that more and more SMEs understand that export finance Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): It has assistance is not just something for the large companies, now been confirmed that the chief executive of the such as Rolls-Royce and BAE, but available to SMEs up British Beer and Pub Association, the lobbyist for and down the country. We will market our efforts there the large pub companies, made two false statements more intensively. to the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee and said on television that the Government had figures for T7. [165992] Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) pub closures, which they do not. The opponents of (Lab): Does the Business Secretary agree that the much needed reform are conducting a campaign of target, set by the Treasury on a moving basis, to be met misinformation. What assurances can I get from the 1313 Oral Answers18 JULY 2013 Oral Answers 1314

Minister that the claims being made, which are simply Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): HSBC has not backed up by evidence, will not be taken into shut its branch in Masham and is now doing the same consideration when the decision is made? in Pateley Bridge, deep in the Yorkshire dales, in one of the most rural counties in England. In discussions with The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, senior bank executives, will my right hon. Friend make Innovation and Skills (Jo Swinson): My hon. Friend, the case for rural areas, lest we get into a banking-free, who has been a strong campaigner on this issue, will financial services-free zone in our most remote locations? know that the Government have conducted a consultation on the proposed statutory adjudicator and code for Vince Cable: I note what my hon. Friend has said. Of pubs, which has had more than 1,100 written responses, course, it is worth recalling that banking services are while we have had more than 7,000 responses to the being disseminated through the post office network, online survey. Clearly, ploughing through and analysing and one of the consequences of our being able to save all that information is taking a little time. He raises that network from large-scale closures is that banking concerns about the issues with the Select Committee, services are available now even in the most remote rural but obviously Select Committees can ask further questions areas. of witnesses, if they have concerns. I am happy to meet him, however, to discuss his concerns further. Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): Will the Secretary of State say what discussions he has had with Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab): the Home Office about the introduction of cash bonds Does the Secretary of State have any plans to look at for student visas, which has had a lot of negative press the Insolvency Act 1986? Hedge funds appear to have coverage overseas? Does he agree that the introduction the ability to acquire companies, to empty them of their of such bonds, either for student visitor visas or for assets, to appoint administrators of their choosing and tier 4 visas, would further damage international student to proceed without fear of being pursued vigorously. recruitment? That certainly seems to be what is happening at Coventry City football club. Will he look at the situation and the Vince Cable: I am in constant contact with the Home framework of the law? Office about such matters. It is worth pointing out that the concept involves offering the possibility of a bond Vince Cable: Yes, we are doing just that. I spoke on to people who have otherwise been rejected in the Monday about that question in the general context of course of a visa application, so if it operates according trusted business. We are, indeed, looking at the insolvency to that spirit, it should ease, rather than make more provisions. We are looking at insolvency practitioners’ difficult, access to visas. fees, at some of the potential conflicts of interest that arise in that industry and at the regulatory framework. Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con): May I thank my right hon. Friend for his Department’s decision T6. [165991] Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): Small to locate the world’s first Transport Systems Catapult businesses in Congleton and across the country centre in Milton Keynes? Does he agree that it will help struggle with the burden of regulations from Brussels. to establish this country as one of the world’s leading Will my right hon. Friend update the House on the development centres for transport systems? work of the business-led taskforce on EU regulation, which he is chairing? Vince Cable: The Government have every reason to be proud of the catapult programme, which is now Michael Fallon: Yes, the Prime Minister and I met the expanding quite rapidly. We are thereby able, through taskforce last week, and I will be meeting it again the Technology Strategy Board, to concentrate research tomorrow. We have issued a call for evidence, which excellence in particular locations. Some, such as those gives companies large and small the opportunity to for renewable energy and advanced manufacturing, are provide us with concrete examples of European rules now at an advanced stage of development, and I am and regulations, including new proposals, that pose delighted to hear that my hon. Friend is pleased with unnecessary barriers to the growth of British businesses the location of the automotive centre. and need reform. I encourage all hon. Members to ask businesses in their constituencies to submit examples Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): Will and evidence to the taskforce. the Secretary of State get together with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to have a look at the Kate Green (Stretford and Urmston) (Lab): Minister way in which the Football League applies its regulations are considering responses to the consultation on the to private ownership of football clubs, because there is a recasting of the waste electrical and electronic equipment diabolical mess at Coventry at the moment? directive. There are real concerns that the interests of large producers will prevail, so would Ministers be Vince Cable: Coventry seems to have some problem prepared to meet me and representatives of the independent in that area. I come from the city of York, which went recycling organisations, which have deep concerns, to through this misery, as many towns have done in the discuss their concerns? English league. I can certainly have a look at that; it is not immediately clear to me where I fit into the picture, Michael Fallon: Yes, I would be happy to do that. I but I am interested in football and want to see it healthy. know that the consultation has instigated a number of concerns across the sector. I have spoken at one of the Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): On employment law conferences involved, and I would be happy to meet the reform, does the Secretary of State agree that there hon. Lady. would be a significant boost to our country’s small 1315 Oral Answers18 JULY 2013 Oral Answers 1316 businesses if the cost of attending employment tribunals do not see the bursting of a carbon bubble in the way we was reduced, given that, according to his Department, saw dotcom bubbles burst and other collapses in the the average cost of successfully responding to and defending markets? a claim is £6,200? Vince Cable: That falls well outside my area of Jo Swinson: The hon. Gentleman is right to raise that competence, but I have a personal interest in it. One issue. It is fair to say that employment tribunals are thing I learnt from my years in the oil and gas industry costly in terms of time, money and stress for everybody is that it is very unwise to predict movements in the involved, both employers and employees, so what we price of oil, whether up or down. The hon. Gentleman are trying to do through our employment law reforms is raises an important and fundamental question that I reduce the number of cases going to tribunal. We are am interested in and will pursue if it is relevant to my streamlining the rules of procedure, which should also Department. help to reduce costs, but the really important savings will come from getting more cases resolved through Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): early conciliation, which is what the Government are Brompton Bicycle Ltd in Brentford is a brilliant example pressing ahead with. of British manufacturing and engineering. It has been growing at 25% a year over the past three years, sells 40,000 bikes a year and exports 80% of what it makes to Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ 44 countries. Will the Minister meet me and Brompton Co-op): This morning the Globe group of parliamentarians Bicycle Ltd to talk about how it can find the funding to held a seminar highlighting the risk of financial instability buy new premises in order to grow even further? as a result of the overvaluation of fossil fuel reserves internationally and nationally without taking account Michael Fallon: I would be happy to meet my hon. of international climate change commitments. Will the Friend and Brompton Bicycle. I am already aware of Government contact regulators to ensure that they take how successful and ambitious a company it is. We will into account the risks of instability and ensure that we do what we can to help it expand further. 1317 18 JULY 2013 Business of the House 1318

Business of the House It is Nelson Mandela’s 95th birthday today, and I am sure that all Members across the House will want to wish him well as he fights his illness in hospital. 10.32 am Last week I said that this Government have a blind Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): Will the Leader of spot when it comes to women. The Leader of the House the House give us the business for some time in the told me that he did not agree, so what does he have to middle of September? say about yesterday’s mocking of the right hon. Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), who was The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew miaowed and clawed at behind her back while speaking Lansley): The business for the week commencing in the Chamber because of the outfit she was wearing? 2 September is as follows: Does he think that this boorish behaviour by his Back MONDAY 2SEPTEMBER—Launch of the second report Benchers is acceptable? from the Procedure Committee on private Members’ As the House adjourns for the summer recess this Bills, followed by a debate on a motion relating to the afternoon, may I take this opportunity to thank you, future for postal services in rural areas, followed by a Mr Speaker, and all the House staff for the support debate on a motion relating to the all-party parliamentary provided to Members and their staff throughout the cycling group’s report, “Get Britain Cycling”. The subjects year? We are very grateful to all House staff for the for these debates have been nominated by the Backbench support that they give us. Business Committee. Before everyone heads off to their constituencies for TUESDAY 3SEPTEMBER—SecondReadingof theTransparency the recess, I would like to give some end-of-term awards. of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union The Man of the People award goes to the Chancellor Administration Bill. for his posh burgers and mockney accent. The Bungle WEDNESDAY 4SEPTEMBER—Opposition day [6th allotted of the Year award goes to the Defence Secretary for his day]. There will be a debate on an Opposition motion. spectacularly bad attempt at making a statement to the Subject to be announced. House on Army reserves. The most contested category, Smear of the Year, was this week snatched by the late THURSDAY 5SEPTEMBER—A general debate on high-cost entry by the Health Secretary, ably assisted by his credit, followed by a general debate on the north-east barnacle-scraper, Lynton Crosby. independent economic review report. The subjects for these debates have been nominated by the Backbench With the Lords due to sit until the end of July and the Business Committee. Commons not due to return until early September, it is clear that this Parliament is no more joined up than this FRIDAY 6SEPTEMBER—Private Members’ Bills. Government. With the two Houses now completely out The provisional business for the week commencing of kilter, it is practically impossible for Joint Committees 9 September will include: to meet. Does the Leader of the House really think that MONDAY 9SEPTEMBER—Consideration in Committee that is a desirable state of affairs, and will he make sure of the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning that this practice is brought to an end? and Trade Union Administration Bill (Day 1). I note that we are to discuss the Transparency of TUESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER—Consideration in Committee Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning and Trade Union of the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning Administration Bill in the first two weeks back. The Bill and Trade Union Administration Bill (Day 2). is not even 24 hours off the press but it is already being derided by campaigners, charities and lobbyists alike WEDNESDAY 11 SEPTEMBER—Conclusion in Committee for failing to regulate over 80% of the industry. The of the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-party Campaigning Government’s Bill is a cheap, partisan attack on Opposition and Trade Union Administration Bill. The Chairman funding. It is constructed solely to divert attention from of Ways and Means is expected to name Opposed the real lobbying scandals of their dodgy donors dinners Private Business for consideration. in Downing street. THURSDAY 12 SEPTEMBER—Business to be nominated It has been a bad week for Australians both in the by the Backbench Business Committee. Ashes and in No. 10. At Prime Minister’s questions on FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER—Private Members’ Bills. Wednesday, the Prime Minister once more pointedly I should also like to inform the House that the avoided answering the question of whether he had business in Westminster Hall for 9 and 12 September discussed the plain packaging of cigarettes with Lynton will be: Crosby. The Leader of the House may remember saying when he was Health Secretary: MONDAY 9SEPTEMBER—General debate on an e-petition relating to age-related tax allowances. “The evidence is clear that packaging helps to recruit smokers, so it makes sense to consider having less attractive packaging. It’s THURSDAY 12 SEPTEMBER—General debate on UK trade wrong that children are being attracted to smoke by glitzy designs and investment. on packets.” As this is the last business questions before the summer Why has he changed his mind on this issue? I wonder recess, may I, on behalf of the House, thank all its staff whether he agrees with the hon. Member for Totnes for their hard work? I hope that they have a good and (Dr Wollaston), who tweeted yesterday: very well-deserved break before we return at the beginning “I’ve seen how election strategists drive current policy & simply of September. untrue to suggest otherwise. It’s why we must know who else pays them”. Ms Eagle: I thank the Leader of the House for Quite so. It is clearly now in the public interest that the announcing the business for the first two weeks in House is given full information about Lynton Crosby’s September. influence. At a minimum, he should publish his client 1319 Business of the House18 JULY 2013 Business of the House 1320 list immediately. Will the Leader of the House support funds of trade unions to be a deliberate choice. If that our calls for an inquiry into whether the ministerial is what he wants, the Bill is available as a legislative code has been broken? framework to enable it to happen. If he believes in it, he In his hysterical attacks on trade unions in the past should be willing to legislate for it. We have made him few weeks, the Prime Minister has been emulating Senator that offer and he should respond to it. In practical McCarthy, but this week it has been more like Big terms, if he wants to take up that offer and demonstrate Brother from “Nineteen Eighty-Four”. In that masterful that he means what he says, he needs to come back to us novel, George Orwell wrote that the Party’s slogan was: in the next three or four weeks to enable those amendments “He who controls the past controls the future. He who controls to be available for the Committee stage in September. the present controls the past.” The hon. Lady talked about the NHS. I have listened I think that we might just have found the Conservative to the exchanges, but the shadow Leader of the House party’s new motto. should not have entered into the argument about our We may be living in Tory Orwellian times in which not doing anything in relation to the 14 trusts. I know the Government think that Newspeak trumps reality, about the matter because I have been Secretary of State but we will not let their propaganda go unchecked. for Health and shadow Secretary of State for Health. I They can make all the claims they like about the NHS, was shadow Secretary of State when the then Secretary but we know that it was they who did not act on of State and Minister of State stood at the Dispatch 14 failing trusts. They can pretend that plan A is working, Box and told us that Mid Staffs was an isolated incident but we know that we have had a weaker recovery than and that nothing comparable was happening anywhere during the great depression and that long-term else in the NHS. They dismissed the idea that there were unemployment is at a 17-year high. They can blame systemic problems in the NHS—they waved it away. anyone other than themselves for as long as they like, I stood at the Dispatch Box for the Opposition on but the British people will not be fooled. If the Conservatives 30 November 2009 and asked why the then Secretary of want to play Orwellian games for the next two years, State was dismissing the problems at the Basildon and they can carry on as they did last week, but they should Thurrock hospitals and saying that nothing would be not think for a minute that they will get away with it. done about them. When I was Secretary of State, I stood at the Dispatch Mr Lansley: I am grateful to the shadow Leader of Box and made it clear that we were taking responsibility the House. I am not sure whether, in the midst of what by moving NHS trusts towards foundation trust status she said, there were any requests relating to the future not on the basis of their finances and governance, but business, but I will try to answer the points that she on the basis of achieving quality. I said that we would raised. use the NHS Trust Development Authority to make that happen. Agreements were put in place with NHS Most pleasurably, I join the shadow Leader of the trusts to make that happen. I am sorry, but I will not House in sending our congratulations to ex-President take any lectures from the Labour party on that issue. Mandela on his 95th birthday. He is an inspiration and an extraordinary man. The extraordinary nature of his I will also not accept lessons from the Labour party capacities is further illustrated by the promising progress on standardised packaging, which again relates to my in his health. That is something in which we can all take former role as Secretary of State for Health. I saw what pleasure. the Leader of the Opposition wrote to the Cabinet The hon. Lady asked about the relationship between Secretary yesterday. I am afraid that it proceeds from a sittings in this House and in the other place. I am happy complete misunderstanding or misapprehension of the to discuss the operation of Joint Committees with colleagues position. As Secretary of State for Health, I made no across both Houses. That is something that we should bid to the then Leader of the House for a place for such certainly look at. However, it is for this House and the legislation in the Queen’s Speech for this Session. Why other place to determine when they sit. The other place was that? As I said in the consultation that I launched does not sit in September, whereas we rise earlier for the on standardised packaging, I had an open mind. My summer and sit in September. We have different approaches, successor as Secretary of State and other Health Ministers but they are not necessarily disjointed because there are have come to the Dispatch Box and said that the differences in the flow of business in the two Houses Government have continued not to make a decision. As that make them perfectly sensible. there was no bid from the Department of Health for a place in the Queen’s Speech, there cannot, by definition, The hon. Lady talked about the lobbying Bill, which have been any decision to take it out. I am afraid that was published yesterday. It will indeed have its Second this has all proceeded from a misunderstanding. Reading and pass through Committee in the first two weeks back in September. I was surprised by what she To be more cheerful, I hope the hon. Member for said; I do not understand how the Bill can be an attack Wallasey (Ms Eagle) enjoys the sunshine in Wallasey on Opposition funding since it says nothing about over the summer. When she is thinking about the Opposition Opposition funding. The only thing that is in the Bill— day debate, I am sure she will find that she still has number of possible subjects to choose from in September. Perhaps she will choose to have a debate to celebrate the Ms Eagle: Come on! Government’s cutting net migration by a third, or a debate to celebrate the fact that the latest unemployment Mr Lansley: It is not in the Bill. Let me make that figures are down and employment is up, with 1.3 million clear to the hon. Lady. more new jobs in the private sector. We are creating jobs I wrote to the Leader of the Opposition earlier this in the private sector nearly five times as fast as jobs are week because he said in a speech that he wanted the being lost in the public sector. Perhaps she will choose a participation of trade union members in the political debate to celebrate the crime survey statistics published 1321 Business of the House18 JULY 2013 Business of the House 1322

[Mr Lansley] engagement that the public recognise that the House is debating the issues that matter to them more. The this morning that show a year-on-year reduction of petitions process and the work of the Backbench Business 9%, taking the figures down to their lowest level since Committee have been instrumental in making that happen. the survey began. That is all being achieved under this I note, for example, that of the 21 petitions that have Government. reached the 100,000 signature threshold, 20 have either Finally, the hon. Lady talked about a motto. Let me been debated or are scheduled for debate. We can do remind her that at the Labour party conference last more and I have said that we can. I am sure we can year, its motto was apparently going to be “one nation”. do that not by transferring petitions to Parliament, with I have looked, but in this calendar year in this Chamber the Government standing back and leaving the process the Leader of the Opposition has never uttered the alone, but by engaging together so that the public can words “one nation”. We know why he has not done so. petition their Parliament while also seeking action and The Labour party is not a one-nation party; it is a trade a response from their Government. I am sure we can union party, not the party of one nation. It is owned by work together to make that happen. the trade unions and it does not represent the people of this country. Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): In the light of the poll just published by the Bruges Group, which Several hon. Members rose— shows that 71% of those expressing a preference said that Britain would be better off being a member of the Mr Speaker: Order. As usual, I am keen to accommodate European Free Trade Association than remaining a the interests of hon. and right hon. Members, but may I member of the European Union, may we please have remind the House that we have two statements to follow a debate on the potential benefits of becoming a member from Chairs of Select Committees, and thereafter two of EFTA? well subscribed debates scheduled to take place under the auspices of the Backbench Business Committee? Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend will know that if we That means there is a premium now on saving time. We make progress and get the European Union (Referendum) require economy from Back and Front Benchers alike, Bill—which is currency before the House, but which the first to be exemplified, I hope, by Mr Robert Halfon. Labour party, not having voted against it on Second Reading, is now seeking to frustrate by filibustering in Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Thank you, Mr Speaker. Committee, although I am sure Labour will not succeed It is now 13 months since the brutal murder of my in that—we will enable a debate not only in this House constituent Eystna Blunnie, and her unborn daughter, but in the country so that the people can make a who died at the hands of her ex-boyfriend. Domestic decision. From my point of view, one of the instrumental violence continues to be a worrying issue in Essex, with questions in that debate will be about how the people of a 14% increase in prosecutions in 2011-12. The Crown this country believe in free trade and see its advantages. Prosecution Service has acknowledged that it should That can be achieved, not least through a renegotiation have done more in this case. May we have an urgent of our membership of the European Union. As my old debate on domestic violence to stop such tragedies ever boss of many years ago, Lord Tebbit, said, he voted for happening again? a Common Market in 1975 and he would like to have one.

Mr Lansley: I am sure the House will join my hon. Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab): Will Friend in his shock, and that of his constituents, at what the Leader of the House find time for a debate on happened to his constituent and her unborn daughter. football governance? Football League appears to be It was a sad and tragic event. It is precisely for the incapable of sticking to its own rules and policies. It has reasons he describes that the Government are doing allowed Coventry football club to be taken away and everything they can to provide support to victims of moved to Northampton without having seen a plan for domestic violence and abuse. The Home Office has its timely return, and it allowed player registrations to produced the violence against women and girls action be moved out of the company registered with the league plan, including a ring-fenced budget of nearly £40 million itself through the golden share, against its own rules. If for multi-agency risk assessment conferences operating Football League is incapable of sticking to its own over 250 areas across the country. We want an end to all rules, the Government should look into that. Will he violence against women and girls, and we expect every find time for a debate? report to be taken seriously, every victim to be treated with dignity and every investigation to be conducted Mr Lansley: I heard what the right hon. Gentleman thoroughly and professionally. and his hon. Friend the Member for Coventry South (Mr Cunningham) had to say to the Business Secretary. Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): When He and other Members, including my hon. Friend the will the Leader of the House bring forward his proposals Member for Nuneaton (Mr Jones), have raised these for improving the Government’s e-petition system by issues at Business questions in the past, and I know they bringing it in-house and establishing a petitions Committee? raise strong feelings. I cannot promise a debate in Government time, but I know that on a number of Mr Lansley: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her occasions there has been a compelling case, for many question. I hope to be able to bring forward proposals reasons, for the House to consider football governance. on the basis of consensus. I welcome the Political and It is also something that Members might like to approach Constitutional Reform Committee’s report, which is the Backbench Business Committee about. I will also published today. However, I do not share its view that talk to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for petitions could fuel cynicism. I think it is demonstrable Culture, Media and Sport and see what she can do to from the Hansard Society’s latest audit of political respond to hon. Members on this issue. 1323 Business of the House18 JULY 2013 Business of the House 1324

Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): Yesterday the Minister for taken by Transport for London over the past three years Schools announced a welcome increase in the pupil to stop work on the lifts at Newbury Park underground premium, targeted at children in difficult circumstances. station? However, Somerset county council is proposing cuts to its school transport budget, which will hit low-income Mr Lansley: I will of course look at the early-day families, and wants to ask schools to cover 50% of the motion to which the hon. Gentleman refers. These school transport costs for those young people from the matters are specifically the responsibility of the Mayor pupil premium they receive. That seems particularly of London, so I cannot promise a debate on them, but mean and insensitive at a time when those Conservative in order to help him I will convey his remarks to the councillors are giving themselves a 3% pay rise, so will Mayor and see what his reply might be. the Leader of the House allow time for a debate? Does he agree that it is unacceptable to claim the pupil Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): premium for that purpose? May I add my congratulations to Nelson Mandela on his 95th birthday? He is a truly remarkable man. Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend invites me to enter into May I tempt the Leader of the House to give us a a debate on decisions that are properly those for Somerset date for the Water Bill? We were expecting its Second county council. If she wants to raise this issue on behalf Reading this month, but I note from the business forecast of her constituents, it would be appropriate to do so on that it is not even scheduled for September. We have the Adjournment, so perhaps she can seek that opportunity. heard alarming reports today of possible disruption to However, I entirely share the sense of achievement that our water supplies if there is a drought, and we are still yesterday’s statement takes us to the point where we are awaiting the reservoir safety guidance from the Government, fulfilling the coalition agreement to provide an additional so it would be helpful if we could have a date. £2.5 billion in support of the pupil premium for the benefit of the most disadvantaged pupils. [Interruption.] Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her I would have thought that that would be something to question. It is always difficult for me to resist temptation, celebrate on the Opposition Benches, but I was struck but in this instance I am afraid I cannot offer her any by how few Opposition Members were able to come to guidance on future business beyond what I have already the Chamber yesterday and express even a sense of announced. As she knows, however, it is a signal appreciation for the resources being provided to support achievement that we have brought forward the Water some of the children who are most in need of additional Bill, including the much sought-after provisions that will support in our schools. enable flood insurance to be obtained by those at risk.

Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): Will the Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): A recent report has Leader of the House take the time to study early-day shown that the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS motion 336, tabled in my name, on Crossrail step-free Trust was the fourth worst performing trust in terms of access? accident and emergency services, yet five of its chief executives have left over the past 10 years and received [That this House strongly welcomes the construction substantial pay-offs. Does the Leader of the House of Crossrail but notes with concern that seven stations on agree that it is wrong to reward failure? When may we the new Crossrail line, Seven Kings, Manor Park, Maryland, have a statement on these matters? Hanwell, Langley, Iver and Taplow are not planned to be step-free to platforms; notes that despite the assurances Mr Lansley: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of given by the Mayor of London (MoL) to the London State for Health has been assiduous in coming to the Assembly on 14 March 2012 that full disabled access will House to make statements on how he is trying to secure be a facility at each of the Crossrail stations in Redbridge, the best quality of care for patients and tackling failures, no estimates have been made of the costs and benefits and some of which are of very long-standing. The right no plans put forward by the MoL or Transport for London hon. Gentleman will know that I have visited Leicester (TfL) to introduce step-free access at Seven Kings station; University hospitals in the past, and I am very familiar calls on the Government and TfL to ensure that funding is with the circumstances that he has described. I will not made available urgently to ensure step-free access at go into detail, but I will say that if we are going to make Seven Kings; considers that the lack of planned step-free the progress that we need to make in many of our access on parts of Crossrail undermines the Government’s hospitals, we need to bring new leadership to the fore in aim that by 2025, disabled people have access to transportation the NHS. Some of our measures to promote a leadership on an equal basis with others; believes that in the context college in the NHS were particularly designed to bring of an ageing population, the benefits of accessible transport more clinicians to the point at which they will be able to to disabled and older transport users, parents and non-disabled take chief executive posts across the NHS. There are transport users outweigh the costs of installing lifts; some excellent examples, including Julie Moore at the further believes that the exclusion of disabled and older Queen Elizabeth hospital in Birmingham, and we need passengers from their local Crossrail station contributes more like her who are in a position to give the hospitals to the marginalisation of disabled and older people in the leadership that they need. public life; and further calls on the Government, Network Rail and TfL to make Crossrail a truly accessible rail Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) line.] (Con): Plymouth university’s Peninsula medical and In that context, may we have an early debate on the dental schools have been a great success, and the university failure of the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, to keep is keen to expand its excellent health student offer by his promise that there would be step-free access at Seven establishing a new school of pharmacy to help to address Kings station in my constituency, and on the decisions health inequalities in the region. Some might say that 1325 Business of the House18 JULY 2013 Business of the House 1326

[Oliver Colvile] Mr Lansley: I know from personal experience that the devolved Administrations and the four countries of we are producing too many pharmacists in the UK, but the United Kingdom work closely together on health may we have a debate on pharmacy schools, to give us a matters and co-ordinate closely, while respecting the better understanding of which regions are losing out? devolution settlement. I will see what plans Ministers from the Department of Health have on the specific Mr Lansley: I have had the benefit of visiting the issues that the hon. Gentleman raises and ask them to Peninsula medical school, and seen some of the work respond to him. being done there alongside Derriford hospital and the dental hospital in Truro. I wish it well in its work. We Mr Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight) (Con): Doctors are working towards reforming pharmacists’pre-registration and other professionals are held to account for failures training in line with the recommendations of the in their performance. Will the Leader of the House find modernising pharmacy careers programme board. I time for a debate to discuss how senior, highly paid cannot promise a debate at the moment, but my hon. council officers can be held to account for the profound Friend is right to suggest that there is a case for a damage they cause to education and other services discussion on pharmacy numbers and training. The when they leave a trail of incompetence and then just House has not considered the matter for some time, and wander away? it would be relevant to do so. Mr Lansley: I can see how people might feel strongly Ann Clwyd (Cynon Valley) (Lab): Thousands of people about particular instances of that, but this is happening —including, I hope, everyone in this Chamber—will be in the context of a democratically elected organisation. heading off shortly for their holidays and are likely to Councils are accountable to their electors, and the use the motorways. May we have a statement about the officers of any council are directly accountable to the regulation of motorway service stations, because all of members of that council and the leadership of that us who regularly use the motorways know that getting council. It is really to councillors themselves and the refreshments there is an enormous rip-off. Buying petrol leaders of a council that my hon. Friend should look on is there an enormous rip-off. Somebody should be this matter. regulating these motorway services; it is most unfair to people with families who simply cannot afford to eat Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) (Lab): at them. The Leader of the House may be aware of the disappointing increase in the number of service personnel diagnosed as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Given Mr Lansley: I can feel a John Major moment coming that we sent these service personnel into dangerous on, if the right hon. Lady recalls that. conflict areas, we must have a duty of care to look after I will mention the issue that the right hon. Lady has them when they come home. May we have a debate to quite properly raised with my colleagues in the Department assess the size of the problem and what we can do to for Transport—not least because they might have a help our service personnel in their moment of need? better answer than I do. For both the public services and the private sector, we always need to look where Mr Lansley: I am aware and I know many Members there is any degree of monopoly of supply. It is important are very much aware and concerned about issues relating for such issues to be looked at from time to time by the to the mental health of service personnel and veterans. Office of Fair Trading. The Prime Minister commissioned a report from my hon. Friend the Member for South West Wiltshire Simon Hart (Carmarthen Westand South Pembrokeshire) (Dr Murrison)—the “Fighting Fit” report—and we have (Con): Some months ago, I asked the Leader of the implemented every single one of its 13 recommendations. House for a statement on very slow departmental responses That puts us in a much stronger place to provide support, to parliamentary questions. My right hon. Friend worked and I know that my colleagues in the Department of his magic back then, so I wonder whether he could apply Health and in the Ministry of Defence will continue to the same lubricant to the Ministry of Justice, which is respond on this issue. now six weeks overdue in responding to constituent inquiries, including a named day question. Mary Macleod (Brentford and Isleworth) (Con): With all secondary schools in Brentford and Isleworth being Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend will know the importance either good or outstanding, I want to commend the I attach to prompt responses to Members and I have work that head teachers and the Secretary of State for sent the Procedure Committee some of the latest data Education have done to improve standards. A recent on performance in the last Session. I can tell my hon. CBI report last month, however, said that 39% of businesses Friend that his question to the Ministry of Justice has were struggling to recruit STEM workers. May we have been answered today. a debate on creating a better career service in schools and on how to engage more businesses in education so Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP): Major health problems that we get the right skills for the future? of diabetes, dementia, cancer, heart and stroke challenge us all. Health is a devolved matter for Northern Ireland. Mr Lansley: No doubt my hon. Friend will recall Would the Leader of the House agree to a statement or a recent debate on careers services that was initiated a debate to facilitate an exchange of information from by the Backbench Business Committee. I agree with the devolved Administrations to enable a joint strategy her about the importance of this issue. I think that for all to be developed for all of the United Kingdom of the promotion of traineeships by my colleagues at the Great Britain and Northern Ireland? Department for Education will be of particular benefit 1327 Business of the House18 JULY 2013 Business of the House 1328 in improving the skills, for employment purposes, of Mr Lansley: I thought that the Prime Minister gave people who are as yet unable to gain access to excellent answers to questions yesterday, but if there is apprenticeships or college education, but we are also a problem with Prime Minister’s questions, the hon. are supporting employee engagement in skills through, Gentleman might like to worry about who is on his own for instance, the employee ownership of skills pilot. Front Bench rather than on ours. Thirty-seven companies were successful in round 1, and Government investment of up to £90 million was matched Guto Bebb (Aberconwy) (Con): May we have a statement by £115 million of private investment. on the revolving door that exists between the Financial Conduct Authority and the financial sector that it is Chris Bryant (Rhondda) (Lab): May we have a debate supposed to regulate? It was announced today that Julia about the relationship between general practitioners Dunn had moved from the FCA to Nationwide, and on and the Department for Work and Pensions? My Monday it was announced that Christina Sinclair was constituent Fiona Howells is in a really difficult quandary. moving from the FCA to Barclays. Many small businesses Atos has decided that she should no longer receive any that were mis-sold interest rate derivative products need benefits because, it says, she is fit for work. She is to be reassured about the fact that the designer of the appealing against that decision, which is fair enough, redress scheme has moved to one of the main sellers of but she has been told that she must provide evidence those products. from her GP. She has been to her GP, who has told her that Bro Taf local medical committee has declared that Mr Lansley: I will of course raise my hon. Friend’s GPs are not in a position to administer or police the concerns with my hon. Friends at the Treasury. As he benefits system, and consequently should write no will, I hope, have seen in the course of the debate on the letters—no letters at all—for their patients for tribunal Financial Services (Banking Reform) Bill, they are very purposes. That strikes me as very callous and unfair. It exercised about these matters and are determined to means that not only are people’s crutches being kicked ensure the highest standards of conduct in the banking away, but the carpet is being pulled from underneath and financial services sector, following up on the them. parliamentary commission. Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): Mr Lansley: If the hon. Gentleman has not already We would be outraged if a black person was refused raised the issue with the DWP, I shall be glad to secure membership of a sports club based on their skin colour, a reply relating to those circumstances. However, the so please may we have a debate on why it is acceptable management of the processes involved in medical for Muirfield to ban women from joining its club, and assessment for benefits has improved following the does not that bigoted bunker mentality make the British Harrington reviews. The Government are continuing to Open less than open and less than British? consider the important “fitness for work” report by Dame Carol Black and David Frost—which concerns, rose— in particular, issues relating to GPs and helping people Mr Lansley back into work—and hope to introduce measures as a result. Chris Bryant: Just say yes. Mr Lansley: Before I even have a chance to say Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): It has anything— not been a bad week for the Australians when it comes to rugby league. They won the women’s, armed forces, Mr Speaker: He is incorrigible. police and student world cups in the festival of world cups, while France won the wheelchair world cup. There Mr Lansley: Yes, Mr Speaker, the hon. Gentleman is are exactly 100 days to go until the men’s rugby league incorrigible. world cup, which will be the first major sporting tournament in this country since the London 2012 Olympics. May I entirely agree with the hon. Lady: I think it is entirely we have a statement from the Sports Minister about reprehensible. We may not be able to have a debate Government support, and will the Prime Minister will about it, but she has raised the issue and she is right to agree to adopt “Jerusalem” as the anthem for England? do so. Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): May we have a debate Mr Lansley: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for about the procurement policies of Government agencies? reminding us about both those rugby league world cups. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, but I look forward to watching the men’s rugby league event are often excluded from tendering for public sector in the autumn. He may wish to raise the other issues contracts, although there is some good practice, and I during Culture, Media and Sport questions on the am sure the Leader of the House would wish to join me Thursday of the week when we return from the recess. in paying tribute to Rugby borough council who last week received an award from the Federation of Small Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): Further to our Businesses in recognition of its small-business friendly exchange last week about a debate on Prime Minister’s procurement policy. questions, may I ask whether we could, during that debate, consider renaming them “Prime Minister’s answers”? Mr Lansley: Yes, I do take this opportunity to join The Prime Minister seems to think that the possessive my hon. Friend in congratulating Rugby borough council apostrophe means that his job is to ask the Leader of on its award from the FSB. The point he raises is very the Opposition and other Members questions rather important, and that is why we are taking forward than to answer them. recommendations in Lord Young’s report to simplify 1329 Business of the House18 JULY 2013 Business of the House 1330

[Mr Lansley] Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Payday lenders Wonga lend £1 million a year in Blaenau Gwent borough, and standardise bidding, payment and advertising of so may we have a debate in Government time on support contracts, and to reduce complexity costs and inconsistency for the better value credit unions, to help vulnerable when trying to sell to more than one local authority. families? That will include the abolition of unnecessary bureaucracy such as prequalification questionnaires for small tenders. Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman will be aware that We hope to ensure greater access for SMEs to all the the Backbench Business Committee has selected a general procurement that is available across the public sector. debate on high-cost credit to take place on Thursday 5 September, and I am sure that will afford him an Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): Following yesterday’s opportunity to make his points. performance by the Prime Minister—and bearing in mind that when we return in September for three days Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): May of the second week we will discuss not any of the issues we have a statement regarding the changing of the around lack of growth in our economy, but how our goalposts in relation to Remploy employees being able politics is done—can we have any confidence at all that to make social enterprise bids in Coventry and Birmingham? he and this Government will take seriously the real Why have they been lumped together and put out to concerns about the way the Conservative party is funded? private tender? My right hon. Friend the Member for Doncaster North (Edward Miliband) made it clear that the Labour party Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman will recall that the is going to deal with its issues; when are this Government Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, my going to deal with their issues around party funding? hon. Friend the Member for Wirral West (Esther McVey), has made two statements in relation to Remploy in Mr Lansley: I am quite interested that the hon. recent weeks, but I will of course raise the point he Gentleman says he wants to talk about issues relating mentions with her. to funding in September. I have just announced business relating to transparency of lobbying, non-party campaigning and trade union administration. That will BILL PRESENTED be at the forefront of business here. The point he makes REPRESENTATION OF THE PEOPLE ACT 1981 is that he does not want to talk about growth in the (AMENDMENT)BILL economy, and his right hon. Friend the Leader of the Opposition did not raise issues relating to growth in Presentation and First Reading (Standing Order No. 57) the economy and employment. Why? Because we are Thomas Docherty presented a Bill to amend the seeing growth: we are seeing increases in employment Representation of the People Act 1981 to amend the period and we are seeing unemployment coming down because of imprisonment which disqualifies a person from we are seeing a healing economy, one that is in complete membership of the House of Commons; and for connected contrast to the earlier 7.2% reduction in gross domestic purposes. product, a consequence of the bust that happened under Bill read the First time; to be read a Second time on the last Government. Friday 6 September, and to be printed (Bill 99). 1331 18 JULY 2013 Communities and Local Government 1332 Committee Report the tenant and landlord. We heard far too much evidence Backbench Business that people simply do not understand their rights and responsibilities. Communities and Local Government We also say that councils should have the freedom Committee Report: Private Rented Sector they need to enforce standards and the law. First, they need more flexibility over the introduction of licensing 11.14 am schemes. We heard evidence that these are over-bureaucratic and restrictive in the way they can be used. Secondly, Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab): I beg to councils should have the power to require landlords to move, be part of an accreditation scheme. We saw an excellent That this House has considered the publication of the First scheme in operation in Leeds, but the landlords who Report from the Communities and Local Government Committee, on Private rented sector, HC50. were part of the scheme and tenants drew attention to the fact that those landlords who caused problems were I am delighted to present the report of the Select generally not a member of the scheme. Such schemes Committee on Communities and Local Government on should as far as possible be self-funding, with extra the Floor of the House and I thank the Backbench charges for those who do not comply. We must ensure Business Committee for giving me this opportunity, the that the overall burden of costs shifts to unscrupulous first for our Committee. I thank all the Committee landlords and we call for a review of the level of fines members for their unanimous support for the report, and consideration of the use of penalty charges as ways the Committee staff, particularly Kevin Maddison, for to improve standards and act against bad practice. their excellent work, and our specialist adviser, Professor Christine Whitehead. In addition, we were concerned about public money, through the housing benefit system, being used effectively Why did we carry out the inquiry? We had two main to subsidise landlords who do not meet legal requirements. reasons. First, the private rented sector is growing. In We therefore propose that local authorities should be 1999, fewer than 10% of households rented privately. able to recoup housing benefit when landlords have By 2011-12, the figure was more than 17%. More been convicted of letting substandard property. To ensure households now rent privately than are in the social we have a balance and that we are consistent, tenants rented sector. Secondly, the sector is home to a growing should also have the right to reclaim rent paid in similar range of people, including, increasingly, families with circumstances from their own resources. children. In view of that growth and the changing nature of the sector the Committee thought it was the A real concern—we probably had as much evidence right time to consider how the sector could better meet about this as about anything else in our inquiry—was the needs of those who live in it. the need to crack down on sharp practice by some We make the point consistently that many landlords letting agents. do an excellent job and our efforts should be targeted at Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): Will the hon. Gentleman the rogues who let substandard accommodation, often give way? to those in real housing need. During our inquiry, we visited Germany. We are not calling for the German Mr Betts: Of course, and I welcome a fellow Committee system to be adopted en bloc in this country but there member. are lessons to learn. We saw the advantages that a mature market brings for landlords and tenants: widespread Mark Pawsey: Does the Chairman of the Select understanding of rights, good quality housing and a Committee agree that one of the most compelling pieces broad equilibrium of supply with demand. of evidence that we received on that issue came not in a In England, in contrast, the rapid growth of the formal evidence session but when we met tenants? A sector has left in its wake regulation and legislation that person told us that if he and a colleague were to visit an was introduced in response to problems from decades estate agent’s office where people were selling houses on ago. Our report identified a number of areas in which one side of the room and letting properties on the other, we believe action is required. First, we call for better, one set of agents would be regulated and the other set simpler regulation—not more of it. More than 50 Acts would not, despite the fact that both parties going into of Parliament and 70 pieces of delegated legislation the agency were looking to do the same thing: find their relate to the sector. The result is a bewildering array of own home. regulation that few landlords or tenants have a hope of understanding. That needs to be consolidated in a much Mr Betts: Absolutely, and the hon. Gentleman anticipates simpler, straightforward regulatory framework. We have my next point. In the report, we welcome the Government’s seen what the Government have done to simplify planning commitment to a redress scheme, and we hope that our regulation: why cannot they do the same thing in this report helps to shape it, but we felt that we could go a case? That is an obvious question to ask the Government little further. On the exact point that he makes, it is and the Minister for Housing, who I see on his place on quite surprising to people who look at the issue afresh the Government Front Bench. that letting agents are subject to less regulation than Once a new regulatory framework is in place, we need estate agents. We believe that they could be put on to publicise it. The Government should work with exactly the same basis. A key point is that the Office of landlords, tenants and agents groups on a campaign to Fair Trading has powers to ban estate agents who promote awareness of the new framework once it is behave badly; the same power should be introduced for produced. We call for a standard, easy-to-understand letting agents. tenancy agreement on which all agreements should be We also looked at the fees charged by letting agents based. Included with that should be a factsheet setting and found that many of them were unreasonable and out clearly the respective rights and responsibilities of unclear. The first step has to be transparency. Wherever 1333 Communities and Local Government 18 JULY 2013 Communities and Local Government 1334 Committee Report Committee Report [Mr Betts] rising bill. We heard from Blackpool about how the market has failed there because housing benefit levels a property is advertised to let—in a window, on a are set artificially high, as the calculation of local website or in a newspaper—it should be accompanied housing allowance, which determines benefit levels, includes by a full breakdown of the fees that a tenant is likely to surrounding rural areas where rents are higher. We have to pay. No more hooking the tenant with a property heard wider concerns about the interaction between that they like, and then, once they are interested and are housing benefit and rents. Housing benefits can drive looking to sign the tenancy agreement, letting the hidden rents up across an area, which in turn leads to upward fees come out, little by little—drip, drip. We are talking pressure on local housing allowances, creating a vicious about costs that the tenant never anticipated, and that circle and increasing costs for the taxpayer, who picks can run into the hundreds of pounds. Also, there should up the bill. We recommend that the Government conduct certainly be no more charging the landlord and the a wide-ranging review of the local housing allowance. tenant for the same service; that is completely and We looked at the issue of tax evasion. Very often the utterly unacceptable, and should be banned. tax authorities and councils operate in different worlds. An important step in bringing the market to maturity We called for greater co-ordination between councils and aligning supply with demand would be to meet the and the tax authorities, which could go a long way to clear need for longer tenancies. The common industry cracking down on tax evasion, both capital gains tax standard is six months. That might be suitable for many and income tax. It would be especially effective in areas mobile, younger people; it is certainly not adequate for where a licensing or accreditation scheme was in place the many families in the sector who want a secure home. and details about the landlords were known. We call on One renter who came to give evidence to us told us that the Government to promote a more joined-up approach their 10-year-old daughter had already moved house to tackling tax evasion, which would benefit us all. seven times in her life. That is simply not acceptable. If families move home, it means moving school, and we Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): I warmly need to tackle that sort of insecurity. congratulate both the Chair of the Select Committee We need to look at and remove the barriers, real and and the all-party Select Committee on this very important perceived, to longer tenancies. Limitations in mortgage report which, while recognising the very important role conditions need to be lifted. We were encouraged by the that the private rented sector has to play in meeting news that Nationwide building society has begun to housing need, calls for it to change, introducing greater allow longer tenancies; we welcome that. We have to security, more predictable and affordable rents, and ensure that letting agents work with landlords and higher quality and effective regulation of the letting tenants to make sure that they are aware of the different agents. Do the Chair and the Select Committee share options for tenancy length. Too many letting agents my hope that the Government will respond quickly and seem to be hooked on getting repeat fees for short lets. constructively to the Select Committee’s recommendations? They are almost like the football agent who benefits from constant transfers, rather than players staying at a Mr Betts: I welcome my hon. Friend’s welcome for club for a long period. In return for offering longer the report. He is right to make it clear that all members tenancies, landlords should be able to evict tenants who of the Committee signed up to the report, based on simply refuse to pay a lot more speedily. the evidence we heard. We very much hope that the We looked at safety standards. Safety is absolutely Government are not only listening, but will respond paramount. Landlords who let out death traps must positively. face the consequences. The gas safety regime has gone a The Minister for Housing (Mr Mark Prisk): I tried long way to making homes safer, but electrical safety is not to intervene earlier, but I want to make it clear that still a blind spot. The Government should develop an we welcome much of the evidence and ideas in the electrical safety certificate for private rented properties. report. As the Chairman of the Select Committee knows, It would confirm that wiring had been checked and was we are making major progress in terms of investment in good order, and we think that the check should take and righting the wrong arising from the absence of any place at least every five years. We also call for a requirement redress scheme, which was the case before. We have now that all private rented properties be fitted with a working corrected that. I look forward to having a conversation smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide detector with an with the Chair and other Committee members to see audible alarm. how we can push matters further forward. Placing homeless households was another issue to which we gave consideration. Councils can now discharge Mr Betts: Agreement is breaking out on the Front their duty to homeless households by placing them in Benches as well as in the Committee. We welcome that the private rented sector without their consent. When as well. councils do this, they must ensure that the accommodation is suitable. As a matter of good practice, they should Mark Pawsey: Does the Chair of the Select Committee inspect properties before using them to house homeless agree that it was pleasing that we did not receive any families. We are aware that some councils are placing evidence at all from anybody calling for any form of homeless households away from their local area. Where rent regulation or rent control? We recognise that there this is necessary, there should be a statutory duty of full are problems with some landlords and that people discussion, including sharing appropriate information would like to see lower rents, but at no time was a with the receiving authority and, of course, with the convincing case put to us in respect of rent control. prospective tenant. The Government need to look at how the housing Mr Betts: The hon. Member is right. We concluded benefit bill is spent in the private rented sector. There that rent control was not feasible. We were concerned are obvious concerns in all parts of the House about the that it could drive some good landlords out of the 1335 Communities and Local Government 18 JULY 2013 1336 Committee Report sector and deter new investment. We certainly agree Political and Constitutional Reform with the Government that we need to get more investment Committee: Wright Reforms in the sector. Where we looked at rents, it was in the context of housing benefit and landlords not getting 11.29 am away with receiving rent for substandard properties which they were prosecuted for. Mr Graham Allen (Nottingham North) (Lab): I beg to move, Renting can be an attractive alternative to owner That this House has considered the publication of the occupation, but we need a mature market that meets Third Report from the Political and Constitutional Reform many more renters’ needs. We need to drive bad landlords Committee, on Revisiting ‘Rebuilding the House’: the impact out of the sector altogether and to bring all property up of the Wright reforms, HC 82. to an acceptable standard. The Committee believes that I am delighted to see you, Mr Speaker, in the Chair the measures set out in our report will help to achieve for this debate, which has some historical resonance. In this vision. We look forward to the Government’s response 1642, our legislative predecessors fought a bloody civil and hope that they will respond positively to our war to control Executive power. They would be aghast recommendations. at how their hard-won victory had been eroded and Question put and agreed to. overturned and at how the Government are still not directly elected yet control a legitimately elected Parliament, right down to the minutiae of its daily agenda. They would be surprised at the mindset of many individual Members of Parliament, many of whom remain blissfully unaware of the difference between being in an independent Parliament rather than an Executive sausage machine. The third report of the Political and Constitutional Reform Committee does not propose a new civil war, or even a proper separation of powers, but we do reserve the right to heckle the Executive steamroller. I report to the House that we have examined the work of the Wright Committee, named after its Chair, our distinguished former colleague, Dr Tony Wright. I declare an interest, as a member of that Committee. Wright urged major change, calling on the House to give Back Benchers more say in setting the House’s agenda. Wright recommended the establishment of two new Committees: the Backbench Business Committee and a House Business Committee, which would itself have Back-Bench representation. Wright also proposed the introduction of elections for Chairs and for members of Select Committees, and called for various improvements to the petitions system. The Wright Committee’s proposals were initially blocked by the then Labour Government—the heirs to Tom Paine and the Fabians had long since given themselves up to Sir Humphrey. But then a new Government—yet to be reprogrammed, and with a radical Leader of the House—acted swiftly to implement some of the key proposals. It is important briefly to recap on some of those proposals, as many new Members may take as obvious what in fact took years to achieve. They will need to work hard to retain these minor improvements and to have a sense of what their generation needs to build for those parliamentarians who come after them. The election of Select Committees by Members of Parliament in a secret ballot, rather than their being appointed, was one of the biggest steps forward. The second achievement was the election of Select Committee Chairs by MPs in a secret ballot of the whole House, meaning that they now speak for Parliament and their colleagues, not for the Government or the alternative Government. Our report welcomes the consequent advances in the effectiveness and quality of Commons Select Committees, which is broadly recognised by those who gave evidence to us in our proceedings. Yet the report says that some issues remain and must be addressed if the momentum towards an even more effective set of Select Committees is to be maintained. 1337 Political and Constitutional Reform 18 JULY 2013 Political and Constitutional Reform 1338 Committee: Wright Reforms Committee: Wright Reforms [Mr Graham Allen] Mr Allen: I will give way to a fellow Select Committee Chair. It is unacceptable that Government Bills are scrutinised by Committees appointed by Government appointees Mr Jenkin: I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on his not elected or even approved on the Order Paper of the report and his statement to the House. Will he say a bit House. As a minimum, the House should be asked more about the selection of Standing Committees? Was to endorse—and, where it so wishes, amend—those not one of the most damning incidents of this Parliament who are proposed for membership of Government when a newly elected GP was unable to serve on the Bill Committees. The legislative scrutiny process in Bill Standing Committee scrutinising the Health and Social Committees is so unchallenging and so irredeemable Care Bill? Does he have any remedy for that? that some of us actually helped to invent pre-legislative scrutiny to try to bring some order and some sense to it. Mr Allen: Had Members of Parliament been allowed Our report underlines that pre-legislative scrutiny must to elect the members of a Public Bill Committee, as they in future be standard practice—an integral and mandatory should be called, I find it difficult to imagine that part of the process of consideration for every Government colleagues across the House would not have recognised Bill. the great talent that was wasted by a process intended to give the Government—in this case the coalition Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): Government, but it happens in every Government—an Does the Committee endorse the use of the Select easy ride as the Bill went through Committee. That is Committee system for pre-legislative scrutiny, which not the way to improve legislation or ensure we do not Labour believes to be incredibly important in ensuring come back in a year to amend law that was made in that legislation is rigorous and fit for purpose? haste and without proper expert advice of the sort the hon. Gentleman mentions. Mr Allen: Proper pre-legislative scrutiny can be I am delighted that my hon. Friend the Member for undertaken in many ways, including by Select Committees, North East Derbyshire (Natascha Engel) is in her place elected Committees, or a properly elected Bill Committee. because I want to say something about the Backbench It is not beyond the wit of Members of this House Business Committee, which is a substantial achievement to come up with a system that is far better than having of the Wright reforms. It demonstrated, as Wright and colleagues sitting and reading their newspapers, being members of that committee intended, that Parliament told what to do and not to intervene. It is our role to is perfectly capable of maturely and competently running intervene during the progress of legislation in order to part of its own agenda. Once the children have been make it better, and we should not be told by the Government given a little responsibility, we can see how good they that that is inappropriate behaviour for Members of can be. Perhaps we now need to go further and build on Parliament. the serious and considered approach that my hon. Friend has been instrumental in achieving—she may want to Mr Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): Does comment on that. the hon. Gentleman accept that one way not to do pre-legislative scrutiny is for the Government to publish Natascha Engel (North East Derbyshire) (Lab): I was a Bill one day before we rise for the summer recess, and saving my comments for when we discuss e-petitions, then in the first week back to have Second Reading but one recommendation in the excellent report published followed by Committee stage on the Floor of the House today by the Political and Constitutional Reform on three successive days, without any chance for Members Committee, and something that the Backbench Business to scrutinise the Bill? Committee has really felt the lack of, concerns the presence of members from minority parties. How does Mr Allen: The hon. Gentleman—indeed, my hon. my hon. Friend think that recommendation should be Friend from the Political and Constitutional Reform brought forward so that we can have full membership Committee—makes a valuable point, and I suspect he from the minority parties on the Backbench Business alludes to the lobbying Bill that is being produced with Committee? great haste, although no response has been sent to the Committee about the work it did over a year ago in Mr Allen: I will gladly give way again to my hon. Friend, examining that Bill and helping to make it better. Now who I know wants to make a point about e-petitions. we are being told that there is no time for pre-legislative She raises a serious point about the representation of scrutiny. We are trying to squeeze it in this afternoon, minority parties, which is in a sense an unwitting casualty when we have been told that Members can go home—“It’s of the way we decided to elect members to Select a one-line Whip, you can all clear off”—and we are trying, Committees. That should be put right, and, to do that, desperately, to get proper parliamentary scrutiny of a the report makes certain recommendations. One possibility Bill that has changed considerably, and answers have would be a reserve place that the Speaker could nominate not been given to the sensible proposals for improvement to remedy any obvious injustice, but there are many made by the Committee. We are then meant to come other possibilities. If MPs were allowed to get on with back after the break and dive straight into Second it, we could deal with it ourselves, without the Government, Reading and consideration of that Bill. It is apposite whom after all we are meant to scrutinise, telling us how that at this moment we have a good example of how not to do it. Parliament is perfectly capable of resolving the to pass legislation, and to produce, in effect, a dangerous issues she raises. MPs Bill, as opposed to a dangerous dogs Bill. The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Tom Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con) Brake): I welcome the report’s publication and thank rose— the hon. Gentleman for pursuing these matters so 1339 Political and Constitutional Reform 18 JULY 2013 Political and Constitutional Reform 1340 Committee: Wright Reforms Committee: Wright Reforms assiduously. Wright urged major change, much of which “We will bring forward the proposals of the Wright Committee we have delivered; indeed, the hon. Gentleman has for reform to the House of Commons in full – starting with the already referred to things such as the Backbench Business proposed committee for management of backbench business. A Committee, pre-legislative scrutiny and more time on House Business Committee, to consider government business, will be established by the third year of the Parliament.” Report. I suspect that the unfinished business that he is about to come on to is the House Business Committee, That is a direct quote from the coalition agreement and I can assure him that there is not a closed door on between the two governing parties, but it has not yet that. We have put forward certain tests, however, that I been fulfilled. hope he will respond to positively before pursuing the matter further. John Hemming: I congratulate the hon. Gentleman on his work. Does he agree that one of the difficulties at the moment is that procedure is often used to prevent Mr Allen: We are always grateful for any crumbs the will of the Executive from being tested against the handed to us from the Executive and we are extremely will of the whole House, and that we need the opportunity grateful for those things gifted to us, even if—I must for the latter to be tested, not prevented from being say—they have come after extensive struggle, campaigning expressed by the use of procedural mechanisms? and organising over many years. I am grateful that some of these minor things have been proposed, but we need Mr Allen: Most western democracies have a separation to do far more for ourselves, without the benefit of the of powers, which allows an independent legislature to assistance of the Government. The work of my hon. hold the Government to account. That is all we ask. Friend the Member for North East Derbyshire on the Gladstone once said that the role of Parliament is not Backbench Business Committee proves, if it need be to run the country, but to hold to account those who do. proved, that we are perfectly capable of running more It is an absolute injustice, and it flies in the face of of our own affairs. natural justice, that those who are meant to be scrutinised I will come on to the House Business Committee are appointing and selecting those who are meant to shortly, but I am genuinely grateful to the Deputy carry out the scrutiny. Parliamentarians across the House Leader of the House of Commons for saying that the must continue to try to do something about that. door is open. We will continue to press and push gently at the door and provide him with a road map that will Mr Jenkin: I am struck by the evidence that the hon. not frighten the horses but will give MPs some say over Gentleman cites in paragraph 76 of his report from the rest of their agenda. Dr Meg Russell, who said: There remain areas where we could help the Backbench “A House Business Committee already exists inside Government. Business Committee even more. Timetabling Back-Bench It meets weekly. I used to attend its meetings when I was a special adviser to the Leader of the House.” business on Thursdays, as often happens, lowers its status. Much, if not all, of that business could, and Why cannot this Committee be answerable to this House should, be taken at a time when the House is better instead of just being a creature of the Executive? attended. When the Front Benchers have had their spotlight, they have little interest in keeping Parliament Mr Allen: We are always trying to help the Executive—it well attended. We got a pager message yesterday telling is like the shrunken mouse trying to help the highly us we were on a one-line Whip, which basically meant, strung 800 lb gorilla to see the way forward. None the “You can clear off, if you want to”, rather than listen to less, we will try to be as helpful as possible. My Select a Select Chair introduce an important report on local Committee has proposed a number of ways forward to government and to other important issues that do not the goal that was signed up to by the coalition parties, get the attention they should. and they are outlined in our report. We show an immediate way forward. The Deputy Leader of the House said In this respect, despite Wright, the House remains that we need to meet a number of tests to have a House subordinate to the Government. In that, we do not Business Committee, but I am amazed at that, given the acquiesce; the fundamental principle remains that all solid promise made to the electorate. It is another little time in here should be regarded as the House’s time. We obstacle, but I believe we have helped ourselves overcome believe that the present procedure for setting the agenda that. If he reads the report, which is out today, he will for most of the House’s business, which is not under the find a menu of possibilities that will help him to fulfil auspices of the Backbench Business Committee, is that solemn promise, which his party and the other inadequate and disrespectful to Parliament, remaining party in the coalition made to the electorate. in clear violation of the principles in the Wright report. The need for reform is obvious and urgent, so we The Government should always get their business in remake —not make for the first time—the case for a this House, and we have never said anything other than House Business Committee, which has been accepted that. However, the House Business Committee could be and signed up to by the Government. I shall quote the used for consultation rather than decision; that is one of coalition agreement. the options. As our report outlined carefully, the opportunity is there for the Government even to have the nuclear weapon of voting down any business that they felt had John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): Will somehow crept through all these safeguards and got to the hon. Gentleman give way? the Floor of the House—they would still have that nuclear weapon of saying no. It would never be used, Mr Allen: I will be glad to, if the hon. Gentleman will but we included it as a final reassurance. allow me to read out this quotation about the solid My Committee believes that colleagues from all parts commitment to a House Business Committee that his of this House should take confidence from the progress coalition Government have signed up to. It reads: of the Backbench Business Committee and use that 1341 Political and Constitutional Reform 18 JULY 2013 1342 Committee: Wright Reforms [Mr Allen] EU-US Trade and Investment Agreement as a base from which to build an ever-stronger and more 11.50 am independent House of Commons and Parliament. John Healey (Wentworth and Dearne) (Lab): I beg to Jane Ellison (Battersea) (Con) rose— move, That this House has considered the economic implications for Natascha Engel rose— the UK of an EU-US Trade and Investment Agreement. I was glad to secure this debate, with the support of Mr Allen: I will touch briefly— the hon. Members for Aberconwy (Guto Bebb) and for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr (Jonathan Edwards), Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. and I am glad to open it within a week of formal May I gently say to the hon. Gentleman that the Backbench negotiations starting in Washington on a comprehensive Business Committee recommended up to 15 minutes for trade deal between the European Union and the US or, this debate and we have other business to get through? I as we have been led to refer to it, a transatlantic trade know that he is covering important topics of interest to and investment partnership. It is fitting that the debate Members of the House, but I ask him to bear it in mind should be taking place in Back-Bench business time, that we have a very busy afternoon, with other Back because I think that underlines the strong cross-party Benchers waiting to speak. support for a full and fair trade deal, so long as it is clear that there will be benefits to British consumers Mr Allen: Indeed, I shall conclude my remarks quickly, and workers as well as British businesses. Madam Deputy Speaker, to allow the hon. Member for Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): I pay tribute Battersea (Jane Ellison) and my hon. Friend the Member to the right hon. Gentleman for his work in setting up for North East Derbyshire to intervene. the all-party group on European Union-United States trade and investment and ensuring that this activity has Jane Ellison: I look forward to reading the report in been cross-party. The Prime Minister played a major full with great interest. Does the hon. Gentleman agree role in making the agreement a major part of EU-US that his idea about consulting the House Business negotiations, but the right hon. Gentleman really put Committee might allow timetabling to be done much the cross-party approach front and centre. further in advance for Back-Bench debates for which Members need to prepare more thoroughly? One good John Healey: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman. example of that was the assisted dying debate, for which He is right that the UK has for some time been one of Members were given almost a month’s notice and, as a the prime movers in the argument for a comprehensive result, we had a well attended and well informed debate. transatlantic trade deal, which is a point I will return to later. Mr Allen: The hon. Lady makes a strong point that I The fact that this debate has been initiated by Back agree with wholeheartedly. We will all be better able to Benchers from both sides of the House does not absolve plan our week ahead, our month ahead and our long-term the Government from the responsibility to ensure that calendar, if people listen to representations such as the the public are properly informed about the negotiations one she makes. and the potential for this deal, or that the House has a Finally, on petitions, we must separate Government regular opportunity to debate progress and scrutinise petitions from Parliament petitions. It is no good the the actions the Government are taking to secure a Government having a website and then fobbing stuff off successful agreement. That cross-party, and indeed all-party, on to Parliament, implying that if people can get 100,000 support and interest was evident two months ago when, signatures, they are pretty much entitled to a debate. It as the hon. Member for Skipton and Ripon (Julian is not the role of the Government to do that. These Smith) mentioned, we set up the all-party group, which things should be distinct; there should be a clear separation I am fortunate enough to chair. We are working closely of petitions to Government to get stuff done by the with the well-established and well-regarded British- Executive and our own petitions process in this House— American Parliamentary Group, of which Mr Speaker electronic, too— which would allow Parliament to be is the distinguished chair. We have set up working lobbied and allow debates to be requested, with no relations with the TUC, the CBI and Which?, and we further implication and no lack of clarity about the fact have now been offered welcome administrative and that 100,000 signatures may or may not entitle someone policy support from BritishAmerican Business, which to a debate. The current position is wrong, false and of course is the joint US-UK chamber of commerce. deceiving, and it adds to the cynicism out there. The aims of the all-party group are: first, to provide a A lot of progress has been made, but there is a lot of focus for UK parliamentary cross-party support for a unfinished business. I urge Members to be vigilant, for comprehensive trade and investment agreement; secondly, what we have won can be taken away. We must work to contribute to better public understanding of the together across the House to ensure that the inroads potential benefits that such a deal could bring to consumers, made by the Wright Committee lead ultimately to an workers and businesses across Britain; and thirdly, to effective and independent Parliament so that both strengthen the scrutiny that Parliament can exercise Parliament and the Executive become fit for purpose. over Government actions towards securing such a successful Question put and agreed to. agreement. Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): The right hon. Gentleman may know that the European Scrutiny Committee is looking at the whole question of the 1343 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1344 Agreement Agreement scrutiny of this agreement and, indeed, other free trade John Healey: My hon. Friend has a great deal of agreements. One of the problems is that the negotiating expertise and experience in this area, and he makes a mandate is not available to Parliament on the conventional strong case. I think that there is a cross-party view, basis until the conclusion of the agreement. We are irrespective of views on the British place within Europe, pursuing that matter with the Prime Minister, and I behind the value of well-negotiated and fair trade deals. have just received a letter from him about it. I shall refer The example of the Korean deal demonstrates that a to that in my speech. deal negotiated through the European Union has particular benefits to Britain. John Healey: I am grateful for and interested by that This debate is welcome though somewhat overdue. intervention. I will come to the general questions of the About three months, ago I contacted the House of relationship between the UK Parliament and the UK Commons Library to ask for a briefing on the EU trade Government and the requirement for a better and more and investment deal. I said to the researcher, “I’m sure formal system of scrutiny of decisions and involvement you’ve got something on the stocks; perhaps you could in the European Union. I will be interested to hear the just update the standard briefing that you’ve got.” The hon. Gentleman’s remarks when he contributes to the response was, “We don’t have one. No one’s asked about debate. this before.” The Library subsequently produced a very Finally on the all-party group, we see this as active good briefing, as well as a very good briefing for hon. but time limited to the period of negotiations towards Members for this debate. That briefing, combined with what we hope is a successful conclusion of the deal. the research that the Centre for Economic Policy Research Personally, I hope that Presidents Obama, Van Rompuy has produced for the European Commission and the and Barroso are right when they declare that they want impact assessment produced by the Department for this deal done within two years. Business, Innovation and Skills, underlines just how important and ground-breaking this deal could be. Simply Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): put, these are the biggest, most ambitious, best prepared Does the right hon. Gentleman agree with the Ifo bilateral trade negotiations ever. This would be the first Institute that the UK has the most to gain from a ever such deal between economic equals. In other words, transatlantic free trade agreement, but the problem is the partners have no significant imbalances in power or that we are likely to be hampered by the foot-dragging wealth. and protectionism of other EU member states? Given Why do I say that these are the biggest negotiations? that non-EU member states in Europe already have free Together, the European Union and the US account for trade agreements with the United States, it remains an about 30% of global trade and almost half the world’s option for us to leave the EU and enjoy our own free output. The more reliable of the studies and assessments trade agreement with the United States. Can he think of suggest that if the deal is done, it could bring a boost one reason why we do not have a free trade agreement to the UK’s national income of between £4 billion and with the United States like that of Switzerland? Is it £10 billion, and a boost to our exports of between because we are in the EU? 1% and 3% a year. Why are they the most ambitious negotiations? The John Healey: If the hon. Gentleman looks, for instance, transatlantic trade and investment partnership aims not at the Bertelsmann Institute’s report, he will see some just to remove the remaining tariff barriers to trade interesting evidence on the assessment of the potential between the EU and the US, but to reduce the non-tariff impact of a comprehensive deal. It points out that the barriers by aligning the regulations, rules and standards countries that are in Europe but not part of the European to which we operate. It also aims to open the markets in Union are likely to lose out the most. Britain could gain services and public procurement. tens or even hundreds of thousands of new jobs in the Finally, why are they the best prepared negotiations? long term through an agreement. In contrast, countries Really serious work has been going on for almost two such as Iceland are set to lose at least 1,000 jobs, while years since the high-level working group on jobs and Norway is set to lose about 11,000 jobs. In other words, growth was set up between the EU and the US in the countries in Europe that are not party to the agreement November 2011. are likely to lose out in future. The evidence is rather It is important to remember that this is potentially a different from that which the hon. Gentleman cites. deal on trade and investment. Although the two-way trade between the EU and the US is worth about Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): Will my right $1 trillion a year, the two-way investment flow is worth hon. Friend give way? about $3.5 trillion each year. Of course, trade and investment have both been sole competences of the EU John Healey: I will, and then I will make some since the 2009 Lisbon treaty. progress, because I am conscious that the Deputy Speaker Mr Jenkin: I am interested in that aspect of the might want me not to delay the House for too long. agreement. Historically, the UK has been able to access foreign direct investment free of EU interference. If Mike Gapes: I must declare that I went to Korea last such investment becomes subject to an international month, and my entry will be in the Register of Members’ agreement, it will effectively become an exclusive EU Financial Interests. Is my right hon. Friend aware that competence. The other member states have been very as a result of the EU-Korea free trade agreement there jealous that we get so much foreign direct investment. has been a significant increase in British trade with and How can the right hon. Gentleman be so sure that the exports to South Korea in the past year? We will therefore deal will not be used to hamper flows of foreign direct clearly benefit from being part of the European Union investment into our country, because that would affect negotiation with the United States. us far more than our fellow member states? 1345 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1346 Agreement Agreement John Healey: Investment is already an EU competence. trust buster. They are the party of the robber barons. The deal is not about controlling the flow of investment, They are the party that supports the tax evaders. They but about creating the conditions in which greater do not want to regulate at all. investment can flow across the European Union, including to Britain. All the impact assessments, including the John Healey: My right hon. Friend makes a strong one that the hon. Gentleman cited earlier, suggest that and vivid point. It will be interesting to see the degree of that would happen if we secured a comprehensive unified purpose and support on the Opposition Benches, agreement. and the divergent, not to say conflicting, views on the Government Benches. Gordon Banks (Ochil and South Perthshire) (Lab): Does my right hon. Friend agree that the UK economy Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): would benefit from an opening up of the US economy, I intervene not necessarily to score a political point, and that the Government should seek to gain access to but to make the point that between the World Trade that marketplace for our small and medium-sized enterprises Organisation, the International Labour Organisation to provide a stimulus to the UK economy? and UN conventions, the EU and the US are already signed up—and are trying to sign up other countries, John Healey: I suspect that in my hon. Friend’s area, such as China—to raising important standards. Is that as in mine, many of the important and good small and not what we want the treaty to advance? medium-sized companies depend on trade and export for their success. The agreement certainly has the potential John Healey: Indeed. In this post-global financial that he mentions, but realising it requires the Government crisis period, and the global downturn in trade that to ensure that it does benefit small and medium-sized followed, there is a crisis in citizen and consumer confidence firms. in business. Reasserting that confidence will require One or two of my friends have said to me recently, standards and agreements that people believe will benefit “Look, you are a Labour politician on the centre left. them, their families and their areas, and are not just Why on earth are you supporting a deal that looks set to deals done by politicians and big business in the backrooms reinforce the cause of global capitalism?” I have three of Brussels. answers to that. The first, quite simply, is jobs. The success of many good south Yorkshire firms depends John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): Will on increasing opportunities for export and trade. This the right hon. Gentleman give way? deal could bring that boost to jobs and the economy in south Yorkshire, as well as the whole of Britain. John Healey: The hon. Gentleman is the only Liberal Secondly—this may break the sense of cross-party Democrat in the Chamber, so I am delighted to give unity—I see the deal as a way of regulating global way. capitalism. It is indisputable that the EU and the US have some of the highest standards of consumer safeguards, John Hemming: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for environmental protection, employment rights, legal process, giving way and congratulate him on his all-party work, trade rules and regulations. Together, as the two biggest which he is very good at. I agree that the views on the economies, we have the opportunity to set standards Government Benches are not united. I have a lot of and regulations that could become the benchmark, or sympathy with the idea of maintaining minimum standards. gold standard, of any bilateral and multilateral deals. John Healey: I am grateful for that continuing cross-party Julian Smith: Will the right hon. Gentleman confirm support at least. [Interruption.] The Minister is chuckling that he is not talking about formal regulation? There is away; I look forward to hearing what he has to say a a huge opportunity for mutual recognition of standards, little later. but we are not looking for Marxist-style overarching I have a third answer to my friends who ask why I am regulation of the world. backing the deal, and it is this. I am pro-European and pro-internationalist, and I think this potential agreement John Healey: The hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash) underlines more clearly than anything the benefits for mentioned the negotiating mandate that has not been Britain of being part of the European Union. Those formally published, but has, in an unorthodox way, benefits would be simply unavailable if Britain left the been made available. That certainly does not talk about European Union and tried to go it alone. a Marxist global system. However, given the size of the economies and the potential scale of the agreement, Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con) rose— setting mutual recognition standards on workers’ rights, environmental protection, consumer safeguards, trade John Healey: I will give way to the hon. Gentleman; rules and legal process can set the standard we expect, then I would like to quote President Obama to him. and lead other parts of the world on, in future deals. Neil Parish: Does the right hon. Gentleman not see Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): Does my right hon. that there is sometimes a conflict between international Friend not agree that that last exchange was enormously trade and the situation in Europe? My experience is that revealing? There is a tendency in part of the Conservative sometimes the way in which Europe organises trade is party to follow the Tea party Republicans: the sort of far too prescriptive and can be a barrier to greater 19th century Republicans that let the robber barons run international trade, rather than progressing it. loose. They even step back from that great Republican President Teddy Roosevelt, who took pride in being a John Healey rose— 1347 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1348 Agreement Agreement Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. employment, consumer or environmental standards being Before the right hon. Gentleman quotes President Obama, weakened. There might also be concerns about the I would gently remind him that he has been speaking investor-state dispute system—even though the EU and for 20 minutes and I will have to set a time limit on the US have long established traditions and well proven Back-Bench contributions in this debate, so I would be systems of due process, the rule of law and respect for grateful if he began to bring his comments to a conclusion. property rights—particularly when an ISDS is being abused in the way that Veolia, the French company, is John Healey: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker; abusing the system in trying to sue the Egyptian I will indeed. I think I have spoken for probably not Government for raising the national minimum wage. quite 15 minutes, given the interventions I have taken, Fourthly, the Government should make the process but I am conscious of what you have said. open and transparent to the public and Parliament. In When President Obama was with our Prime Minister the US and the European Parliament, the negotiators in Washington in mid-May, he put it very delicately: are holding briefing sessions—in the Parliament and “I think the UK’s participation in the EU is an expression of with the Parliament—before and after each set of its influence and its role in the world, as well as, obviously, a very negotiations. They are also doing that with wider interest important economic partnership.” groups and making public some of the position papers However, his officials were much blunter. They made it as they go into the negotiations. I would like much more clear that there would be little appetite in Washington formal reporting and accountability of the UK Government and no deal for Britain if it left the European Union. I to Parliament on EU matters. Other countries, such as have already said to the hon. Member for Harwich and Germany, Portugal and Denmark, have formal legal North Essex (Mr Jenkin) that some of the research agreements with their Governments and Parliaments suggests that European countries that are not part of covering negotiation mandates, the provision of documents, the European Union would lose out most in the event of and notification and reporting arrangements. It would such an agreement. help to build wider confidence in, and strong democratic influence on, our involvement in the European Union if However, this agreement must be well regulated and we followed that sort of model. We can start on this command public confidence. It will not and cannot be a European trade and investment agreement. deal done in the diplomatic backrooms, because Congress and, now, the European Parliament must approve the Today we are at the start of the negotiations on what terms of any agreement. The European Parliament has could be a groundbreaking US-EU trade deal. We are already shown its mettle in rejecting the anti-counterfeiting at the start of the debates that this House will have and trade agreement that was recently negotiated, including the scrutiny that we must offer of the Government’s with Japan, Australia, Canada and the US. Unanimity, contribution to those debates. This is the first such and not just a qualified majority, may well be needed in debate but—I hope and expect—certainly not the last. the Council of Ministers to approve some parts of any Several hon. Members rose— future agreement in, say trade in services, intellectual property, foreign direct investment and anything to do Madam Deputy Speaker (Dawn Primarolo): Order. with social, education or health services. There is also Given the number of Members who wish to participate, a case for expecting any agreement to involve mixed the time limit will be seven minutes, but it might be competences. In other words, there could be a contestable necessary to review that as we progress through the case that member states, rather than the European debate. Parliament and the Council of Ministers, will have to ratify any elements of such an agreement dealing with, 12.17 pm for instance, intellectual property, transport or investor-state Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): It is quite a big ask dispute mechanisms. to do it in seven minutes, Madam Deputy Speaker, Let me begin to wind up. There are four things that although I will not attempt to go through all the issues the Government could do to help to secure a successful, for that reason. I am extremely aware of the time well negotiated agreement that commands wide support. constraints, so I will try to concentrate on the main issues First, they should swallow hard, accept that we are in and set out some headline points that are worth bearing the hands of the European Union and throw their in mind. weight behind the Commission’s negotiators. That means—I Curiously enough, I approach this issue in line with say this to the Minister—no public criticism, no freelance the EU constitution, by applying the precautionary discussions with the US and no distancing ourselves principle. I would not want to be over-enthusiastic from the deal while it is being negotiated. about something until I knew what the terms were. Secondly, the Government should map and publish There has been a great deal of hype about this issue and the jobs linked to foreign direct investment and exports some exaggerated views expressed. I would be cautious, in every area of Britain. The US does that on a state-by-state for a variety of reasons, about making any assumptions basis for every member of Congress and every Senator. that such an agreement will ever happen, given the Even the British embassy in Washington, together with Doha round and all that happened there. Nor would I the CBI, has produced a state-by-state analysis of the wish to become over-excited about it necessarily bringing jobs there that are linked to exports to the UK. Surely the benefits that have been described, because nobody we can do that for ourselves in Britain as well. knows. Thirdly, the Government should deal with the fears Part of the reason for that is that the negotiating that will arise during negotiations that could derail mandate is not available, as I said in an intervention. public or parliamentary support for the agreement. As Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee, I These include concerns about the NHS being opened have correspondence with the Prime Minister and the up to big US health care companies and concerns about Minister for Trade, Lord Green. At the moment, the 1349 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1350 Agreement Agreement [Mr William Cash] We will be monitoring all this. I see that the Chairman of the Business, Innovations and Skills Select Committee, whole thing is under discussion. Let me quote from a the hon. Member for West Bromwich West (Mr Bailey), letter I received on 10 July from the Prime Minister, in is in the Chamber, and I would be happy to exchange which he said: ideas and thoughts with him on this. He was a member “Both the EU and the US are aiming for the maximum level of of the European Scrutiny Committee with me for many ambition”— years. I am always keen on ambition, as long as it does not Mr Jenkin: Does my hon. Friend agree that the vaunt itself— challenge will be to reconcile the differing objectives of “in these trade negotiations.” the member states? That will be extremely difficult The letter continues: because, as a major European economy, we uniquely “This means that all sectors are within scope, except, as depend on imports, and we export more to the rest of I mentioned, the audiovisual sector”— the world than all the other member states except Germany. At the same time, we are dependent on trade that was in reply to a point I made the other day in with the EU. We have a unique set of circumstances and response to a European summit statement— a unique economy, and it is going to be extraordinarily “although there is the option to include the sector at a later stage difficult to reconcile our requirements with those of the in the negotiations.” other, very different economies of the EU in one single The letter continues: agreement. “The areas normally covered in a trade agreement with a developed nation will be included. This ranges from trade in Mr Cash: I very much concur with that. goods, services, public procurement, to regulatory issues and A number of extremely learned articles have been rules in intellectual property rights, sustainable development and written about this matter, and they show that many customs. Some of the issues covered are areas of Member State European countries stand to be gravely disadvantaged competence or shared competence; the EU’s negotiating mandate by the deal. I cannot claim that we would be exclusively was therefore agreed by consensus.” enhanced by it, but many of the Parliaments and trade Whenever I hear the word “consensus” in the context of associations of many other countries will also be watching EU administrative arrangements, I get slightly concerned, these developments. Several countries will be given quite to say the least, because it means that a deal has been a jolt. An article entitled “Transatlantic free trade: boon done behind closed doors. We know that the negotiating or bane for economic cohesion in the EU” states: mandate is being discussed behind closed doors, and we “in a broad free trade agreement, trade activities between Great need to know who is going to benefit most from these Britain and Sweden as well as between Great Britain and Spain arrangements, and in which sectors. are expected to drop by about 45%. Likewise, Sweden’s imports We have only 12% of the votes in the qualified majority and exports with Spain and Finland will decline by 40%, and Irish-Dutch trade relations will shrink by 35%.” voting arrangements. This is an exclusive competence of the Commission, which drives the entire operation. It All those factors must be taken into account. has no particular interest in what goes on in the United However enthusiastic we may be about the concept of Kingdom, and I am entirely dubious about the claims free trade, it is important to ask whether the deal is that this agreement would generate £10 billion-worth of actually going to be beneficial to the United Kingdom. advantage to the UK. I do not know whether it will, It is our task to secure such benefits, and not only that and I do not think that the people who are saying that of the EU. We also trade with the whole of the know. As Chairman of the European Scrutiny Committee, Commonwealth, and our trade relations with the emerging I would like to insist—so far as I can—that we be given countries, the Commonwealth and the rest of the world all the necessary information. have been going improving. We have a net surplus of trade with the rest of the world of about £15 billion a Julian Smith: Does my hon. Friend agree that the year, according to the latest figures for 2012. However, 12 or 13-person team from the Department for Business, we have a trade deficit with Europe. The figure for 2011 Innovation and Skills and the Foreign Office that focuses was minus £47 billion; it is now minus £70 billion. The on trade should try to achieve some of the things that Germans, on the other hand, had a surplus in 2011 of he is looking for when influencing the UK’s position in £30 billion, and it is now £72 billion. Many people believe this deal? that the United States will benefit the most from the deal, and those figures suggest that it will weigh up all those factors when dealing with these questions. This Mr Cash: I am sure that they will do their best, but is a potentially difficult situation that will have to be whether they will do well enough has yet to be established. dealt with. If we do not know what is going on during the negotiations —and if we do not even know what the mandate is—I An article in the Financial Times states: must express my concern on that count alone. “There would also be damage around the world from a sweeping US-EU deal. Advanced countries such as Canada, Australia and I shall continue to quote from the Prime Minister’s Japan would suffer, as would many emerging economies. Mexico letter: and Chile, which have strong trading ties with the US, would be “As David Lidington told your Committee when he appeared among the worst hit, along with most of Africa, Asia and Latin before it on 4 July, while the confidential nature of such negotiations America—with the exception of Brazil.” means that formally depositing documents is not possible”— Brazil is in a lot of difficulty at the moment, however. which I have to say concerns me greatly— The article continues: “Ministers will keep the Committee abreast of significant developments “China’s trade flows with the US would shrink”. in writing and we are happy to offer the Committee informal, There are many elements of all this that need to be private briefings on the progress of negotiations.” thought out. 1351 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1352 Agreement Agreement In the short left, I shall draw the House’s attention to benefit, but the EU will benefit disproportionately. In an article in Economia by Zaki Laïdi, entitled “Europe’s case anyone considers this to be an anti-EU argument, bad trade gamble”. Mr Laïdi is Professor of International let me make it absolutely clear that I think we have a far Relations at the institute of politics known as Sciences better chance of prosecuting a good deal as part of the Po in France. I am not saying that he has all the EU negotiation than we would if we were not part of answers, but his article is well worth reading and can be it—but this particular issue does need to be addressed. obtained from the Library. The fact is that the removal of non-tariff barriers There are many conflicting views of the benefits that within the US are considerably more important for could be derived from the deal. The European Scrutiny stimulating exports or reducing costs, and the British Committee has made inquiries of the Government, and Government must concentrate on those as part of the I would dispute the advantages of the EU-Korea free EU negotiating team. trade agreement. We know what the position is with Let me highlight a few areas where I believe the regard to the EU, but unfortunately we cannot make British Government need to get behind those who are any comparison with that arrangement to substantiate already engaged in this work. The first relates to how the claims of advantages for the UK. the myriad of technical regulations—quite understandably in respect of road safety and the environment—dictate 12.27 pm a range of different regulations in different countries. Standardising them provides a big challenge. I know Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) (Lab/Co-op): that the European Automobile Manufacturers Association I congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for and the American Automotive Policy Council are working Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) on securing this on this at this moment, but it is up to the Government debate. It is fair to say that, although the issues we are to see that that work comes to a positive conclusion and discussing have exercised the financial press, their give it all the support they can. implications have not yet achieved high levels of visibility Secondly, on the global scale, the United Nations is among the general public. I hope that this debate will at working on standardising global technical regulations. least go some way towards rectifying that. Given the Although this might not be part of the specific brief of limited time available, I will not talk about the more the EU negotiating team, it would be helpful if the EU general issues. Instead, I shall focus on the implications and the US, working with the UN, standardised their of an EU-US trade agreement for my own area. My approach so that the standardisation of regulation applies right hon. Friend mentioned the need for the Government not just within the EU and the US but throughout the to demonstrate what the potential impacts would be in rest of the world. That would provide a further impetus local areas, and the fact that some of the issues would for both sides. be of particular importance to the west midlands and the black country has not hitherto been recognised. Another issue affecting our dealings with the US is the disparate and federated nature of its regulatory Historically, the area’s manufacturing has been dominated bodies. There are national federated bodies involved in by the car industry, which has suffered for many years regulations on environmental protection and road safety, but is now undergoing a renaissance, largely as a result but there are, of course, state bodies as well. That of the foreign direct investment by the Tata brothers provides a specific challenge to get the sort of coherence and the revival of Jaguar Land Rover. It gladdens my and pace of reform that we need to conform to the heart when I see those vehicles queuing up at the docks timetable. awaiting export. About 80% of the cars we produce are exported, and the US is the second-largest market after Mr Cash rose— Europe for those exports. Jaguar Land Rover holds second and third place with its Land Rover and Jaguar Mr Bailey: I could not possibly resist the temptation models, but if they are considered together, it holds first to invite the hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash) to place. intervene. Mr Cash: Would the Chairman of the Business, Mr Spellar: I thank my hon. Friend and good neighbour Innovation and Skills Committee consider whether there for giving way. As a fellow black country MP, I know will be a fast-track agreement in Congress, as this has that it is good that foreign buyers are buying from been an issue of some contention? In that context and Jaguar Land Rover, but would it not be even better if within the framework of the constitutional arrangements British public bodies, especially the police, bought from of the United States, it is important to bear in mind that Jaguar Land Rover rather than from Mercedes and the commercial rights of the states themselves are important, BMW, which they tend to prefer? too. Mr Bailey: I know that my right hon. Friend has Mr Bailey: The hon. Gentleman raises an important campaigned on this issue for many years and I totally point. Provision exists within the US constitution for a agree with him. We need to look properly at procurement fast-track process. To conform to the timetable we are policies to realise that point, but I will not get tempted looking at, that would certainly be necessary, and it is further down that path now. up to our negotiators to ensure that it happens. As far as I can see, the big issue for the motor The standardisation of the customs procedures is industry is that, for the UK and the US, tariff barriers another issue. Manufacturers often complain that many are relatively low but that is not quite the same as the hours are lost as a result of non-standard procedures, barriers between the US and the EU. One of the challenges so this should be a potentially fruitful area for negotiation. for the British negotiators as part of the US team is to Finally, let me acknowledge that although the details ensure that the EU does not concentrate only on overt are all terribly difficult, extremely technical and often tariff barriers. If that is the case, there will be a general obscure, their impact on trade and thereby on countries’ 1353 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1354 Agreement Agreement [Mr Bailey] The negotiations will be led by the European Commission, which is inevitable as we currently stand, economies, jobs and growth is very significant. The and the White House. Legislators in Europe, however, Government therefore need to do everything they can will in many instances have the final say on whatever to work with the organisations engaged in resolving emerges from these negotiations, so I view early engagement these highly technical problems. with parliamentarians as of real importance. I also I mention the BIS publication, “Estimating the Economic want to welcome the willingness of Ministers—we have Impact on the UK of the Transatlantic Trade and already seen it from my noble Friend Lord Green and Investment Partnership (TTIP) Agreement between the my right hon. and learned Friend the Minister without European Union and the United States” final project Portfolio—fully to engage with us. I welcome, too, the report, which I am sure the Minister knows by heart. It commitment of President Obama to place the delivery spelt out the disproportionate level of benefit that would of this new trade partnership as a key objective of his accrue to the motor industry and companies such as final term, but it is important to understand that the Jaguar Land Rover and their suppliers in my area of the aim of creating a truly free transatlantic market is not a black country from a successful reduction of both tariff recent phenomenon. barriers and the sort of non-tariff barriers to which I As colleagues may know, after an all too short period have alluded. On an optimistic view of a 75% reduction of service in this House during John Major’s premiership, in non-tariff barriers, car exports could go up by as I served as a Member of the European Parliament, much as 26%—a 26% increase on the already vigorous leading the Conservative delegation, and I was later and buoyant production from Jaguar Land Rover in my elected by the European Parliament as the president of area. That would be of enormous benefit for economic its relations with the US Congress. I took up that post growth and jobs. eight years ago, and from then on it was clear to me that I believe that by working with the EU to expand our many legislators on both sides of the Atlantic had market to 800 million people—half the world’s gross already devoted decades of effort to bringing about domestic product and a third of the world’s trade—the much closer economic co-operation between the United motor industry could be incredibly successful. I hope States and Europe. I pay particular tribute to two that the Government will map out the benefits of such a British MEPs who will leave the European Parliament free trade agreement for areas such as mine. next year for the unswerving commitment that they have shown to the promotion of that trade partnership, and to the achievement of a truly free transatlantic 12.37 pm market. Jonathan Evans (Cardiff North) (Con): It is a great My Conservative colleague James Elles, who served privilege to follow the hon. Member for West Bromwich six terms in the European Parliament, was the founder West (Mr Bailey), and I agree with much of what he had of the Transatlantic Policy Network, a forum for debate to say. Let me take the opportunity to congratulate the between Atlanticist legislators which I believe has played right hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John an important role in bringing us to where we are today. Healey) and my hon. Friend the Member for Aberconwy One former US chairman of the TPN is Chuck Hagel, (Guto Bebb), who played such an important part in who now serves at the heart of the US Administration creating the new all-party group, whose establishment is as Defence Secretary. There is no doubt that many both timely and necessary if we are to realise some of other members of the Obama Administration share the the prizes that should flow from a new transatlantic objectives that have been promoted by the TPN. trade deal. Let me make it clear, bearing in mind some Another former TPN chairman who will leave the of the speeches we have heard, that I regard myself as European Parliament next year is the Labour MEP for an old-fashioned Tory. I believe in free trade, and I the South East, Peter Skinner. It may be strange to hear think it crucial for parliamentarians here in the UK and it said from these Benches, but I am pleased to say that throughout Europe to be well aware and fully informed Peter is one of the best-regarded parliamentarians in of all the arguments and implications at the very earliest Brussels. We worked very closely together in the Economic opportunity. and Monetary Affairs Committee of the Parliament, and also later when I served as chair of the advisory Mr Cash: Would my hon. Friend be kind enough to board of the Transatlantic Economic Council, set up by give way? Chancellor Merkel and President Bush in 2007. I well recall encouraging Peter to join me in establishing better Jonathan Evans: I thought that would be inevitable. links with our US friends, words that he took quite literally—I mention this particularly in the context of Mr Cash: It is inevitable. When my hon. Friend an earlier intervention—when he met his future wife referred to himself as an old-fashioned Tory, I was Kimberley, a Penn State republican, during one of our bound to reflect on the fact that nobody was much parliamentary visits. more protectionist than Disraeli and that nobody was Much of the background research on the massive more in favour of free trade than John Bright and opportunities for economic growth to be gained from Richard Cobden, who were of course Liberals. an EU-US an agreement has been done by the Centre for Transatlantic Relations at Johns Hopkins university Jonathan Evans: I cannot help thinking that we are in Washington. Daniel S. Hamilton and Joseph P.Quinlan missing my hon. Friend the Member for North East from the university produce an annual report on the Somerset (Jacob Rees-Mogg). I had thought that we transatlantic economy. I know that my hon. Friend the were likely to get on to the corn laws at some stage of Member for Skipton and Ripon (Julian Smith) has seen this debate, but let us move that issue to one side. that document, which surveys jobs and trade and investment 1355 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1356 Agreement Agreement between the US and Europe, and whose details make a I was pleased to note that the negotiations on this powerful case for closer transatlantic co-operation. I agreement were formally launched, at Lough Erne on shall ensure that my hon. Friend the Member for Stone 17 June, under the UK presidency of the G8. When the (Mr Cash) receives a copy, because I think it crucially G8 last met in the United Kingdom, it was hosted important for him to see it. by Gleneagles, which is in my constituency and which The Prime Minister has said that a successful transatlantic is perpetually linked with our attempts to deliver agreement could be the biggest trade deal in history. I improvements in the world through the millennium have heard some cynical observations about the figures, development goals. I hope that Lough Erne may be but much of the analysis shows that not only will the remembered for playing a massive role in the equalising agreement constitute a gain for Europe and for the of access to the United States market for United Kingdom United States, but there will be gains elsewhere as a and, indeed, European Union businesses. result of the growth in the world economy that will I congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for follow. Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) on securing the No one doubts the challenge that we face in achieving debate. As he told us earlier, the United States and the agreement. As may have become evident during today’s European Commission have suggested that the deal debate, we sometimes hear protectionist voices, which could be completed by the end of 2014. As we know, it can be at their most seductive during times of austerity. is a very complex deal. I may be a pessimist, but I rather I know that comments have been made about the “Buy fear that at some point we may be dragged into the 2016 America”legislation which exists in no fewer than 21 states. presidential election campaign if we hit a road block, The latest state to pass such legislation is Maryland, and I hope that matters do not stagnate during 2014 whose legislators seem to be unaware that some 70,000 and 2015. I assume that, once the deal is done, it will people in the state work directly for European companies, have to be ratified in this place and in another 28 national that $13 billion from Europe is invested in Maryland Parliaments—including the United States Congress—as annually, and that every year $3 billion worth of goods well as in the European Parliament, and I am also are exported from Maryland to Europe. Immediately slightly concerned about the time that will be taken by after signing the new “Buy America” law, the Maryland its journey through 30 Parliaments. state governor flew to the Paris air show to urge Europeans Free trade agreements are very important to Scotland. to buy defence products made—believe it or not—in For instance, the agreements between the European Maryland. You couldn’t make it up. Union and Singapore and between the EU and Colombia Narrow protectionism does not protect jobs in Maryland and Peru are vital to the Scotch whisky industry, which or anywhere else in the United States, and it does not do exported £4.3 billion worth of whisky last year. The so in this country either. Reference has been made to United States is the top whisky export marketplace: the effectiveness of laws of that kind. I think it worth more than £700 million was exported to it in 2012. It observing that Government procurement agreements goes without saying that there is no expectation that the made by the United States at the World Trade Organisation negotiations will have any damaging effect on Scotch grant EU countries full reciprocity with Maryland providers whisky exports, but I have given that example to and manufacturers. I believe that, in this instance, “Buy demonstrate how important and valuable such agreements America” laws are not just wrong-headed but a blatant can be when UK businesses seize the opportunity to deception of US and Maryland voters. Let ne add that promote the best of British around the world. my warning against protectionism is just as appropriate It is possible that at the time the agreement is approved, in the case of the French voices that successfully compelled Scotland will be facing an independence referendum. I the European Commission to remove audio-visual services fear that, if Scotland votes for independence, we shall from the scope of the negotiation. be very short-term beneficiaries of this piece of work. Perhaps the Minister will tell us at some point whether Finally, let me say a little about the financial ties he has received any representations from the Scottish between Europe and the United States. At this point I Government about the challenges that Scotland would should draw the House’s attention to my entry in the face if it became independent and, being outside the Register of Members’ Financial Interests, although my European Union, could not benefit from the agreement. own interests will not be affected in any way by this Indeed, one has to wonder what would happen to all the particular deal. Those financial ties represent a market benefits of all the other free trade agreements negotiated share of between 66% and 86% of global financial by the EU if Scotland became independent. What would sectors, which render this deal crucially important to be the impact on, for instance, Scotch whisky production, the United States, and to us here in the United Kingdom. exports and jobs? Delivering the deal by 2014 requires a tight timetable, but I urge Ministers to continue to engage with us as we Let me now return to more mainstream arguments. proceed with our work. As my right hon. Friend pointed out, it is important for us to be able to explain the benefits of the deal to the population of the United Kingdom so that our constituents 12.45 pm understand what it means to them in their daily lives. Gordon Banks (Ochil and South Perthshire) (Lab): I The deal has the potential to be the largest trade deal consider this to be a very important issue. I want any of all time because the building blocks of trade between new trade agreement between Europe and the United the EU and the US are already in place. As my right States to have a substantially positive impact on the hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne economy of Britain and, indeed, that of Scotland. I said earlier, one major British car manufacturer has think we can all agree that international trade deals are already told Danny Lopez, the British consul general in vital to the creation of long-term economic growth and New York, that it will save about £130 million annually jobs in a world that is becoming smaller and smaller. from the elimination of tariffs as part of this deal. 1357 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1358 Agreement Agreement [Gordon Banks] Member for Harwich and North Essex (Mr Jenkin) that small countries could negotiate such deals better than There are real gains and benefits for the UK and UK the EU. That would be worthy of discussion, and I am manufacturing from this difficult set of negotiations, sure the all-party group would be delighted if my hon. therefore. The Government must ensure there is a road Friend were willing to contribute to our discussion by map that allows British SMEs to reap the benefits of debating that issue. this deal, because we will get real growth in this economy from the manufacturing and exporting SMEs. Jonathan Evans: Specifically on that point, does my It is difficult to conclude without referring to an issue hon. Friend think it might be useful to invite the minister- that has hung over this debate: our membership of the counsellor from the US embassy in London, who has EU. I do not always agree with the statements of already made it clear that the concept of some separate Ministers in this Government, but I was pleased to hear UK-US trade deal is a non-starter? the Minister without Portfolio say it would be very difficult for a trade agreement of this sort to continue if Guto Bebb: That comment has indeed been made, the UK left the EU. He might want to remind some and the all-party group could have a good debate on of his party colleagues of the benefits of being part of these issues. I am happy to have this argument. That is the world’s largest trading bloc. That is important to why we wanted to establish the all-party group and to the UK. have this debate. We need to ensure all the views in this House are heard. Mr Jenkin: What is the basis for this assertion? The I am a believer in free trade as I think it is beneficial. evidence is that small countries find it easier to do trade The concerns raised by some Members on the Government deals and big trading blocs find it very difficult. I think Benches are not about free trade, however: they are of Switzerland, for example, and the EU’s trade deal about whether the agreements would enhance free trade. with Korea. That is a reasonable concern to have, and it needs to be Gordon Banks: I fundamentally disagree. The Minister scrutinised by this House. If we are to negotiate a free without Portfolio will tell the hon. Gentleman where trade agreement between the EU and the US, we need he is wrong in his thinking. There is no doubt that if he to make sure it is a genuine free trade agreement. speaks to the Scotch whisky industry it will tell him The main town in my constituency is Llandudno, and about the benefits of being in a large trading bloc. The the largest secondary school in Llandudno is Ysgol Scotch whisky industry has benefited, and if the hon. John Bright, which is named after an individual who Gentleman will not take cognisance of that, he will not believed strongly in free trade. To have concerns about take cognisance of anything. whether this agreement would enhance free trade is not This is a really important opportunity for the UK. I to oppose the treaty; it is more about making sure that want it to be important for Scotland, and I want it to be what we do create will benefit not just the economy of important for Scotland in the UK and in the EU. the UK, but the global economy. I say that because I agree that a genuine free trade agreement between the 12.52 pm EU and the US will not just have an impact on the states in Europe and the United States; it will have a Guto Bebb (Aberconwy) (Con): It is a pleasure to global impact as well. These issues are worth discussing, contribute to this debate, and I congratulate the right therefore, and that is why it is important that we have hon. Member for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) this debate at this point in time. on securing it through the Backbench Business Committee. I have concerns about the time scale of two years for I am also very pleased to be involved with the all-party this agreement. I had the good fortunate last night to be group on European Union-United States trade and in discussions with one of the Canadian Prime Minister’s investment, because it is important that we debate this advisers, because one concern that must be expressed is issue sooner rather than later, as the House should take that for a long period—certainly since I have been responsibility for what is potentially a very important elected to this place—we have been involved in discussions treaty. between the EU and Canada in an attempt to reach a My hon. Friend the Member for Stone (Mr Cash) satisfactory trade agreement between those two trading raised the important issue of scrutiny. That starts by blocs. Unfortunately, as yet, despite promises on numerous having a debate on the Floor of the House in which occasions that we were very close to an agreement, no Members can highlight important issues of concern. We agreement has been reached. We are being told by some have already heard a great variety of comments, which individuals involved on this side of the pond that the shows this House is making an important contribution issues are all to do with concerns about Canadian to the scrutiny of this issue. farmers and agriculture, yet when I was discussing this The debate has also been memorable because it marks issue last night with that representative of the Canadian the first time I have ever heard my hon. Friend the Prime Minister the concerns were all about the demands Member for Skipton and Ripon (Julian Smith) described of the EU in terms of our agriculture. This two-year as a member of the Tea party. It is a shock that that time frame presents a real challenge for us, therefore. If description should be applied to him because if I were an agreement cannot be secured after so much time asked to identify the Conservative Member who would between the EU and Canada, there is a real question be least likely to be a member of the Tea party it would about whether the EU-US agreement can be secured be him. I think the comment was made in jest, however. within two years. There are issues to be discussed in respect of this The two-year time frame should be applauded for its trade and investment deal between the EU and the US. ambition, however. We should go into all negotiations I was intrigued by the comment of my hon. Friend the with an ambitious timetable, but we also need to be 1359 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1360 Agreement Agreement realistic and acknowledge that that agreement with all over the world under the Lisbon treaty, which would Canada is not yet in place. It would be a great achievement then result in a greater opportunity for political union. if we could have that agreement in place to show the Does he agree that that is a possibility? way forward for a genuine free trade agreement between the EU and the US. Guto Bebb: I would be reluctant to agree with that rather negative view of the reasons behind the trade Julian Smith: Does my hon. Friend agree that pace is agreement. Again, one of the reasons I was keen to be important, however, lest lobby groups and trade groups— involved in the all-party group was to ensure that we especially very dynamic ones in America—get their act discuss such issues openly. If there are significant concerns together and start slowing things down to the point of of that nature, it is important that they are aired and halting progress? that we instigate a public discussion. Let me finish on the issue of whether such a trade Guto Bebb: I thank my hon. Friend for making that agreement will have an effect on our relationship with excellent point. It is one of the key concerns in relation the European Union. I am often made despondent by to the fact that we are still waiting for a Canada-EU the behaviour of the EU and I believe that we need to agreement, because the more the issue is highlighted, renegotiate the relationship between it and the UK. We the more it seems that the opponents come forward need to show the people of this country once more that with further concerns about why the agreement should the EU could benefit us, rather than being problematic, not go ahead. As I have said, I do believe we should a drag on economic growth and a cause of deep frustration. support this ambitious target, but I highlight the fact As someone who represents a constituency that is dependent that the experience in relation to Canada has not as yet on small businesses, I see that small businesses clearly been particularly positive. feel frustrated by much of what comes out of Europe. I also think we should express concern at the ability The agreement is a hugely important opportunity for of some countries in Europe to highlight their protectionist the EU to show the people of the UK that the EU can views in relation to this proposed agreement. It is a provide us with much more trade, which is what we concern that the audio-visual sector has been excluded want from our relationship with our European partners, from negotiations. That is also a positive issue in many and much less of the other stuff, which is so problematic. ways, however, because the decision to move ahead with This is a challenge to not just the United Kingdom but talks has been made despite the fact that the European our European partners to show that we can create side has excluded that sector. We are aware of why that something in the EU that will benefit the economies of specific area has been excluded, but it is encouraging to Europe and the rest of the world. That is the challenge see that one problem has not necessarily resulted in a that the EU needs to stand up to. If it fails, it will make decision that the whole negotiations should be stopped. a huge problem for the future of our relationship with the EU. That shows a pragmatic attitude, which we saw when I was in Washington last year. People on the Hill felt 1.3 pm that this was an opportunity to create a genuine agreement between the EU and the US. That is noticeable, because Mr John Spellar (Warley) (Lab): I congratulate my there was a feeling when we were there that the time to right hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne strike on such an important issue is when people can see (John Healey) and the hon. Member for Aberconwy the advantages. When the economies of the western (Guto Bebb) on securing the debate and on setting up world are doing well, the need for such an agreement is the extremely important all-party group on European perhaps less. Union-United States trade and investment. Last summer in Washington, it was very apparent Let me start by putting the subject in context. Even that people felt that the States still required fundamental though the Chamber was rebuilt after the second world changes to their economy. They saw the opportunity for war, the ghosts of the 19th century and the debate on freer trade with the EU as important and thought that free trade seem still to be haunting it in today’s debate. I it would lead to a much better agreement on much was slightly surprised that the hon. Member for Stone better global trading. An important point about free (Mr Cash) did not pay tribute to the work of Robert trade between the EU and US that has not been made Peel, who, after all, represented a neighbouring Staffordshire this afternoon is that we would end up with an agreement seat in Tamworth. on regulations, for example, that would be acceptable in I want to look more at the period after the second many parts of the global economy. If the EU and the world war, when the architects of the new world order US were to agree on certain consumer protection standards fully understood that an open economy and world trade that were acceptable to those two large trading blocs, were important not only for prosperity but for peace. they could be the basis for agreements on a raft of other They had seen the significant problems in the inter-war issues that would allow other parts of the global economy period—the time of Montagu Norman, austerity, to aspire to enjoy the benefit of global free trade and of competitive devaluation and, in particular, the Smoot- an EU-US trade agreement by working to the same Hawley Tariff Act in the United States and competitive standards rather than undercutting them. trade wars around the world—that resulted in a diminution of world trade from $5.3 billion in 1929 to $1.8 billion Mr Cash: I want to make a simple point. Some of the in 1933. That world financial crisis led inexorably to the commentators—I would include myself—are slightly rise of fascism and Nazism and into the second world concerned that the objectives from the European point war. of view are driven less by the question of free trade and The post-war negotiators realised their responsibilities, more by the idea of becoming a linchpin of the moves particularly Keynes, whose searing intelligence and insight towards political union so that they can stitch up deals is lacking in some of the international discussions now. 1361 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1362 Agreement Agreement [Mr John Spellar] the huge benefits, not just for the US and the EU, but for the world economy. That is possibly what happened First, the negotiators recreated an international financial in the talks between the EU and Canada, and we need architecture through a World Bank and an International to be concerned about that. A number of difficulties Monetary Fund, which were the preconditions for the have started to bog down those negotiations for those other changes of freer trade, barrier reductions, the reasons. post-Korean boom, the consumer society—at which An American official associated with the negotiations many elitists sneered at the time—and the huge surge in said that the talks needed to be technical development. They also depended on significant “done on one tank of gas.” transatlantic initiatives. We had the creation of the They need to move forward. Regard has to be paid to European Coal and Steel Community, which then merged the checks and balances, but no one should deny the into the European Community, but before that we had overall impact and huge benefits. the Marshall plan and the creation of NATO, and both We also need to look at how we make sure that the were key parts of the changes brought about by that benefits are shared with others in the world. No one towering genius of foreign affairs and the British Labour should underestimate the huge impact that the expansion movement, Ernest Bevin, who could see the opportunities in world trade has had, not only on the economies of —perhaps even more than some of those whose names developed countries, but on the hundreds of millions are associated with them, such as George Marshall—for who have been taken out of poverty all around the creating a new world situation. He saw them not as world, not least in China, where about 400 million separate developments, but as interwoven and inseparable. people have been lifted out of poverty. We have also Now we face new challenges following the global seen the largest migration of humanity in history from financial crisis and the new architecture of the world the countryside to the cities. The benefits have to be economy.Although many underestimate them, the Atlantic shared, and we need to ensure that the architecture of ties are still enormously important. Many of the world’s the agreement does not close off that avenue. democracies and the most productive economies are on Having sounded that cautionary note, I think that we either side of the Atlantic, as well as the most technologically should wish the talks well, and I hope that they are advanced countries. Half of the world’s GDP would be conducted with speed and a degree of urgency. I hope encompassed by such an agreement. that they go into the fast track with that one tank of Yesterday, the Commons debated Trident, and we gas. I say: “It’s time—let’s get rolling.” also recently debated NATO and its future post-ISAF and Afghanistan. As we negotiate an evolving international 1.11 pm architecture, trade and security go hand in hand. It is not just about the formal relations but about the cultural John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley) (LD): First, links, which are especially important and significant I refer the House to my entry in the Register of Members’ for the United Kingdom—as many Members have Financial Interests. I do not think that I have any mentioned, we are uniquely placed to benefit from such relevant financial interests on this occasion. I am a arrangements —finance, business, security and defence. member of a copyright society, and I have traded with For the UK more than any other EU country, this is America in the past, but I do not think I have a direct important. financial interest; obviously, my constituents have a substantial financial interest in the subject, because I As hon. Members, particularly the hon. Member for am the Member of Parliament for Birmingham, Yardley, Cardiff North (Jonathan Evans), have remarked, President and although there are no Jaguar Land Rover plants in Obama and his officials have made it very clear that the constituency, it is next to the JLR plants in Solihull they are not interested in doing a number of minor and Castle Bromwich. An agreement could mean 26% deals with different countries. They see the negotiations more exports of vehicles, which would reduce yet further between the EU and the US as crucial and they see the unemployment in my constituency, and that is obviously advantages. That does not mean that we should enter something that I would like. into the negotiations naively. They will be tough; the Americans are tough negotiators. We should drive a The UK and the US were, in many ways, the first very hard bargain. There is also a danger that some on countries to promote and extend free trade worldwide, both sides of the Atlantic will seek to smuggle in a as we see it today. That vision has been furthered by our neo-liberal policy to try to undermine many protections membership of the EU, and we have been a driving for consumers and workers. force in extending and widening the free market. There have been set-backs, both in the UK and the US. Both Mr Cash: Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of an countries have toyed with protectionism—that is even article by Fred Smith in Forbes Magazine from about going on at the moment—often with negative effect. More 10 days ago? It illustrates the fact that the United States recently, the EU and the US have had periods of fracture. is concerned about the importation into the agreements The dispute over the two biggest aircraft manufacturers of regulatory and environmental standards. That might in the world, Boeing and Airbus, at the World Trade be a sticking point. Organisation was not good. The US obligations to scan shipping containers and the “Buy America” provisions Mr Spellar: There is the possibility of many sticking have also served to undermine trade. The EU emissions points. That is why it is so important to keep an eye on trading scheme for airlines was seen as unilateral by the bigger picture of the huge benefits. Talks of this international partners, despite decades of inaction on kind can always be undermined by a number of niggling the issue. details, and therefore by local campaigning. That is not Bars and grills have an exception from music licensing unimportant, and we need to recognise that there will rules in the US; that exception exempts 70% of bars and be losers as well as winners, but we should also recognise restaurants and almost half of shops from having to 1363 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1364 Agreement Agreement pay copyright royalties, and that remains a key outstanding see a relentless focus on jobs and growth. I personally issue. That exemption was found incompatible with the do not believe that we can delay the discussion with the agreement on trade-related aspects of intellectual property electorate on our role in the European Union, but I am rights, yet it remains in force, and no compensation, unashamed to make the case for working with Europe however minimal, has been made available to European to boost our economy. and British artists since 2004. Interestingly, people are critical of China for not abiding by intellectual property Lilian Greenwood (Nottingham South) (Lab): I am law, but the US has an issue in that regard as well. sure that, like me, the hon. Gentleman has seen that the CBI’s director general recently said that we pack a Jonathan Evans: That is sometimes called the music bigger punch in securing trade deals when we are inside case. It is interesting; the US Government did pay some the EU, rather than outside. He clearly set out that the compensation on behalf of those people who are breaching US wants that bigger prize. Is that not exactly why the the law, but they have not paid it since, so there is a clear uncertainty about our future position in the EU is really precedent for them recognising that they are in the unhelpful to British business? wrong. John Hemming: I disagree. I think that we owe it to John Hemming: Yes; I think $3.3 million was paid the British people to give them a vote. There is uncertainty before 2004, which is why I said “since 2004”. The US until that has happened. It has been far too long since Government recognise that there is an issue there, but the vote in the 1970s, and we need a referendum on the the problem continues none the less. I think that the issue, although I am happy for it to wait until 2017. I US has been critical of China, but it should sort out its would most likely vote to remain in, but that does not own issues as well. mean that I do not support a referendum. The issue I am sure that the House will echo my call for needs to be resolved by us asking the British people. American Congress to uphold its obligations under It is in our national interest and the interests of the existing international trade laws, respect intellectual wider world to encourage free trade through Europe property and use this process to salve wounds. A disregard and increase prosperity for all, because it undoubtedly for intellectual property only encourages others to have works. We must uproot direct barriers to trade; end a similar disregard. It would be quite wrong for our laws import tariffs, business restrictions on services and to ignore American intellectual property, and it is about regulatory barriers; and make it easier for investment to time the United States returned our courtesy. reach both sides of the Atlantic. Where joint positions Despite those set-backs, this new free trade agreement on rules governing competition, state-owned enterprises, is to be strongly welcomed as a once-in-a-generation raw materials, energy, small and medium-sized enterprises, opportunity for the UK that will bring benefits of and transparency do not exist, it would be beneficial if around £10 billion a year to our economy, help to build joint positions could be established, so that we can form a stronger economy, and create many much-needed a new global standard of excellence in trade. jobs. It is proof that our participation in the European The potential benefits of an agreement are huge. The Union does not restrict us from trading with the rest of US is our second-largest trading partner, with two-way the world. trade totalling £129 billion in 2011, while £200 billion Although the EU and US combined account for has been invested by US companies in the UK. It is in more than half of the world economy, our agreements our vital economic and national interests to ensure that with Korea have seen EU exports to Korea go up by we expand our economy, and this US-EU free trade 16.2%. For the first time in 15 years, we have a trade agreement should receive support from all sides of the surplus with Korea, and UK exports to Brazil, India, House. China, Russia and South Africa have jumped from I accept that there are complexities, and I have sympathy £12.7 billion in 2007 to £27.1 billion last year. with the argument that we should not have a rush to the Being a member of the largest free trade area in the bottom internationally, so I am sympathetic to the idea world creates jobs and opportunities for British industry of looking more widely than just at issues to do with around the world, and our relentless drive to widen and tariff barriers in discussions. However, from the point deepen the single market has created prosperity for the of view of the financial interests of my west midlands many, not the few. We simply get a better deal when we constituents who work either directly in the motor work with the world’s trade superpower—the EU—than business or in the supply chain, it is clear that an when we act alone, which is why we should work with agreement would be a very positive step forward in our allies to concentrate on reform and ensure that the most respects and should therefore be supported. However, European budget spends more on boosting jobs, research, it is good that the all-party group on EU-US trade and development and infrastructure, as we did with the investment has been created, because the fear in such multi-annual settlement up to 2020. processes is that if we do not look at the issues until the The coalition Government are to be commended for agreement is brought about, what can we do about ensuring that there is an overall cut in the budget and an them? I welcome the fact that the right hon. Member increase in job-boosting measures. We need these for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) and his colleagues negotiations fast-tracked, and I hope that Her Majesty’s asked for this debate, because we need to discuss the Government are able to impress both on our allies in agreement before it is decided; otherwise, it is too late. the US and our European partners the need to enter However, generally, the agreement seems a good idea. these negotiations in a spirit of can-do—with the “single tank of gas” approach mentioned earlier. 1.19 pm We have seen the greatest slow-down in world growth Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): since the 1930s depression, and stalled starts must not I always come to debates about the EU with a copy of be tolerated. My party, the Liberal Democrats, wants to the consolidated texts of the EU treaties, as amended by 1365 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1366 Agreement Agreement [Michael Connarty] strong ethical trading alliance the EU and the US would be if we could bring that about. President Obama the treaty of Lisbon in January 2008. That usually stops has declared that he intends to eradicate modern-day people talking a lot of hot air because they have not slavery, and already California has a transparency of taken the trouble to read the treaties. supply chains Bill that makes firms audit for supply The question of competence is settled. The treaty chain abuses and ILO labour abuses. Apple recently on the functioning of the European Union states in admitted that it had found child labour in part of the article 3(2): manufacturing process of the iPad in China, which it must now eradicate because of US law. It would be “The Union shall also have exclusive competence for the wonderful if we could spread that across the rest of the conclusion of an international agreement when its conclusion is provided for in a legislative act of the Union”. trading nations that we deal with. It is clear from that where competence lies. We should There are many things to be gained from a trade therefore get behind the EU because, whether we like agreement, apart from jobs and prosperity. However, it or not, since Lisbon the EU has been given this concerns were expressed by the Labour Government responsibility. If it did not carry out its responsibility or during the negotiations on the Lisbon treaty, when we if it did not seek those agreements, we would be right to got a derogation on the provision of services of special criticise the EU for not using the strength that it has interest. The health service was specifically named in to benefit members of the Union. the Lisbon treaty as something that would be controlled by the Government. Sadly, it is the Government here There are remarkable opportunities available and I who are abusing the health service by bringing in not am grateful to my right hon. Friend the Member for just free trade, but a Hayekian free-for-all in the provision Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) and the hon. of services in the health services. Member for Aberconwy (Guto Bebb) for securing the debate and setting up the all-party group. A trade Julian Smith: Does the hon. Gentleman accept agreement will run on for a number of years and must that Labour allowed the private sector into the health be studied in detail as it does. There are important service in Britain, which had positive effects in many opportunities for jobs and growth, and I can give examples cases? from my constituency. Syngenta is a Swiss company that does its research in England and develops products that are made in factories in my constituency. It sells Michael Connarty: I do not think the hon. Gentleman $1.5 billion worth of one product to the world, mostly was in the House at the time. The Labour Government used in the US to prevent soya rust, which is very said that we would use private services when they were important. We also have Ineos, made up of former parts available for people who needed public health services. of BP, which is seeking to buy ethane from the US, It was not a case of giving provision over to the private where it is now one tenth of the price of ethane from the sector. Now there is an open door for the private sector. North sea, to produce the chemicals required for industry. It is a Hayekian model. Hayek was the driver for Mrs Thatcher’s advisers—the idea that there was no Those firms would be helped massively by a tariff need for a state and that any service that was required agreement, but, as my right hon. Friend the Member for could be brought in from the free market. If one reads Wentworth and Dearne said, a trade agreement is not Hayek—I am an economist—he even went as far as just about tariffs; it is about standards. The standards of saying that armies should be hired, instead of a state the EU are set out in the treaty on the European Union having an army of its own. He also advocated private in article 3(5): prisons, and sadly we moved down that road under a “In its relations with the wider world, the Union shall uphold Labour Government. and promote its values and interests and contribute to the protection of its citizens. It shall contribute to peace, security, the sustainable The free trade agreement is regulated. Under the EU development of the Earth, solidarity and mutual respect among treaty, the EU will have to provide for the protection of peoples, free and fair trade, eradication of poverty and the services of special interest. Every Government in the protection of human rights, in particular the rights of the child, EU will then be allowed to decide whether to have as well as to the strict observance and the development of international private sector involvement in their health service. It is law, including respect for the principles of the United Nations interesting to note that in the EU-Canadian trade agreement Charter.” which has just been accepted, the health service is not What could be opposed in setting out to establish a free part of the agreement. That is a decision of the Canadian trade agreement with another massive nation that has Government rather than of the EU, but it may have similar values? If we think that is not the way to go, been influenced by the fact that the EU has that provision perhaps we are talking about having the type of agreement for protecting services of special interest. used by companies in Bangladesh, where the Rana For me there must be conditions, and I liked the four plaza collapse revealed the use of buildings that were conditions set out by my right hon. Friend the Member utterly unacceptable. That is the reality. If companies for Wentworth and Dearne—putting our weight behind are not bound by trade agreements that contain priorities the EU team, not being a drag on the process, and so and strictures, then, as has been said, the result is a race on. I have three conditions. One is transparency. The to the bottom—the lowest standards, the greatest abuse hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash) in his role as Chair of labour, and the least protection for the people who of the European Scrutiny Committee, is quite correct to produce the goods that we use in our country. say that the Committee should be able to see the process Combining the EU article with the standards of the stage by stage, but that alone is not adequate. Parliament International Labour Organisation and the World Trade must hear about it. There should be special reports Organisation and with the conventions of the UN would from the Minister for Europe, the Foreign Secretary result in an ethical trading alliance, and what a massively and even the Business Secretary to tell Parliament what 1367 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1368 Agreement Agreement is happening, what has been negotiated at any stage and we recognise those regulatory processes? That is not to what the potential decisions are. We do not want a say that we should have a free for all but that we should secret process. recognise and be pragmatic about what we do. One of There must be accountability. Instead of one proposal the strongest messages I have for the Minister is a at the end of the process, perhaps there should be request that he utilise his innate pragmatism to influence staged proposals coming back to Parliament, where these negotiations. certain sections of the trade agreement are taken before The second push I would make is on something we the House and debated by a Select Committee or on the have talked about: pace. There are moves afoot already Floor of the House. For me, there should be conditionality. in America—we have seen the French examples and Everything that happens in the European Union should there will be others from all interested parties—to slow be conditional, the condition being that we do not end things done and to have carve-ups and opt-outs. We up with an agreement that subverts what we signed up must make the case for pace and ensure that we stick to to in our last treaty. It cannot be an attempt to rewrite the rigorous timetable set in place by the negotiators. I the treaties by the back door, so we must always ascertain also think that the point made by the right hon. Gentleman whether the conditionality of any trade agreement or is key: this debate cannot be a closed shop in this place any other agreement will undermine the rights contained or in Brussels or in America. We must take the argument in the documents to which I referred. to our citizens and businesses and explain to them We want a more prosperous world, but one that is the importance of the jobs that will be created by the based on fairness and on the improvement of the conditions agreement and by enhancing our relationship. The benefit of the people who supply us with our goods and services for EU supporters is that if we can do that for this and those who work in industries and enterprises in the agreement, we can use that information and build on EU and in this country. that argument as we make the case for Britain continuing to be an active member of the EU. 1.27 pm Finally, although we have a number of Ministers who Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): I shall not are active in this negotiation on the British side, I hope speak for long, as I am still reeling from the accusation that my hon. Friend the Minister answering today’s that I am sympathetic to the Tea party. debate will be at the forefront of some of these discussions as they take place over the next couple of years. It is important that I start by paying tribute to the Prime Minister, the Chancellor and the Government as Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. Just a whole for putting an EU-US trade agreement and to say we are overshooting on time. The other debate is talks at the centre of the strategy for the EU and for well over-subscribed, so there will be a six minute limit. growth, which this Government are so relentlessly pursuing. All of us in the House understand the importance of 1.32 pm America, and we need to make the case to the country and to British business that although there is rightly a Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab): This pivot east in trade and activity—to the BRIC countries debate is very timely because of the discussion about and other emerging economies—the American economy, where the UK’s future economic growth is going to come with 310 million people with a per capita income of from: away from an overreliance on domestic consumption, $48,000, and an energy sector that looks as though it is which is now creeping back into the economy, and going to get incredibly competitive over the coming shifting once again, we hope, towards exports and years, is a phenomenal opportunity for Britain. It would manufacturing. Although the value of the pound is a be wrong just to accept that we already have a relationship fifth lower than it was at the onset of the economic which is established and going quite well. crisis, unlike in previous downturns exports from this Companies in my constituency, such as Silver Cross country have not risen but fallen. Completing a trade Prams which produces traditional prams that hon. Members and investment area between the US and the EU will may have used or been in in the past, sell across the create more opportunities in this country for businesses world, but in America they have to go through pages and investors to grow out of the crisis. That will add to and pages of health and safety and other procedures in the 36 other countries with whom the EU already has a order to sell their already safe and already EU-recognised trade agreement in place. product in America. If Jet2, which flies out of Leeds The EU exports more in goods and services than it Bradford airport, wants to fly to an American city and imports from the US, and 30% of the EU’s foreign then on to another American city, it is unable to sell direct investment is in the US, too. The estimated benefits seats on the domestic US side, which has an impact on to Europe of successfully negotiating a free trade area its business. Principle Healthcare sells drugs, vitamins with the US would boost growth across the Union by and other products that are perfectly safe and have been 0.9% a year, and, according to an assessment by the rigorously tested here in the UK and in Europe, but Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, would when it tries to sell to America, it must start the whole provide £10 billion in direct economic boost to the UK. procedure yet again. The effect of a successful agreement would align I have great respect for the right hon. Member for technical standards; harmonise labelling and product Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey), but I was worried specification standards; protect intellectual property; by some of his remarks. The idea that this agreement improve access to Government procurement schemes; should try to have top-down formal regulation of all cut agricultural tariffs; and, most important, help our these things is quite wrong because to get the pace we largest manufacturing industry in this country—the have been talking about, we need to think much more food and drink sector. But to extract the full benefit about mutual recognition. If we have safe drug products from such an agreement, if it is successfully completed, in America and safe drug products in the EU, how do the UK has still to be a full member state of the European 1369 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1370 Agreement Agreement [Mr William Bain] this debate. What a difference a week makes, or maybe two weeks. Here we are today debating something of Union. If we want to shape the terms of this trade and importance in relation to our membership of the European investment partnership, we can do so only from inside, Union, focusing on the benefits of our membership, not from the margins or, even worse, by excluding and the Government Benches are empty, in such contrast ourselves completely. with the excitable packed Benches we saw—[Interruption.] The Prime Minister was happy to accept President Practically empty. I apologise to those few Members Obama’s hospitality on a recent visit to the United who are there. The contrast, however, is not with the States, but it might help British business even more if he Opposition Benches today but with the Government accepted some of President Obama’s friendly advice, Benches two weeks ago. Today we are debating a serious too. The President, in his press conference on 13 May, and important issue to do with our membership of the said: European Union. “We discussed with the Prime Minister the importance of moving ahead with the EU towards negotiations on the Transatlantic Julian Smith: The hon. Gentleman says this is a Trade and Investment Partnership. Our extensive trade with the serious and important matter, but does he agree that EU is central to our broader economic transatlantic relationship giving the British people a say on Europe is also serious which supports more than 13 million jobs… I believe we’ve got a and important? real opportunity to cut tariffs, open markets, create jobs and make all of our economies even more competitive.” Paul Blomfield: I thought the debate a couple of According to The Guardian, a senior US official weeks ago was more about resolving internal differences commenting after the Washington visit of the Prime in the Conservative party than a wider concern for the Minister said: views of British people. “having Britain in the EU will strengthen the possibility that we succeed in a very difficult negotiation, as it involves so many What an irony it is that too many Government Members different interests and having Britain as a key player and pushing want to lead us out of Europe, just at the moment that for this will be important. We have expressed our views of the already substantial benefits from our membership Britain’s role in the EU and they haven’t changed.” of the EU are set to become even better. I might even The indications are that it will take between 18 months feel sorry for the Prime Minister if these problems were and two years to reach an agreement but perhaps as not of his own making. He knows that our future lies in long as 10 to 15 years for the full effects of a successfully Europe, just as our past always has done, and he wants agreed accord to come into force. But perhaps before this country to be at the heart of the European Union the end of the arbitrary timescale that, unfortunately, and his party to stop banging on about Europe. He many Government Members wish the House to follow knows the importance of this trade deal, but he made on an in/out EU referendum, the UK would already be an early mistake back in 2005 when, lagging behind in seeing some of the gradual benefits accumulating from the leadership contest for his party, he threw red meat to that transatlantic free trade area, only potentially to be Conservative Members who would take us out of the forced out of it shortly afterwards as a result of such EU with a promise to leave the European People’s a referendum. The House of Commons Library has party. He was warned by his Conservative allies in confirmed that all EU trade agreements would have to Europe— be renegotiated by the UK if it left the EU, so by leaving the EU and leaving the advantages of this agreement Jonathan Evans: Perhaps I should point out to the that we hope to see very soon, the UK would lose access hon. Gentleman that I was leader of the Conservatives to over 130 free trade agreements, which would not only in the European Parliament at that time, and the have a negative impact on the economy but imply huge Conservative party was never in the European People’s costs in individual renegotiation. party at any time. As my hon. Friend the Member for Ochil and South Perthshire (Gordon Banks) said, the same logic applies Paul Blomfield: The Conservative party’s alliances to the plans to see Scotland leaving the UK, thereby when the hon. Gentleman was in the European Parliament harming our Scotch whisky and food exporters and were better than those it has made subsequently. seeing them lose the enormous potential benefits of the free trade agreement with the United States. Guto Bebb: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? I hope that these negotiations will be completed speedily and effectively. I hope that they will equip our Paul Blomfield: Let me make some progress, My manufacturing sector with access to a larger free trade point is that the Prime Minister did not understand that area. This debate has been important in emphasising the more red meat he threw to those on his right, the the responsibility that the UK Government and the more they would want. We find ourselves being pushed devolved Governments have in these islands to ensure towards the exit door of the European Union at a time that this future source of sustainable economic growth when the case for membership has never been stronger. and high-skilled employment for all our constituencies is not put at risk by ambitions to erect constitutional Let me turn to the trade deal and the comments made barriers in a world in which they are increasingly irrelevant. earlier by the hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash), who sadly is no longer in his place, when he sought to diminish the importance of our trade with the European 1.38 pm Union. The EU is the UK’s main trading partner and Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) (Lab): I add to the comprises around 52% of the UK’s total trade in goods congratulations to my right hon. Friend the Member and services. Of course growing markets in China and for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) and to the India are important, but those two markets account hon. Member for Aberconwy (Guto Bebb) on securing for 5.6% and 1.6% of our current trade. Through the 1371 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1372 Agreement Agreement Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, the responding to comments made by some Government Government estimate that 3.5 million jobs in Britain Members who are no longer in their seats, and recognise are linked, directly or indirectly, to our trade with EU where we stand internationally. The UK alone would member states. not have the negotiating clout of the EU in striking the Let us look to the future. It has been estimated that sort of deal that would benefit all member states, including by 2020 the UK will have fallen to the ninth largest the UK. As with so many other things, we are stronger economy in the world. In contrast, the EU is the largest together in Europe, and this deal is yet another reason economy in the world, home to 7.4% of the world’s why we must be at the centre of the European Union. population and accounting for almost 20% of world GDP. The EU is not important to the UK simply for 1.47 pm that reason, but also because of the access it provides to other markets. The EU is the top trading partner for Mike Gapes (Ilford South) (Lab/Co-op): It is a pleasure 80 countries and currently has free trade agreements to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Sheffield with more than 40. That process is continuing, and the Central (Paul Blomfield). I agree entirely with what he EU is currently negotiating agreements with more than said and I particularly endorse his remarks about public 70 countries, including important UK partners such as procurement and the importance of the national health India and Japan, as well as growing economies such service. It is vital that debates on this issue make it clear as Brazil. According to the CBI, the European Union that the trade agreement will not be used as a way of has negotiated trade agreements that cover around 30% justifying the privatisation policies of the Conservative of trade outside the EU area, and it is in the process of and Liberal Democrat coalition, by blaming it on the raising that figure to 70%. requirements of some European-US deal. It has been estimated that the deal we are considering today will generate around ¤119 billion of benefits to Julian Smith: I reiterate the question I asked earlier. the EU and create 2 million jobs. As my right hon. Does the hon. Gentleman accept that the Labour party Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne pointed in government regularly used the private sector to deliver out in his opening remarks, that could benefit the UK better services, where necessary, in the NHS? economy by up to £10 billion a year. My hon. Friend the Member for West Bromwich West (Mr Bailey) was Mike Gapes: I accept that because of the problems right to point out that current tariffs averaging around we had when we came to office, we had to get extra 4% are quite low, but given the volume of trade, the capacity. My constituents in Ilford benefited from the benefits are significant. Even more significant—my right independent treatment centre that was established on hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne the site of King George hospital. They had operations referred to this—is the alignment of regulatory standards on their knees and noses that would not have been and the opportunity that offers not only for trade available previously because of the lack of capacity in between these two important blocs, but in raising standards the NHS. I make no apology for the fact that my internationally. constituents benefited from the investment and policies My right hon. Friend was also right to highlight of the Labour Government, but that is not what this concerns about the potential privatisation of public debate is about. services—a threat that has been targeted wrongly at this I want to make three points. First, in an earlier deal. It is important that we reassure those who are intervention I referred to the European Union-South worried about the impact of this deal on public services, Korea free trade agreement which, as the Foreign Secretary and the health service in particular, which might disappoint recognised in the House a few months ago, has not just some Conservative Members who would like to see been of great benefit to the European Union as a whole, much greater privatisation. but the removal of 97% of the tariffs that existed between Korea and the European Union led to a significant In the free trade agreements that the EU has negotiated, increase in British exports to Korea. public services exemptions are provided in two ways: first, by provisions that refer to Mr Cash: I alluded to that in my speech. After “services exercised under Government authority”— inquiry, the European Scrutiny Committee was informed the police, for example, and the justice system—and, that it was difficult, if not impossible, to make a true secondly, by provision for public utilities, which would comparison between the apparent benefits to the EU in cover health care. The former provisions are automatically general and the advantages to the UK individually, excluded from all trade agreements. The latter are not apart from in the car industry, where there appeared to automatically excluded but reservations are attached be a distinct benefit. that allow EU member states to maintain public provision or limit access to a certain number of providers—both Mike Gapes: On 23 April, the Foreign Secretary said: domestic and foreign—in those sectors. “The free trade agreement with South Korea eliminated nearly It is important that we send a clear message that the 97% of tariffs, and some British businesses are now enjoying a EU-US trade agreement in itself cannot lead to further huge increase in exports to South Korea as a result. We want to privatisation of health care in this country. The policies see the same thing happen on an even greater scale in relation of this Government will do that—or perhaps not, if to the United States.”—[Official Report, 23 April 2013; Vol. 561, they are successfully defeated. The trade agreement c. 743.] could, however, lead to a significant boost to the UK I suggest the hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash)has economy. It would be the most significant bilateral some comradely discussions about these matters with agreement, and our combined economies are worth the Foreign Secretary in the next meeting of the 1922 almost 40% of world GDP. We must be honest when committee or somewhere else. 1373 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1374 Agreement Agreement [Mike Gapes] the UK play a full part within the EU. If we want to get an EU-US trade and investment treaty, we need to I want to emphasise a point made by the hon. Member support it wholeheartedly. for Skipton and Ripon (Julian Smith) about the significance of reducing the regulatory obstacles. Many of my 1.55 pm constituents work in financial or banking institutions in London. TheCityUK has published a paper saying Mr Iain Wright (Hartlepool) (Lab): I congratulate that it my right hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth and “strongly supports the efforts being made in the US and the EU Dearne (John Healey) and the hon. Member for Aberconwy towards a Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership.” (Guto Bebb) on using their strong persuasive abilities to It believes that that needs to be comprehensive and convince the Backbench Business Committee to agree should cover all aspects of the economy, and it highlights to this important debate. This issue has not had the the absurdities of different regulatory regimes, the additional prominence it deserves, and I pay tribute to right hon. costs this imposes on both sides of the Atlantic and the and hon. Members for redressing that situation. Given serious delays involved. the potential of this agreement, this is an important In another publication, British Influence highlights discussion. how the pharmaceutical industry has completely different This has been an important and, on the whole, positive requirements on the acceptability and availability of debate. The sheer size of the American and European drugs in the US and Europe, meaning that drugs that economies means that the potential prize of a significant have already gone through one rigorous testing procedure free trade agreement is huge. As my right hon. Friend must then go through another one. That is not necessarily the Member for Wentworth and Dearne said, together anything other than an obstructive measure to preserve the EU and the US account for just under half of markets for certain companies by squeezing out competitors. global GDP and about a third of world trade. About If it can compete on quality—and our pharmaceutical $2.7 billion of goods and services cross the two continents industry is certainly high quality—industry in Europe every single day—a trillion dollars every year. The and Britain will be well capable of competing on a level proposed free trade agreement could be the biggest playing field in an American market. bilateral trade deal in world history, both in terms of its There will be people in the US, as in Europe, who will value and in the range of subjects, sectors and markets try to resist and obstruct these measures. We have heard covered. Given the size of the sums involved, even some of those voices today, unfortunately. The reason modest reductions in barriers would lead to huge amounts for that is partly ideological, but it is also linked to of money—$325 billion—that could be ploughed into pork-barrel politics, the two-year congressional election extra jobs, more investment and higher economic growth. cycle and all the other difficulties people have in winning As has been said, a potential trade and investment public office in the US, so this will not be an easy agreement would yield an estimated increase in UK process, and these negotiations will take time; it is a bit national income of between £4 billion and £10 billion a optimistic to think they could be over in two years, and year over the next decade. That is huge and worth they will not be helped if the EU adopts a minimalist fighting for. position or says it wishes certain items to be taken out of the negotiations at the start. That will play into the Mr Cash: Lord Mandelson said that when he was hands of those in the US who also want to play that trade commissioner the over-regulation of business cost game. 4% of Europe’s GDP and about £6 billion a year to the It is a bit like the Conservative party’s position on British economy. Is that not something we should be renegotiating our membership of, and repatriating powers tackling, and does the hon. Gentleman agree that some from, the EU. We cannot take things à la carte, and in of his figures are based on estimates? the negotiations between the EU and the US, we will not get all we want; it will be a difficult process, and it Mr Wright: The hon. Gentleman makes an important could well be undermined significantly by diversions, point. I was about to say that, as mentioned several such as those relating to Scotland, to which my hon. times, the nature and structure of trade between the EU Friend the Member for Ochil and South Perthshire and the US is such that we do not have substantial or (Gordon Banks) referred. It could also be undermined, excessive trade barriers between the two blocs. Most of however, if British negotiators, obsessing about other the gains would come from a reduction in non-tariff issues, divert their efforts and energies away from getting barriers. In response to his point, I would add that I am the best deal for British business and investment and keen to see regulatory convergence. trade in the United States, as my hon. Friend the Member Reductions in non-tariff barriers would result in reduced for Sheffield Central pointed out earlier. costs for producers and traders and so increase productivity, According to The Daily Telegraph, the Prime Minister leading to greater investment and higher gains per said that worker. Forecasts predict that increased trade would “if Britain weren’t in the EU you would not directly benefit from lead to higher wage rates of between 0.2% and 0.5% for an EU/US trade deal”. workers in this country. Again, that is a prize worth That is the fundamental point. If we embark on a fighting for. If the free trade agreement were to focus process of renegotiating terms with, or withdrawing more on tariffs than non-tariff barriers, the gains for from, the EU, we will damage our position within an the UK would be substantially less, as the Chair of the internal EU process and our long-term relationship Business, Innovation and Skills Committee said. with the US. As the US President, the ambassador and What has been clear from today’s debate is that there others have made absolutely clear, the US believes it to is a huge amount of ambition in this House for this be in the interests of its co-operation with Europe that agreement, so will the Minister confirm that the scope 1375 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1376 Agreement Agreement and ambition of the agreement that will be negotiated The global aerospace industry is dominated by Europe will be as wide-ranging and comprehensive as possible, and the United States, and particularly by Airbus and in order to ensure the maximum gains for British Boeing, as was seen in the recent sales at the successful companies? Will he ensure that Britain is pushing for Paris air show. Britain is the largest player in this negotiations to be focused on where that maximum gain industry in Europe and is second only to the US in the will be, which, as I have said, is on the elimination of world. The European aerospace industry generates a non-tariff barriers? Will he give us an idea of the scope third of the EU’s manufacturing exports, and we in this and scale of agreement he hopes to achieve? country are at the heart of it. We have to maintain our Right hon. and hon. Members have rightly been competitive advantage. The industry is subject to fierce talking about how the House can be involved in this competition from other nations. China is particularly process. Will the Minister tell us how he hopes to keep ambitious about launching an aerospace company— the House informed of progress on the agreement? My COMAC—to rival Boeing and Airbus. Does the Minister right hon. Friend the Member for Wentworth and Dearne accept—this is an important point—that an ambitious talked about this, but will the Minister tell us a bit about free trade agreement between the US and the EU would what he has planned for the scrutiny of the negotiations actually help to maintain our competitive advantage in by this House? How can we debate this matter on a this field, as consistency of international regulatory periodic and, we hope, positive basis? standards should give existing firms and their supply chains an important lever to use? That was certainly the Will the Minister also give the House a sense, wherever conclusion of an important Chatham House report on possible, on when he expects the talks to be concluded? manufacturing published this week. I know that that is difficult, but it has been mentioned several times in the debate, and the US vice-president Services are a key part of the British economy; we are has said that he hopes talks can be agreed on “one tank the best in Europe on services. Will the Minister comment of gas”, which means the completion of negotiations onthenatureoftheagreementinthatarea?Forexample, within 18 to 24 months. This is obviously a big priority a UK lawyers’ qualification is not fully recognised in the for the Obama Administration, as I think it is for the US, which is an impediment to UK lawyers’ practising. British Government, but will the Minister give us a If the EU and US recognised each other’s professional sense of when he thinks the process will be concluded? qualifications, a great boost would be given to trade, My hon. Friend the Member for Ochil and South which would particularly benefit the British economy. Perthshire (Gordon Banks) asked about this directly, Will he discuss that a little? but how will this House ratify the deal? Will that be The scale of the prize indicates how important it is done by a full, substantial debate in Government time that Britain has a leading role to play in Europe, as my on the Floor of the House so that we can question and hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow North East (Mr scrutinise the deal carefully? Bain) said. Does the Minister agree with Sir Mike Rake of the CBI, who said that there is an overwhelming case I wish to focus on a few specific industries that could for Britain being at the heart of Europe for the sake of benefit enormously from a comprehensive and ambitious our businesses? Does he agree with my hon. Friend the free trade agreement. The motor vehicles sector, which Member for Ochil and South Perthshire, who indicated has been mentioned, is forecast to see considerable that he agreed with the Minister without Portfolio that growth as a result of an ambitious transatlantic trade it would be curtains for our ability to play any leadership and investment partnership—TTIP. Estimates predict a role if we exited the EU? The right hon. and learned rise in exports of between 15% and 26%. That will Gentleman said in a recent article: obviously help the German manufacturers, but we certainly should not discount the impact it will have on our “Irony of ironies, it is of course the EU that is making deals with the United States and Canada possible. It should come as no important and growing automotives sector, where we surprise that Obama’s officials have commented that they would are producing great-quality, high-premium cars that the have ‘very little confidence’ for a deal with the British alone.” rest of the world are keen to buy. That was mentioned Does this Minister agree? by my hon. Friend the Member for West Bromwich West (Mr Bailey). Will the Minister also address the warnings from the Obama Administration that if the UK leaves Europe, In that regard, I hope the Minister will reassure us we will exclude ourselves from a EU-US trade deal that regulatory convergence to ensure great export growth worth billions and that it would be unlikely that Washington will be at the top of the agenda in the negotiations. I would try to negotiate a separate trade agreement with hope he will agree that a vehicle considered safe to drive Britain? A senior White House official is quoted as in Europe should also be considered safe to drive in stating: the US. Will he ensure that duplication of safety “Having Britain in the EU...is going to strengthen the possibility and environmental standards is dealt with and that that we succeed in a very difficult negotiation, as it involves so negotiations prioritise mutual recognition agreements many different interests and having Britain as a key player and and equivalence standards? Will he also address the pushing for this will be important...We have expressed our views point, not entirely confined to the automotive sector, of Britain’s role in the EU and they haven’t changed…TTIP that differing regulatory arrangements apply at a state, negotiations underscore why we think it’s important that it continues.” federal level? Will negotiations ensure that state differences Is it not clear from White House officials that the are dealt with, too? That point will apply to many United States believes that one of the key reasons for industries, such as those producing electrical goods, the special relationship is that we are in the EU, and chemicals and cosmetics. My area has the highest that it would be naive and impractical to suggest that concentration of chemical engineering in western Europe, we could negotiate a separate trade deal that could have and if Europe and the US had mutually accepted standards, the same potential positive effect on jobs and growth? the potential for the chemicals industry in the north-east would be enormous. Mr Cash rose— 1377 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1378 Agreement Agreement Mr Wright: I knew that the hon. Gentleman would proposal in its historical context. It would be good not not be able to resist, so I will give way. only for trade but for the relationship between our two continents. A successful conclusion could allow the EU Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. I would and the US to agree common standards and rules fit for just like to be of help, because the shadow Minister has the 21st century. The principle of mutual recognition is taken 10 minutes so far and he said he would only take an important one, and perhaps the mutually recognised that long. He will have reached 11 minutes in a moment, standards would form the basis for standards around so we should be careful. the rest of the world, given the sheer scale of a free trade area between the EU and the US. Mr Cash: I will leave it. We heard Opposition Members argue passionately in Mr Deputy Speaker: We will leave it. favour of the EU and against giving people their say, not least the hon. Members for Linlithgow, for Mr Wright: Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I will Sheffield Central (Paul Blomfield), who gave a spectacularly mention one final thing and then draw my comments to passionate argument against allowing people their say a close. in a referendum, and for Glasgow North East (Mr Bain). Several hon. Members, including my hon. Friends I think that the TTIP is central to our vision of a the Members for Linlithgow and East Falkirk (Michael reformed EU that is more competitive and better able to Connarty), for Sheffield Central (Paul Blomfield), for deliver jobs and growth for its citizens, and for that Glasgow North East and for Ilford South (Mike Gapes), proposition to be put to the British people in a referendum have mentioned the NHS. Will the Minister confirm is a strong strategy for the way forward. Opposition that the free trade agreement will not be a green light to Members talked about Barack Obama’s White House private health companies in the US to take over services officials saying this and that, but I will go by the words within the NHS? Will he absolutely rule out that happening? of the man himself, who fulsomely supported the strategy This agreement is a huge prize and the whole House of renegotiating our relationship and putting it to the is keen to see success on it. I hope that the Minister will people in a referendum. be as ambitious as the House is on this, because the The EU-US trade deal would be the biggest in the potential for jobs, growth and prosperity, on both sides, world, and it would build on our strong relationship. of the Atlantic is immense. Mike Gapes: The Minister just said that President 2.7 pm Obama had supported a referendum. Perhaps he will The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills give us the source of that statement. (Matthew Hancock): It is a pleasure to wind up this debate. It has run over time, for which I apologise to Matthew Hancock: The source of the statement was hon. Members taking part in the next debate, but that is President Obama. He said during a press conference testament to the importance of the subject and the with the Prime Minister—I do not have the precise exceedingly high-quality contributions. More important quote, but I have the substance of it—that he thought it than the quality of the rhetoric has been the unanimity was right to try to renegotiate a relationship before of argument in favour of an EU-US trade deal. Of deciding to leave. I will write to the hon. Gentleman course important questions need to be addressed, and I with the precise quote. I think that it is better to listen to will deal with as many of those as I can in the time a politician, rather than officials representing a politician. available, but all speakers have been in favour, in principle, Crucially, the free trade deal must genuinely support of pushing to make this deal happen, and that message free trade, which I think it will. My hon. Friend the should go out loud and clear from this House. As a Member for Aberconwy commented on that, channelling passionate supporter of free trade, believing that free Bright. Negotiating an ambitious programme is vital. trade and capitalism has been the greatest force for Many numbers have been quoted in the debate. We are prosperity ever invented by man, I am proud to be part already negotiating trade deals with Canada, India and of a political consensus in this country in favour of free Japan, each of which represents 2% of our exports. The trade. That is one of our great political and economic United States represents 15% of our exports. I think strengths. that sums up the scale and importance of the proposition. On that note, I pay tribute to the right hon. Member The relationship is already exceptionally close and for Wentworth and Dearne (John Healey) and my hon. deep. The US is the top export destination after the rest Friend the Member for Aberconwy (Guto Bebb), not of the EU, and the US and the UK are each other’s only for securing this debate, but for starting up the largest foreign investors, supporting over 1 million jobs all-party group on European Union-United States trade in this country, and US investment stock in the UK is and investment to make sure that a forum is available worth around £200 billion, which is eight times the size for all Members to discuss the issues relating to the of US investment stock in China. The scale is important, TTIP deal. The launch of the negotiations started last the Government’s ambition is high, and all areas are in week, and they are a once-in-a-generation opportunity scope. Of course, as has been mentioned, the audio-visual to secure the biggest bilateral trade agreement in the sector has been set to one side, but there is the potential history of the world. As many hon. Members have said, to include it if negotiations go in that direction. it would bring significant economic benefits, in growth With regard to whether regional jobs data can be and jobs, to both sides of the Atlantic. made available, the hon. Member for West Bromwich There are also compelling strategic reasons for West (Mr Bailey) and the right hon. Member for Wentworth the agreement, as the right hon. Member for Warley and Dearne argued strongly that we need to ensure that (Mr Spellar) and the hon. Member for Linlithgow and we make the argument for the deal. We will look at East Falkirk (Michael Connarty) argued, putting the publishing regional jobs data in as robust a way as 1379 EU-US Trade and Investment 18 JULY 2013 EU-US Trade and Investment 1380 Agreement Agreement possible. Arguments were made, not least by the hon. The objective in the negotiations, including in TTIP, Members for Hartlepool (Mr Wright) and for Birmingham, will be to have commitments in health services that are Yardley (John Hemming) and my hon. Friend the Member broadly in line with existing international trade agreements, for Skipton and Ripon (Julian Smith), giving specific so I can reassure Members on that point. It is true that examples of how the deal would help British businesses this is an ambitious project, but our goal is that it and jobs and be a positive force for the economy and should be concluded within 18 to 24 months. The US prosperity. It is some of the specific examples that were interpretation is that it should be concluded on one given that make the case most eloquently and strongly. tank of gas, and we wholeheartedly agree. The British Government will put in place whatever support is necessary Mr Jenkin: Will the Minister address the concern, for the Commission to help that happen. The benefits raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Stone (Mr Cash), will come not only as a result of reducing tariffs, although that there are already vast disparities of economic potential they are relatively low, but from non-tariff barriers, in different parts of the EU, which has caused massive mutual recognition of regulation and the treatment of trade imbalances between member states? The danger is intellectual property, which has been mentioned. that a genuine free trade deal would exacerbate those We are under no illusions that this will be easy, but we tensions? Will the incentive in the EU not be for a more are well placed and have a strong political commitment. protectionist deal than we would want? How will he In the first negotiating round, which took place last address that? week, good progress was made. A framework for the negotiations was agreed and an initial productive exchange Matthew Hancock: The incentive in the EU is for of views on ambition and approach across each dossier liberalisation, because overall the analysis of the European was achieved. As the Prime Minister has said, it is a Commission and the analysis that we commissioned once-in-a-generation prize and we are determined to on the impact on the UK indicated a positive impact on seize it to ensure that the benefits of free trade can every member state. Of course there are winners and increase and strengthen jobs and prosperity in this losers, but the overall impact on each part of the EU nation and around the world. will be positive. That is what the Commission’s analysis showed. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): I call Mr John Healey. You have up to two minutes, but please be Mr Cash: Will the Minister be good enough to supply brief. the European Scrutiny Committee with that analysis? 2.19 pm Matthew Hancock: Yes, of course. I was just about to John Healey: This debate has confirmed a strong move on to scrutiny, which came up in many Members’ cross-party interest in the negotiations—specifically, in contributions and is important. I agree with my hon. the areas that will loom large in any deal, in how we Friend the Member for Stone (Mr Cash) about the make sure that we get the strongest benefits for Britain, uncertainty of forecasts and numbers, but I will give the in the historical and political background to free trade, Committee the analysis. The Committee will play an and in Government reporting and accountability to important part in scrutinising the negotiations. Of course, Parliament during the process. It is clear that these as many Members have said, the negotiations will be led negotiations will be tough, that an agreement is not by the Commission, so we must ensure that we do not certain, and that the benefits will depend on the content get in the way of positive developments of substance by of any agreement. That is all the more reason for publishing things that the Commission would not want Parliament getting behind the negotiations and following us to publish, but within those constraints we will them closely. ensure that we engage with the Committee, and indeed We have heard 13 Back-Bench speakers. I apologise with Members on both sides. I think that it would be to those who were unable to give us the full benefit of positive to have debates such as this one as the process their expertise because of the time limit. As the hon. goes forward. Member for Aberconwy (Guto Bebb) said, it is clear that scrutiny starts with this debate. As we heard from Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Will the Minister the hon. Member for Stone (Mr Cash) and my hon. give way? Friend the Member for Linlithgow and East Falkirk (Michael Connarty), these negotiations are a stage-by-stage Matthew Hancock: Of course. process that require in this House stage-by-stage reporting from the Government and scrutiny. This debate is a marker for the months ahead, and this subject is one to Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. The which we must return. Minister has now been speaking for 10 minutes, so I am sure that Bob Stewart can save himself for later. Question put and agreed to Resolved, Matthew Hancock: Let me just run through as quickly That this House has considered the economic implications for as I can some of the other points that were made. the UK of an EU-US Trade and Investment Agreement. 1381 18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1382

Summer Adjournment 3.5 million in 2010 to 3.2 million in 2011, but there are still far too many. Although it is very warm at the moment, I hope that we will not take our eye off the ball in 2.20 pm reducing the deprivation that some of our senior citizens Mr David Amess (Southend West) (Con): I beg to feel when it comes to being warm in their homes. move, Space exploration is something that interests us all. I That this House has considered matters to be raised before the am sure that all hon. Members can think of one or two forthcoming adjournment. people they would like to send up in a rocket, hopefully Before the House adjourns for the summer recess, not to return. I would not think for a moment that the I should like briefly to raise a number of points. UK Space Agency would rival its counterpart in America, although I am very glad that a British astronaut has I feel that I was duped over the war with Iraq, and now joined the programme. Given that we are spending I will certainly not be duped again with regard to Syria. a huge amount of money on the High Speed 2 rail I am totally against any involvement in that country, project, I hope, in the context of profitability, that we although I praise and highlight the work of organisations will look carefully at space exploration in future. such as the United Nations, the Red Cross and Christian Aid. We want to hear much less from Mr Blair and Mr Ray Woodcock is a local resident who raises a lot Mr Clinton in terms of any advice that they might be of money for charity by bungee jumping. On 18 August, giving. Unless they are prepared to have some of their he will be beating the Guinness world record for bungee children sent home in body bags, they should remain jumping over water at a Welsh quarry, jumping a total silent. of 400 feet. I know that all hon. Members will wish him well. On Iran, I have long been in favour of peaceful regime change. I recently had a meeting in my office with representatives of Coloplast, which was the first company in the world Sir Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): On Syria, to develop the ostomy bag. They recently celebrated will my hon. Friend make the very important point that bowel independence day, which encourages GPs to offer the community that will suffer most in any armed newer technologies more regularly. I hope that the intervention by the west is one that is protected by the relevant Health Minister will look into this matter and Assad regime—namely, the Christians? It is the last major support the company’s endeavours. On the same day, I Christian community left in the middle east outside Egypt. met representatives of the Multiple Sclerosis Society, who informed me of the positive results that the MS risk sharing scheme has shown since its introduction in Mr Amess: I absolutely agree with my hon. Friend. 2002. I hope that the scheme will be strengthened However, I hope that the House will understand if I do further in future and that my right hon. Friend the not give way any more because I have promised the Health Secretary will look into the matter. Deputy Speaker that I will be very quick and set a good example. I was appalled by this week’s announcements about a number of hospitals. As I know Basildon and Thurrock The new President of Iran, Mr Rouhani, seems to University Hospitals Trust extremely well, I feel very have been given a wonderful welcome, including in the strongly that Monitor has played a significant role in press. Now that he has the office of President, I caution what has happened in this tragedy. The people who run the House to judge him by his deeds, because his track Monitor must be held to account by this House. record is not particularly wonderful. Monorails do not seem to be particularly popular in The Maldives were a British protectorate and for this country, but they do offer another way of getting 30 years a dictator ran the country. On 7 September, round our busy cities. I am certainly going to encourage there are new elections. Given that we have a real the good residents of Southend to have a monorail, and interest in the Maldives, it is very important that those I hope that other hon. Members will be interested in elections are held properly and fairly so that this nascent this matter. democracy is given all possible support. Essex bowling club is currently celebrating its 106th I was delighted that one of my colleagues was introducing year. It is a wonderful club that has had a few trials and a Bill to amend the Freedom of Information Act 2000, tribulations, particularly with the Inland Revenue. I am but rather perplexed when the Bill was not presented. It sending a message to the Deputy Leader of the House is absolutely ludicrous that people can make freedom of saying that I expect someone from the Treasury, as a information requests but we are not allowed know their matter of urgency, to extend the courtesy of meeting names and addresses. The House must change that as a my constituents from Essex bowling club and helping matter of urgency. It is completely gutless when people them with their tax affairs. are not prepared to be named and reveal their identities. We have all seen the commissioning of reports such I served on the Health Committee for 10 years, and as Chilcot and Leveson, and there is great news coverage during that time we initiated a debate on obesity. Given at the time. Millions and millions of pounds have been all the current talk about obesity, it is as if it has only spent on those reports. What has happened about the just been invented. I urge the House to go to the House Chilcot report? Absolutely nothing. What has happened of Commons Library and look at the report that about the Leveson report? Absolutely nothing. This is a the Health Committee produced in 2003. If those disgrace in relation to taxpayers’ money. I expect the recommendations had been followed, we would not be House to take this issue seriously and to make sure that in the situation we are in now. we get these reports delivered here as soon as possible. I The Warm Homes and Energy Conservation Act 2000, assure the House that if there were an Amess report in which I was privileged to pilot through the House, years to come, I would not rest until action had been reduced the number of people in fuel poverty from taken. 1383 Summer Adjournment18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1384

I conclude with Southend’s bid to be City of Culture. the situation. I obviously respect the privacy of that I was very disappointed that neither Southend nor meeting, but I will just say that we now know that he anywhere in the south of the country was on the shortlist will certainly be talking to the Football League. of four. All I can suggest to the House is that the Unite Time is running out before the season begins and I trade union probably had something to do with rigging hope that the discussions will ensure that the club stays the ballot. That said, I am now announcing that Southend- in Coventry. on-Sea will be the alternative City of Culture in 2017. We will do it through private enterprise, and I hope that Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op): If I everyone will visit Southend to see it. am lucky enough, like my hon. Friend, to catch the eye I wish you, Mr Deputy Speaker, your fellow Deputies, of the Chair, I hope to make some broader points about the Speaker of the House, all the Attendants, and the power of football supporters within their clubs. everyone who works here a wonderful summer after Does he agree that the supporters of Coventry City, what has been a tremendous success in terms of sporting who are organised through the Sky Blue Trust, have endeavours. If anyone is at a loose end, I would welcome done a sterling job in supporting him and my right them to come and see how Southend-on-Sea rocks. hon. Friend the Member for Coventry North East (Mr Ainsworth) in campaigning for Coventry City to be Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Let us see able to play within the bounds of the Coventry conurbation? whether we can rock the House with Mr Jim Cunningham on an eight-minute limit. Mr Cunningham: I certainly pay tribute to the fans of Coventry City. They have had great patience and have 2.29 pm given me and my right hon. Friend the Member for Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): When Coventry North East a lot of support. I cannot praise I applied to speak in this debate, I was not aware that I them highly enough. They are now in the situation of would secure a meeting, along with my right hon. Friend having to travel 70 miles to a stadium outside Coventry, the Member for Coventry North East (Mr Ainsworth), which will cost a significant amount. With the economic with the Minister of State, Department for Culture, situation these days, people are finding it hard to make Media and Sport, the right hon. Member for Faversham ends meet, to say the least. The fans have been very and Mid Kent (Hugh Robertson). I therefore intend to loyal to the club over many years, in good times and be conciliatory in speaking about what has happened to in bad. Coventry City football club. Secondly, the Football League has given approval for Many people will be aware of the long-running dispute the club to play at Northampton. I understand that that between Coventry City football club and the owners of might be contrary to the Football League’s own regulations, the stadium in Coventry, the Ricoh arena. We had a but we will have to wait and see about that. I disagree debate earlier this year on the matter so we need not go with the decision to grant approval because I do not into the details of the dispute again. I also raised the believe that all avenues of negotiation have been exhausted. matter earlier during Question Time. Until a week ago on Monday, I thought that there was a The situation has developed and matters have come very good chance that we would make progress with the to a head. Coventry City FC is now due to play its home three main parties in the process. However, when the games at the Sixfields stadium in Northampton. Neither Football League gave its approval, that took the pressure I nor the people of Coventry have anything against off all sides to get together and resolve the situation. Northampton and I am sure that it is an excellent That was a weapon that the league could and should stadium. However, the fans will have to make the round have used. trip at great expense, which will be beyond many of I believe that there should be an inquiry into whether them financially. Coventry has been the home of the the Football League’s regulations have been fully complied club since it was founded and I am sure that Members with. However, if we assume that they have been complied can imagine the great disappointment among Coventry with, it is still shocking that the situation has reached fans and residents that the club is having to leave its this late stage without the Football League taking action. home city. To let the situation unravel to the point where a football I want to make three points. First, I understand that club cannot play in its home city without the league all sides in the dispute are having a good deal of intervening seems to me to be ridiculous. There should difficulty in having productive negotiations. I do not be a review of the Football League’s regulations to wish to go into the reasons why that might be. However, ensure that cases such as this one and that of Wimbledon I believe that it is vital to bring all sides of the dispute to are not repeated. the negotiating table. A compromise arrangement can Thirdly, on a related point, we all know how serious still be thrashed out that would enable the club to a problem debt can be for football clubs. Debt, rent continue playing at the Ricoh arena. I am only asking disputes, company buyouts and takeovers can all be felt for a temporary solution to be found until a long-term by the team and the fans. It is time for a review of the solution can be reached. I call on all the parties involved company law relating to football club ownership to take to put aside their grievances and work constructively into account the fact that football clubs are not simply together to see whether an interim agreement can be businesses. They are not commodities to be bought and reached. sold to make a profit. They mean more than that to the I believe that the sports Minister is well placed to players, the many people involved in a club and, importantly, mediate in the dispute and I have called on him to do so. the fans. It is a great shame when fans can no longer Earlier today, my right hon. Friend the Member for watch their team because of the financial decisions of Coventry North East and I had a productive meeting a few business people. I believe that there should be a with the Minister in which we put across our views on review of the law relating to football club ownership 1385 Summer Adjournment18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1386

[Mr Jim Cunningham] I want to stress the importance of books in developing early years literacy and all the benefits that that brings. I and clubs’ financial arrangements. It should not be remember vividly my first ever visit to the public library. possible to get into this sort of situation without anything It was stressed to me as I walked along beside my improper or illegal occurring. At some point, Government mother that, “When we are in the library, we have to regulations should prevent this late stage from being whisper.”The library was a traditional municipal building reached. with wood panelling, not unlike the Chamber, which I hope that all Members who are present agree that was a bit intimidating for a five-year-old, but it was a urgent discussions are essential if a compromise is to be treasure trove because it was full of books. We did not reached that will keep the club in Coventry next season. own any books at home, and to see wall-to-wall books I urge all sides in the dispute to come together for the was wonderful. Even better than that, I was allowed to future of the club and I call on Ministers to consider borrow them. I could choose them, take them home and carefully this issue and the changes that might prevent read them. A very important lady stamped the back of such a situation from occurring again. the book to tell me when I had to bring it back—the whole thing was absolutely thrilling. I could not wait to 2.36 pm get home and start reading. It was the beginning of my lifelong love affair with books. Dame Angela Watkinson (Hornchurch and Upminster) (Con): I hope to share with the House two positive Children who enjoy reading are more likely to have stories from Hornchurch and Upminster, but given the a good vocabulary, and the importance of good time constraint, it might be only one. communication skills cannot be overstated. Reading First, I should like to praise the excellent public develops imagination, creativity and ideas. Children library service in the London borough of Havering and learn to spell and absorb information without realising to highlight the positive impact of books in developing it, if they enjoy reading as part of their daily lives. They early years literacy. Havering council takes its libraries can be transported into other worlds and experience a very seriously. I commend in particular its cabinet member gamut of emotions: excitement, fear, joy, sympathy and for culture, heritage and sport, Councillor Andrew Curtin, optimism. Characters in books display the good and who takes them even more seriously. He has fought bad in people, and set examples of courage and kindness, hard, not just to protect library funding but to support happiness and despair. Children who are introduced to our excellent library staff, to improve the quality of books and acquire a love of reading in their early years service even further and to increase membership. are likely to continue to keep it all their lives. They are better informed and broader minded for it, and will be In January, Havering ran a universal membership better equipped to face the many challenges that school pilot as part of the project run by the Department for and life bring. Education to examine ways for children to join the library automatically at a certain point in their lives. There is no excuse for any child in this country to be The council worked with 10 schools across the borough. deprived of books. No matter how modest the family Tickets were created for all reception children and the income, the public library offers a limitless range of reader development team went into the schools with a books for everyone. I commend the London borough selection of books for children to borrow. The children of Havering for its progressive library service. started with mini membership, which meant that they My second story—I see that I just have time to tell could borrow just one book and would face no fines. it—concerns my visit to Stubbers adventure centre in The children also received an information pack, which my constituency this week to see the National Citizen included an invitation to parents to come and meet Service in action. The NCS is a Government-funded professional staff who could teach them how to help scheme for year 11 and 12 students and 16 and 17-year-olds their children to read and offer advice on which books who are not in education, that lasts about 4 weeks. The to borrow. Volunteers were available during the February first week is spent away on an outward bound course half-term to talk to children about the books that they doing challenging activities like rock climbing and canoeing had read. with other young people from different backgrounds Havering library service is also working with the they have never met before. It builds confidence and registrar of births to join all new babies born in the interpersonal skills. Importantly, it is great fun. borough. They have signed up 856 babies in the pilot period. Activities for babies and parents assist in early The second week, which was when I visited, is residential. language development and fine motor skills, and combat Other new skills are acquired: putting up a tent, personal social isolation. Read and rhyme sessions for three to financial management, learning how the community is five-year-olds improve concentration and listening skills, made up and planning a local social action project. The and help to make the transition to school successful. students were full of ideas. They planned how to put There are also workshops for parents and carers entitled them into action and raised the money they needed. “How to read to your children and instil a lifelong love They also found out who to contact for permission or of reading in your child”. information. It was wonderful to see such enthusiasm. The positive approach of Havering council has resulted The third and fourth weeks are a lesson in practicality, in a huge surge in library membership in both the junior organisation, overcoming setbacks and difficulties, and and adult sections, with 67% of the borough now signed maintaining effort—all real life skills that will stand up. For adults, especially those who live alone, the them in good stead. At the end of the course they all library is a social contact point. It has computers that receive a graduation certificate signed by the Prime are available for job searches, informal learning and Minister, and parents often make comments like, “I online courses, and, of course, an endless choice of don’t know what you did with him, but he is completely books to borrow. transformed.” 1387 Summer Adjournment18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1388

Schools can help to raise awareness of NCS, which On Mr Shaw’s behalf, and to give some credibility to takes place during school holidays so there is no cost, our Government system and our public services, I ask either in time or money, to schools. They can pass on that Mr Shaw be informed of where Mr O is imprisoned information or invite the NCS to speak to pupils, so and when he will be released. Not unreasonably, Mr Shaw that the opportunity to take part is available to 16 and and his wife are frightened that Mr O will be released. 17-year-olds from all backgrounds. It really is a worthwhile He is a man of violent conduct and might come back to experience. their shop. I would like the police to meet Mr Shaw and Ms Davidson and explain exactly what happened, and 2.43 pm what support they should have expected, from the crime taking place to the date when the trial took place, and Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden) (Lab): I what support they should have reasonably expected would like to share a shocking case with the House on while the trial was going ahead. behalf of my constituents George Shaw and Paula Davidson, who for 18 years have been the proprietors of If victims experience this level of bemusement in the Fillings sandwich shop in Streatham Hill. such a serious case, what happens in smaller cases? My constituent has run his sandwich shop on Streatham In March 2005, Mr Shaw was unloading his van High road for 18 years and has had no involvement outside his shop. He saw a man looking into his front with the criminal justice system. He feels he has been window and became concerned that the man was about treated like a criminal. to steal his van. He then felt a sharp pain in his back: he had been shot. The man had been looking at the bank, 2.48 pm which he intended to rob, on the other side of the street through the reflection of the shop window. This man, Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con): I rise to draw attention Mr O, fled in a minicab. It took some time for the police to an issue to which I drew attention in the last debate to arrive, but there was CCTV footage from the buses on matters to be raised before the Adjournment, which that passed along the street and there were witnesses took place on 26 March. On that occasion I drew the who were prepared to give evidence, in spite of it being House’s attention to concerns about the consequence of a violent crime. One would think that it was an open an EU directive on people’s ability to continue to use and shut case. what was then, and still is, a relatively new product, namely electronic or e-cigarettes. Members will remember It took the police a week to find Mr O. They found that an e-cigarette is an alternative to a conventional him in the Republic of Ireland, where he was also tobacco cigarette and consists of an electronic inhaler wanted by the police. He was found guilty of a violent that vaporises a liquid into an aerosol mist, enabling the crime in Ireland and was imprisoned there for five user to enjoy nicotine in a far safer form. years. He was later extradited back to the UK and went I return to this topic because, in addition to the EU on trial in 2010. Mr Shaw and Ms Davidson tell me that legislation, there is a now a proposal by the UK’s in the five years between the shooting and Mr O being Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency returned to Britain they were not kept informed and for e-cigarettes to be considered as medicinal products. had no idea what was going on. To this day, they are The EU directive seeks to lay down a legislative framework confused as to why Trident investigated the case, as it for the manufacture, presentation and sale of tobacco was not a gang or black-on-black crime. A few days products. However, e-cigarettes are not tobacco products. before the trial in 2010, they received a two-line e-mail Bringing them into line with their more dangerous counter- telling them to be prepared for a case at the Old Bailey, parts—standard cigarettes—will see the consumption and to be ready to give evidence. of e-cigarettes drop. That means that people who currently Mr O was being tried for a number of violent crimes, use them safely will no longer be able to do so. If the including, I understand, a dangerous assault on a woman MHRA’s proposal goes through, e-cigarettes will have in a pub in Brixton. When Mr Shaw got to court, he to go through an expensive and time-consuming procedure learned that the police had lost all the evidence: they to be approved as medicines. If that procedure makes had lost the gun, the bullet and the CCTV from the them more difficult to obtain, smokers will simply buses. The people who were prepared to give evidence continue to smoke tobacco. turned up in fear. They sat outside for 10 days completely It is important to remember that e-cigarettes were not uninformed about what was going on. Mr Shaw and developed as a medicinal product. Indeed, I heard them Ms Davidson had never had anything to do with the described at a seminar the other day as simply an police or the criminal justice system before, and this was “enjoyable consumer product”. However, their regulation an overwhelming experience for them. Mr Shaw had as medicinal products would raise costs, reduce the suffered greatly. He had been in hospital for weeks, and diversity of products available, slow down innovation he continues to have a very large hernia as a result of and inhibit creativity, and, in doing so, make them less the injuries he sustained. Nobody explained what was appealing to the very people hoping to switch to them. happening. As far as he knew, Mr O was not being These are by-products of the law of unintended prosecuted for his near murder. consequences. More people will revert to tobacco. On the advice of Victim Support, Mr Shaw came to Beyond that, the MHRA recommendation is for people see me in March 2011. I wrote to the Independent “not to use”—that is its advice—the current generation Police Complaints Commission to ask it to investigate. of e-cigarettes available on the market. Its group manager On 19 December 2012, Mr Shaw and Ms Davidson met of vigilance and risk management of medicines told Mick Foote, the detective superintendent in Trident a press conference held to announce the MHRA’s gang crime command. Last week, they received a letter recommendations: explaining that nobody was at fault for losing the evidence, “We can’t recommend these products because their safety and and that nothing could be done to bring Mr O back to quality is not assured, and so we will recommend that people trial. don’t use them”. 1389 Summer Adjournment18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1390

[Mark Pawsey] to say that they want a referendum. During that same period, more than 1,000 people have contacted me However, that was despite the MHRA’s impact assessment about the NHS and more than 50,000 people signed my giving no evidence of any harm caused by the use of petition against changes at Lewisham hospital. My e-cigarettes. In fact, Professor Robert West of University constituents are not generally shy about telling me what college London says that for current e-cigarettes “the they think. They tell me how tough it is to find work, risk is negligible”. Indeed, the NHS’s website states that how they are struggling because their tax credits are their toxicity is one thousandth that of tobacco cigarettes. being cut, and how they cannot afford their rent, let One consequence of the MHRA’s recommendation alone a mortgage. I do not dispute that our membership has been that a major supermarket chain removed of the European Union is an issue for some people—I e-cigarettes from its pharmacy shelves, while a survey of suspect, incidentally, that there is some geographical 700 pharmacists has shown that 99.5% are declining to variation in the levels of concern—but I really question stock e-cigarettes because of the announcement. There whether the time being spent on the issue in Westminster is an emerging industry manufacturing e-cigarettes, which is proportionate to the scale of interest and concern predicts that the reduction in their use caused by the that exists in the country as a whole. MHRA’s recommendation will cost the NHS £2.5 billion, We now have a Bill going through the House that owing to fewer people giving up smoking tobacco. would commit us to having a referendum on the UK’s E-Lites, the largest producer of e-cigarettes, now forecasts membership of the EU in four years’ time. I am not a a substantial reduction in the growth of the market. On particular fan of referendums—I think that the majority its figures, 390,000 fewer people will be using e-cigarettes of people who vote actually elect politicians to do a job by the end of the year, compared with what would have and want us to get on with it—but I am not opposed in happened without the MHRA’s recommendation. principle to the idea of a referendum on Europe. But to legislate now for a referendum in four years’ time just Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Someone has to seems like a huge leap in the dark when we do not know regulate e-cigarettes, but if they are not regulated as a what changes to our relationship with Europe will have medicine or cigarettes, who will do it? been sought or agreed. Mark Pawsey: E-cigarettes are currently regulated in If I were a business owner looking for a European the same way as standard consumer products, and are base or seeking to expand my European operation, the subject to local authorities, trade descriptions and so idea that the UK might not be in the EU in four years’ on. time would surely make my search for a regional hub or headquarters much easier. Why set up shop in a country Users are concerned that it will become harder for that might have cut its ties with the world’s largest single them to access e-cigarettes in their bid to wean themselves trading bloc, four years down the line? Legislating now off smoking, as the alternative of e-cigarettes will simply for a referendum in 2017 will create huge economic be more expensive. The directive is also of great concern uncertainty, which this country could well live without. to a number of small businesses, in particular a business based in my constituency called Smoke No Smoke, to We also have to be clear that the majority of those which I referred when I last spoke on this issue. Its who have led the campaign for an EU referendum want entrepreneurial owner, Jim Lacey, is facing a threat to to take us out of Europe. That is not true for everyone, the future of the business that he has worked so hard but it is the overriding motive of most referendum to build up. The feedback from his customers is that proponents. I, for one, do not want to associate myself they will be unable to access the product. There is a with such a cause. I believe that the UK has to be at the danger that that will force the e-cigarette trade underground. heart of Europe, leading it, reforming it and making it If e-cigarettes were produced in an illegal market, it work for the 21st century. The European Union is far would be difficult for people to know where they had from perfect. We need to tackle the waste and bureaucracy, come from. and it needs greater democratic accountability. We can all point to x regulation or y regulation that we might This is not the time to introduce these regulations. I want to see changed, but in my view, the overall economic urge the Government to look more closely at what they and social benefit to our country that results from our can do to avoid the implementation of the directive. membership of the EU outweighs those negatives. Some of those who advance the case for withdrawal 2.54 pm seem to think that, if we left, we would automatically Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): The end-of-term get all the gain but none of the pain. I do not think that Adjournment debate is normally used by Members to that is true. We would have to pay billions to access the raise matters of constituency interest or to highlight free market, yet we would have no say over the rules that particular campaigns, but I would like to do something govern it. As much as we might want to strike free trade slightly different today. I want to talk about the European deals with the big global economies, their priority surely Union (Referendum) Bill. Two weeks ago, when the would still be the EU and not an isolated UK. And House debated the Bill’s Second Reading, I wished to what of our bargaining power? Do we honestly think speak but, as hon. Members will know, the debate was that by going it alone we would carry the same weight in somewhat oversubscribed. I shall therefore outline my negotiations and be able to strike the same deals in the views on the Bill today, and set out my reasons for interests of the British economy? abstaining in the vote two weeks ago. I was just one year old when the last referendum on I remain to be convinced that there is a desperate Europe took place. I recently asked my dad whether he clamour for a referendum on Europe, either in my had voted. I had never spoken to him about it before—as constituency or in the country as a whole. Since I was in many families up and down the country, Europe was elected in 2010, 20 of my constituents have e-mailed me not the usual topic of conversation at the dinner table—but 1391 Summer Adjournment18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1392 he told me that he had voted yes. I asked him what he going on anywhere else in the world, the world’s leaders made of the current debate on Europe. His response would be voicing outrage. The national and international was, “It’s a bit like a football match, Heidi. You can’t media would have television cameras there reporting hope to influence the outcome simply by shouting from this crime against humanity, yet we have a deafening the sidelines.” The Prime Minister’s European game silence from political leaders in this country and in the plan is not just about hollering from the sidelines because United States of America. half his side really want to play for a different team. To It is the Americans who allow this sort of thing to go cap it all, half of them have already admitted defeat on, as they have since 1948. President Obama has failed before the first whistle has even been blown. to ensure that ethnic cleansing does not take place by The world has moved on since the last referendum the Israelis and the Israeli Parliament against the Bedouin. on Europe. Thankfully, it has moved on, too, since my It is, of course, a track record that goes back over many grandfather and my husband’s grandfather found years. The illegal occupation of the west bank and East themselves on opposing sides in the second world war. I Jerusalem; the obvious apartheid legislation of the Israeli believe that the case for being part of Europe is stronger Government; the ignoring of countless United Nations now than it was in either 1945 or 1975. In an increasingly resolutions, the Geneva convention and international complex world where big challenges cross international law: these are everyday occurrences for Palestinians borders and where enormous multinational companies living in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Our have greater financial powers than many countries, we Government have been silent. Two weeks ago, in this need governance structures that exist above the nation very Chamber, when I invited the Foreign Secretary to state to discuss the problems, explore solutions and condemn Israel for the ethnic cleansing of the Bedouins, build consensus. That is not to say that we should be he declined to do so, and I therefore asked him a subordinate to such structures—far from it—but the parliamentary question on 11 July. UK has to be part of the dialogue. The truth is that the real reason for the European Bob Stewart: I want to place on record that I personally Union (Referendum) Bill is UKIP. UKIP’s rise is as condemn what is happening to the Bedu. I used to live much about people’s disillusionment with politics as it in the area. I think it is disgraceful that there are two is about our membership of the EU. It is about immigration, kinds of people—Israelis and the others—on the west welfare, fierce competition for scarce jobs and the lack bank, and that the law is different for each of them. It is of genuinely affordable housing. At its heart, it is about appalling. the public looking at their politicians and seeing, by and large, a bunch of people who all look the same and Sir Bob Russell: I am extremely grateful to my hon. sound the same—but do not look and sound like them. and gallant Friend, because he brings to the Chamber a It is easy for UKIP—a party that has just one or all too very distinguished military record. He is a soldier whose notable face and seemingly no internal dialogue or reputation is such that he would never find himself up debate. All UKIP politicians do is say the populist before the International Court of Justice. I am bound to thing, take the TV cameras to the pub with them and say that some of the military leaders and Israeli political convince people that they are more like them than the leaders would face the Court for what they have done, bunch of suits in Westminster. and for what they are doing. The European Union (Referendum) Bill says more In my parliamentary question, I asked the Foreign about the fears and obsessions of the Conservative Secretary party than it does about the hopes and aspirations of “how many representations he has received in opposition to our country. It is a potentially dangerous distraction proposals by the government of Israel to forcibly remove 40,000 from the issues that really matter to people and to our Bedouin from their historic lands.” country’s future. That is why I did not support it two In fact, the figure may be 60,000 by now. A Minister weeks ago and why I wanted to put my views on the replied: record today. “The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has received over In the 30 seconds remaining, I would simply like to 600 representations from members of the public on this issue.”— wish you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and all the staff of [Official Report, 11 July 2013; Vol. 566, c. 355.] the House of Commons a very happy summer recess. I will not be silenced on the issue. I am speaking here on behalf of the 600 or more people who have written 3.2 pm to our Government, and I am speaking, I hope, with the Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): If people are still blessing of all people of all faiths around the world who looking for a book to read during the summer recess, I deplore what is being done. I want specifically to praise would recommend “You Can’t Hide the Sun” by the the work of the American-based organisation Jewish Beirut hostage, John McCarthy. He provides a very Voice for Peace, because, like that organisation, I want disturbing and worrying account of life for Palestinians to see peace in the Holy Land. I want to see people of post-1948. He pulls back the curtains, goes behind the all faiths and religions and of none living in harmony. I scenery and reveals what is really going on in that am bound to observe, however, that the actions, past troubled part of the world. and present, of the Israeli Parliament are more akin to By the time we return to Parliament in September, it what went on in apartheid South Africa. The world did is quite possible that a serious situation will have got not like what went on in apartheid South Africa, but the even worse. The Israeli Parliament has voted for what world is silent about what is going on in Israel/ Palestine. can be described only as ethnically cleansing between Where are the words of opposition from President 40,000 and 60,000 Bedouin. Clearly, the removal of Obama and the United States Administration? There such a large number of humanity will be undertaken are none. Where are the words of opposition from the only at the point of a gun. If ethnic cleansing were Government of the United Kingdom? There are none. 1393 Summer Adjournment18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1394

[Sir Bob Russell] “The only opinions that I am interested in are how we destroy the credibility of the Labour party, on which he has considerable What is the European Union doing, other than having expertise, though I have to say that he is not doing as good a job friendly trade relations with Israel? Earlier this year, as the Labour party.”—[Official Report, 19 June 2013; Vol. 564, c. 891.] there was the extraordinary situation of an international European football tournament taking place in Israel. It is perfectly clear what agenda Mr Crosby is setting. The last time I looked at the map of the world, Israel Members may recall that in yesterday’s debate on managing was not in Europe. risk in the NHS, I intervened on my right hon. Friend I hope that, out there, President Obama, the Archbishop the shadow Health Secretary, saying: of Canterbury, the Pope, our Prime Minister or whoever “My right hon. Friend knows well…that in the past two will prevail on the Israeli Parliament. It must be made months there has been a marked change in the coalition Government’s approach on the national health service. It started with the absurd clear that the forcible removal of up to 60,000 Bedouins—in argument that the problems in accident and emergency departments addition to everything else that has been done over the were the result of the 2004 GP contract. Is it not more likely that years—does not bring forward peace in the middle east, what is happening is that Mr Lynton Crosby is telling Government but sets it back. I want to see a peaceful Holy Land, but Members to squeeze the lead that Labour has had over the I think that leaders must speak up. Conservative party for many decades on the NHS?”—[Official I hope that, if nothing else, I have drawn attention to Report, 17 July 2013; Vol. 566, c. 1177.] what is happening to the Bedouins. The BBC is not That is exactly what is happening. I went on to mention covering it, our national newspapers are not covering it, that that is not only demoralising NHS staff and frightening ITV is not covering it, Sky News is not covering it, NHS patients, but is doing enormous damage to the Channel 4 is not covering it. If 60,000 people were being credibility of politicians up and down the land. I got an subjected to ethnic cleansing in any other country in the e-mail yesterday from a Conservative Member who was world, it would be the lead news. Shame on our national tabling an early-day motion. He said he thinks we media for pulling a curtain across the stage so that should get party politics out of the NHS. I agree. people do not know what is going on. I am concerned about the non-reply to my letter for I ask Members please to acquire a copy of “You several reasons. The Prime Minister gave his view on Can’t Hide the Sun” by John McCarthy, and to read it this matter on 23 March 2012 in a No. 10 press release: and find out what is going on in that part of the world. “The Prime Minister is leading Government action to tackle They will not find that out through the British media. binge-drinking culture by supporting proposals a minimum unit price for alcohol.” 3.9 pm It says the Home Secretary is involved in that, and the Mr Kevin Barron (Rother Valley) (Lab): I hope I do Prime Minister is quoted as saying: not have to take my full eight minutes, but I sat in this “So we’re going to attack it from every angle. More powers for House yesterday listening to Prime Minister’s Question pubs to stop serving alcohol to people who are already drunk. Time, and my hon. Friend the Member for Caerphilly More powers for hospitals not just to tackle the drunks turning (Wayne David) asked the Prime Minister why he had up in A&E—but also the problem clubs that send them there not replied to a letter he had sent to him in February, to night after night. And a real effort to get to grips with the root which the Prime Minister replied: cause of the problem. And that means coming down hard on cheap alcohol.” “I will look urgently at this case, because I reply to hon. Members’ correspondence right across the House, and I always We had a statement yesterday from the Home Office, will.”—[Official Report, 17 July 2013; Vol. 566, c. 1090.] again, which is most likely to view alcohol as a law and Last month, I brought up at Prime Minister’s Question order issue. I wish that people would view alcohol as an Time the fact that I had written a letter to the Prime issue of health and the damage it is doing to the young Minister on 8 May this year about public health and generation. Thirty years ago, people of my age—men in Lynton Crosby’s involvement, or non-involvement, in their 60s—died of alcohol-related diseases. Young men public health matters. I asked several questions, including: and women in their 20s are dying of cirrhosis of the “Have you ever discussed cigarette packaging policy with Lynton liver now: not just one or two, but many of them. We Crosby? Have you ever discussed minimum alcohol pricing with must take a hold of this problem and the Prime Minister Lynton Crosby?” and the Government are not doing that. The last question was: During the alcohol strategy consultation statement “Were the Government’s legislative priorities discussed at the yesterday, the hon. Member for Totnes (Dr Wollaston) meeting which reportedly took place at Chequers on Thursday asked a question that relates directly to getting a grip on 21 February, involving you, George Osborne, Ed Llewellyn and the price of alcohol. She asked whether the Minister Lynton Crosby?” was aware of the evidence from Sheffield, which is I have not yet, months later, had a reply from the Prime where the original review was carried out on alcohol Minister to that letter. pricing and consumption in areas such as my constituency, As I said, I brought the matter up at Prime Minister’s which is just outside Sheffield. The review stood the test Question Time on 19 June. I told the Prime Minister I many years ago and stands the test now, so to hear had written to him on 8 May and had not yet received a Ministers say that there is no evidence on alcohol reply, and briefly mentioned that the letter was about pricing and consumption is complete nonsense. I fear Lynton Crosby and alcohol and standard packaging of that Lynton Crosby and the people he has worked for in cigarettes. He did not reply, instead saying: the past have more on that. “I can tell you, Mr Speaker, that Lynton Crosby has never The hon. Lady asked: lobbied me on anything.” “Is the Minister aware of the evidence from Sheffield that was If that is the case—if he believes that—why he cannot published this morning and shows that the impact of having a reply to my letter of 8 May is beyond me. The Prime threshold at duty plus VAT would be a decrease in consumption Minister continued: of one 400th of 1%?” 1395 Summer Adjournment18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1396

That is what the Government announced yesterday on encounter the shock of trying to integrate into a free health and alcohol, notwithstanding how A and Es up society. We can help to educate and equip them for the and down the land are swamped with people who have regime change that will surely come. When it does, there overindulged in alcohol not just on Friday and Saturday will be a need for leaders in North Korea who understand nights but midweek, too. Never mind the disease that both its tragic past and the essential concepts for building alcohol creates; it creates chaos on our streets and in the a free society, such as the rule of law and democratic hospitals, too. The hon. Lady went on: and human rights. I urge the Foreign and Commonwealth “In other words, it will be meaningless.”—[Official Report, Office to engage with the North Korean diaspora in 17 July 2013; Vol. 566, c. 1122.] that way. She is absolutely right. Philanthropic business people can consider supporting I said yesterday that at the weekend the Faculty of social enterprises in North Korea. There are isolated Public Health withdrew from the Government’s examples of such enterprises, including a shoe factory. responsibility group on the use of alcohol, as have Business start-ups provide potential soft power Alcohol Concern, Cancer Research UK, the UK Health interventions, including through improved employee Forum and many other organisations. The Government conditions, such as the very basic one of insisting that are backing down and taking notice of industry, and wages are paid direct to employees, and not via the the areas that affect public health are being left. Everybody state, with its inevitable deductions. At grass-roots level, ought to know that the dangers to public health in this North Korean people want DVDs, USB drives, radios century, as opposed to past centuries, are caused by and mini-computers to be sent to them. The regime’s individual lifestyles. The Government are ducking taking information blockade is crumbling, as through these action on individual lifestyles in favour of industry. I items North Koreans have much better awareness of the thought I ought to put that on the record and I hope realities of life in the outside world than they would that one day I will get a reply to my letter. have done even five or 10 years ago. On a structural level, improved equipment, technology, 3.17 pm and production methods for farms are needed. Support for the constructive work of non-governmental Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): This week, I have organisations such as Oxfam is to be commended. had a work experience student in my office. Members Could the Department for International Development might say that there is nothing unusual about that, but not consider supporting such NGOs? The excellent this young man is different. He is from North Korea. work of the British Council, which, on a relative shoestring, Abandoned by his family as a child, he lived on the has taught English to 3,900 North Koreans over the streets from the ages of eight to 14, scavenging food. He past 13 years, is to be commended and would merit tried to escape his hopeless life to flee his country only greater support, as would academic and cultural exchanges. to be caught by Chinese soldiers, returned, imprisoned, The Pyongyang university of science and technology tortured, hung upside down, repeatedly beaten and left welcomes UK academics to teach there, and we can all virtually for dead. He was just 16. He told me: join the all-party group on North Korea in calling on “They would have killed or imprisoned me for life, but I was the BBC to start broadcasting into North Korea as still a minor.” soon as possible. He managed to escape yet again, but was hunted down As individuals, we can support effective advocacy in China by the police and imprisoned there, where he organisations such as Christian Solidarity Worldwide; attempted suicide. Later, after a long international journey I invite hon. Members to read Ben Rogers’s excellent involving the selfless kindness of many people, he arrived article, which is on the Conservative Home website in the UK, where he is now a student with a hope and today. We can highlight the plight of foreign nationals future, although he still bears the scars of his early life such as Kenneth Bae, who is in jail in North Korea, and in many ways. He is still only 24 years old. support the planned new grass-roots group, North Korea He is one remarkable young man from North Korea Campaign UK, which is to be modelled on the successful whose life, after years of terrible suffering, is now changed Burma Campaign UK, a country from whose recent for ever. Dare we hope for the same for his people? The experiences we should draw cautious optimism. Hon. answer must be a resounding yes. We should indeed Members should look out for this campaign’s launch in hope for a better future for the people of North Korea the media, which will take place on 27 July to coincide and do more than just watch and wait for it. We should with the 60th anniversary of the Korean war armistice. act. I hear Members ask: but how? In these few minutes, It is often called the forgotten war, and I pay tribute to may I suggest some actions at governmental, organisational the 1,000 men who lost their lives in it; that is more and individual levels? British forces than died in the Falklands, Iraq, and As time is brief, I do not propose to refer in detail to Afghanistan combined. the egregious violations of human rights in that country, All this—opening doors, building relationships, and the indescribable suffering of the people of North strengthening contacts, and opening as many channels Korea—they have been described in earlier debates in of communication as possible through constructive and this House and in another place—but I will mention the critical engagement—is the approach promoted in Lord disappointment at the way in which young Kim Jong-un Alton’s substantial new book, which he wrote with Rob has dashed hopes and squandered the opportunity for Chidley. It is called “Building Bridges: is there Hope for the fresh start that his leadership could have provided. North Korea?” At the risk of recommending yet more Despite that, there is still hope, and it is right to work fairly heavy reading for MPs over the summer, I recommend for change. the book; it really will impress. It suggests ways forward How can we help? First, through practical support on the humanitarian and security challenges facing for the hundreds of North Korean escapees here in North Korea today—what Lord Alton calls Britain, such as the young man I mentioned, who “Helsinki, with a Korean face”. 1397 Summer Adjournment18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1398

[Fiona Bruce] of the sort that she describes with North Korea. I hope she will forgive me if I do not promise to read the heavy That means adopting the approach that Britain and the tome that she recommended on my summer holidays, US took in the Soviet Union at the height of the cold but I thought she made a very interesting and important war, and building bridges, not walls, between people. contribution. As my intervention on my hon. Friend the Member Sir John Stanley (Tonbridge and Malling) (Con): I for Coventry South (Mr Cunningham) indicated, in my applaud my hon. Friend’s choice of subject. Is she aware speech I shall press the case for more action to support of the annual international meeting of parliamentarians the right of football supporters to have a say in the that focuses exclusively on gross human rights violations governance of the football club that they follow, and to in North Korea? I have the privilege of representing call for a higher proportion of television revenues to be the House at the next meeting in Warsaw in a fortnight’s directed into grassroots support. As my hon. Friend time. made clear in his intervention, Coventry City is just the latest example of a club where supporters’ concerns are Fiona Bruce: I am delighted to hear that my right being ignored. The particular concern of the supporters’ hon. Friend is attending that convention; I received an trust—the Sky Blue Trust—and other supporters of invitation, but was unable to attend. Coventry City more generally is the owners’ desire to I commend, too, the work of British officials who, shift their club for a number of years some 35 miles behind the scenes at UN and EU level, in partnership away from where it currently plays, with all the difficulties with others, have helped to secure the recently established for Coventry City supporters that that will signify. UN commission of inquiry to investigate crimes against I welcome the fact that my hon. Friend the Member humanity in North Korea—a real step forward. May I for Coventry South and my right hon. Friend the Member urge them, in addition, to press for the stopping of for Coventry North East (Mr Ainsworth) have met the forcible repatriation of North Korean refugees from Minister. I understand that Coventry City supporters China, knowing as we do that they face the kind of are shortly to take part in a demonstration outside experiences that I have described today? the Football League to demonstrate their concern to the May I encourage colleagues in the House to join the powers that be in the Football League. Given that the increasingly active all-party group on North Korea to Football League’s strap line is “Real football, real fans”, help make the suffering of the people of North Korea, one hopes that it will listen to the concerns of Coventry in the most persecuted country on earth, a thing of the City fans and intervene. past, and in the words of the young music group Ooberfuse to “vanish the night”? That is a song that the group Mark Pawsey: As the MP for a constituency that wrote as a result of coming to one of the all-party neighbours Coventry and with many supporters in my group meetings. The phrase “vanish the night” refers to constituency, I very much hope that the Coventry City the fact that if one looks down on satellite pictures of issue will be resolved. Does the hon. Gentleman agree North Korea compared with South Korea, one will see that if Coventry City plays 35 miles away, there might that North Korea is almost totally black. There is no be an opportunity to persuade Coventry City supporters light shining out from the streets in North Korea. to watch the oval ball game in the city of Coventry at I finish with some words from Lord Alton’s wonderful the Butts stadium and see the Coventry rugby club book. Referring to the example of Burma, he says: restored to the power in the land that it once was? “What seems a faraway dream can happen more quickly than one might imagine.” Mr Thomas: If the hon. Gentleman will allow me, I Events, he comments, will stick to the more general point about the need to “can move much more quickly than we might sometimes anticipate.” give football supporters more say in the governance of their club. Nevertheless, he has made his point and I am Speaking of young students such as the North Korean sure that Coventry rugby club’s supporters will be delighted work experience student whom I mentioned at the start that he chose to make it. of my speech, Lord Alton says: The successes of Swansea City and Bayern Munich “We owe it to their generation—to the North Koreans who die trying to escape across the Tumen and Yalu rivers and those who last season emphasise, in their very different ways, the still languish in prison camps—to take every opportunity to bring success of clubs where supporters have a very direct and Korea closer to the dream of reunification. This requires opening significant role in how their football club is managed. up as many channels of communication as possible. We must do Swansea City is unique in the Premier League in terms everything we can to saturate North Korea with goodwill.” of the involvement of fans in the boardroom. I think He goes on: that it is high time that that situation changed. The “The Korean proverb tells us that ‘to begin is half the task’ . . . Co-operative party, which I am lucky enough to chair, We must build bridges, not walls.” championed in the late 1990s the idea of football supporters’ trusts to help football supporters co-operate to buy stakes in the running of their clubs. Now many Football 3.26 pm League clubs and, indeed, many non-league clubs—the Mr Gareth Thomas (Harrow West) (Lab/Co-op): I famous cases of AFC Wimbledon or FC United through am grateful to you, Madam Deputy Speaker, for giving to the likes of Exeter and Chester—are directly run by me the opportunity to take part in this pre-recess debate. their supporters through the mechanism of a supporters’ It is a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Congleton trust. (Fiona Bruce). I certainly endorse her hope that the The involvement of supporters’ trusts on the boards Department for International Development will use some of clubs helps to ensure that that authentic voice of the of its resources to facilitate more positive communications supporter is heard when the role of the club in the local 1399 Summer Adjournment18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1400 community is being discussed, when ticket prices are power to get the FA and Premier League to be more being debated or when players’ wages and contracts are serious about funding for grass-roots sport in the future. being agreed. Supporters’ trusts help to ensure that With a £5 billion broadcast deal, it is not unreasonable longer term thinking about the future of the club and to expect the Premier League to offer 5% of its income the need for sustainable finances over the long term are for investment in grass-roots coaching and facilities. being considered. They help to deliver added social value to their localities and, indeed, on occasion they 3.36 pm can boost enterprise in the area. Sir John Stanley (Tonbridge and Malling) (Con): My The Football Association has been under pressure for constituent, Mrs Rene Chung, is not an illegal immigrant, some time from football supporters to bring forward although that is how she has been treated, in part, by reforms to football rules to give fans more influence. To the Home Office and the UK Border Agency—I am date, they have resisted any measures that challenge the glad to see that the Chair of the Home Affairs Committee, autonomy of Premier League club owners. The FA the right hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz), is Council’s summer meeting took place last Saturday and in his place. sadly was no different from previous such meetings. So Mrs Rene Chung is a Canadian citizen and she has if the supporters’ voice is really going to be heard, it been living in the UK, perfectly legally, since 2008. She seems to me that three key measures are required for is married to a British citizen and she is a top-flight change. business woman. She contributes to Britain’s economic First, legislation is needed to make it easier for supporters’ performance, and no doubt to the revenues going into trusts to buy their club. There ought to be a right to buy the Exchequer through the tax system. For her job it is for supporters’ trusts that allows them to purchase a essential that she travels. The chief executive of the club at the point of a club entering administration and company for which she works—an international, executive before receivership at a fair market valuation. search and selection company—recently wrote to the Secondly, for most supporters of Premier League Home Secretary as follows: clubs, administration is not likely to happen any time “Ms Chung works as a Senior Consultant for me, and as a soon and there is no obvious sign either that, despite valued member of my company, she holds expert knowledge warm words from some Premier League club owners or about our clients and their businesses, and she also has valuable managers, a stake in the ownership of Premier League experience of interviewing and assessing the suitability of candidates for our clients. Ms Chung is also responsible for business development clubs is likely to be sold to supporters’ trusts. Legislation and she is required to support me in “pitch” meetings which is also needed to embed a right to observe in law. In involves visiting clients’ offices all over Europe. Our business other words, if a proportion—say 10 per cent—of season travel occurs about two times a month, and is usually planned at ticket holders at a Premier League or Championship very short notice i.e. one week notice or less. It is important for club belong to the registered supporters’ trust, that trust me to stress that Ms Chung’s ability to carry out her basic job ought to have a right to attend and observe board responsibilities is directly linked to her ability to travel. Ms Chung meetings at the club, to receive board papers and to be has performed extremely well in my company for the past four able, as a result, to question and hold to account the years, and she has proven to be an asset to the company. It is therefore important for me to request that Ms Chung is allowed club’s owners and senior staff. to continue travelling regularly for business.” Both these measures would help to embed supporters I will not detain the House with the details of Rene in the heart of decision making about a football club’s Chung’s case, but I want to highlight three points. First, future. Such decisions about the future of a football Mrs Chung has been waiting for more than a year for club should not be the sole preserve of wealthy owners. the renewal of her spouse visa application—in my view, We need to remember that such clubs have been built on an unacceptable length of time. Secondly, the Home the back of ordinary supporters’ money and commitment Office has already made a disastrous error in handling and they surely have a right to have better access to the her case by incorrectly deeming Mrs Chung’s application key decisions and decision makers in their club. to have been withdrawn—the Immigration Minister has The third measure to which I draw the House’s attention apologised for that in his latest letter to me. Thirdly, and is the funding of grass-roots sport, and other related most disgracefully of all, when Mrs Chung recently football causes. In 2001, the Premier League agreed to returned to Gatwick, following a business visit to Europe, give 5% of its total broadcast income to the provision of she was locked up for six hours and only released after grass-roots facilities, and to encourage better provision her passport had been confiscated. Such conduct is for supporters. It now claims that that was just for one more redolent of an authoritarian police state than TV deal, and only for domestic broadcasting rights. I what we expect in a democratic Britain that pays proper wonder whether we need a back-stop legal power to regard to basic human rights. ensure that that 2001 deal continues into the future. When it comes to supporting economic growth in the Without such a back-stop power, the Premier League business community, the Home Office is wholly apart and Football Association have been able to reduce the from the rest of the Government, who are doing all they amount of money given each year to the Football can to support economic growth in the business Foundation directly from football clubs. community—some signs of success are, I hope, beginning The need for more investment in grass-roots sport, to show through. On the other hand, as far as I can see, and perhaps for a lever to change the minds of owners the Home Office takes absolutely no account of the and their defenders in Premier League and FA boardrooms, need to support the business community, including points to a need for a legal power to impose a levy. If individual business men and women trying to contribute such a levy were ever to be used, it must clearly be kept to our economic growth. It is blindingly obvious that it well away from the Treasury. I hope we would never should introduce a fast-track procedure for processing need to use such a power, but perhaps the Minister applications for visa renewals of people with a clear would consider the possibility of a back-stop statutory legal right to be in this country and for whom travel is 1401 Summer Adjournment18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1402

[Sir John Stanley] today two former members of the Home Affairs Committee, the Deputy Leader of the House and the hon. Member essential to their work. I put it to the Home Secretary for Colchester (Sir Bob Russell), who know that we will that fast-track processing should be put in place forthwith. pursue these matters, as we have done in the past. In cases such as Mrs Chung’s, I see no reason why visa I turn now from home affairs to health, and to renewal applications should not be processed within a declare my interest as a type 2 diabetic. I want to raise maximum of four weeks. the issue of obesity and diabetes, and the continuing Finally, I want to make a complaint to the Immigration war on sugar, which was started earlier this year when I Minister about a recent answer he has given to me. I presented my ten-minute rule Bill on this important appreciate that he has probably got the worst job in the matter. Obesity is the nation’s No. 1 health problem and Government and is probably grossly overburdened, but it is a growing problem in our children. A report published on 11 July he gave me a seriously misleading answer. I last year found that a third of primary school leavers tabled a question to the Home Secretary asking when were either overweight or obese, and that obesity is a I would receive a reply to a total of four letters I had major factor in the development of type 2 diabetes. I do sent to her about Mrs Rene Chung’s case. The Minister not need to remind the House of the deadly nature of replied: type 2 diabetes, or that 80% of type 2 diabetes cases are “I wrote to my right hon. Friend on 3 July 2013.”—[Official preventable and 10% of the NHS budget is spent on Report, 11 July 2013; Vol. 566, c. 367W.] dealing with diabetes complications. I just wish that The answer was misleading, because it only related to earlier in my life I could have been tested for diabetes, the first letter I wrote to the Home Secretary. I have because if I had discovered at an earlier age that I had received no reply to the remaining three letters. I ask my diabetes or a propensity to it, I might not have contracted hon. Friend the Immigration Minister to make the type 2 diabetes or, at least, I might have delayed its appropriate correction in Hansard and, most particularly, onset. to reply forthwith to the three outstanding letters I have I hope to raise one aspect of the Government’s policy, sent to the Home Secretary about Mrs Rene Chung’s which is the responsibility deal. It is a flagship Government case, to return her passport to her forthwith and to policy that tries to get fizzy drinks and sugary drinks renew her spouse visa application forthwith. companies to own up to their responsibilities. Some 536 organisations have signed up to the 28 voluntary Helen Goodman (Bishop Auckland) (Lab): On a point pledges initiated by the Leader of the House when he of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. I have just learned that was the Health Secretary, but, as we have seen, all that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has laid glitters is not gold. Although it is a good thing to have an order under the Communications Act 2003 to reduce asked the companies to sign up to responsibility in this the number of public service broadcasting reviews from area, the substance of the deal has not materialised. As a regular review every five years to perhaps only one a Dr Aseem Malhotra of the Royal Free hospital, one of decade. The order is not available in the Vote Office and the country’s leading cardiologists, said, the deal is cannot be read on the parliamentary website. It is less nonsense, with companies saying they are going to reduce than an hour before the House rises for the last time for sugar content but failing to do so. This is a voluntary several weeks. Can you give me any guidance or advice, arrangement, so there is no compulsion and these Mr Deputy Speaker, on what to do? companies are not being held to account. As we know, diabetes, unchecked, could result in all kinds of other Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Unfortunately complications. Professor Jaspal Kooner, one of the country’s not. It is a matter for the Minister, but I am sure that if leading cardiologists, has talked on a number of occasions anything is untoward, the Vote Office will investigate. about the effects of diabetes on those with heart problems. The point is certainly on the record now, however, and I What we eat is important., so as well as trying to am sure we are all aware of the communication—or prevent type 2 diabetes, we must consider how can rather, on this occasion, the lack of it. examine carefully what we eat and we drink. You and I are frequent visitors to the Tea Room, Mr Deputy 3.44 pm Speaker, and when we go to pay for our cups of tea and Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): It is a pleasure to the healthy food that we both eat, we are confronted by follow the right hon. Member for Tonbridge and Malling baskets of chocolate biscuits. In the fridge there are (Sir John Stanley), one of our most distinguished cans of Coca-Cola, each of which contains between parliamentarians. I had thought I might get away from eight and nine teaspoons of sugar, which is almost the talking about home affairs issues, because I want to talk maximum recommended daily intake of 38g. We need about health, but the case he raises is shocking. I can to be very careful about how much sugar we consume, assure him that as soon as this debate is over I will which is why it is so important that we take this issue telephone the head of immigration and visas, Sarah seriously. Rapson, to draw the case to her attention. I will also Last Friday I was able to present Abbey primary send a copy of the Hansard record of this debate to the school in my constituency with a silver star, because it is Home Secretary, because I am extremely disappointed first primary school in Leicester to ban sugary drinks to hear what I have heard. As the right hon. Gentleman and promote a healthy diet and exercise for its children. knows, the Select Committee on Home Affairs examines If any right hon. and hon. Members are looking for a these issues carefully. We have just published a report on summer campaign when they return to their constituencies, the UK Border Agency, and it seems to me that there is I hope that they will try to get their schools—they no excuse for the way in which his constituent Mrs Chung might be off for the summer holidays, but they can has been treated or, indeed, how he has been treated in make preparations for the new term—to ensure that the the way answers have been given to him. I can assure meals they provide and the drinks they have in their him that I will do those things. We have in the Chamber fridges are healthy. 1403 Summer Adjournment18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1404

Dame Angela Watkinson: The right hon. Gentleman 3.54 pm is a wonderful advocate for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. He and I have shared our views about the Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): It is an honour importance of medication management in schools. Most to follow the right hon. Member for Leicester East of the schools in my constituency—I am sure that the (Keith Vaz). Again, I praise him for the excellent campaign same is true in his—are very aware of healthy eating that he has been running on type 2 diabetes. and the quality of school meals is very good, but we I want to cover two big constituency issues in the next need to raise awareness among parents, because young eight minutes. One of them is very positive, but first I children have very little control over what food they are have some recent disturbing news. Areas of Meltham in offered at home, and it is those meals that can often my constituency have been left without postal deliveries cause the problem. this week after a horrific dog attack left a postman needing plastic surgery on his arm. In fact, the wound is Keith Vaz: The hon. Lady is absolutely right, and she so severe that it has been described as potentially life- has raised the issue in the House on a number of changing. When we return from the summer recess, I occasions. It is also the responsibility of parents, because will be asking whether we can have an urgent debate on they do the purchasing. We had a debate this week how we can reduce dog attacks on our brave postmen about a minimum unit price for alcohol. When parents and women and keep the post being delivered. Rather walk down the aisles of one of the major supermarkets, ironically, it is Royal Mail’s dog awareness week. The as we all do from time to time, they will see huge plastic statistics show that there have been 5,500 dog attacks on bottles of Coca-Cola and other fizzy drinks. Those of Royal Mail postmen and women since 2011. I have just us with children always want to try to keep them happy, had an update from the local police, who say that today and they will demand to have those drinks, and we will they have seized the dog that attacked the postman and try to placate them by buying them, but that is a tests are under way to see whether it is a banned breed. I slippery slope. know that Members of the House would like to join me in sending their best wishes to postman Jason Lee as he Jason McCartney (Colne Valley) (Con): I would like recovers from this shocking dog attack. to place on the record my thanks to the right hon. Today and over the next couple of days, we will Gentleman for organising the Silver Star charity event probably hear journalists use the phrase, “As MPs head here in Parliament, where I had my blood tested. Does off on their seven weeks of summer holiday”. As we all he agree that early testing of blood sugar levels not only know, those cynical journalists should know better. in this House but across the country can help prevent some of the future harm of having type 2 diabetes? Sir Bob Russell: Does the hon. Gentleman share my amazement about this? Presumably, as the journalists Keith Vaz: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right. I who write about MPs going on holiday are political do not know his test results, of course, because they are journalists, they are also going on holiday—or are they, confidential, but I am sure that he came out with flying like us, doing other things as well? Looking at the packed colours. Others Members did not manage that. At least Press Gallery, it seems as though they have already gone one Member discovered that he had diabetes that day, on their summer holidays. and he would not have known had he not been tested. I pay tribute to Silver Star, UK Diabetes and all the other organisations involved. It is a very simple test. In fact, I Jason McCartney: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. think that you were present at the last Silver Star event, I was about to say that, like most other Members in this Mr Deputy Speaker, and found to be in perfect health— Chamber, I will be working hard in the constituency thank goodness—but it was perhaps not the same for throughout the summer. others. For the third summer in a row, I will be doing a full My message to the House today, as we approach the week of volunteering in my community. I want to summer recess, is that this is perhaps a time when highlight and praise all the wonderful volunteering that parents and children tend to lose their inhibitions and goes on day in, day out, not just in my constituency but enjoy the summer, especially on a day like today. I across the country.We are lucky to have a great organisation would love to thank the Government for bringing us called Voluntary Action Kirklees that supports local sunshine over the past 14 days, and I am sure that the charities, voluntary organisations and community groups. Deputy Leader of the House will claim credit for it The centre works in partnership with many Kirklees when he comes to wind up the debate, along with the organisations to support and promote good practice in Wimbledon win and all the other things that are going volunteer involvement. In the past year, Volunteering on. I am very pleased to see the former Chair of the Kirklees has helped over 4,000 local people who are Health Committee, my right hon. Friend the Member looking to volunteer across Kirklees. That is an increase for Rother Valley (Mr Barron), in his place because he from just over 2,000 people two years ago, so well done worked very hard in that role to remind people of the to them. necessity of prevention. Prevention is better than cure. This week, 4th Golcar Scouts signed up 65 adult Preventing diabetes by ensuring that the companies are support volunteers as a result of an exciting YouTube held to what they say they will be responsible for and video to which they e-mailed me a link, so well done to reducing sugar levels in our drinks is absolutely vital. them too. Thanks to all those adult volunteers, over My appeal to right hon. and hon. Members across 200 young people are now enjoying stimulating and the House is to join the war against sugar. Let us all be exciting activities every week. On a larger scale, this part of this great crusade to make our great country time next year we have the Tour de France coming healthy and strong again. through Yorkshire, including my constituency and my 1405 Summer Adjournment18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1406

[Jason McCartney] 4.2 pm Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): It is a village of Honley. Thousands of people are signing up great pleasure to be the last speaker in this debate. to be “Le Tour Makers”—volunteers who will help to I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Colne put on the Tour de France. Valley (Jason McCartney) on taking on the mantle I mentioned my volunteering week last year. I am of my hon. Friend the Member for Southend West pleased to say that I helped to plant cotton grass on (Mr Amess) in trying to refer to the most constituents Marsden moor with the National Trust; helped out in in the shortest time. I echo his concerns about dangerous the Age UK shop in Holmfirth; visited children and dogs. We are doing a lot of work on that. Microchipping their families with the at-home care team from the and other compulsory measures will help. People who Forget Me Not children’s hospice; helped out in the have a legitimate right to go into a home, be they a Kirkwood hospice shop in Lindley; put together food postman, a midwife or a social worker, should not be packs with the Welcome centre in Huddersfield; helped bitten by a dog, especially a dog that is known to be to do some painting at the Standedge visitor centre near dangerous. I want to pursue that matter. I have great Marsden, where my hon. Friend the Member for Hexham sympathy for the postman who was bitten in the constituency (Guy Opperman) came to join us; and organised big of my hon. Friend the Member for Colne Valley, as I do community litter picks with Councillor Donna Bellamy for the thousands who are bitten every year. in Marsden. I will raise one or two serious matters from my I am just finalising my volunteering week for this constituency. The first relates to the A35, which runs summer. I will be returning to the National Trust and through my constituency, including through Axminster, hope to get up on the moors while the sun is shining. I and on to the Dorset border. Recently, there have been a will be delivering meals to people’s homes with the couple of fatal accidents on the A35 at the Hunters meals on wheels team from Golcar. I will be helping out Lodge junction at Raymond’s Hill. In the first collision, again at the Kirkwood hospice shop. I will be meeting a 60-year-old man from Plymouth died and two other and greeting, helping the porters and doing hospital people were injured. The second crash claimed the life radio at Huddersfield royal infirmary. I will again be of 82-year-old Pamela Manning from Harrow and her organising litter picks throughout Lindley, Birchencliffe two elderly companions in the car were taken to hospital. and Salendine Nook with Councillor Mark Hemingway and a candidate for local councillor, Gemma Wilson. I have met the Highways Agency, Axminster town Later in August, I hope to volunteer at the Oakes council and Uplyme parish council to discuss how we community café, which is part of Oakes Baptist church. can improve the Hunters Lodge junction. Something I know from speaking to other colleagues who are must be done. Although there have been many accidents heading off for the summer that they will also be at the junction, the Highways Agency said at the meeting working hard and volunteering in their constituencies. that there had been no fatalities. Unfortunately, they have now occurred, so it is essential that something is I have also volunteered over recent months. I was done, and I shall be working with my right hon. Friend pleased to join other volunteers at the Laura Crane the Member for West Dorset (Mr Letwin) on this issue. YouthCancer Trust to put on a fashion show. I swapped my suit for some vintage clothes at the Carding Shed in The A303/A30 was mentioned in the financial statement. Hepworth. Wakefield Trinity Wildcats rugby league It should be dualled all the way from Honiton, right the star Andy Raleigh joined us on the catwalk. We raised way through those interesting stones in Wiltshire called thousands of pounds for the charity, so well done to all Stonehenge, to London, so that we have a second the volunteers. I have also helped the volunteers at the arterial route into the west country, and to Devon and Drop By community resource centre in Golcar, who run Cornwall in particular. Tourism is one of our great various lunchtime activities including arts, crafts and industries. Those who run businesses in the west country knitting. find that when the M5 is blocked, the A303/A30 is There is so much wonderful volunteering going on in almost impassable. I look forward to it being dualled. my constituency. Indeed, that has been recognised. The I would like to talk about health funding for primary Examiner community awards, which celebrate everything care. The current age profile in Honiton and Axminster—to that is wonderful in Huddersfield and the local area, take two towns I represent—is estimated to be reflected has an award for local volunteering. I was pleased that a nationally by 2035. The population is getting older. The young man from my constituency picked up that award doctors in Axminster say that the number of people this year. Usmaan Saleem won the student community calling them for advice has gone up from 6,000 to award for voluntary work for everything that he has 18,000 in a year, and there are similar figures for Honiton. done for the old and young people in his community. Health funding will have to recognise this trend. People He is an 18-year-old student from Huddersfield new breathe in the good clean air in Devon and live for a college. He helps out at Springwood central youth club long time. I am pleased with that, but people will need and spent last summer working with autistic children. to be treated more as they get older and that has to be As we break up for the summer recess, I look forward recognised. to working hard in my constituency. Yes, I will be having As we bask in the sunshine, we must remember that a a week’s holiday, but I also look forward to doing a year ago we were all under water. There were floods in week’s quality volunteering. I wish you, Mr Deputy Axminster, Uplyme, Seaton, Cullompton and Tiverton—all Speaker, and all other Members a fantastic summer. over my constituency—and many were caused by the They should not work too hard and should try to have a blocking of rivers and tributaries. At the time, the bit of a break, but I know that they will all be working Environment Agency said that it had so much to do just hard in their communities to help local charities and to help people who were already flooded that they could organisations. I wish them well and look forward to not do a great deal to manage the waterways, by dredging seeing them again in September. them and clearing blockages. Now is the time to do it: 1407 Summer Adjournment18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1408 there is never a better time than when it is dry. What we 4.11 pm do not want to do is just bask in this great sunshine. I The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Tom welcome this great sunshine and I am glad that the right Brake): Let me start by congratulating all Members hon. Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz) congratulated who have taken part in this afternoon’s debate. Those the Government on providing it, even though I know he who are here in the Chamber are very much the hard-core was only teasing. membership of the House—the aficionados who have Mr Barron: The sunshine is the only thing the not taken advantage of a sunny Thursday, on the final Government have accepted responsibility for since 2010. day in Parliament, to depart early to their constituencies. Normally I have to deliver my response to such Neil Parish: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his debates in the style of the hon. Member for Southend intervention, even if I am not sure that I entirely agree West (Mr Amess)—who is currently not in his place— with him. I think will keep it fairly light-hearted at this because of the time available to me, which is usually a stage of the proceedings. short 10 minutes. However, I have a little more time We need to remember that flooding took place. We today—although I will not seek to detain the House until need proper dredging of our rivers. The Secretary of 5 o’clock. The hon. Gentleman raised various issues— State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is keen on it. Now is the time to do it. Sir Bob Russell: Seventeen. I have mentioned Mrs Ethelston’s school in Uplyme previously. We need a new school in the village and we Tom Brake: My hon. Friend says that the hon. Member are trying to put together a funding package locally. for Southend West raised 17 issues. I think I counted 15, Government support is needed to make that happen. It but it was certainly about that number, and he did it in is a very successful school with very high grades and it his own inimitable fashion. will be a great asset to the whole area, not just Uplyme. The hon. Gentleman’s first batch of issues concerned My constituency runs from Exmoor down through foreign affairs—in particular, Syria, Iran and the Maldives. the Blackdown hills, so I have a number of farmers in Let me respond briefly to those. Members will be familiar my constituency. They are concerned about yet another with the tragic situation in Syria, with 93,000 people reform to the common agricultural policy. It seems that dead so far, some 7 million Syrians now in need of yet more bureaucracy will be heaped on them, rather humanitarian assistance and 1.7 million having fled to than less. There is no level playing field: payments neighbouring countries. The UK is playing a significant between them and those on the continent, or even role in providing humanitarian aid, with many agencies between them and farmers from Wales, Scotland and supporting activities there, providing food and water, Northern Ireland, are all different. If we are to make a and making other contributions. The hon. Gentleman single market in food and agricultural products work, was concerned about the risk of military intervention we need to pay farmers at a similar level. My argument from the UK or the UK making a military contribution. over the years has been that we should either pay at a Clearly no such decision has been taken and, as has similar level or not pay at all, because otherwise we will been stated many times in the Chamber, Parliament distort everything. would be engaged before any such decision was put into action, with a vote in the House of Commons. We have had to negotiate a tough package in Europe. As a Conservative and part of the governing party, I We have consistently urged, including at ministerial cannot expect to go cap in hand to the Treasury for level, all parties to work together to find a solution that huge handouts over and above what the CAP provides. would allow for genuinely free, fair and inclusive elections Therefore, I would ask my right hon. Friend the Secretary in the Maldives. We are supporting the Commonwealth of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to with its observation of the Maldives presidential elections, look sympathetically at how we deliver environmental so we certainly hope to see substantial improvements in schemes and payments to farmers in a way that maintains that country, including in human rights. the countryside—the beautiful grassland and hills in The hon. Gentleman also referred to Iran. We are all my constituency, which people come to visit from all hoping that the recent change in leadership there will over the place, including down from London and even lead to a more positive relationship with the UK, and I the north of England. hope that we as a Government can contribute to that. People visit Devon, Cornwall and much of the west The hon. Gentleman referred to obesity, a matter country because of their landscapes and the way they that was also raised by the right hon. Member for are managed. Who manages them? It is very much the Leicester East (Keith Vaz). The Government are aware farmers who manage them, and if we lose them, we will that this is a critical health issue, and our call to action lose those landscapes. I look forward to a sympathetic on obesity sets out our approach and the role of key reform and to trying to break the bureaucracy of the partners. The national ambition is a downward trend in system. I rather fear that some of what comes from the number of people with excess weight, and many Europe will be somewhat bureaucratic, but let us hope partners will contribute to that. The change for life we can make the best of it, because I am a great believer programme, the national child measurement programme in good, traditional food that is well produced under and NHS health checks should all make a contribution. high welfare standards, which is what our farmers deliver in this country. Keith Vaz: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for Finally, may I wish you a very good recess, Mr Deputy agreeing to look into this matter, and I am pleased that Speaker? I am sure that, like my hon. Friend the Member the Government take it so seriously. I know that, as for Colne Valley, you will be busy in your constituency, Deputy Leader of the House, he spends a lot of his time as will I and most Members of this House. in the House. During the recess, will he undertake to 1409 Summer Adjournment18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1410

[Keith Vaz] Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Deputy Leader of the House—answer that! look into the fridges and look at the offerings that are made in our restaurants, to ensure that they do not Tom Brake: I wish I had not allowed that intervention, contain the sugary fizzy drinks that lead to obesity? We as I am short of a suitable riposte. in this House have a responsibility in that regard, and The hon. Member for Southend West said that Southend the right hon. Gentleman has a responsibility as the would provide an alternative city of culture in 2017. We Deputy Leader of the House to ensure that those will have to see what that culture amounts to, and we offerings are all good and proper, and appropriate for look forward to hearing some reports about that. our diets. The hon. Member for Coventry South, who is no Tom Brake: I thank the right hon. Gentleman for longer in his place, and the hon. Member for Harrow that. I am certainly willing to take up the challenge that West referred to Coventry City football club. They will he has thrown down to me. We should certainly be able be aware that Department for Culture, Media and to do as he asks. A few months ago, I visited a school in Sport questions are scheduled for the Thursday when my constituency, Wandle Valley school. It has emptied the House returns, so that will be the earliest opportunity its vending machines and replenished them with products for them to raise the matter. Football governance has that are much healthier. If that school can do it, I am come up repeatedly in this place, and I have heard sure that we can do it in this place as well. requests for the Backbench Business Committee to consider it. The hon. Member for Coventry South The hon. Member for Southend West expressed his wanted everyone to get round a table to discuss it, and I concern about the progress of the Chilcot and Leveson and others would certainly be in favour of such discussions. inquiries. Clearly they are both dealing with complex I will draw this exchange to the attention of the Minister issues. He will be aware of the action taken in relation for Sport as requested, and I agree that football clubs to Leveson. A submission from the press is before the are more than just a business, as they support local Privy Council, and the Government will be submitting communities. The clubs will receive greater support our own submission once that has been considered. We from local communities if those communities are heavily want this matter to make progress. Sir John Chilcot engaged in what the clubs do. The hon. Member for made it clear as recently as this week that his inquiry is Harrow West wanted supporters to have a greater voice determined to complete its task and publish its report through supporters’ trusts and he made a request—the as soon as possible. That matter certainly has not been Minister for Sport will see it in Hansard—for 5% of the forgotten. Football Association’s funds to go to grass-roots sport. The hon. Member for Southend West referred to space exploration. Had he been in his place, I might My hon. Friend the Member for Hornchurch and have asked him to intervene at this point to list the Upminster (Dame Angela Watkinson) talked sensibly people he would like to send into space, never to return— about the London borough of Havering and its public [Interruption.] Yes, perhaps he has already departed in library service. She praised Councillor Andrew Curtin that direction himself. He also referred to bungee jumping; for the role he is playing, and I think we would all echo I have nothing to say about that. I have never done it what she said about the essential role that libraries play myself, and I have no intention of doing it. He mentioned in developing children’s interest in reading and their the important work of a company called Coloplast, and culture. She referred to a read and rhyme scheme for talked about bowel independence day, which I hope was improving, among other things, listening skills. Perhaps successful in giving a higher profile to an issue that she could bring that to the House at some point, because people are sometimes reluctant to talk about. He also listening skills could be developed further in the Chamber. talked about Monitor, and asked whether it had had We would all support my hon. Friend in what she said played as effective a role as it possibly could. I am sure about the importance of reading. The second issue she that when those in the Department of Health read raised was about the activities of Stubbers outdoor Hansard, they will note his concerns about that. leisure centre and its important role in building young people’s skills and experiences, which they might not The hon. Gentleman wanted a monorail. Well, good otherwise have, helping them to overcome their difficulties. luck with that! He also wanted representatives of the She highlighted the importance of the National Citizenship Treasury to meet the Essex bowling club to help it with Service, and I hope that all Members will have played its tax affairs. He has put that request on record, and their part in promoting this valuable scheme. I have now repeated it, so I am sure that the Treasury will consider it carefully. He finished on a point about My parliamentary neighbour, the hon. Member for Southend regrettably having failed in its bid to become Mitcham and Morden, referred to an unfortunate series the city of culture. He suggested that Unite might of failures in communication and a real lack of competence have rigged the ballot. I cannot comment on that, but in the police’s handling of the case of George Shaw and perhaps someone on the Opposition Benches might like Paula Davidson. She made some understandable requests to do so. for the police to talk to her constituents about their experience and to explain to them why they did not get Keith Vaz: Just before the shortlisting, the hon. Member the support they needed to bring about closure in what for Southend West, who is a good friend of mine, made was clearly a very serious case. Currently, they have not some very disparaging comments about Leicester. The had closure because of the failure to produce the pertinent fact is that Southend did not make it on to the shortlist, evidence. but Leicester did. I challenged him to go on to Southend The hon. Member for Rugby referred, as he has pier and do a Gangnam-style dance in competition with previously in these debates, to electronic or e-cigarettes Leicester, but he chickened out and refused to do so. and the difficulties they have created for a company in Unless he is there now, of course. his constituency. He expressed his concern that the 1411 Summer Adjournment18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1412 regulatory aspect might discourage people from taking can reflect today is the feedback that I receive regularly from up something that could make a contribution to health. my constituents—and I should add that I am the only I am sure that the Department of Health will have one who has that information. No one else here has it. listened carefully to what he said. However, I hope he On the European Union, let me finally say that one of would also acknowledge that there are issues such as the the risks of being outside it—I think that this is Norway’s ability of such products to deliver a consistent dose. experience—is that a country will end up paying much There is clearly a need for regulation, but I think that more than it would pay if it were inside. what concerns him is how that should be done. My hon. Friend the Member for Colchester (Sir Bob The hon. Member for Lewisham East (Heidi Alexander) Russell) made one of a number of suggestions that have said that 20 people had written to her about the European been made today about holiday reading for Members. Union referendum and 50,000 had been in touch with He recommended “You Can’t Hide the Sun”, by John her about Lewisham hospital. McCarthy, and he spoke of what is happening to the Bedouins. He has tabled an early-day motion on the Jason McCartney: That was all due to 38 Degrees. subject, and he is not alone: I believe that 21 Members signed it. There is clearly an acknowledgement in this Tom Brake: I must say that when I ask people in my place, at least, that it is a significant issue. I certainly constituency what issues concern them most, health is agree with him that both the Israeli and US Governments often the number one issue, and Europe features rather have a significant responsibility for sorting out the low on the list of priorities. The main issues seem to be situation there. I am pleased, therefore, that John Kerry health and jobs. has won Arab League support for his initiative to try to Heidi Alexander: One of the right hon. Gentleman’s restart the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, and if they do Back-Bench colleagues has just suggested that the fact restart I hope the Bedouin issue will come up. We need that 50,000 people signed my petition about Lewisham to see urgent steps to ensure that a two-state solution is hospital was all to do with 38 Degrees. I can assure him introduced there. I am sure the Foreign and Commonwealth that that was not the case. In fact, hundreds of people Office will look very carefully at my hon. Friend’s were in Lewisham town centre collecting signatures. strong words on this subject when Hansard is published. The right hon. Member for Rother Valley (Mr Barron) Tom Brake: The hon. Lady has put her clarification put on record his concerns about a failure to respond to on record. his correspondence. I will ensure that is communicated I heard Members behind me expressing surprise that to the Prime Minister’s office, and I hope a response to Europe was not a big issue. I can only say that consistently, his letter is forthcoming. He talked about the NHS and year after year, when I ask people what issue is most alcohol, too. I hope he will acknowledge that the NHS important to them, they reply that it is health, education budget is one of the budgets that has been safeguarded or law and order. It is not Europe. I think we had better when many others have not. On alcohol, I think it is fair leave it at that. to say that a lot has been achieved through the public health responsibility deal, and it is worth pointing out As the hon. Lady will know, the European Union that binge drinking is reducing, rather than increasing, (Referendum) Bill is currently being debated, and will which is also a positive trend. return to the House in September. I do not know whether she is a member of the Bill Committee, or My hon. Friend the Member for Congleton (Fiona indeed whether she would wish to be a member of it, Bruce) described a terrible experience a North Korean given that its sittings seem to be finishing quite late and student working with her at present had in North Korea. may continue to do so. She said that there was scope for He is subsequently leaving that country. Her contribution reform of the European Union, and I accept that. I highlighted the fact that often the issues of asylum and think there is agreement among Members on both sides immigration get mixed up and we lose sight of the fact of the House that the EU can and should be reformed. that the UK has a very important role to play in providing The Justice and Home Affairs opt-outs, for instance, asylum for genuine cases of the type she described. are part of the process. That reform may well deliver My hon. Friend referred to Lord Alton’s book. I some changes which I think would be supported by happen to have a book called “Escape from Camp 14” Members in all parts of the House. by my bedside at the moment. I understand it is also about Korea, and although it is not exactly light holiday Mr Cash: Let me point out to the Deputy Leader of reading I intend to read it over the summer break. the House—who represents a constituency where my My hon. Friend also gave some useful concrete examples family lived for the best part of 100 years—that his of how UK citizens can help directly in North Korea. assertion that Europe is not much of a priority in the She gave the soft examples of making a financial or minds of the electorate is completely at odds with the business contribution as a way of trying to open up a findings of all the opinion polls over a number of years. society that is still very closed. Finally, what she said He might like to look at the report of a Westminster about the desire of North Koreans to have access to Hall debate entitled “National Parliaments and the EU”, information reminded me of the meetings I had about which was initiated by the hon. Member for Birmingham, 30 years ago when I was in Czechoslovakia—as it then Edgbaston (Ms Stuart) the day before yesterday, and in was—and met up with Hungarians. The Czechs were which I took part. I think that all the questions to which too scared to talk to westerners, but the Hungarians he ought to be referring now are contained in the were a bit braver, and one of the things they said was speeches that she and I gave. how important it was that they could get news that was real news. They did not want to get their news through a Tom Brake: I do not know whether my hon. Friend’s filter that filtered out what was genuinely happening. family were resident in my constituency 100 years ago, but That is clearly what is happening in North Korea, and things may have changed in the last 100 years. All that I the UK remains extremely concerned about reports of 1413 Summer Adjournment18 JULY 2013 Summer Adjournment 1414

[Tom Brake] postal workers—I suspect that we have all been out delivering leaflets fairly recently and have faced the widespread and continued systematic human rights same sort of risks trying to push our respective party violations there. My hon. Friend will be aware that the literature through doors in our constituencies. It clearly UN has commissioned an inquiry to investigate human is a real issue and we have probably all experienced rights abuses, and we encourage the North Korean individual cases similar to the one he described. Government to co-operate fully with it and to engage The hon. Member for Tiverton and Honiton (Neil with that process. My hon. Friend referred to the launch Parish) intervened to suggest that the hon. Member for of a campaign on 27 July that will be about raising the Colne Valley was trying to compete with the hon. profile of the situation in North Korea and trying to Member for Southend West in listing constituents who achieve there what was achieved through the Burmese had achieved notable things, but the hon. Member for campaign. Colne Valley praised volunteers, which is something we My right hon. Friend the Member for Tonbridge and cannot do enough in this place. I want to take the Malling (Sir John Stanley) went into some detail about opportunity to praise OGRES—the Onslow Gardens a constituent of his, Ms Chung, and he has put down a residents association—which I visited yesterday. It is a very detailed request that I am sure the Home Office volunteer organisation like any other, and is campaigning will want to respond to. I welcome the fact that the against a large McDonald’s that it does not want to see Chair of the Select Committee on Home Affairs, the built on Stafford road. The hon. Gentleman mentioned right hon. Member for Leicester East, has also indicated 4th Golcar Scouts and the effective work they have that he will follow that matter up immediately, and I done in signing up lots of adult volunteers to help them therefore hope my right hon. Friend will get a swift expand the work they can do. response on the issue of the passport, the fact that his The hon. Gentleman talked about the Tour de France— correspondence has not been responded to and the which, it seems, might be slightly lost if it is going request that the Home Office look at having a fast-track through his village, or to have gone slightly off-piste—and procedure. He will be aware that one of the reasons it will clearly be a fantastic event for Yorkshire and the the changes were made to the UKBA was to ensure a UK. We will all cherish the occasion, particularly if we separation between its role in processing the customer- manage to win it again. focused part of the work it does from the enforcement Of course, we had a debate yesterday about MPs and part, to try to achieve what he was trying to achieve for second jobs. It is clear that the hon. Gentleman has not business people. just a second, but a third, fourth, fifth and sixth job, but The Chairman of the Home Affairs Committee, the they are all volunteer jobs, so if the motion had been right hon. Member for Leicester East, focused on obesity agreed to, he would not have been banned from undertaking and diabetes, as I mentioned earlier. He is a recognised them. campaigner on the issue in this House and referred to The hon. Member for Tiverton and Honiton, the last some of the statistics that highlight why we should take speaker in the debate, mentioned the fatalities on the the matter seriously. As 10% of the NHS budget is spent A35 and the discussions he has had with the Department on addressing the issue and 80% of cases are preventable, for Transport and the Highways Agency about Hunter’s there is a clear win for the health service if we can focus Lodge junction. He has used this opportunity, rightly, on that. He referred to the responsibility deal and to raise the issue’s profile. He talked about health funding clearly felt that it was a mixed blessing—or at least that for primary care. It is an interesting fact that the age it was not delivering in the way he would like and that profile of residents of Axminster and Honiton is what the substance behind it had not materialised. We all, as we are expecting the national age profile to be by 2035, a Government, as Members of Parliament and as members so we probably have quite a lot to learn from those of the wider public, need to do our bit to ensure that the towns’ experiences, in terms of types and costs of services. 536 organisations that he referred to as having signed He made a request for a new school; I am sure that the up to it are doing what they volunteered to do and to Department for Education will have listened carefully draw attention to them if they have not. to that request, and will respond to it. He also asked the The right hon. Gentleman might like to know that I Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs visited Greenshaw secondary school, in the constituency to consider carefully issues to do with environmental of my right hon. Friend the Member for Sutton and schemes and payments to farmers. I am sure that it has Cheam (Paul Burstow), which has recently changed the listened carefully to his contribution. catering contract and appointed a new chef. The new chef is cooking everything fresh in the school and there We have come to the end of this debate. I have had has been a huge uptake in school meals as a result. I slightly more time to wrap up than I am used to, so I visited and the queues were phenomenal, as a lot of the will take a few minutes to thank you, Mr Speaker, for children chose to stay in school to have their meals as keeping us on a fairly tight leash this Session; the staff opposed to taking packed lunches or leaving school. of the House for helping us to ensure that this place Things can be done in schools, even within the same runs smoothly; and the staff in the Office of the Leader budget, if they are willing to be imaginative. The right of the House of Commons for supporting me and the hon. Gentleman has mentioned the matter in relation to Leader of the House in our roles. I hope that all diabetes in the House before, in the debate on 24 April 2013. Members enjoy the recess and come back full of energy in September for the full programme of activities that The hon. Member for Colne Valley (Jason McCartney) we will undertake then. mentioned the distressing case in Meltham involving a postman, Jason Lee, and we will all want to join Question put and agreed to. the hon. Gentleman in wishing him a full recovery. The Resolved, hon. Gentleman and all Members will know that the That this House has considered matters to be raised before the CWU has done a lot of work on the issue. It is not only forthcoming adjournment. 1415 18 JULY 2013 1416

Business without Debate Henry Thorley and HMRC Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House DELEGATED LEGISLATION (COMMITTEES) do now adjourn.—(Mr Syms.) Ordered, 4.44 pm That the Civil Procedure (Amendment No. 4) Rules 2013 Mr William Cash (Stone) (Con): I am holding this (S.I., 2013, No. 1412) be referred to a Delegated Legislation Committee. Adjournment debate in consequence of a very grave —(Mr Syms.) injustice that has been done to my constituent, Mr Henry Thorley, who is now aged 88, and in line with the PETITION fundamental principles of our constitution, namely redress of grievance and accountability, which go back to the Cannock Hospital earliest times of our Parliament. I am appalled by the manner in which this matter has 4.42 pm been handled because it strikes me that a case of this kind, relating to a man aged 88, whose correspondence Mr Aidan Burley (Cannock Chase) (Con): I have has already been sent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer great pleasure in presenting this petition in support of a and to the Exchequer Secretary and has been handled fully used and fully utilised Cannock Chase hospital. by the person responsible in Her Majesty’s Revenue and Along with other petitions and pledges in similar terms, Customs, the director of criminal investigation, Mr Donald it has been signed by thousands of my constituents, and Toon, does not provide the justice that I believe is owed constituents of neighbouring colleagues. to my constituent. I also want to pay tribute to Deborah Hubbard, a The case goes back to the 1970s—indeed, it goes former nurse at Cannock hospital, who has amassed back to a period when my predecessor, Sir Hugh Fraser, more than 12,000 signatures through the “Supporters was the Member of Parliament for Stafford. I became of Cannock Chase Hospital” Facebook page, for her the Member of Parliament for Stafford in 1984 and I tireless campaigning to keep services in our local hospital. am now the Member of Parliament for Stone, where The petition expresses the desire of my local community Mr Henry Thorley resides. I sent to the Minister on in Cannock Chase, who raised much of the money for 21 May a letter that I received, which summarised the hospital to be built in the first place, to ensure that various points relating to the case in question. The case Cannock hospital is not overlooked in the review that is is simply explained. At Stoke-on-Trent Crown court in being carried out by Monitor and the trust special December 1979 Mr Thorley was convicted of theft administrators. As colleagues will know, they are looking arising from VAT returns. In 1980 the Court of Appeal into the future provision of health services in Staffordshire, quashed the conviction and Mr Thorley left the court following the abolition of the failed Mid Staffordshire utterly blameless. NHS Foundation Trust. It appears clear that from the outset the prosecution The petition reads: case was fatally flawed, and the prosecution knew it. A Customs and Excise official had conducted a satisfactory The Petition of residents of Cannock Chase, inspection for the period subsequently complained of, Declares that the Petitioners support Cannock Hospital and and said so in a written report. So, in the words of wish to ensure that it becomes a centre of excellence for elective surgery, fully used, and with a secure and professionally managed leading counsel, future, within the NHS. “How any prosecution could thereafter be considered let alone persisted in beggars belief.” The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Department of Health to ensure Cannock Hospital He goes on to say that the prosecution of Mr Thorley becomes a centre of excellence for elective surgery and has a was, he believed, motivated by malice and conducted in secure future. chaos. That is why I have raised the matter and why I And the Petitioners remain, etc. am looking for a suitable response from my hon. Friend the Minister. [P001216] I have here the report, which has already been sent to my hon. Friend. It is a note of the visit of the person in question from the then Customs and Excise, which shows four items and states quite clearly against them the word “satisfied”. On 2 July 2013 I received a letter through my office from Mr Toon which thanked me for my letter to the Exchequer Secretary and stated that on behalf of the chief executive he would reply, as he had operational responsibility for criminal investigation. He went on to say: “I have reviewed the papers provided by Mr Thorley’s advisers”— which, by the way, are well known in the Department— “but I am afraid that there is nothing more I can add to David Gauke’s letter to you of 23 May 2013. Whilst I sympathise with Mr Thorley, HM Revenue and Customs has no papers in relation to this case and therefore nothing on which to base an apology. The papers enclosed with your letter seem to show that the Appeal Court overturned Mr Thorley’s conviction because of misdirection by the judge in the original trial but this does not mean that the decision to prosecute was flawed. 1417 Henry Thorley and HMRC18 JULY 2013 Henry Thorley and HMRC 1418

[Mr William Cash] My constituent is now aged 88. He is an old man whom I have met on many occasions, and he is clearly I know that Mr Thorley will find this reply disappointing but deeply concerned and affected by the manner in which I hope you will understand that without the original case papers I he is being treated. He simply wants an apology—that is cannot comment further.” all he is asking. The note that I have states: I also had a letter dated 23 May from my hon. Friend “This Court concludes that the crux of the Appeal was the the Exchequer Secretary, in which he said: misdirection relating to Mr Evans…There had been a misdirection “I am afraid that following my inquiries, I can only repeat what on the material point and the Court concludes that conviction he has been told in previous letters. HMRC does not hold any must be quashed.” papers in relation to his court case. There is no official record, Part of that includes a sworn statement by Mr Ian Wright, either paper or electronic, of any information in relation to this who stated: case and so HMRC cannot confirm on what basis a prosecution was undertaken. Neither can it ascertain from records whether or “Between October 1957 and July 1994 I was a Customs and not there was an appeal. It follows therefore that I cannot Excise Senior Officer.” comment on the outcome of that appeal. HMRC does not hold He described what happened, which I have already any records in relation to Mr Thorley’s original VAT registration, explained to the House. The statement continues: which would have presumably been active when the prosecution took place. Whilst there are some records in relation to a later “At the time of my own initial visit to Mr Thorley’s company 1992 registration, these papers make no reference to any previous and before the decision to prosecute Mr Thorley was taken I was prosecution.” aware of a report by a colleague, one Graham Harry Evans, of his control visit to the Thorley companies in 1975. This did not In the light of the information I have supplied, I find indicate anything untoward…Throughout my work alongside it unbelievable that there would be no basis for an Mr Riley whilst in support of his investigation into the affairs of apology. My constituent—who, at 88, does not have by Mr Thorley’s company, I was made aware that Mr Evans’s report any reasonable standards much longer to live—has would not feature in any way in the Department’s conduct of the throughout this period been seeking by various means case.” to obtain an apology. He does not want compensation That is from a senior Customs and Excise officer who and has made that absolutely clear in correspondence. was looking at the manner in which a prosecution had There is no need for HMRC to be concerned about that been levied against my constituent, who has been convicted if it made an apology. There is no need for electronic and released because the conviction was unsound. The files; he was convicted and sent to prison for three years, statement goes on: serving 11 months. As a result of the diligent conduct of “I progressively became more anxious about this deliberate his defence by his lawyers, he was released from jail on omission and discussed this in detail with Mr Riley and with the orders of no less a judge than Lord Justice Eveleigh. numerous of my own senior colleagues over some months before He asks only for an apology. the Court case. At the commencement of Mr Thorley’s trial, the omission of what I considered a very important document (Evans’s The judgement of the court was read on 27 and report) became apparent to me. Before my own evidence was due, 28 October 1980 by Lord Justice Eveleigh. I will not go I remonstrated directly with a Crown Solicitor that there were through every detail of it—the Minister has a copy—but very great dangers in not producing the Evans report. It was then I will read out some salient points. In June 1975, an produced in Court immediately thereafter.” investigating officer named Mr Evans from Customs I understand that it was only five minutes before the and Excise went to Thorley’s office to investigate the jury gave its verdict. claim for the repayment of £43,000. He expressed I also have a letter dated 13 May 2013 from Mr Thorley’s the view that he was satisfied, in the document I mentioned accountant, which was supplied to me and has been earlier. He was given a large number of documents and passed on to the Minister. It expresses, on behalf of its made inquiries— chiefly from a Mrs Mannering. He client, many of the concerns one would expect. Among was left in the office to investigate these at his leisure other things, it says that, in 1980-81, Mr Thorley lost his and sent in his report. He wrote “satisfied” against all home, his business and his family pride. His family were four periods that he investigated. Mr Evans also states made homeless and his wife had to recommence work that he investigated the position in depth. At the trial to provide food for the family. The letter says that since four and a half years later he could not say what had then he happened but felt that the word “satisfied” meant that he had compared the claim with the totals in the books “has had to try and rebuild what he has lost. Mr Thorley has also and that the returns had been reconciled. That is why he tried in vain to get an apology from HMCE (Now H M Revenue & Customs) for their failure of withholding back such crucial put “satisfied” against it. I have the paper in front of me evidence.” signed by this gentleman and so has the Minister. Mr Thorley says he is not seeking any financial No one is doubting that the trial took place, that my compensation— constituent was sent to jail and released, or that Lord Justice Eveleigh importantly quashed the conviction. 5pm Against that background, to my mind it is utterly astonishing that my constituent cannot even get an Motion lapsed (Standing Order No. 9(3)). apology, simply because the records are not available. It Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House is not for me to lay down rules about what records have do now adjourn.—(Mr Syms.) been or should have been held by the Departments in question, or any other Department, but nobody with Mr Cash: I find it impossible to understand why so any sense of justice—or, indeed, with any common far the Minister has not been prepared to issue an sense—would seriously dispute the facts as I have described apology. It simply does not stack up. There is no serious them. Nobody has attempted to dispute those facts; dispute about the facts. Is he going to say that Lord they say only that they cannot find the records. Justice Eveleigh had no case? Will he explain why 1419 Henry Thorley and HMRC18 JULY 2013 Henry Thorley and HMRC 1420

HMRC does not hold the records or why my constituent However, the Data Protection Act also requires that was put in jail for three years and released because the when someone makes a request for the release of Court of Appeal, on considering the facts, regarded information, the recipient of that request must make a it as completely unfair, unjust, unacceptable and thorough search to see whether it is held, even if the unreasonable? I cannot explain it any better. It is incredible. normal destruction date has passed. To that end, HMRC I have never before come to the House on an Adjournment has carried out a department-wide check of all electronic debate with such a case. I doubt whether many people systems and a targeted search of manual records. It have had to come to the House to ask a Minister to also asked the Crown Prosecution Service to check its apologise. I do not know what he will say, although I records to see whether it held anything relating to this have no reasonable doubt about what he should say. constituent’s case. That check has revealed that no such I will supply any necessary documents in my possession records exist. to anybody at any time to get the justice due to my Further correspondence from my hon. Friend, enclosing constituent. He is not asking for compensation; he just correspondence from his constituent and addressed wants an apology, which I think the House will agree he to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, was passed to is due. HMRC to reply under normal Treasury procedure. That correspondence was dealt with under HMRC’s 5.2 pm complaints procedure for ministerial correspondence. I should make it clear that HMRC of course welcomes The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David complaints as an opportunity to apologise and put Gauke): I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Stone things right where it has made a mistake, and as a (Mr Cash) for his remarks, for securing this debate and source of learning to make its services better for taxpayers for putting forward his constituent’s case with his in future. characteristic eloquence. The case relates to the investigation and subsequent prosecution of one of his constituents Mr Cash: On the question of procedure, is my hon. by what was then Her Majesty’s Customs and Excise. Friend aware of the Cabinet Office’s 2005 guidelines on His constituent and his advisers have approached my dealing with letters from Members of Parliament to hon. Friend requesting a public apology for what they Ministers, which set out very precisely what has to happen have described as a malicious prosecution by HMCE. I in relation to such letters and the manner in which such have great sympathy with his constituent for the worry letters have to be handled under the Cabinet Office and distress that the case has clearly caused both him guidelines prescribed by the Prime Minister? and his family, and I hope this afternoon to offer reassurance that the case can be further investigated by Mr Gauke: The Treasury is aware of the guidelines Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. I shall return to that apply to ministerial correspondence, and we seek that in a moment. to comply with them. Where operational matters are For reasons I shall explain shortly, however, HMRC involved and it is more appropriate for HMRC to deal does not old information about the case, other than that with them in order to provide as much information supplied by my hon. Friend in his correspondence and as possible and to deal with them as appropriately as by his constituent. possible, HMRC will respond to those letters. My hon. Friend has received a letter from me and from HMRC— Mr Cash: Is the Minister even remotely disputing indeed, he has received several items of correspondence—on what I have said? this front. Let me return to the procedure. Usually, HMRC has Mr Gauke: I am not disputing any of the facts a two-stage complaints process, which seeks to deal provided by my hon. Friend, but I hope he will allow me with as many complaints as possible at the first review. to explain the reasons why HMRC does not hold At the end of that stage, the reply tells the customer that information about this case, other than what has been if they are still unhappy, they can ask HMRC to look at provided to it by him, and why that constrains what the complaint again. At that stage, a different official HMRC can say. I will also explain how we might be able takes a fresh look at the complaint and gives HMRC’s to take this matter a little further forward. final response. If the customer remains unhappy, they Let me deal with the first point about why HMRC may approach the Adjudicator’s Office. The Adjudicator’s does not hold information. In line with the requirements Office will investigate the complaint, drawing together a of the Data Protection Act, HMRC must not hold full and impartial summary of details from the customer personal data indefinitely, so the organisation regularly and HMRC. reviews and destroys or deletes information. For cases involving criminal investigation, the retention period Mr Cash: I have read out the salient reference in the varies depending on the outcome of the investigation. statement of Mr Ian Godfrey Wright, the senior Customs The default period is six years from the conclusion of and Excise officer involved. He is a member of HMRC, the investigation, but when the investigation leads to a or he certainly has been—I dare say he is retired now. conviction, the retention period is the length of sentence This statement is dated 1996, so it is possible that it imposed plus one year, or six years, whichever is the could be followed up, and it contains serious allegations longer. When an investigation ends in conviction but by a senior Customs officer about the conduct of Customs that conviction is later overturned on appeal, as clearly and Excise—as I believe it still was—at the time. It is occurred in this case, the retention period is six years not as though we are talking just about communication from the Court of Appeal ruling. In the case of my hon. between me and the Minister; we are also talking about Friend’s constituent, the data relating to the investigation sworn statements made by a senior Customs officer, and prosecution would have been destroyed as early which can be followed up. They must have this record—if as 1986. they have not got that, I do not know what is going on. 1421 Henry Thorley and HMRC18 JULY 2013 Henry Thorley and HMRC 1422

Mr Gauke: Again, I will not repeat the data protection he wants this afternoon but, on the strength of his guidelines and the length of time for which HMRC is 29 years of service in the House and the indefatigability entitled to hold on to personal data. I note my hon. Friend’s with which he has pursued a variety of causes over comments about a statement being made in 1996. I do those years, he will be well aware that it is open to him not know what communications there were with HM to pursue the matter again, and again, and again. Customs and Excise, the body in place until the merger in 2005, or how they were made. As I have made clear in Mr Gauke: Thank you, Mr Speaker, for setting out my remarks, a search was made across HMRC to locate that prospect. records on the case, and no records were found. What I am seeking to say to my hon. Friend is that his As I was saying, the Adjudicator provides an constituent clearly feels wronged. He was, as my hon. independent review of details and makes her decision Friend says, convicted on a case brought by HM Customs and recommendation. Customers who continue to be and Excise, and that conviction was subsequently quashed. dissatisfied can ask an MP to refer their complaint to I understand my hon. Friend’s position, which is, in the Parliamentary Ombudsman, who will then decide essence, that in any circumstances when someone has whether to investigate the complaint. If she decided to been wrongly convicted, the prosecuting authority should do so, her investigation might also look at the way in apologise to that person. I fully respect that position. which the Adjudicator’s Office reviewed the complaint. However, it must also be said that the fact that an It is worth noting that this specific case did not follow individual is found not guilty after a criminal trial or the normal procedure. My hon. Friend is perfectly their conviction being quashed by a higher court on entitled to contact Ministers about the matter. He has appeal does not necessarily mean that it was inappropriate received replies from senior officials at HMRC and one for the case to have been investigated, or even prosecuted, from me dated 23 May 2013. All those replies carried in the first place. I am sure that my hon. Friend, as a the same message: given the age of the case and the lack distinguished lawyer, can appreciate that point. of any of the original papers, HMRC is not in a It may well be that in this investigation over 30 years position to comment with any certainty on the case. ago HM Customs and Excise behaved wrongly and Letters from the Adjudicator to my hon. Friend on inappropriately. If that is the case, then his constituent 13 March and 25 April 2012 contained a similar message would deserve an apology in those circumstances—let and provided contact details for the Parliamentary me clear about that—and I would be very happy to give Ombudsman. However, if the constituent or his advisers that apology on behalf of HMRC. However, before provide HMRC with full copies of all the documents HMRC is in a position to give a full apology, it needs to they hold in connection with the matter, I can assure my see the facts more fully. As I say, the mere evidence that hon. Friend that it will carry out a thorough review and a conviction has been quashed does not necessarily revert to them with its findings. mean that HM Customs and Excise behaved in an unacceptable way. That is why I believe that it is essential Mr Cash: Will the Minister please give way? that my hon. Friend’s constituent provide all the available paperwork that he and his advisers hold to enable Mr Gauke: I will give way, but first I will make this HMRC fully to assess the reasons for the quashing of point: my hon. Friend has provided HMRC with the conviction. information regarding the case that indicates that a conviction was quashed following the finding that there Mr Cash: Will the Minister give way before he sits had been a misdirection. As he will also be aware, his down? constituent’s concern is that there was a malicious prosecution against him. If HMRC has evidence that Mr Gauke: I will allow my hon. Friend to intervene there was a malicious prosecution against someone, of again; he need not worry that I am galloping towards course it should apologise. If that evidence is presented the end. to it and it is satisfied that that is what has happened, I would hope and expect it to do exactly that. I am keen to ensure that HMRC looks at the evidence again thoroughly, and if it is in a position to make the Mr Cash: Whether or not it was malicious, the question apology—I can understand the reasons why my hon. is whether an apology is due, given the fact that—of this Friend wants that apology sooner rather than later—I there is no doubt—there was a prosecution, my constituent am keen to do all I can to facilitate that. My hon. spent time in jail, the conviction was quashed and then Friend rightly has a reputation for being someone who he was released. I am simply asking for an apology. weighs the evidence thoroughly, and HRMC also needs There is an element of farce about the situation. I do to weigh the evidence thoroughly before it reaches a not want to be told that I should go off to the Ombudsman; conclusion. It might be the easiest thing in the world I am talking to the Minister, who is accountable to the just to announce an apology, but it should do so on the House. He has responsibility for HMRC and for the basis of the facts, and at the moment it does not have conduct of Customs and Excise before it, in one form those facts. or another. All I am asking for—it sounds as though I am not going to get it, even this afternoon—is an Mr Cash: Let me refer again to the statement by apology on the Floor of the House from the Minister in Mr Wright—a senior Customs officer who I presume, relation to this. It is no good just reading out all the bits or hope, is still available to be spoken to because his of paper that have been supplied— statement was so clear. There is also the opinion of the leading counsel, and there are all the other papers that Mr Speaker: Order. The hon. Gentleman’s intervention have been supplied. If the records are not in the Department is a little on the long side. He has expressed some and no papers are available other than the ones we have frustration that he does not think that he will get what already supplied, then I do not know what else we 1423 Henry Thorley and HMRC18 JULY 2013 Henry Thorley and HMRC 1424 would be able to produce. I think that a careful judgmental I hope that this wider airing of the case and the offer assessment of the justice of this case is required, and for HMRC to review all his constituent’s paperwork go that the apology is due, although my hon. Friend is now some way towards providing the assurance that my hon. making some very helpful remarks. Friend is seeking. If I have not provided that reassurance or if HMRC’s investigation of the evidence proves to be Mr Gauke: I am glad that I have had the opportunity less than fruitful as far as he is concerned, I suspect, as to make some helpful remarks. I say to my hon. Friend you have said, Mr Speaker, that we will return to the that the more evidence there is that can be presented, subject. the better. I assure him that HMRC will consider the matter thoroughly and follow the evidence. If an apology Question put and agreed to. is due on the basis of that evidence, it will of course make an apology. I accept that no apology was made when the conviction was quashed more than 30 years ago and that there has been no apology in the intervening 5.20 pm 30 years. House adjourned.

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It is also pretty appalling that the new planning Westminster Hall guidelines are set to come into force without public consultation, denying communities that stand to be affected by fracking any say in the new process. It is Thursday 18 July 2013 clear that Ministers and the fracking firms, which are, sadly, increasingly indistinguishable, are keen to press on rapidly, but it is wrong to refuse to consult on new [MR PETER BONE in the Chair] planning guidance aimed at making it easier for developers to cast aside community concerns. Even from a perspective of due procedure, I cannot BACKBENCH BUSINESS see how the decision to deny communities a say in their new planning rules is remotely in line with the Government’s UK Shale Gas own definition of circumstances in which consultation [Relevant documents: Seventh Report of the Energy and is unnecessary. The relevant Cabinet Office principle Climate Change Committee, Session 2012-13, The Impact makes it clear that that is appropriate only in the case of of Shale Gas on Energy Markets, HC 795, and the “minor or technical amendments to regulation or existing policy Government response, Session 2013-14, HC 609.] frameworks, where the measure is necessary to deal with a court judgment or where adequate consultation has taken place at an Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting earlier stage”. be now adjourned.—(Michael Fallon.) Many of my constituents have e-mailed me over the past few weeks to call for a full public consultation, as 1.30 pm well as for new planning rules that are strong on Caroline Lucas (Brighton, Pavilion) (Green): It is a tackling climate change and follow the precautionary pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Bone. I principle when it comes to issues such as groundwater thank the Backbench Business Committee for allowing contamination. this debate and colleagues from across the House for Another spending review measure is the consultation supporting it. It gives us an opportunity to examine on tax incentives to encourage companies to press on some of the measures that the Government are putting with shale gas exploration. The Treasury is proposing in place to promote shale gas, and to explore the reducing the tax payable on income from 62% to 30%. implications of fracking for our constituents, our One of my concerns is that tax breaks for fracking countryside and our climate. I read with interest the amount to an additional fossil fuel subsidy, which is Hansard report of Tuesday’s debate, which focused in exactly what the UK and other G20 nations pledged to particular on the details of community benefit packages phase out three years ago. It looks like a backward step. but also touched on some issues that I am sure we will Fossil fuel subsidies, which amounted to $500 billion return to and explore further in this debate. worldwide in 2011, are effectively an incentive to pollute. Before I discuss those questions, in light of recent Earlier this year, the chief economist of the International lobbying scandals and concerns about inappropriate Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, called them corporate influence on politics and policy making, I “public enemy No. 1 for sustainable energy development”. will declare my relevant interests. I am a proud, albeit small, shareholder in Brighton Energy Co-operative, which invests in community-owned solar power in Brighton Mr Peter Lilley (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con): Will and Hove and whose vision for community-owned the hon. Lady make it clear that what she calls a fossil renewables at the heart of our energy system I openly fuel subsidy in the case of the UK is, overwhelmingly, support. I have a similar very small interest in the simply a lower rate of VAT on all energy use? Is she Westmill Wind Farm co-operative in south Oxfordshire. calling for a higher rate of VAT on all energy use, or just I hope that other Members speaking today will agree a higher rate on fossil fuels? To describe it as a subsidy is that in the interests of transparency and rebuilding surely nonsense. trust in the political process, it would be beneficial if all of us declared fully all interests relating to the energy Caroline Lucas: I do not think that it is nonsense. The sector or energy companies. Environmental Audit Committee, of which I am a As part of the spending review, the Government set member, is in the middle of an inquiry into fossil fuel out their commitment to put in place the conditions to subsidies, and it is clear from some of the evidence that allow the shale industry to “reach its full potential”: we have received that many people think that the new planning guidance, community benefits and tax Government’s definition of subsidy, which is narrow breaks. The planning document was to be published by and does not include tax breaks, is wrong. I am happy 18 July, in the depressingly common pattern of waiting to say that I do not think that fossil fuels should have until just before the summer recess to publish unpopular tax breaks. Whether or not we want to call that a policies, but I was told this morning by the Department subsidy, I am clear that I think it is, and I am against it. for Communities and Local Government that it would, after all, be published not today but “very soon”. That Charles Perry said in evidence to the Committee: is even worse for the House’s ability to examine the “The media in this country…would like us all to believe that details and hold Ministers to account on behalf of our we are paying a lot more for renewable energy as consumers, but if constituents. I am sure that we would all like to hear you compare what we are paying for renewable energy versus from the Minister the reasons for the delay. It is hard to fossil fuels, it is six times more for fossil fuels as a taxpayer than it avoid concluding that his colleagues in the DCLG are is for renewables.” scared of scrutiny. That sums up what I am saying. 309WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 310WH

David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): I heard that about future energy security? Finally, is shale gas number with interest: six times as much for fossil fuels development compatible with the UK’s climate change as for renewables. Can the hon. Lady take us through commitments? I will set out why, sadly, I believe that the the calculation that gave that number? Was it, for example, answer to all those questions is no, and why shale gas by comparing solar with gas? ultimately cannot and should not have a role in a secure and affordable energy system that is consistent with the Caroline Lucas: I refer the hon. Gentleman to the UK’s climate change commitments. Environmental Audit Committee evidence, which goes On the environmental impacts, I am sure that I am through that complicated calculation in a lot of detail. not alone in having been contacted by many constituents concerned about a wide range of environmental and David Mowat: Will the hon. Lady give way on that health risks from shale gas. I worry that Ministers and point? those with financial links to shale gas companies are quick to dismiss people’s concerns, especially about Caroline Lucas: I have answered that point. water resources. The International Energy Agency, not Ministers have given us an industry-led community known for an overtly environmental perspective or for benefit scheme. It was discussed at length on Tuesday hyperbole, states: and will be consulted on in the autumn. It is expected to “The scale of development can have major implications for yield £100,000 in community benefits per drilling pad, local communities, land use and water resources.” each with several wells, plus 1% of revenues. The hon. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood (Eric Ollerenshaw) It goes on to list serious hazards made a crucial point about the importance of additionality “including the potential for air pollution and for contamination when it comes to such payouts, over and above what of surface and groundwater”. localities would normally expect under local government The number of wells would, of course, depend on or other funding systems. how much extractible gas there is and the geological I share those concerns, not least in light of recent conditions. Huge uncertainties remain, so all estimates comments from the chief executive of shale gas explorer are assumptions, but a study by Bloomberg based on IGas, who said that local communities should be won average well extraction data from the US, rather than over to shale gas fracking by being rewarded with more just sweet spots, found that meeting North sea production teachers in primary schools or more officers on the levels of 1,460 billion cubic feet and sustaining those beat. Given the coalition Government’s cuts to crucial levels for 10 years would require between 10,000 and public sector services and local authority budgets, it 20,000 shale gas wells. Does the Minister think that the would be outrageous if communities were faced with a visual impact of so many drilling rigs and the associated situation in which the only way to secure adequate traffic would be considered preferable to the aesthetics numbers of teachers or policemen and women was by of wind turbines, for example? accepting a giant fracking rig in their back yard. On Tuesday, Balcombe residents delivered a petition The other recent development discussed on Tuesday to the Environment Agency in respect of Cuadrilla’s is the creation of a new Office of Unconventional Gas application for a mining waste permit for its operations and Oil. The Minister explained its co-ordination role, in that area. It states: which aims “We the undersigned residents of Balcombe and its surrounds “to accelerate the development of shale responsibly.”—[Official strongly object to the activities of Cuadrilla and demand that you Report, 16 July 2013; Vol. 566, c. 215WH.] take all possible measures to ensure the cessation of its activities The new office has been given the role of cheerleader-in-chief with immediate effect, on the grounds that it poses an unacceptable for the shale gas industry, as well as being tasked with threat to our water supply, air purity and overall environment.” ensuring that shale development remains safe and the It is wrong for Ministers to dismiss such concerns and environment protected. We heard that it would also to suggest that local opposition stems from a play a third role, providing information to the public on misunderstanding of the impact of shale gas extraction. apparent myths to help people separate fact from fiction. Local campaigners I have met are not stupid or However, the office and the Minister’s whole Department scaremongering. They are extremely well read and well are so rampantly pro-shale gas that I cannot see how informed. Last year, a survey by Balcombe parish council the public will have confidence or trust in them either to found that 82% of residents wanted their local elected maintain the highest safety and environmental standards representatives to oppose fracking. That gives a good or to provide independent, credible, non-biased information overview of people’s concerns, which include issues about the risks of shale gas development. How does the such as the increase in road traffic through the village, Minister intend to manage that perceived conflict of the pollution of water supplies, the impact on an area of interest? outstanding natural beauty and the effect on property During the rest of my remarks, I will concentrate on values. some crucial questions about shale gas development in Opposition to fracking goes way beyond organisations the UK. First, do we understand fully the local such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth. One environmental and health risks of shale gas and what example this week is the Quakers, who issued a statement our constituents and the general public think about on the EU’s climate and energy package and said of fracking, and can regulation and the OUGO adequately shale gas: address such risks and concerns? Secondly, does shale “This is not an option for replacing coal power. The greenhouse gas really have the potential to deliver lower-cost gas gas emissions during the life cycle of a well (including after power and reduce energy bills, as the Chancellor and decommissioning) are too high to enable us to reach our long-term other fracking enthusiasts claim? Thirdly, is drilling for climate targets and stay within the vital 2°C limit, especially given shale gas a sensible approach to addressing concerns the high risk of methane leakage.” 311WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 312WH

It continued: becoming increasingly indistinguishable from the fracking “The fracking process contaminates water and soils causing companies that are rubbing their hands at the prospect major concerns for the environment and public health.” of tax breaks and drilling permits, particularly in his Even the National Farmers Union has raised concern treatment of legitimate public concerns as myths. that fracking represents an additional water user, which It was heartening to hear the hon. Member for Fylde could increase water stress in times of shortages, and (Mark Menzies) speak of the need to put in place the what about the views of farmers in places where fracking highest environmental safeguards, as opposed to what is already established? In Alberta, Canada, the Canadian is simply convenient for the industry. He also made the NFU has led calls for a moratorium, with the co-ordinator, point that in addition to strong regulation, there must who is a dairy farmer, warning last year: be sufficient resources to ensure that they are applied. “Many farmers in my area who either have direct experience The shadow Energy Secretary emphasised the importance with the destructive nature of hydro-fracking technology on their of comprehensive monitoring. I would add that the water wells or who have neighbours who have been affected have remits and duties of the regulator also matter. come to me with their concerns…our ability to produce good, wholesome food is at risk of being compromised by the widespread, The proposed growth duty to be imposed on non- virtually unregulated use of this dangerous process.” economic regulators such as the Environment Agency The Minister has given assurances about robust regulation through the draft Deregulation Bill is of great concern in the UK, but the implications of fracking for British in that respect. The Government claim that it will farmers remains to be seen, not least in the light of support growth without weakening environmental increasing water scarcity and food price hikes. The protection, but lawyers from the UK Environmental Co-operative Group, which also farms, perhaps not Law Association warn in their consultation response coincidentally, is also calling for an end to the use of that unconventional fossil fuels and for a massive upsurge in “A growth duty, as currently proposed, would make it harder community renewables instead. for non-economic regulators to refuse environmentally damaging Another local concern is that leaks from well casings development, including those that threaten nationally important that have been inadequately completed or have subsequently wildlife sites—even if the overall societal benefits of such a failed are one route by which water and air pollution refusal are greater than the development.” can occur. The first report from the Select Committee They continue: on Energy and Climate Change said that the risks are “This arises because the proposed duty does not adequately “no different to issues encountered when exploring the hydrocarbons reflect evidence about the economic value of the natural environment and conventional geological formations” and the need to value it accordingly in decision making.” and recommends that the Health and Safety Executive Ministers have a lot of explaining to do before anyone tests the integrity of wells before allowing drilling activity will be persuaded that this growth duty is not simply the to be licensed. The Minister has indicated that such a latest attempt to weaken crucial environmental and regime will be put in place. I wonder whether those public health safeguards, capitulating to corporate lobbyists same assurances were given in the US and elsewhere. who want short-term profit-making to trump public New data from the Marcellus shale show that 6.6% of interest. Pennsylvanian wells are leaking. Examination of studies into well leaks by various bodies in the US, Canada and An additional concern, which is almost entirely ignored Norway shows that it is likely that world leakage rates in the UK but is at the centre of debates in the US, is the come in at between 5% and 20%. Will the Minister radon risk from fracked gas pumped directly into confirm whether there is any difference between well householders’ kitchen stoves and hobs. Two month ago, design in the US and the UK that makes that less likely the hon. Member for Newport West (Paul Flynn) was here? Will he also say whether there is a register of the told in a written answer from the Under-Secretary of performance of existing UK wells? I have not been able State for Health, the hon. Member for Broxtowe (Anna to find one. Such a register would allow us to have an Soubry), that overall picture of leakage in the UK and would tell us a “Public Health England…is preparing a report identifying lot about the world-class regulation argument that is so potential public health issues and concerns, including radon…that easily bandied about. might be associated with aspects of hydraulic fracturing…The The need for robust regulation was discussed in our report is due out for public consultation in the summer. Once released for public consultation, the report will be freely available debate on Tuesday, providing a brief respite from the from the PHE website.”—[Official Report, 20 May 2013; Vol. 563, regulation-bashing rhetoric that seems to be fashionable c. 570W.] at the moment. The hon. Member for North Warwickshire (Dan Byles) was present at that debate, and I am Subsequent follow-up by telephone with Public Health delighted that he spoke in favour of high environmental England this week established that the “summer” has standards, in keeping with the gold standard that already become “later this year”. That seems to be a trend. Will applies to oil and gas regulation in the UK. However, the Minister explain the delay in publishing this research last month alone, Britain’s offshore rigs and platforms report when the public debate over fracking is moving leaked oil or other chemicals into the North sea on ahead apace? 55 occasions. I am not convinced that communities In brief, the concern raised in the US has been led by facing the prospect of shale gas drilling, albeit onshore Dr Marvin Resnikoff, now of Radioactive Waste for the time being, will find that reassuring. Management Associates, who has more than 50 years’ The Minister says that robust regulation is now in research experience in radiation hazards. My purpose in place and that there is nothing to prevent licensees from raising this matter is not to scaremonger, but simply to bringing forward new drilling plans and seeking the ensure that the risks are not ignored. I look forward to necessary permissions. I worry that his Department is hearing form the Minister on that aspect as well. 313WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 314WH

[Caroline Lucas] irresponsible to think that we can simply read across the impacts in the US and assume that we will see those As chair of the all-party group on fuel poverty and here in the UK. energy efficiency, I believe that the cost of energy policy I was giving examples of reputed organisations that decisions to householders, particularly those on low are warning that UK shale gas will not bring prices incomes, is an absolute priority. Current estimates suggest down. Those warnings come from Deutsche Bank, that fuel poverty now affects more than 6.5 million Chatham House, Ofgem, and the International Energy households throughout the UK. The Government’s figures Agency. Even the CBI has warned that there is only one show that rising wholesale gas prices are the overwhelming direction for gas prices, and that is upwards. The highly cause of higher energy prices, which raises questions respected former energy Minister, the hon. Member for about the economic merits of the gas strategy in which Wealden (Charles Hendry), has warned that the reverse gas plays a big role long into the future, never mind that is true, saying that a gas-powered future would bust carbon budgets. “betting the farm on shale brings serious risks of future price The Chancellor and the Prime Minister both seem to rises”. think that shale gas could have a positive impact on gas The Government’s independent advisers, the Committee prices and household fuel bills. Yesterday, the Department on Climate Change, have confirmed that relying on gas of Energy and Climate Change published a new report would be expensive, adding up to £600 extra on household in what looks like a desperate attempt to create some electricity bills compared with low carbon power, which evidence to back up those dubious claims. The Daily would add only £100 and would be a good insurance Telegraph thunders: policy against high prices in the future. “Gas prices could fall by a quarter with shale drilling”. Exploitation of the UK’s significant shale resources But on closer examination, the document is all about ifs is unlikely to result in low natural gas prices as well, and buts. according to Bloomberg: “The cost of shale gas extraction in the UK is likely to be Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) (Con): We all want significantly higher than in the US, and the rate of exploitation evidence-based decision making, and it seems odd to insufficient to offset the decline in conventional gas production, say first that there is no evidence that shale gas will meaning market prices will continue to be set by imported gas.” reduce prices, and when the Government investigate Professor Paul Stevens, Chatham House analyst and and commission a report, to say that they have done so a recent winner of the prestigious OPEC award for in a desperate attempt to find something that looks like outstanding oil and energy research, has said that the evidence. Surely we should welcome the Government’s Chancellor’s view that gas will be cheap in the future, commissioning of independent research so that we can based on the views that that will be driven by a shale gas have an evidence-based debate. revolution as happened in the US, is “misleading and dangerous.” Here he comes to exactly the point that the Caroline Lucas: I would certain welcome that if it hon. Member for Warrington South just mentioned, were reflected in the sort of statements that we hear saying: from the Government about shale gas, but it is not. “It is misleading because it ignores the very real barriers to Time and again I have had debates with Ministers when shale gas development in the UK and Europe more generally. The they have easily and quickly leapt to the defence of US revolution was triggered by favourable factors such as geology, shale gas by saying that it will incontrovertibly lead to tax breaks and a vibrant service industry amongst many others. lower gas prices. That is the problem. There is a gap However, in Western Europe the geology is less favourable notably between the rhetoric and the reality. If we all agree that with the shale containing a higher clay content making it more difficult to use hydraulic fracturing.” the jury is out on that issue, I am pleased about that. The DECC report states that there is At a meeting for concerned residents at a potential fracking site in West Sussex, a Cuadrilla representative “a high degree of uncertainty surrounding any price forecast.” was asked to comment on whether shale gas could drive Let us look at what some of the energy market experts down customers’ energy bills. Mark Linder, who is are saying about the cost question. Jamie Spiers, researcher responsible for Cuadrilla’s corporate development, said at Imperial college, said that “We’ve done an analysis and it’s a very small…at the most it’s a “figures suggest that the cost of extracting UK shale gas reserves very small percentage…basically insignificant”. will exceed the price. This is a big issue that not been addressed very much.” In the article to which I am referring, a company spokesperson is reported to have said: David Mowat: The hon. Lady makes the point that “Cuadrilla’s never said it…will bring down prices…We don’t the cost of extracting the gas will be higher than the think it will bring down prices, although it does have the potential cost of selling it. If so, why would the private sector go to.” ahead with such projects? Surely the problem will be The spokesman went on to stress that shale gas exploitation solved. Why does she think the price of shale gas in the was about security of supply, rather than price, so now I US has reduced the price of wholesale gas by 75%? will turn to that. There is a broad consensus among gas analysts that Caroline Lucas: I think it will be made commercially little, if any shale gas will be produced commercially in viable through the sort of tax breaks that the Government the UK before 2020, and therefore, we should not are already beginning to give. I will return to the situation expect domestic shale gas to have any impact on gas in the US later, but it is vastly different. The regulatory prices in the short to medium term. That time scale is regime is different, as are the geology and the issue of very important, because so much of the energy debate exports. Time and again, people from the International focuses on the rest of this decade, for which shale gas is Energy Agency downwards have been saying that it is basically irrelevant. If we are talking about energy 315WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 316WH security perhaps in the 2020s, what that looks like understand, more than the coalition, the pace and scale obviously depends on how much gas is extractable. The of carbon emission reductions needed. I hope that they British Geological Survey recently reported that the would agree that rebuilding cross-party consensus in Bowland shale in Lancashire and Yorkshire may contain favour of urgent action on climate change is crucial, 1,300 trillion cubic feet of gas. It stresses that it is a too. highly uncertain estimate and that it is not an indicator However, from all the evidence that I have seen, if we of the volume of gas likely to be extracted, which will take a scientific, evidence-based approach to tackling depend on economic, technological and environmental climate change, it simply does not make any sense to considerations. However, if 10% of that gas were extracted, exploit the UK’s shale gas reserves, however much may it would equate to approximately 41 years of UK gas be economically or technically recoverable. That is not consumption, but defining energy security as security of only a green or environmental argument. As John Ashton, supply, DECC believes that it is still too early to a firm who was the UK’s former head climate diplomat for conclusion on whether shale gas in the UK or elsewhere 10 years, including under Labour, told the Energy and in Europe is likely to have a significant effect on security Climate Change Committee, of supply. “the issue here is not emissions, it is the security and prosperity of The House of Commons Energy and Climate Change 60 million British citizens.” Committee recommended that the “Government should not rely on shale gas contributing to the I want to take issue with the view of the hon. Member UK’s energy system when making strategic plans for energy for Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex) that security”, those who oppose shale gas are taking an absolutist which seems extremely sensible given all the uncertainties. position. He said on Tuesday that people who are Indeed, given those uncertainties, a much less risky way against shale exploration have a principled position, but to reduce the energy security risks associated with the their views are “ideological objections” that must be UK’s growing gas import dependence is massively to separated “from legitimate environmental concerns”, increase investments in renewable energy generation—we and that regulation is the way to do that. However, is he know what the costs of fuel for solar and wind generation really suggesting that opposing shale gas extraction on are, for example—and dramatically improve energy climate grounds is not a legitimate environmental concern? efficiency and reduce overall demand. Will he still be saying that when the next set of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports Much of the discussion on the climate change impact come out and we are all reminded of what is at stake of shale gas centres on its relative emissions intensity and the consequences of a rise of more than 2°? compared with coal. That matter is of interest, but it must not distract from the most climatically relevant I say to the hon. Gentleman that such a position is issue of the absolute quantities of emissions from the neither ideological nor absolutist; rather it is a position global energy system. When people get very excited that that is honest about the science of climate change and shale gas in the US is cutting emissions by displacing the massive risks of our current emissions trajectory. coal, they need to remember that that coal is simply The lack of realism and integrity is to be found not being exported and the emissions created elsewhere, so among shale gas opponents, but on the Opposition that does not help very much with the overall reduction Benches for as long as they remain in thrall to the fossil of emissions required in order to tackle climate change. fuel lobby and in favour of adding a new source of Regardless of the precise life cycle in terms of the carbon-emitting fossil fuel to our energy mix. greenhouse gas impact of shale compared with other In Tuesday’s debates, not once did the words “carbon” gas, the direct carbon content of shale gas means that or “climate” pass the lips of an Opposition Member. It its widespread use is incompatible with the UK’s is clear that the shadow DECC team have seen the international climate change commitments. analysis by Carbon Tracker, which found that between We hear a lot that the Committee on Climate Change 60% and 80% of existing fossil fuels cannot be burned if says that we need to cut emissions from power generations we are to have any hope of staying below 2°. The hon. Member for Liverpool, Wavertree (Luciana Berger) has to 50 grams of CO2 per kilowatt-hour by 2030, but we hear less often that that needs to be a step on the way to asked questions about those unburnable high-carbon a zero carbon grid very soon afterwards. Yes, shale gas assets, and the International Energy Agency conclusions is lower carbon than coal, although the methane leakage on burnable carbon are broadly the same. Perhaps question is still to be resolved, but it is still a high-carbon today we will hear from the Opposition, as well as the fuel. Arguing otherwise is not dissimilar to an alcoholic Minister, as to exactly how they think that the exploitation justifying a barrel of 7% cider on the grounds that it is of new sources of fossil fuels, including shale gas, is less harmful than a crate of 13% wine. remotely compatible with the action needed to avoid catastrophic climate change and with the UK’s international What about carbon capture and storage, which is commitment to keeping global warming below 2°, which usually raised at this point as the get-out-of-jail-free was reiterated just last month at the G8. card? At commercial scale, CCS will be significantly less than 100% effective at capturing carbon dioxide, but In conclusion, I want to return briefly to the issue of more importantly, CCS is unlikely to be commercially the inappropriate corporate influence in Government. I viable for at least another 10 years and probably more. believe that that is doing huge harm to our democracy The Opposition Front-Bench team have been very and is at the core of the coalition’s irrational enthusiasm outspoken about the need for a 2030 decarbonisation for shale gas and fossil fuels more widely. This fossil fuel target in the Energy Bill. I welcome their strong stance, obsession, or addiction, is preventing us from making and indeed, that of Members on both sides of the the most of the UK’s indigenous renewable resources. House on that crucial issue. The Opposition Front-Bench Worse still, it means that we are seeing policies designed team are clearly trying to create an impression that they to maintain the status quo, where power is literally and 317WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 318WH

[Caroline Lucas] I want to end my speech by saying a few words about the positive energy future that we could decide to pursue, metaphorically concentrated in the board rooms of big instead of this headlong rush to exploit every last drop energy companies such as the owner of British Gas, of oil and gas. It is a future in which we are free from Centrica, which recently bought shares in Cuadrilla. our fossil fuel reliance and on a path towards climate Before the cold snap last winter, Centrica raised security, not catastrophe. It is an energy system in which prices by 6%. Its full-year profits before tax were reported the big six energy companies are replaced by independent in May to be £602 million, with the group’s full-year generators and a blossoming of community and earnings after tax expected to be 2% higher than last co-operatively owned renewable schemes—local, sustainable year at £1.4 billion. Therefore, I think it is reasonable to and democratically controlled. ask why it is remotely acceptable, for example, that The Centre for Alternative Technology launched just Lord Browne, a former BP boss, is now holding a key this week “Zero Carbon Britain”, showing how Britain cross-departmental role as the head non-executive director could eliminate emissions by 2030, and not just from at the very same time as he holds significant shares in our energy system. It is the latest of so many reports Cuadrilla. Lord Browne reports to the Minister for the that show, from a technological perspective, that fossil Cabinet Office and Paymaster General, the right hon. fuels are fast becoming redundant. I recommend it to Member for Horsham (Mr Maude), in whose constituency anyone who thinks that the only way to keep the lights Cuadrilla wants to drill. The right hon. Gentleman on is to fry our planet and condemn young people and explains that Browne future generations to unmanageable climate impacts, not least on water and food security. As many have said, “has a cross Government role convening Non-Executives from the best of business and the third sector...The code of practice on what we are lacking is not technological solutions to good governance in government departments requires the board end our fossil fuel addiction and tackle climate change; to record and manage conflicts and potential conflicts of interest it is political will. I hope that this debate will be one step appropriately. There is no conflict of interest in this case.” further in generating that will. However, a recent freedom-of-information response Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair): I should like to tell right from DECC seems to undermine such assurances. It hon. and hon. Members that I will call the first Front states: Bencher no later than 10 minutes past 4. The Chairman “After a trawl of our Ministers’ private offices and very senior of Ways and Means has given the Chairman of this civil servants at DECC we can confirm that there have been four debate permission to impose a time limit. I will not do meetings with Lord Browne during the period specified”— that at the moment. Nine Back Benchers want to speak, in other words, the past three years. Those all took so Members can do the arithmetic. place in DECC’s offices, and I am told that although DECC do not have minutes for the first two meetings, Mr Lilley: For Members who cannot do the arithmetic, Cuadrilla’s activity plans and shale gas were discussed. can you tell us how long we have to speak, Mr Bone? The minutes that do exist are heavily redacted on the grounds that attendees were in a private discussion with Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair): No, you are quite the Minister. The response states: capable of doing that, Mr Lilley. “It would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of Cuadrilla and inhibit communications with this organisation on 2.2 pm an ongoing basis if we were to release details”. Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) (Con): Another non-executive director is old Etonian Sam It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Laidlaw, who has also had a long career in the oil and Mr Bone, and to have your understanding that I may energy industry, including top roles at Enterprise Oil have to nip out and see a Minister about a school. I and Chevron. He is currently in charge of—guess hope that I will also have the understanding of other what?—Centrica. I am therefore genuinely concerned hon. Members. that policy making on shale is skewed in favour of the I congratulate the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion companies, such as Centrica and Cuadrilla, and that (Caroline Lucas) on ensuring that we could have this the interests of our constituents are not being put first, debate. I think that this is the fifth time in 18 months as they should be, when it comes to the risks of that we have had such a debate, and my right hon. fracking, keeping energy costs down or tackling climate Friend the Minister has had the pleasure of my company change. I would like to know whether the Minister and that of other hon. Members only in the last few shares my concerns about the access and influence that days on pretty much the same topic. I will try to take a these companies have in relation to policy making different tack from the hon. Member for Brighton, across the Government. Pavilion, given that I represent a constituency that sits I want to highlight some questions that my constituents on the majority of the Bowland shale, which apparently and other members of the public have asked me to put is becoming the nirvana of plugging our energy gap. to the Minister during this debate. Will the Government That is how it seems to many of my constituents, who confirm that they will mandate that fracking companies are worried on a number of grounds. must name the chemicals that they use and their toxicity? Personally, I have always tried to take the middle Can he explain how fracking is compatible with the ground. I am not, and never have been, completely set sustainability and emission reduction aims of what is against the use of shale gas in the UK’s energy mix. meant to be the greenest Government ever? Where is However, following conversations with constituents and the assessment of the risks of fracking, and how will having done my own research, I do have concerns about those risks be properly managed? I would be grateful the safety and the environmental aspects of the fracking for answers to those questions as well. process. That includes, in particular, the integrity of 319WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 320WH water supplies for those who draw water from their own I accept that a move to industrial-scale production of boreholes and not from the mains supply. That is an shale gas has not been advocated by the Energy Secretary issue that I keep raising, and I have raised it in meetings at this stage, but it does look as though there is more with companies and civil servants, who still do not seem and more evidence that economically viable extraction to understand that there are people in Lancashire who is possible. I have seen a reference to £366 billion-worth do not have a mains water supply. They are clearly of extractable gas from the Bowland shale. Therefore, concerned about the possible contamination that may the community’s share of the profits needs to be sorted. occur with a process that goes on below the water table; I am determined that if Lancashire is to produce shale but more importantly, they are also concerned about gas that benefits Lancashire and the rest of the country, the quantities of water taken from the water table to use Lancashire residents will get financial recompense. in this process. They are still waiting to have those We have now heard that a community compensation questions answered. scheme will be established, which is good news. However, My constituency is right next to where the small we are told that it will be a voluntary scheme, run by the earth tremors happened. Test drilling at Preesall in the United Kingdom Onshore Operators Group. The plan Fylde constituency was stopped to check what was is to provide £100,000 per well at the exploration stage, going on. As hon. Members can imagine, in a county and once production starts, 1% of all revenues generated that was already seeing the speed at which people were during the well’s lifetime will be allocated to the local trying to get to the shale gas but hearing few answers, area, with one third going to the county and two thirds the fact that a small tremor happened—whatever one to the local community. That is a good start, but I and wants to argue about the tremor itself—led to extremely others in this Chamber would like to see a lot more. We serious worries among my constituents. want to see more clarity, more certainty, a guarantee of additionality and, ideally, more money. I accept that, since then, the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change has put in place a number David Mowat: My hon. Friend is making a number of of additional safeguards. Certainly, the regulatory system strong points on behalf of his community in Lancashire, has been beefed up. He has also confirmed that all data and I agree with them all. I will just draw his attention, from the exploratory process will be monitored to assess though, to the unemployment figures that came out further the environmental impacts. The additional yesterday. The three constituencies with the lowest safeguards; the monitoring of seismic activity; a unemployment in the country are all around Aberdeen, strengthening of the regulations in relation to wellhead and that has been achieved without community transfers. integrity; and—this is the important one for me and I Does my hon. Friend not think that there will be a am grateful to the Energy Secretary for it—the presence bonus in terms of economic activity, potentially centred of an independent expert on-site, while fracking takes on his constituency? place, are all moves in the right direction. They are important measures, but I believe that more can be Eric Ollerenshaw: On balance, my hon. Friend makes done to strengthen things further, particularly the water a fair point. It has been put to me that, if the area were safety element. the first where fracking went ahead, the potential for I understood the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion university research, engineering and skills would be an to refer to the DCLG in terms of the planning regulations, advantage, but as I have tried to explain, against that is and we in Lancashire are waiting to see the nature of the fact that we have had one test drill, which caused an them. I hope to see very strong roles for the Environment earth tremor. We have seen nothing else, and we need to Agency and the Health and Safety Executive throughout see what one of these well pads does to the environment. this process. There needs to be some understanding that No one has seen that yet. the area of the Bowland shale is rural Lancashire, so there are extreme concerns about the impact not just on Dan Byles: I know that my hon. Friend is looking at the ground, but on some of the most outstanding the issue carefully, as well he should. Does he agree that countryside that we have in this country. We need to be we will be able to answer these questions only if planning assured that each site will be assessed on its own merits permission is granted for the next series of exploratory in terms of how it affects the local landscape. I have wells? Only when we have wells being drilled and operated always made the same point in relation to applications can people look, sniff and prod, and we will then know for wind turbines, and it would be wrong of me to what the wells look like and what the impact will be. approach planning consents for shale gas well pad sites differently. Local people must be allowed to have a full Eric Ollerenshaw: My hon. Friend makes an extremely say in the planning process. valid point, but he must understand that we then get the I will now return to a familiar theme. Hon. Members argument that, because we have had exploratory wells, have heard this long and hard from me, but the issue we obviously need to go ahead since we have spent all still concerns me. If we are to have large-scale extraction that money on exploration. My constituents need assurances of shale gas, how will that represent a bonanza for the that the wells are exploratory, that they are part of a local community? The mineral rights belong to the pilot and that there is the possibility that we can close Crown, to the duchy or to the county, and local residents down the whole thing if something else goes wrong. will not see the sums that communities and landowners Those are the kinds of assurance that they want. in the US or Europe could get. Moreover, the statements The community fund that the Onshore Operators on the number of jobs that will be available are not Group will apparently be in charge of will provide more convincing enough for me. Promises are being made, money locally, but there are still questions about what but I do not believe that this activity will create large-scale the local community is. Will funds go to community employment opportunities across Lancashire. groups, parish councils or even district councils in my 321WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 322WH

[Eric Ollerenshaw] understanding, but those more expert that I am may correct me—we want a fund able to invest for the time area, such as Wyre borough council or Lancaster city when the gas goes, as surely it must, given its nature. council? They are all below county council level and there is a huge spread of locality between them. What Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): The will the money be spent on? Could it come in the form hon. Gentleman may find it helpful to consider—certainly of cash payments, reduced energy bills, building community looking at US experience—that a fracking pad in facilities, reduced council tax bills or affordable housing production is about twice the size of a football field and contributions? If that kind of money is spent in those has six different wells, each of which last seven to eight ways, there are possible tax implications, which is how years before a new well needs to be drilled. He is right the problems with the Shetland Charitable Trust developed. that a number of wells and pads would be required in any area to sustain substantial shale gas production Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): The hon. Gentleman is over a period. probably already aware of the Sullom Voe agreement, under which community benefit is brought into the Eric Ollerenshaw: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his community at parish level. I believe that for every barrel technical expertise; that is also my understanding. I of oil taken from Shetland Island waters, a number of remind hon. Members that I am talking about rural pence—totalling something like £23 million or Lancashire, the vast majority of which is defined as an £24 million—goes to the Shetland Islands council for it area of outstanding natural beauty. I have fought wind to distribute. That is probably a good model for us all. turbines due to the impact of their look on the area, and in the same way, shale gas development raises serious questions about protecting such areas, of which Eric Ollerenshaw: It is an interesting model, but there we have few left. are serious problems with the definition of what the My obsession with compensation should not be taken council can spend money on. If the council spends as support for a move to full-scale fracking. Ministers money on certain things and gives financial recompense have to understand how fracking is perceived at the to the residents, they will face tax anyway, and that is moment. All they read in their national papers are new the issue. figures building on new figures and the huge possible I turn to the subject of certainty. We are talking bonanza, while my constituents sit on those possibilities. about a voluntary community compensation scheme. I Too often, Lancashire has seen itself used to generate had hoped that we would be dealing with something profits that did not return to the county. As the hon. more substantial, preferably underpinned by statute. Member for Brighton, Pavilion said, constituents in the We need to ensure that there is no wriggle room. Local affected areas have done a hell of a lot voluntary work residents and councils need to know that there will be to look at fracking at all levels. A farmer in the Bleasdale no about-turn, that promises will be lived up to and that area of my constituency pointed out at the end of an changes company control will not lead to changes to the involved meeting—I hope you accept the reference, commitments made by companies now. Mr Bone—“Eric, this gas has been down there millions Additionality is important. Basically, I want a guarantee of years; there can’t be harm in waiting a little bit from Ministers that if local councils receive extra funds longer. It will still be there when we want it.” through the community compensation scheme, that will not be used against them when calculating normal standard local government grants. Put simply, I do not 2.17 pm want to see a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul. There Barbara Keeley (Worsley and Eccles South) (Lab): It must be extra money to compensate local communities is a pleasure to speak in this Backbench Business Committee for the problems that they will have to deal with in debate with you in the Chair, Mr Bone. I congratulate hosting shale gas extraction, and that compensation the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) must not be seen by the Government, of whatever hue, on securing the debate and on the way in which she as an alternative to normal grant funding. That might opened it. I have a potential site for fracking for shale be achieved by using a separate fund, as the hon. gas at Barton Moss in my constituency, and I want to Member for Wells (Tessa Munt) has already suggested, talk about constituency concerns, as the hon. Member rather than by paying money into the usual revenue for Lancaster and Fleetwood (Eric Ollerenshaw) has streams—almost a Lancashire sovereign wealth fund. just done. My constituents have a number of concerns, Such a fund would be managed by professionals according and they are building by the week and month. I want to to a strict charter, for the benefit of the most closely talk about those concerns over the potential impact of situated residents on the one hand and the whole of the fracking for shale gas on their quality of life, because county on the other. Obviously, it would have to work that is the key issue for me. closely with local authorities of all tiers, to deliver First, even the suggestion of fracking for shale gas genuine and tangible benefits for local residents and the moving into the area is bringing house prices down. I county. had a quick look before I came to the debate, and found I hope there might be room for negotiation on the various articles talking about a house price downturn of amounts involved. One per cent of revenues of £366 billion up to 30% in various parts of Manchester and the is interesting and a good figure, but we hope that it is north-west. When major projects such as large rail just a starting negotiating point. If we are to have a schemes are introduced into an area, they bring house profusion of wells, which I remind hon. Members are prices down. Such a loss would mean a cost running not like oil wells and need to be located every few miles into millions of pounds for all the local people affected across the patch or move round the patch—that is my by a house price downturn. 323WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 324WH

Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) (Lab): Barbara Keeley: That is interesting, and if the right Will my hon. Friend give way? hon. Gentleman has references that he wants to pass on for me to use in my constituency, he is welcome to do so. Barbara Keeley: Will my hon. Friend wait until I We have read the various reports, and it is clear that complete this point? I will come to him in a moment. there are things that need to be borne in mind, not least His constituency is at the other end of Salford from the potential effect of the shale gas industry’s environmental mine, and I know that he will disagree with what I say. impact on my constituents. There are many points in As we heard extensively from the hon. Member for the process at which groundwater contamination could Lancaster and Fleetwood, there is talk of a community occur, due to fracturing fluids or contaminants being bonus of £100,000 per well. The difficulty is that it is mobilised from migration under the surface. There is out of scale with the potential loss in house values that also the contamination of land and surface water, and people will see. The 1% of any revenue will also come potentially groundwater via the surface route, arising along far too late. If someone’s house has lost value and from any kind of spillage. Right hon. and hon. Members they have become fed up and moved away, they will not who have lived in the vicinity of chemical processing be helped by 1% of revenue. industry plants—we have a number in the north-west— know that such things happen. I used to work alongside someone who had worked for ICI, who constantly told Graham Stringer: Outside London and the south-east, me about the evil soup they would get rid of on one the highest house prices in the country are in Aberdeen, particular day. Such things have happened, and people due to the benefit of the oil industry in the North sea. remember them. Eventually, the improvements in the economy if shale gas is exploited are likely to lead to a rebalancing of the The key point is that there will clearly be impacts on UK economy and higher house prices. the land and the landscape from the drill rig, the well pads, storage ponds or tanks and access roads. People Barbara Keeley: My hon. Friend is entitled to that view, will experience noise and light pollution during the well but I do not agree with him. drilling, and local traffic will be affected. All those impacts are not uncertain; they are certain. There are serious concerns about the impact of fracking We also know that seismic impacts are possible, and on communities. I want to quote from the International the hon. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood has Energy Agency’s “Golden Rules for a Golden Age of touched on that issue. The western part of Salford was Gas: World Energy Outlook Special Report on previously mined for coal and has many quarries—unlike Unconventional Gas”: the eastern part, which my hon. Friend the Member for “Producing unconventional gas is an intensive industrial process, Blackley and Broughton (Graham Stringer)represents. generally imposing a larger environmental footprint than conventional I have already had experience in my constituency of gas development. More wells are often needed…The scale of development can have major implications for local communities, part of a street of newly built houses falling backwards— land use and water resources. Serious hazards, including the subsidence is a hazard for home owners throughout the potential for air pollution and for contamination of surface and area. We have come across a study by geologists at groundwater, must be successfully addressed.” Columbia university, who feel that large earthquakes Those are the issues and concerns that are starting to can trigger, even from a great distance, smaller seismic bear down on my constituents, and the notion that reactions near waste water injection well pads. People anyone living in an area where such things were being read the studies and take away that fear. contemplated would see house price increases is just not It would be helpful if the Minister could tell me, so realistic. that I can pass the information on to my constituents, I want also to quote from a report by the Tyndall what research has been conducted into that domino Centre for Climate Change Research produced by local effect. If, as we get into shale gas development in academics at the university of Manchester: various places—not, I hope, in my constituency—there are further seismic impacts, will areas such as mine be “The depth of shale gas extraction gives rise to major challenges in identifying categorically pathways of contamination of groundwater affected? by chemicals used in the extraction process. An analysis of these substances suggests that many have toxic, carcinogenic or other Dan Byles: The hon. Lady is absolutely right about hazardous properties. There is considerable anecdotal evidence the report, but it was, as she said, about geological from the US that contamination of both ground and surface waste water disposal, not about hydraulic fracturing. I water has occurred in a range of cases.” believe that geological waste water disposal is already The report also states that not permitted in this country, under a number of EU “there are a number of documented examples of pollution events regulations. Last year’s Royal Society report considered owing to poor construction and operator error. There are reports closely the issue of induced seismicity and declared the of incidents involving contamination of ground and surface risk of it to be very low. waters with contaminants such as brine, unidentified chemicals, natural gas, sulphates, and hydrocarbons”. Barbara Keeley: Those are interesting points, but I Government Members appear to be saying “Nonsense.” can assure the hon. Gentleman that if he was at meetings I think I heard the Minister say it too, so I hope he can with constituents of mine who have these fears, he give me information that I can pass on to my constituents would realise that it is very hard to persuade people that will help to settle their minds. who are personally affected by living next to a site. I want to mention the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Mr Lilley: There have been some 2 million wells because it is a key stakeholder in any proposals for gas fracked in the United States and not a single person has exploration and exploitation at the site. The trust has a suffered from water contamination as a result. role in protecting and restoring the precious mosslands 325WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 326WH

[Barbara Keeley] their concerns. I have already mentioned the issues they see as being more likely to cause problems for the local resource in Salford, which is adjacent to the site in environment and for human health, including water question. The area of raised peat bog has suffered for contamination and air pollution, and I want to go a decades from peat extraction, but we have just won little further into the latter. council approval to refuse a licence for peat extraction—in In certain places in the States—Wyoming and Texas which the trust played a key role—and people were have been mentioned—there have been cases of feeling that things might get back to normal and calm photochemical smog, which increases susceptibility to down. The trust gave me the following statement: asthma. A hospital system in Texas, which serves six “The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire considers that the most counties, has reported asthma rates of three times the significant local issues for biodiversity are the impact of the national average. In my constituency, we already have footprint of the physical development (e.g. buildings, parking significant problems with air pollution, due to the volumes areas, waste water storage tanks and well-heads)” of traffic and traffic congestion on the three motorways. on adjacent wildlife sites on the mosslands, My constituency is surrounded by the M60, the M62, “and the safe disposal of the waste water. Any proposal for shale the M602 and the local road network. Recent roadworks gas extraction should go through the full planning process including near a junction of the M60 caused tailbacks of up to public consultation, compliance with EU Directives and a full two hours, with traffic nearly at a standstill, and that Environmental Impact Assessment.” was in the same area as the drilling site. I have concerns about planning, which I will come to. The statement continues: The current mortality figure for Salford attributable to air pollution is as high as 6%, which is higher than “The Environmental Impact Assessment should disclose all the average for England of 5.6% and much higher than chemicals involved in the process and identify the least damaging disposal route for the waste water.” the figures for other parts of the country, such as Devon and Cornwall. We have evidence from the United States I am already getting questions from constituents that I of some hazardous pollutants being prevalent around cannot answer about what chemicals are involved in the shale gas wells. In my constituency, the Barton Moss process, so that is clearly very important to people. site is close to two local housing estates—the real difference The trust goes on the state that it is that the hon. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood “will treat each planning application for energy generation on its was talking about a rural area, while I am talking about own merits and we would expect there to be a net gain in a heavily populated urban one—so any drilling for shale biodiversity in line with current legislation, local planning policies gas would only add to the harmful air pollutants already and the National Planning Policy Framework”. breathed in by my constituents. Has the Department The final point the trust makes, as we have already done any work to examine the outcomes and the potential heard from the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion, is risk of exploiting shale gas in such urban areas? I do that not know whether there is information about that, “the precautionary principle should be adopted until adequate because there is concern about air quality now that the scientific evidence exists as to the environmental impacts.” monitoring duty has been taken away from local authorities. There is a concern that many of the data currently Dan Byles: The hon. Lady is being very generous in used to promote shale gas extraction are limited or at giving way. I might have misheard her, but I think she best incomplete. Hon. Members have given examples said that she could not answer the questions about what and pointed out certain websites. The Tyndall Centre chemicals are put into fracking fluid. If she looks on the for Climate Change Research has argued that, although Environment Agency website, she will see that they are there are increasing volumes of data on the subject—such listed in full, as required by the agency’s rules. That is as lists on websites—many of the data are built on entirely transparent. provisional sources and there is a paucity of reliable data. Will the Minister tell the House what measures he Barbara Keeley: I do not think that that is my job— is taking to develop the information used to underpin Government policy, so that people have certainty? It is Dan Byles: Of course it is. important to have certainty about the data on fracking that are being relied on and the potential effect on the Mr Lilley: Show some leadership. environment. Another concern is that any gains from shale gas will Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair): Order. not be as substantial as claimed. A fear that I have heard from my constituents is that gains will go straight Barbara Keeley: I do not know about the particular to the Treasury and bypass the local community, as we developer we will have or the particular process that it have heard today. It is right to question to what extent will undertake. To be perfectly frank, in the current shale gas may cut energy bills. Although there has been environment I do not know whether I have the resources a boom in the United States, experts say that costs in to get into that anyway, so it would be helpful if the Europe will be up to 50% higher than in the US because information could be provided. of such factors as the less promising geology and the higher population density.Bloomberg New Energy Finance Mr Lilley: Will the hon. Lady give way? has said that hopes that shale gas will cut energy prices are “wishful thinking”, and the former Energy and Barbara Keeley: No, I want to make some progress. Climate Change Minister, the hon. Member for Wealden I want to touch further on the potential environmental (Charles Hendry) has written that impacts of shale gas developments. Constituents of “betting the farm on shale brings serious risks of future price mine have brought reports to meetings and have raised rises.” 327WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 328WH

Like the hon. Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood, I not make climate change and its associated emissions am concerned about the real bonus, if there is one, to go away; it makes the need for carbon capture and the local community in Barton and Irlam, because they storage all the more essential and the need to drive will experience all the disbenefits. It is said that exploiting renewable technologies more urgent. Legitimate shale gas will lead to cheaper fuel bills, but we have environmental concerns should be addressed and, I heard from other sources that it may not. would add, consultation with communities should be I return to the planning issue and whether local meaningful. Energy policy needs responsible leadership, communities can have a proper say on any decisions and I hope that this debate helps point the way to that about shale gas that affect them. I have to say to the and, more importantly, helps to get answers that I can Minister that the changes to the planning and permit pass on to my constituents. process advertised over recent months have served only to make my constituents more anxious. We know that Several hon. Members rose— the Growth and Infrastructure Act 2013 will allow developers to bypass local authorities in some cases, Mr Peter Bone (in the Chair): Order. Because of the which is a real concern in my constituency. The Act number of Members who have indicated that they wish creates an opportunity for developers to fast-track major to speak, with the authority of the Chairman of Ways projects instead of going to the local authority, and I and Means, I am imposing with immediate effect a time have many times been asked, “Is that going to happen limit on Back Benchers’ speeches of eight minutes, with to us?” The Act allows developments for large onshore added time for two interventions. gas extraction over a certain size to be fast-tracked to the Secretary of State, so it would be helpful if the 2.36 pm Minister said whether he thinks shale gas extraction Mr Peter Lilley (Hitchin and Harpenden) (Con): It is will be fast-tracked. a pleasure to be at this debate under your chairmanship, The hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion has already Mr Bone, and I am delighted that you are a chairman of referred to the fact that on 27 June the Government so many things. I congratulate the hon.—and old published their document on infrastructure investment, Malvernian—Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline which stated that they intended this month to publish Lucas) on obtaining the debate. I mention her school measures since she seems to be obsessed with other people’s “to kick start the shale gas industry in the UK.” schools. It is important to have the opportunity to The measures were to include guidelines that, as she debate the issues. said, are not currently available. I am concerned about The hon. Lady asked Members to draw attention to that, so can the Minister shed any light on why they their interests. I invite everyone to look at my interests, have not been published? Most alarmingly, the 27 June as declared in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. document stated that the Environment Agency would They will find that I have no interest in fracking or in “significantly reduce the time it takes to obtain environmental any oil and gas companies in this country. Over my permits for exploration.” lifetime, I have been—indeed, I still am—involved in an oil company in central Asia and I was involved in A process seems to have been built in for fast-tracking analysing oil companies and predicting energy prices or streamlining permits in a standard period of 13 weeks for 20 years, when I had a proper job before coming to from August, but in as little as six weeks in some cases. this place, so she may try to insinuate that that somehow Alarmingly, by February 2014 permits will be issued makes me too well disposed to the oil and gas industry. within one to two weeks, based on standard rules. Will She may therefore be surprised that, as the hon. Member the Minister tell us what we can expect with the new for Southampton, Test (Dr Whitehead) will confirm, I planning and permit regime, so that I can pass that on? was the only member of the Energy and Climate Change I want to quote some policy lines that relate to the Committee who criticised, as she does, the suggested debate. The shadow Chancellor, my right hon. Friend special tax breaks for fracking. On the basis of my the Member for Morley and Outwood (Ed Balls), has knowledge of the oil and gas industry, I think that they said that are probably unnecessary, and we should not give away “the green economy and low carbon energy will be central to unnecessary tax breaks; although if they are necessary, Labour’s plans in government”, that would be fair enough. and that work for Labour I want to draw Members attention to one interest “on industrial strategy will also have energy and environmental that is not declared in the Register of Members’ Financial policy at its heart. So will…Armitt’s review into the way in which Interests. I probably share this interest with all other we make our infrastructure decisions. Without a low carbon Members, although too many ignore it. It is my interest infrastructure plan and economic strategy, in the modern economy in my 70,000 constituents who want their heating bills you simply don’t have an economic plan. Our vision is for a race kept as low as possible, my interest in the people in this to the top—to secure a world-leading position for British businesses country getting jobs and my interest in reviving the in helping the world meet the low carbon challenge—and in doing manufacturing industry in this country and providing it so create prosperity and jobs for people in this country.” with fuel that is as plentiful and cheap as possible. The point about jobs has already been raised. I have great respect for the hon. Lady and those who, My hon. Friend the Member for Rutherglen and like her, simply want to keep fossil fuels in the ground, Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex) has set out the questions although if that was my objective, I would start by that need to be answered to ensure that exploration and keeping coal in the ground rather than gas, which extraction are properly regulated and monitored, and produces only half or less of the carbon dioxide emissions he may say more about that later. He has quoted of coal. I do not support such a policy because, probably President Obama as saying that plentiful shale gas does like her, I take as given the Intergovernmental Panel on 329WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 330WH

[Mr Peter Lilley] case no one will extract it, so her fears can evaporate. She clearly does not believe her own argument otherwise Climate Change summary of the science, I also, unlike she would not even bother to attend this debate because her, accept its summary of the economics of taking it would not be important. She alleges that it will be action to prevent global warming. It has concluded more difficult geologically to extract shale in this country that, in relation to the level of CO2 in the atmosphere, it than in the United States, and that the geology here is could not identify less attractive than there, but that is simply not the case. “an emissions pathway or stabilisation level where benefits exceed When the Select Committee interviewed Cuadrilla costs.” and BHP Billiton in the States, we asked them how Unless and until we can find a pathway or a stabilisation thick the shale beds were in the States that they typically level for CO2 that will produce greater benefits than its extracted from. They said 300, 400 or 500 feet thick. costs, we should not set about impoverishing this generation How thick is the Bowland shale? It is a mile thick; up to in the vague hope that we may make some generation in 20 times as thick as in America, which means that from the future richer. one surface pod, we can get up to 20 times as much fracking as they can in the States—perhaps it is only a Caroline Lucas: I think I said that the driver for dozen times. increasing fuel bills for most people today is rising prices of gas rather than renewables or anything else. Dr Whitehead indicated dissent. Those interests that the right hon. Gentleman declared at the beginning of his contribution around jobs and Mr Lilley: The hon. Gentleman can intervene if he keeping fuel bills low are better met through green wishes to put me right. energy sources than through gas, the prices of which are pushing up bills right now. Dr Whitehead: The right hon. Gentleman will lose time from me intervening, so I am sorry about that. Mr Lilley: The current cost of electricity produced from gas or coal is £50 per megawatt-hour. The current Mr Lilley: If the hon. Gentleman can be quick. cost of producing it from windmills is £100 per megawatt- hour. For offshore windmills, it is £150 per megawatt-hour Dr Whitehead: Thickness is not necessarily the final and for solar it is off the scale. If we think that we will indicator. get cheaper, lower energy bills by going to energy sources that are two, three or four times as expensive, we are Mr Lilley: If the hon. Gentleman does not have living in la-la land. anything interesting to say, then he should not waste my time. Caroline Lucas: Far from my being in la-la land, the right hon. Gentleman has very effectively not answered Dr Whitehead: Well, it relates to geological faulting, my question. I said that if we were to look at a fuel bill clay, extractability, tightness— to try to ascertain which elements made it high, we would find that it was gas rather than renewables. Yes, Mr Lilley: Thank you very much. I am grateful to the renewables have a greater degree of subsidy now, but hon. Gentleman. That was not very helpful to the that is because they are new. They have a rate that will debate in general. enable them to come to grid parity very soon. Gas, by The second and more plausible argument is that, contrast, is an old technology and hardly needs those even if there are large quantities of gas here and we will kinds of subsidies. not know that until we have drilled, it will not succeed in bringing down prices in the UK, because our prices Mr Lilley: Even that is not true. The most recent are fundamentally set by marginal suppliers from Europe. generation of gas turbines are so much more efficient That is both plausible and possibly true, but either we than the previous ones that the savings from replacing will have so much here, and there will be so much all our gas turbines with the most recent generation elsewhere, that gas prices will come down, or they will would probably be greater than the savings in CO2, not in which case the tax revenues from producing gas emissions from using wind. I will, if I may, make some in this country will be substantially greater—three times progress. as much per cubic metre extracted as in the States. With Until we find a way of controlling CO2 levels in the those extra tax revenues, we will be able to reduce our atmosphere that will not cost more than the benefits of other costs on the economy or other tax bills that doing so, we should not impoverish this generation. My people face. respect for the hon. Lady and her colleague, the hon. Shale is ubiquitous; it is incredibly widespread across Member for Worsley and Eccles South (Barbara Keeley), the world. For the hon. Lady to suggest that it will be begins to evaporate when they abandon their real belief, extractable only in the States is really to express the which is that we should not burn any fossil fuels, and belief that God is an American, that he has created a start to concoct fabricated fears and spurious arguments particularly unique situation in America with shale that against fracking. Their first argument is that there will is so different from shale elsewhere in the world and not be much there—that was what they originally said. with a technology that will only apply there, and that he Now the British Geological Survey says that there is has maliciously arranged things so that the technology probably an awful lot there, but that we will not know will not apply to the shale in the UK, France, Poland, until we have drilled it. China or elsewhere in the world. I simply do not believe The hon. Lady went on to say that the process will be that that is true. In all probability, we will see a shale gas so costly that it will cost more than the price, in which revolution worldwide that will probably keep gas prices 331WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 332WH low. It is certainly likely to prevent them going up, and it collectively they would produce quite a large amount of may even bring them down as it has done in the States. gas. Perhaps there would be about 100,000 to 107,000 When pessimism about reserves and prices fail, some wells. Admittedly, they would not be separate wells. people resort to fabricated scares, which are as irresponsible Usually, there would be about six or seven wells on one and as unjustified as the MMR scares, which stopped pad, going outwards from the pad, which would create people from taking advantage of vaccination. I hope a need for about 18,000 pads in the country. So, if we that we will not allow similar scares to stop us taking did a straightforward division between the constituencies advantage in this country of the potential resources of this country, each constituency would have to support that exist beneath our soil. 164 wells. Obviously, the wells would not be distributed constituency by constituency, because there would be The letter from the people in Balcombe from which concentrations in different parts of the country, but I the hon. Lady quoted says that fracking is considered to can well understand the concerns expressed by the hon. be an uncertain and risky technology. It is far from Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood (Eric Ollerenshaw) being uncertain and risky. The first gas well was fracked and my hon. Friend the Member for Worsley and Eccles on 17 March 1949. Since then 2 million wells have been South (Barbara Keeley). fracked in the United States, and 200,000 in the last year, without anyone being poisoned from contaminated water, or any buildings or people suffering damage from Barbara Keeley: Whatever number of wells my hon. minuscule seismic tremors. Friend thinks each constituency would have to bear, does he think that there are particular issues in urban As far as water scares are concerned, the Royal areas that already have very high levels of pollution, Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering dismissed such as the ones I outlined? fears about water contamination. They concluded that any health, safety and environmental risks associated with hydraulic fracturing can be managed effectively in Dr Whitehead: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. the UK as long as operational best practices are Indeed, in the US shale gas drilling takes place right in implemented and enforced. the centre of a number of towns, such as Fort Worth. There are very considerable concerns about that, precisely 2.47 pm on the grounds she refers to, not because shale gas will kill us all but because of particular concerns about how Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): The the shale gas is extracted: what happens with the waste debate here falls into two categories: a wider category water; what happens with the operation of the shale gas and a narrower category. It is undoubtedly true in terms facility itself; and indeed the arrangements in the US of the wider category that we will have to leave a lot of relating to mineral rights that cause that drilling to take the carbon that we otherwise could get out of the place. That would not be the case in this country, so I ground in the ground over the next few years. Indeed would not for a moment suggest that we will get a rash the understanding of the Department of Energy and of shale gas wells in the middle of town, because there is Climate Change of this process in terms of what will an entirely different mineral regime in the UK. Nevertheless, need to be done with regard to gas as a component of she makes an important point. wider energy sources in the 1930s reflects that in the How would those 100,000-plus wells be built? Well, way in which gas will need to be used at a much lower as I have mentioned, it would be on the basis of pairs of level and fairly sparingly in the running of gas-fired football ground-sized pads across the country, concentrated power stations. But that is also an issue in terms of what in particular areas, perhaps including my own area. we do with oil, coal and a variety of other mineral Hampshire and Sussex would be one area where there sources of energy under our soils. would be a fairly large number of those wells, if that is We are talking specifically about shale gas in the UK, the sort of ambition we wanted to achieve. and I want to address the narrow issue of what would be the consequence of us deciding that we really were Dan Byles: I am not sure if the hon. Gentleman has going to go for a shale gas “bonanza” in this country seen the report by the Institute of Directors that was and try to extract as much shale gas as possible in order published two months ago, which did some modelling to underpin our energy economy. First, there is indeed a of what a UK shale gas industry could look like. The large amount of shale gas reserve under the ground in IOD concluded that potentially we could meet up to a the UK. The question of how much of it is recoverable third of UK peak gas demand by 2030 from 100 two-hectare is another matter. If we recovered what looks to be a sites across the country. possible level of recoverability from the present fairly uncertain estimates of how much shale gas there is Dr Whitehead: Well, those are entirely different points. under the ground in this country, shale gas could perhaps At a particular point we could meet a larger amount of underpin 10% of our overall necessary gas supplies in supply, but what I am talking about is the overall this country. question of the amount of supply over a period of time that would be possible to underwrite as a result of that [MR DAVID AMESS in the Chair] sort of level of shale gas production—two different For shale gas to do that, we would have to produce points. just over 100,000 shale gas wells across this country. The additional point that needs to be borne in mind There is a popular misconception that drilling for shale about shale gas wells is that they do not last very long. gas is like drilling for offshore North sea gas, but that is Research from the US demonstrates that the average not the case, as we have already heard. A large number life of a shale gas well is about seven years or so. That is of small wells would be the order of the day; in themselves, because shale gas wells produce a lot of gas to start they would not produce a large amount of gas but with, but they deplete very rapidly. So, after about seven 333WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 334WH

[Dr Whitehead] seams deeper than the fracking itself, as is the case in America, but would have to be disposed of by other years they are producing virtually negligible amounts, means. Also, unless the fracking companies brought the even—as has happened in a number of instances—on water with them, water would have to be taken from the the basis of refracking. Refracking of a well produces a water table within the area where the fracking was little increase, but the well still dries over a fairly short taking place, which has implications for the integrity of period. Therefore, to maintain that sort of level of the water tables in those particular parts of the country. production over a longer period, one would need to That is an important but largely forgotten point. redrill a number of those wells. That is the sort of The final thing that I want to say, given the short scenario that we would set for ourselves if we were to amount of time I have, is about the policy implications introduce a level of shale gas production that would of going for a large amount of fracking. If we went for support the sort of intervention in the gas market that I a large amount of fracking, as I have said we could have mentioned. perhaps supply—over a period—10% of overall UK My second concern is this: would shale gas production gas supplies. If we went for a large programme of actually reduce prices for everybody, if we went for it to anaerobic digestion, we could provide 10% of the domestic that extent? The clear answer is no. The intervention of gas supply. A farm-sized anaerobic digestion plant costs the shale gas itself would not reduce prices because of about £2 million to build— the way that gas is traded on the international markets, particularly in this country. There are three international Mr Lilley: What’s stopping them? markets for gas trading. Gas is not particularly transportable, except through vessels such as liquefied Dr Whitehead: The right hon. Member may well have natural gas carriers, which make a marginal difference asked a very valid question. As I was saying, such a in terms of supply; gas is largely transported by pipelines. plant produces about a third of the gas over a 20-year Gas is traded on the European market, the far east period that a fracking well would produce over 7.5 years, market and the north American market. The north but anaerobic digestion plants will produce gas continuously American market has seen substantial price decreases because the cows that provide the stuff that produces because of the concentration of shale gas within that the gas continue to produce the feedstock, as do we one particular market. We would need to have a similar from our own waste and our food. Therefore, anaerobic amount of shale gas produced throughout Europe in digestion plants do not deplete. A long-term strategy order for the European traded gas market to come for gas supply security might concern itself with anaerobic down significantly in price compared with what it is digestion and biogas, rather than going for a gas bonanza. currently, notwithstanding LNG imports coming into We ought to look at all of these factors when looking at the European market overall. So shale gas might make a the future of gas supply in this country. marginal difference over a period of time, but probably not—for the reasons I have given—unless there were fundamental changes in gas trading. 2.58 pm Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) (Con): I can confirm David Mowat: I am trying to understand the point that I have no financial interests outside of this place that the hon. Gentleman has just made. Is his point that whatsoever. I sit on the Energy and Climate Change because there is not enough shale gas in Europe potentially, Committee, I chair the all-party group on the environment it will not have enough of an impact on the European and I also chair the all-party group on unconventional gas price vis-à-vis what has happened in the US? Is that oil and gas. “Unconventional gas”—that is what we call the point? shale gas, which is a bit of a misnomer, because it really is just gas. It is the same gas that we use to heat 83% of Dr Whitehead: If every country in Europe produced our homes and to generate 30% to 40% of our electricity. the same amount of shale gas that is presently being Accessing gas from shale rock is not new. My right produced in the US, yes, that is possible, in terms of the hon. Friend the Member for Hitchin and Harpenden trading in the European market, but that probably is (Mr Lilley) said that gas has been hydraulically fracked not going to be the case. Therefore we have to look at in the US since 1949, but he may not be aware that the the relevant prices of gas within the markets. It is a first exploratory shale gas well drilled in the UK was in question of trading in a market, not a question of the 1875, in Netherfield in the south of England. It was an gas being plugged into someone’s home and therefore academic activity at that time, but the first commercial creating a reduction in price as far as that house is shale gas wells in Europe were drilled in northern Spain concerned. in the 1950s. Hydraulic fracturing itself is not a new or an unknown process, as my right hon. Friend has David Mowat rose— already said. I want there to be a calm debate about this subject, Dr Whitehead: I am sorry, but I cannot give way any informed by the evidence. Sadly, there is too much more or I would lose the rest of my time. rhetoric around the entire shale gas debate, often—it The other question is what happens with those large has to be said—on both sides of the debate. Whenever amounts of wells in terms of the fracking process? That anybody uses the phrase “shale gas bonanza”, I cringe process involves the use of between 2 million and 7 million as well. My view is that the evidence to date shows that gallons of water, and 5,000 gallons of chemicals, per shale gas can be accessed safely, if operations are done frack; whether we know what is in the chemicals or not, to a high standard and with effective regulation. That is that is the sort of amount of chemicals needed. As has backed up by a growing library of research from reputable been said, that water cannot be injected largely into expert organisations, such as the Royal Society, the 335WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 336WH

International Energy Agency, the Royal Academy of Government; I am not socialist—and jobs. The IOD Engineering, and others. The weight of evidence so far estimates up to 74,000 direct, indirect and induced jobs shows that unconventional gas can be developed safely, across the country. with effective regulation. With lower imports and lower life-cycle emissions Ultimately, this is not a debate about whether to use than LNG, tax revenues, jobs and inward investment, gas. It is important to state that, because sometimes this an argument does not have to be made about the price debate strays into a discussion about the gas strategy. of gas, to argue that developing a UK shale gas industry This is a debate about where we get the gas we use from. could bring tangible economic benefits to the country. Under the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s A few days ago in this Chamber, we debated the need central forecast scenario, we will be using broadly the for those tangible economic benefits to be shared directly same amount of gas in 2030 that we do today. The with the local community, where shale gas is likely to be trouble is that both the Institute of Mechanical Engineers developed, in the forms of jobs and infrastructure and and the Institute of Directors estimate that by 2030 we the community benefit fund, as we discussed. That is will be importing up to 80% of our gas, at a cost of right. Communities that host shale gas developments some £15 billion a year. That gas will come from Norway should benefit from what are, in effect, their own natural and Qatar and in future, probably, from Russia. It will resources. include liquefied natural gas that has to be liquefied, It is right—I agree with hon. Members who have said transported and re-gasified. I have no confidence that it today—that industry and Government need to do Russian gas is produced and transported to higher, or more work to explain to people many of the basic facts even the same, environmental standards as gas in the and processes about shale gas and hydraulic fracturing. UK. It is true that people get concerned, particularly about uncertainty. I agree, again, with my right hon. Friend Graham Stringer: Will the hon. Gentleman accept the Member for Hitchin and Harpenden, who said that that not only would that gas be expensive because it is we have heard some scary and inaccurate comments being imported, but the price would be artificially forced today, from Members of Parliament. I want briefly to up, because under the Government’s scenario it is being mention a few— kept for back-up supplies and is therefore used inefficiently? Although the hon. Gentleman is right to say that that is Barbara Keeley: The hon. Gentleman makes a valid the Government’s position, it would be better if gas point. This issue is developing in my constituency, and were used as a main supply for energy. the companies are not helping themselves at all, because they constantly minimise everything, saying that there Dan Byles: Although I said that we would be using will be no disturbance, no traffic movement and that broadly the same amount of gas, the hon. Gentleman is people will hardly even notice that this is there. I say right; we will probably be using it in a different way, for that this is a large footprint industrial process, but they back-up and peaking plant, which clearly would be less never use such terms themselves. It is about time we efficient—ceteris paribus—than using it for base load. started to level with our communities.

Dr Whitehead: Does the hon. Gentleman concur—I Dan Byles: I agree. If companies are implying that think that he already is concurring—that the notion of there will be almost no impact whatever, they should that supply might make a difference to our balance of look at that. I often make the point that this is an payments, but because one would purchase those supplies industrial process, although I am making a slightly through the European market, and could not do otherwise, different point when I say it. I am saying that this is not the cost would be based on the prevailing price in that a scary process; it is simply an industrial process that market at that time, not on an artificial price for the should be managed like any others. In my experience of UK? looking at new nuclear at Hinkley and at this, most people are often more concerned about the generic Dan Byles: I agree. I do not think that the hon. construction type blight—about truck movements, and Gentleman could accuse me of saying that lower prices so on—than about the intrinsic nature of a nuclear is the reason why we should do this. In fact, later on I power station or shale gas. will mention other reasons why this is useful for the UK I want briefly to mention a few points that have economy. Actually, lower prices are not the be-all and already been made. The Royal Society and the Royal end-all of why we should develop shale gas, because, of Academy of Engineering were commissioned by the course, we are part of a European gas market. Government last year to investigate induced seismicity— In terms of importing LNG, the Committee on Climate earthquakes, for want of a better word—and they were Change said: clear in their findings: the intensity of the earthquakes “Our recent assessment of lifecycle emissions showed that well caused or induced by hydraulic fracturing was lower regulated shale gas production within the UK could potentially than natural UK background seismic activity. have lower lifecycle emissions than imported liquefied natural We heard that the public do not want it. I think the gas.” hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) The IOD, in a comprehensive report published two said that people do not want shale gas or fracking. months ago, estimated that a domestic UK shale gas Actually, only one organisation that I am aware industry could, by 2030, halve our import requirement of—Nottingham university—has been conducting regular and meet up to a third of peak UK gas demand. The background public opinion monitoring. Since 2010, it key thing here is that, unlike imported gas, every pound’s has monitored background public opinion on shale gas, worth of domestic gas that we produce generates tax approximately every quarter, using YouGov, with proper revenue for the Government—for the nation, not the balanced samples. It has found that acceptance of shale 337WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 338WH

[Dan Byles] 3.9 pm Graham Stringer (Blackley and Broughton) (Lab): I gas is slowly rising and fears about it are slowly falling. had not noticed that the air conditioning had changed. Its most recent survey, with 2,200 respondents, done in the past month or so, found that levels of recognition I congratulate the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion are rising—more than 60% of people know what shale (Caroline Lucas), whom I tend to either agree or disagree gas is when asked—and of those who can identify what with 100%. Today I am afraid it is the second of those it is, nearly 60%, although not quite, say that fracking two positions. should be allowed. The evidence is not clear that people There have been many excellent speeches on both are, on the whole, in aggregate, afraid of or concerned sides, and I will try not to say what I was going to say, about fracking. I think people recognise it for what it is: because that would mean repeating some of the points that it is not particularly scary; that it needs to be that have been made; instead, let me deal with some of managed properly; but that it could benefit the country. the facts and issues that have come up. Impact on water resources has been mentioned as One of the last points to be made was about water. well. I am not talking so much about fears about While relatively little water is used, it has not been pollution of water, but about access to and quantities of pointed out that there is, in most cases, a mile of rock water. Again, the Royal Society and the Royal Academy between where the fracking takes place and the water of Engineering assessed the impact of water use. They table, so contamination is very unlikely. concluded: On house prices, I was responsible, as chair of “estimates indicate that the amount needed to operate a hydraulically Manchester airport, for building the second runway fractured shale gas well for a decade may be equivalent to the there. At the bottom of it is a beautiful Cheshire village amount needed to water a golf course for a month; the amount called Style. When the runway was being built, people needed to run a 1,000 MW coal-fired power plant for 12 hours; claimed that house prices there would go down, but the and the amount lost to leaks in United Utilities’ region in north only time prices were affected was during the campaign west England every hour”. against the runway, when there were lots of signs up in The idea that access to quantities of water is an issue is the village. As soon as the campaign went away, house probably another myth that needs to be busted. prices went up, even though the runway was taking very large planes. The fact is that house prices are related to Dr Whitehead: Does the hon. Gentleman accept that economic activity, so my hon. Friend the Member for the use of water would not be on a regular basis over Worsley and Eccles South (Barbara Keeley) can reassure 10 years, but would be intensive during the period of her constituents that house prices will not be brought fracking, re-fracking and clearing up? down.

Dan Byles: The hon. Gentleman is right. It peaks and Barbara Keeley: It is important to tell my hon. Friend then trails off, but in that entire 10-year period, including that I already have evidence that, because of these the peak, it is one hour’s worth of lost water from developments, people are planning to move out of the United Utilities. I agree with him. area, which I would not want to happen, while others have said they will not move into the area. This really is On the impact on climate change, I find that often having an impact. people who oppose shale gas increasingly no longer refer to earthquakes and some other issues, because I Graham Stringer: That is completely consistent with think a lot of people understand now that that is not an what I was saying—that the fear of the activity, rather issue. The most common issue being raised with me than the activity itself, is the problem. now is the one that the hon. Member for Brighton, I want now to move on to the science and to speak as Pavilion mentioned, in respect of bigger picture climate a scientist. I agree with virtually everything the right change issues, with people saying that fossil fuels should hon. Member for Hitchin and Harpenden (Mr Lilley) stay in the ground. There is a discussion to be had in said, apart from when he completely accepted what the that regard, but I still believe that the elephant in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said. We room for climate change is coal. Some 600 GW of new, must remember that it involves a political process, which unabated coal-fired plants are estimated to be coming lies on top of a number of scientific papers; its work is online globally by 2030. I am amazed at the effort being not necessarily put together by scientists themselves. put into opposing gas by some people when they should be opposing coal. The hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion could be accused of being unrealistically precise in her comments I shall end by quoting the Committee on Climate about what is likely to happen in the climate over the Change, from its report published in May this year. It coming years, and I would make two simple points said: about the science. First, I have talked to most of the “The overall picture, therefore, is one in which well regulated leading scientists on climate change in this country and production of shale gas could have economic benefits to the UK, in the United States, and there is no known way of in a manner consistent with our emissions targets, while reducing distinguishing natural variations in the climate from our dependence on imported gas.” impacts caused by carbon dioxide—nobody knows how Other hon. Members want to speak, so I will give to do that. them an extra 15 seconds. Secondly, the models that have been used to predict the increase in temperatures have all been wrong. In the Mr David Amess (in the Chair): Members will be Met Office, we have the biggest supercomputers in the pleased that the air conditioning has now been fixed. world, which are great at back-projecting climate, but They will now feel better. their projections of climate into the future have all been 339WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 340WH inaccurate. That is just an indication that there is something Finally, I want to put the Government’s energy policy, unknown about the science, which is not to say that which is not coherent, in the context of what is happening carbon dioxide is not a greenhouse gas, because it on emissions worldwide. Much of the Government’s clearly is, and it has been known as such for a long time. policy is based on reducing emissions, in the belief that However, an artificial precision is being introduced into that will bring down global warming and slow down or the debate, and it really should not be there. We do not, stop climate change. However, the policy is failing, and therefore, often talk about the science. emissions are going up. With emissions, one has to deal My next point is about the costs of all the different with imported goods, which are often created using policies and the price that will result. An interesting industrial processes that create more carbon dioxide report by Liberum Capital indicates the difference between than processes here do. If we push up the price of the cost of the Government’s policies on replacing the energy here, we will export production to China, India sources of our energy and the cost of replacing like with and other places and increase the amount of carbon like. It finds that there is a difference of more than dioxide. That is a deindustrialisation policy, and I hope £200 billion between the two, and that will come out that, by exploiting shale gas in a safe and environmentally somewhere in the price of gas to our constituents. responsible way, we can start reindustrialising this country The Government’s energy policy is based on taking a and creating the 72,000 jobs or more that it has been long-term position on the price of gas and oil—fossil predicted will come from exploiting shale gas. fuels. Essentially, they are betting the house, the country or hundreds of billions of pounds that the price of 3.19 pm fossil fuel will continue to rise. If that happens, and if renewables are put in place, they are likely to win their David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): I congratulate bet—and it is a bet. They will have to find the capital to the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) fund those renewable energy supplies, but given that on obtaining the debate and on her spirited contribution. prices of publicly quoted shares in the European renewables Unlike the hon. Member for Blackley and Broughton market have dropped below their level in 2004-05, that (Graham Stringer), I can only recall being in debates in looks very unlikely. If the Government lose their bet, which I disagreed more or less 100% with her, but I may our constituents will pay more for their energy than have missed some of the other debates. they should. I want to make a few points about the hon. Lady’s spirited contribution. One of the phrases that I have David Mowat: I agree with the point the hon. Gentleman heard used several times is that we are “betting the has just made about renewables and potential increases farm” by moving ahead with shale gas. I have not heard in the price of fossil fuels. Effectively, the Government’s anyone in the Government or otherwise saying that we strategy is to use renewables as a hedge against increased should do that. We do not want to bet the farm on it. fossil fuel prices. That is not altogether unreasonable, We want a mixed supply of energy for the future, and is it? gas will rightly be part of that. She mentioned Sam Laidlaw who now runs Centrica and who was previously Graham Stringer: It would not be if it was just a at Conoco and Amerada Hess. Just to put her mind at hedge and it was not artificially pushing the cost of gas rest, he is an ex-Etonian, just as she is from Malvern, and other energy supplies up by holding them in reserve. but I went to a state school in the midlands, and she can The hon. Gentleman is right: it is a hedge, but it is a take my speech in that way. very expensive hedge indeed. I want to pick up on four points. The hon. Lady There are two reasons for being against fracking, and talked about fossil fuel subsidy. Apparently tax relief the debate has been helpful in clarifying some of the —VAT or other forms of tax relief—would be a subsidy. facts. One—it is a completely reasonable to make this There is a difference between giving a technology money point on behalf of constituents—is that people worry to make it work—I am not necessarily against doing when they hear that there is to be fracking in their area. that for some renewables—and just taxing it a little less, It is therefore quite reasonable for them to ask for the and we need to recognise that. I think that she also good health and safety standards and good environmental said—she must intervene if I am wrong—that fossil standards that apply elsewhere in the country. However, fuels were six times more expensive than renewables. it is not reasonable to push those standards to the point where the fracking does not happen. When the hon. Caroline Lucas: They are subsidised. Member for Brighton, Pavilion talks about the precautionary principle, that is really a way of trying to stop everything. She really should read the Science and David Mowat: I apologise; it is probably my fault. Technology Committee report from the previous Session Just to be clear, the price of solar is something upwards on the precautionary principle, which is often quoted, of 45 times the price of electricity produced from gas at but it is often used to prevent anything from happening. the moment. Let me give an example. One often has to use the best As for the climate change issues around shale gas, or available evidence to do something, and the reason we unconventional gas, I would take hon. Members’ concerns are not getting protected areas in the sea at the moment about the impact of climate change more seriously—I is that the Government are looking for more and more am inclined to think that we should address it—if they scientific evidence when we should be using the scientific took a different attitude to nuclear power, the technology evidence available. If the hon. Lady wants to stop that is far and away the most likely, worldwide, to make fracking by using the precautionary principle, she is a difference at scale to carbon emissions. likely to do that, but I think we have to look at the I want to consider whether shale gas will affect the scientific evidence we have and apply high environmental UK economy. The hon. Member for Southampton, standards. Test (Dr Whitehead) made an interesting speech about 341WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 342WH

[David Mowat] Europe. Incredibly, apparently aided and abetted by members of the Green party in Germany, a programme the necessary volume of wells. I was not aware of what has kicked off there to build 10 or 12 unabated coal-fired he said and found his numbers hard to believe, but if power stations. they are true, the point is interesting and important. Let us be clear: shale gas is already having a massive influence Dan Byles: Lignite. on the UK economy, because right now one of our major industrial competitors, the US, has energy prices David Mowat: They will burn, as my hon. Friend and therefore electricity prices that are a quarter of says, a dirty coal. It is extraordinary that that is happening ours. It has feedstock prices as an input to the global right now in the EU, and even more extraordinary that gas industry and the petrochemicals industry that are a there appear to be members of the Green party in that quarter of ours. That is already making a difference at country’s Government while it is happening—the same the margins. Some industries are already deciding not Green party that purports to care about carbon emissions to invest in the UK and to bring petrochemicals and and climate change. chemicals back to the US—indeed, out of China, let alone Europe. Shale gas is already having a massive Caroline Lucas: Germany is on course to meet its impact on the UK economy, and it is nonsense to emissions reduction target far more effectively than we pretend that anything we say in this debate, or that the are. There is a short-term gap, admittedly, because it got Government do, will make any difference to that. rid of nuclear so fast. No one wants more coal, but it is a short-term thing as Germany gets its renewables even Graham Stringer: One of the points that has not been further up to speed. It is massively ahead of us on made is that there is a slight assumption that shale gas is renewables and will get its emissions down faster than just methane. It is actually ethane and propane as well, we will. and those can be used as feedstock to our chemical industry, lowering chemical prices and making the industry David Mowat: The hon. Lady makes an important more competitive. point, if it were true, but the fact is that Germany has 25% higher carbon emissions per unit of GDP than the David Mowat: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that UK, and the UK is decelerating more quickly than point. He is completely right. Indeed, it would be more Germany. To pretend anything else is not right. accurate for us to talk about unconventional gas than I have some more time—I thank the hon. Lady for about shale gas, because coal gas is also part of what we that—so I want to wrap up by talking a little about are discussing. local considerations. When I first became interested in Clearly, there is already an impact on the UK economy. the subject, I could see that Lancashire—my hon. Friend I used to do a lot of work on the correlation between the Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood (Eric energy prices and GDP.They are closely correlated, and Ollerenshaw) made a good speech on behalf of his particularly so if we are trying to rebalance the economy constituents today—was heavily affected. However, the back towards manufacturing, chemicals, aluminium, maps of shale gas have since come out in more detail, steel and chlorine production, and all that goes with and there is more in Cheshire, around Manchester and that. We cannot do that if we have differentially higher Warrington. Of course it is right that the work should energy prices than our competitors. I refer mainly to the not go ahead without adherence to the highest US, although there is increasing concern that the rest of environmental standards and that the Government should Europe is taking a different path from the UK on not give permits without being satisfied that fracking carbon taxes, and so on. It is right to let shale gas go will not considerably increase the earthquake cost and ahead and let the market define prices and how things all that goes with it. There should be no compromise on will work. that. In an intervention, I mentioned the fact that Aberdeen In the US, the gas price has fallen from $12 per contains three constituencies with the lowest unemployment million British thermal units to about $3. The cost of in the country. That is not a coincidence; it is because importing liquefied natural gas, if its export is allowed, the sort of economic activity that we are talking about is about $5. That implies a cap on European gas prices brings jobs. I want to say on behalf of the people of if there were a free market; and the hon. Member for Warrington that we welcome IGas and Cuadrilla. If Southampton, Test is right to say that there are three they wonder where they should have their UK headquarters gas markets currently. Such move would imply a cap of and if they pick up the text of this debate, I say to Mr about $8 or $9, which is considerably lower than now, Egan and Mr Austin from those companies, we are although I accept that for strategic reasons the US open for business in Warrington. We would like them to Government might not agree to export any gas at all. have their UK head offices in our town. It is only an My hon. Friend the Member for North Warwickshire hour and 40 minutes from London. They are very (Dan Byles) made an excellent point about climate welcome, and we should go ahead as fast as possible. change. The issue about climate change and gas emissions is how we get coal out of the system. The UK still 3.29 pm produces 70% of its energy from coal and oil and something like 3% or 4% from renewables, taking into Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): As always, it is account transport as well as electricity production. The a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Amess. UK has lower carbon emissions per head and per unit I want to focus on the area in Somerset that borders my of GDP than nearly every country in Europe, in spite of constituency. I note that the hon. Member for Wells the fact that we have less in the way of renewables. The (Tessa Munt) intends to speak next, so I hope that I do reason is that we burn less coal than most countries in not steal too much of her material. 343WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 344WH

So far, four petroleum exploration and development such as nosebleeds and skin rashes. The Health Protection licences have been granted in an area extending from Agency does not appear to have published its review of Keynsham, just south of Bristol, down to Pilton and the public health impact of shale gas. I hope that the Evercreech—east of Glastonbury—and covering towns Minister agrees that potential health risks should be such as Marksbury, just south-west of Bath. The area is assessed before exploration is allowed to go ahead. significantly covered by green belt and includes the Bristol Greenpeace has raised with me its concern Mendip hills—an area of outstanding natural beauty—and about UK Methane, which was described by a local there are water catchments for several areas, including resident, Laura Corfield, in a recent article in The Bristol. Bath’s hot springs, which are of course a world Guardian by John Harris as heritage site, could be affected. The unique combination of features in the region is said to result from the “a company of two guys in a broom cupboard”. “specific geological circumstances of the Mendip Carboniferous It is difficult to confirm UK Methane’s financial position, strata.” but John Harris tracked down its head office to an I understand that UK Methane, which has been industrial estate in Bridgend with no listed telephone granted three of the licences in partnership with Eden number. I understand that DECC has set out criteria Energy, has confirmed that it has been working on that need to be met for a company to become a licensee, plans in the Ston Easton area and around Compton including a level of financial capacity to show that it is Martin, both within the Chew valley, for its next test able to meet the actual costs that may be reasonably drilling sites. UK Methane intends to apply for permission expected to arise. for full production at a site beside the Hicks Gate How does awarding three licences to UK Methane roundabout on the Bristol ring road in Keynsham towards square with DECC’s guidance? Is it presumed that UK the end of 2013. Again, that is very close to the border Methane will ultimately be trading its licences to a of my constituency. I should say that the areas have larger company in the same way as with Eden Energy, been identified for coal bed methane extraction, rather with which it was partnered and that has now sold its than for fracking, although coal bed methane extraction stake to Shale Energy, a UK firm, for a large amount? commonly comes under the same heading and the That does not appear to be consistent with DECC’s process can involve fracking. view that licences are not regarded as I thank Louise from Frack Free Somerset for her “mere tradable assets, and we expect companies to buy licence time this week in setting out the organisation’s concerns. interests with a view to exploiting them—not merely to sell them The umbrella organisation brings together many groups, on.” from families to farmers and from the Mendip Campaign There are specific issues with the area’s geology, to Protect Rural England to Bristol Rising Tide. Residents including the prevalence of coal mine shafts in Bristol are particularly concerned about the impact of possible and Somerset, which makes the land more unstable and soil, water and air pollution on tourism and agriculture, potentially more prone to both subsidence and tremors. and there are also concerns about light and noise pollution, A recent technical report by independent geologists especially as some wells could be flaring off gas 24/7. Integrale Ltd concludes that: There will be noise from rigs operating 24 hours a day “Unlike much of North America and Australia where ‘simpler’ and roads will become blocked with lorries carrying rock strata occur, the Carboniferous Coal Measures of the Bristol-Bath chemicals and waste. Basin form the most tectonically complex area of the UK, ie the Another key concern is the potential for water rocks are highly fractured, folded, contorted and faulted... So gasfield exploration and exploitation in this district will be contamination, which could also affect people living commercially and technically ‘high risk’”. outside the licence area. The reservoir water supply in the Chew valley needs to be protected, and the impact There is a point about whether companies need public on the hot springs that supply Bath’s spa water is still liability insurance, given the risks. I understand that, unknown. The British Geological Survey’s report to apart from employers’ liability insurance, there is no Bath and North East Somerset council concluded that statutory requirement for insurance. hydraulic fracturing within the carboniferous rocks would The hon. Member for South Thanet (Laura Sandys), “pose an undefinable risk to the springs.” who is Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Minister of State, Department of Energy and Climate Change, The written ministerial statement issued by the Secretary the right hon. Member for Bexhill and Battle (Gregory of State for Energy and Climate Change on 13 December Barker), said that planning applications for shale gas 2012 acknowledged instances of water contamination outlined in reports by US regulators and review bodies, “make onshore wind farms look like a walk in the park.”—[Official which he said confirmed Report, 6 September 2012; Vol. 549, c. 146WH.] “the need for the industry to consistently apply good practice, She was referring to the public opposition that is likely and the need for proper scrutiny and oversight of the industry to to be encountered. ensure that this is in fact done.”—[Official Report, 13 December 2012; Vol. 555, c. 47WS.] Mr Lilley: Does the hon. Lady ever feel that she has a The Environment Agency is of course responsible for duty to her constituents not merely to pander to every providing that scrutiny, but there is real concern that it anti-development pressure group and to give credence does not have the staff to monitor wells effectively. to every scare story, but to give some balanced account Residents in the area who are opposed to the plans of what, for example, the royal societies, the Royal are particularly concerned by evidence emerging from Academy of Engineering and the British Geological coal bed extraction in south-west Queensland, from gas Survey have said? Two million such wells have been leaking into local rivers to perceived heath problems drilled in the States without untoward effect. 345WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 346WH

Kerry McCarthy: Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman As the Member for Wells in Somerset, my constituency should speak to his Conservative colleagues who control includes the Mendip hills, the southern fringes of the Bath and North East Somerset council, which recently Chew valley and the very edge of the Bristol and Bath voted unanimously on a motion objecting to unconventional basin. It adjoins north-east Somerset and Bath. Both gas exploration and extraction in Somerset. Bath and Wells are naturally completely intertwined There is a concern that the Government’s scheme to with water—the clue is in the name, really. I, too, am provide financial benefits to local communities does not delighted to hear of Bath and North East Somerset seem to cover coal bed methane extraction unless fracking council’s recent unanimous, cross-party resolution formally is used. If he is actually listening to me at the moment, to register with the Department of Energy and Climate will the Minister confirm that that is the case? Will he Change its serious concerns about the potential impact ensure that the planning application process provides of unconventional gas exploration and extraction in meaningful opportunities for affected communities to that critical area. express their concerns? As shown by all the concerns The source of the thermal waters feeding the Bath that I have outlined, there is a great deal of uncertainty hot springs in the world heritage site is widely believed and unhappiness in the area. by experts to be in the Mendip hills. The hills also feed the city of Wells and the well known Somerset levels, Barbara Keeley: My hon. Friend is making an excellent with their several sites of special scientific interest and representation of her constituents’ concerns, and she is network of rhynes, most of which were dug under the thethirdMembertodosomethingsimilarinthisdebate. aegis of the abbot of Glastonbury to ensure that there It is rather remiss of the Minister and Government was water throughout the area. That beautiful and large Members to spend their time chuntering and shouting, environmentally sensitive area, with regionally important as they did to me. It does not behove well for such water supplies, is one of the most complex geological debates when that goes on when we are doing our job districts of the UK, and the state of geological knowledge representing our constituents. of the lower coal measures rocks and the carboniferous shales is extremely limited. We simply do not understand the mechanisms by which those vulnerable hot springs Kerry McCarthy: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. are controlled. The patronising responses from some Government Members, with their references to living in la-la land, The estimated economic value of the hot springs for are unseemly. tourism and employment is close to £100 million annually and, in my opinion, this is not an area in which any dash My final point is on the Government’s link to shale for gas can be allowed. The global embarrassment of gas companies. Last year, The Observer found that two damaging the world heritage site does not bear key executives of the energy trading giant Vitol—its consideration. More concerning would be the unknown chief executive officer, Ian Taylor, gave more than £500,000 health and environmental effects of a pollution incident. to the Tories and was a guest at one of the The earthquakes in Lancashire triggered by lubrication Prime Minister’s cosy kitchen suppers—are personal of undetected and apparently still untraceable geological shareholders in a company bringing fracking and CBM faults are an example of why it is crudely short-sighted to the UK. to encourage a “drill and see what happens” approach Just this weekend, an article by Mark Leftly in The for short-term commercial or revenue gain. Whatever Independent on Sunday detailed a host of senior the unconventional gas industry worldwide says, with Government advisers who have financial interests or the present level of technical understanding it is unable close ties to fracking companies, from Lord Browne—the to rule out long-term disastrous impacts. Widely reported chairman of Cuadrilla, who is also lead non-executive pollution incidents in the US and Australia seem to across the Government—to Sam Laidlaw, the lead non- reinforce that. executive at the Department for Transport, who is also I have no interests to declare, other than those of my chief executive of Centrica, which has just bought a constituents, their children and their grandchildren, in one-quarter stake in Cuadrilla’s licence in Lancashire. particular those who live in Compton Martin, Ston Of course there is the conflict of interest between Easton, Glastonbury and Wells, but also the many Lynton Crosby’s lobbying firm—which represents the residents of the villages and towns in the area where I Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration have attended meetings and heard their concerns expressed. Association, which has been aggressively campaigning I am deeply concerned that any hasty legislative or for shale gas—and the advice that he gives to the Tory regulatory streamlining that fast-tracks exploration will party as its election strategist. When I raised the influence inevitably set us up for future environmental and geological of the shale gas lobby with the Government in January, failures. The precautionary principle must take precedence. the Minister failed to respond. I hope that he will do better in answering my concerns today. 3.42 pm

3.38 pm Nick Herbert (Arundel and South Downs) (Con): I congratulate the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): Thank you for your generosity (Caroline Lucas) on securing the debate. in allowing me to contribute to this debate, Mr Amess. I I first want to dismiss the poor arguments produced apologise for having to be absent for a short while. this afternoon and previously on the merits of shale gas I thank the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion extraction: we should not have the slightest interest in (Caroline Lucas) first for bringing this debate to the where executives of oil and gas companies went to House and secondly for laying out some of the points school; the possibility of a company making a profit in that I was going to make myself. a market economy is not a serious argument or a reason 347WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 348WH to dismiss its proposals; and nor is it of any interest or might be particularly damaging to the local area because significance that a businessman might at some point of a high landscape designation or the impact on the have met a Minister to discuss shale gas—heaven forfend! local environment. The process should be gone through In the end, the Government have to make a judgment transparently, so that communities have a sense that on the basis of the national interest, and that judgment their concerns are being properly weighed and balanced. must be approved by the House of Commons. We therefore have to consider the arguments sensibly and Caroline Lucas: I very much agree about the planning seriously, not merely chucking mud or rocks in the system. Does the right hon. Gentleman therefore share belief that that will somehow strengthen the argument. my disappointment that the guidelines we were promised In actual fact, it will not; it will undermine it. from the Department for Communities and Local Secondly, I want to talk about my interests, as my Government before the recess have not been forthcoming? right hon. Friend the Member for Hitchin and Harpenden Does he also share my disappointment that, when they (Mr Lilley) did. I have a constituency interest, because finally arrive in the weeks or months to come, they will the Sussex Weald basin, which covers a large part of my not be open to consultation, but simply there as a given? constituency, has been identified as an area that might contain significant reserves of exploitable shale gas. At Nick Herbert: My interest is in what the guidelines the moment, we do not know the extent of any possible say; I will not criticise the Government for not bringing drilling or how exploitable any reserves might be. Test the guidelines forward. I am making a plea for the drilling is about to begin, subject to planning permissions guidelines to ensure that we maintain the integrity of being obtained. the local planning process. I want to engage in the argument about what the I strongly agree with my hon. Friend the Member for national interest is. It cannot solely consist of the contention North Warwickshire (Dan Byles) about the need for an that shale gas might lead to cheaper energy and economic evidence-led debate and a good supply of information. benefit, powerful though that argument might be—in That is exactly what my constituents want. They are any case, we have heard that it is debatable. There are of unclear about the impact of any proposals. We do not course other arguments about whether the form of know whether the shale gas is exploitable, or what the energy generated is sustainable or the kind of clean impact of drilling would be—the footprint of the drills energy that we should be investing in for the long term. might be minimised, or there might not be as many as For now, I set aside that important economic argument. suggested, because the gas is not exploitable—and that There are other national interests, one of which is our unknown is fomenting a great deal of fear. The provision landscape. To pick up on a point made by my hon. of sensible information and having a sensible debate are Friend the Member for Lancaster and Fleetwood (Eric therefore incredibly important. Ollerenshaw), some of the areas in which the drilling would have to take place in Sussex are in the national Barbara Keeley: The right hon. Gentleman is making park. National parks are areas with the highest landscape some good points about uncertainty, which I can echo designation, and they are designated as such precisely from my constituency. Is he slightly disturbed or alarmed, because the landscape is treated like no other, so there as I am, to hear that the Environment Agency aims to should be a strong presumption against any kind of cut its process down to six weeks by September and economic activity that may damage them. That does to between one and two weeks by early next year, and to not mean that no activity can ever take place in a base that process on rules? I am concerned that each site national park, or even that that should be the case, but should be considered on its own merits. We should not it does mean that we have to make judgments carefully, have a rulebook approach or deal with things using a recognising the national interest in protecting such areas, method based on “Let’s get this out in one to two not only the local interest or vested local interest. That weeks.” has to be considered. We must be able to balance the national interest properly. Nick Herbert: I am not sure that I accept the hon. What has struck me about the debate this afternoon Lady’s point. Timely provision of a view by the is that we do not yet really know what the effect in each Environment Agency should be welcomed by constituents. of our constituencies will be. The hon. Member for Of course, we do not want to allow a situation in which Southampton, Test (Dr Whitehead) suggested that there decisions are in effect being bulldozed through—I accept might be about 164 wells per constituency. I do not that—and the independence of the Environment Agency know whether that figure is right or wrong, but I do and its ability to weigh such issues properly are important. know that my constituents are completely bemused However, timely provision of information without any about the possible impact on their areas and the landscape obfuscation or delay by the Environment Agency, as in an entirely rural setting, which is tranquil and quiet can happen in a lot of areas where development proposals and where the countryside is especially valued. Further are concerned, would be welcome. concerns involve the supply of water in a stressed area I am not here to say that shale gas development must and the impact on groundwater. It must be right that be a bad thing and that we should not pursue the drive should any activity take place, it is conducted according to exploit shale. I seek a careful debate in which we to the highest environmental standards. ensure a balance of interests and a recognition that the The kernel of my argument, however, is the importance national interest does not consist only in economic of a system that properly balances the arguments both advantage, however powerful that argument might be. nationally, so that we take a careful view of the national It also consists in ensuring that we can protect national interest and where we should do anything, and locally, assets, including the countryside and our landscape. We so that we preserve the integrity of the local planning must ensure that we balance that interest in our national system. We must be able to judge locally where activity consideration as we design the guidelines and so on, 349WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 350WH and that locally elected councillors can do so and take in her terms why it is absolutist. In relation to the specific local concerns into account. We should not evidence, I point her to the report by the Committee on drive towards this potential new energy source regardless; Climate Change. Sometimes, when we get into debate we should attempt to engage with people and ensure on the issue of unconventional gas, we consider that it is democratic support for what is proposed. only about electricity generation. She will be aware, as other hon. Members are, that we use a considerable 3.51 pm amount of gas in this country for heating as well, and we will continue to do so well into the future. I have Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ been on a platform with her in the past when she has Co-op): It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship made the point about the need for gas as peaking again, Mr Amess. I congratulate the Backbench Business capacity as well. I do not think that she is suggesting Committee on allowing this debate to take place. This is that we will not need gas. the second debate on shale gas that we have had in this Chamber in the last couple of days; some Members The consideration, then, is whether it can be done here took part in that debate, and some did not. safely, whether the regulation can be right and whether it can be monitored properly. That is why, in March I am pleased that the hon. Member for Brighton, 2012—I will not read it into the record again, as I did so Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) had the opportunity to read on Tuesday—I set a number of conditions that I believe the Hansard report of Tuesday’s debate. I do not intend need to be met in terms of regulation. However, the to repeat much of my contribution that day, partly monitoring must also be in place, and it must be as because I am conscious that during this debate, Members comprehensive as the regulation is robust. That is where have raised questions to which they seek responses from I have continuing concerns, particularly relating to the the Minister, and I want to ensure the maximum possible resources of the Environment Agency and the Scottish time for those answers that he has available to be Environment Protection Agency and their ability to do forthcoming to those Members, who have expressed that. important points. It is right that people should be concerned about It is a pleasure to follow the right hon. Member for some aspects of self-certification, particularly in the Arundel and South Downs (Nick Herbert). Towards early stages. I take Government Members’ point that the end of his contribution, he made a crucial and the technology is not new, but it is a new application of important point about the balance in this debate between the technology in the UK context. For that reason, a different issues that must be properly addressed. I have higher public acceptability test must be met. If it is not no financial or registrable interests in anything to do met, planning applications will not be successful and with any aspect of the energy industry, but I have an shale gas development will not happen. There is an interest in ensuring that we have a balanced, rational, interest in ensuring that it is done properly, which is why evidence-based debate and that conclusions are drawn I continue to have concerns about the level of monitoring. and decisions made on the best evidence available. The hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion chided me Caroline Lucas: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? for saying in the debate on Tuesday that some people had an absolutist position. It is not an insult; it is a statement of fact. She has an absolutist position against Tom Greatrex: I will give way one more time, but then the extraction of unconventional gas. That is an entirely I hope to conclude my remarks. legitimate position for her to hold; it is a position held by some and diametrically opposed to the position held Caroline Lucas: The hon. Gentleman is kind to give by others. It was not intended as a slight. My point in way. I am only intervening again because he is quoting saying it was that some people will never be in favour. what he says I did or did not say. On the issue of That is perfectly legitimate. I was interested during the whether we need gas, yes, we need a small amount of debate on Tuesday, and I am interested during this gas as a transition fuel to get us to the renewable future debate, to consider properly all the factors involved and that we need, but the question is what to do over the ensure that all the environmental concerns expressed by next 10 years. Do we lock ourselves into or put in place numerous Members with constituency interests—including the infrastructure for a whole new gas business here in my hon. Friends the Members for Worsley and Eccles Britain, or do we use the 10 years that it would take to South (Barbara Keeley) and for Bristol East (Kerry get shale gas going in Britain to invest properly in McCarthy), the hon. Member for Wells (Tessa Munt), renewables? There is an opportunity cost and a decision the right hon. Member for Arundel and South Downs to be made. I would rather we invested in renewables. (Nick Herbert) and my hon. Friend the Member for Blackley and Broughton (Graham Stringer)—are properly Tom Greatrex: I would like us to invest in renewables, addressed. because I think that it is important, but I take a slightly different view of the prognosis for how long we will Caroline Lucas: The hon. Gentleman implied that it require gas both for heating and for electricity generation. was ideological or absolutist to say that I cannot see In relation to our indigenous gas supply from the North what scientific evidence is out there that would persuade sea, the hon. Lady will know as well as I do that the me that the extraction of shale gas is compatible with extent to which we rely on imports has changed massively staying below 2ºC. That is an evidence-based position, in the past 10 years. The trajectory is going one way. If and to say that it is ideological or absolutist undermines it is possible to extract shale gas safely, and if it is that. That is the point that I was making in my criticism. properly regulated and monitored, we may have the benefit of being able to replace some of what we import Tom Greatrex: The hon. Lady makes my point for with indigenous supply. We should not close our minds me. That is an absolutist position, and she has defined to that or seek to block it. 351WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 352WH

I would like to make a slightly different point to the I start by saying that oil and gas are vital for our other extreme. I have been listening to the right hon. economy. About three quarters of our current energy Member for Hitchin and Harpenden (Mr Lilley) responding demand is met by oil and gas. Even as we move to to other speeches from a sedentary position. He has lower-carbon sources, which we all want to do, 70% of said a number of times to Members with constituency the primary energy we consume here will come from oil interests in the issue that it is about showing leadership. and gas by 2020. They are a vital part of our economy With all due respect, leadership is not about hysterical and will remain so for some decades to come, even as we hectoring; it is about ensuring that the approach is move to a low-carbon economy. evidence-based and that all the arguments can be properly, Before I deal with some of the specific questions, let systematically and fundamentally dealt with, so that me debunk some of the myths about shale gas: that it is people can see exactly what the level of risk is. a recent technology, that it is new technology, and that accelerating its exploration involves increasing the risks. Mr Lilley indicated assent. Let me take those three myths in turn. The first is that onshore oil and gas production began recently. In fact, Tom Greatrex: I see that the right hon. Gentleman we have been exploiting oil and gas onshore for nearly agrees with me, so I do not want to chance my arm too 100 years. much, but it does not help when he shouts across the The first production well was drilled onshore in 1919 Chamber to people that they should be showing leadership. at Hardstoft in Derbyshire. Since then more than 2,100 They are entirely right to address and represent their conventional wells have been drilled, and onshore constituents’ concerns in this debate, as we are in the production continues to take place throughout our early stages of potentially developing a new aspect of country from the south of England up to Scotland. Just our energy supply. last week, I visited IGas operations in the South Downs I have a couple of final points to make. It is often national park in Sussex, which is a very good example considered whether shale is the answer to all our energy of how oil and gas operations can work even in the problems. This speaks to the point made by the hon. most sensitive environments. We have nearly a century Member for North Warwickshire (Dan Byles) about the of experience of oil and gas production with no history tenor of the debate sometimes. I do not think that that of chemical spills or gas leaks comparable with the is a realistic suggestion. Sometimes, the language around experience in the United States. During that century, we the issue does not help. Suggestions that shale will yield have put in place robust regulation to ensure that oil cheap gas, or that an extrapolation of the US experience and gas operations are safe for people and the environment. will apply precisely the same in the UK, do not stand up Given that century of onshore exploration and the to much scrutiny. My hon. Friend the Member for expertise and robust supply chains that exist as a result Southampton, Test (Dr Whitehead) made a point about of extraction in the North sea, we are very well placed how gas is traded, which is one aspect, but there are a as a country to make the right decisions about shale. number of different factors that make it highly unlikely The second myth is that fracking is new. It is not. As that the impact on costs here would be the same as in my right hon. Friend the Member for Hitchin and the US. Harpenden (Mr Lilley) said, some 2.5 million hydraulic The Prime Minister talks, as he did yesterday, about fracturing operations have been performed at oil and making it easier for shale to be extracted. That is not gas wells worldwide. It is thought that as of 2010 particularly helpful or useful either. It should not be around 60% of all new oil and gas wells are hydraulically about making it easier; it should be about ensuring that fractured. Some 27,000 wells were drilled in the United it is done sensitively and appropriately. Members have States in 2011 and most them were fracked. Even here, mentioned the precautionary principle. I suppose that I that has been happening in some form for the past would use the term “proportionate”. It needs to be 60 years. We have already had some 200 wells fracked in proportionate. That is important. If it is not proportionate, this country. With all that activity, there is still no it will not happen, and then the potential benefits may confirmed evidence of contamination of aquifers caused not be realised. It needs to be done proportionately and by fracking. properly. We have had a couple of debates this week and I am sure there will be plenty more during the next few Caroline Lucas: Will the Minister give way? months. Some specific points have been raised with the Minister, and I hope that he will respond to them in Michael Fallon: If the hon. Lady will excuse me, I will those terms. If he does not, he may be in danger of not give way. stopping something rather than encouraging it. The United States has felt the great difference that shale gas can make. It has reinvigorated the economy, 4pm gas prices have halved, reducing costs for industry and The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation consumers, and billions of dollars of new investment and Skills (Michael Fallon): I, too, thank the hon. and thousands of jobs have been created. Nations across Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) for the globe, including India and China, are looking in on starting this debate, and all those who have contributed that boom and joining in. We must start to think to it. For those of us who were here on Tuesday, this has seriously about shale. We must get on and explore the been a slightly livelier debate, but none the worse for resources that are there and understand the potential, that. I will try to set some context, say more about the to see whether shale gas can be extracted here as way in which the industry is being regulated, deal with economically and as technically efficiently as it has been some of the myths, and then turn to some of the specific in the United States. questions and worries that have been expressed. I hope The third myth I must deal with is that we are that colleagues will bear with me. somehow accelerating shale gas and that that means 353WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 354WH increasing the risk. Conditions vary from country to of ground water falls to the Environment Agency; and country, of course, and it is already clear that the shape design and integrity of the wells rests with the Health and development of the industry here will be significantly and Safety Executive. It will, of course, be critical for different from that in the United States. We have the planning authorities to be content at the planning decision- advantage of learning from experience in the United making stage that the issues that fall to the other States, but we are, as the hon. Member for Worsley and regulators will be adequately regulated. Eccles South (Barbara Keeley) said, a much more densely The Environment Agency and the Health and Safety populated country, which has implications for where Executive have already agreed to work closely together and how we can drill. The geology of our shale, as has and have developed a joint approach to inspecting new been said, is much thicker in some areas, but we are exploratory shale gas operations under a memorandum committed to ensuring that the industry can prosper of understanding. That means they have agreed a joint here if the conditions are right. programme of inspection for the next series of hydraulic fracturing operations in England and Wales. For new Barbara Keeley: Will the Minister give way? and first-time shale operators, they will meet and advise them of their legal duties, and conduct a joint inspection Michael Fallon: I will come to some of the hon. of key operations, including the cementing and verification Lady’s concerns a little later. of cementing, and the main hydraulic fracture. In addition, First, we announced last December that fracking my Department will check that the Environment Agency could resume with robust regulation, and I emphasise or its Scottish equivalent, the Scottish Environment that nothing now prevents a licensee from bringing Protection Agency, and the HSE have no objections forward new drilling plans. Secondly, we provided the before consenting to drilling operations. industry with much fuller geological data on the gas If hydraulic fracturing for shale gas is intended, we resource in the Bowland-Hodder basin, thanks to the will also require measures to address the risk of induced work of the British Geological Survey, and our knowledge seismicity—namely, prior analysis of geological risks—and of shale resources will be further enhanced when we the submission of a detailed fracturing plan, including publish estimates for the Weald basin in the south of a traffic light control protocol, before my Department England by March next year. Thirdly, we have been very gives any consent for fracking operations. active in creating the right framework to accelerate It remains our strong view that there should be early shale gas exploration in a responsible way. Let me be and constant engagement by the operators with local clear. Accelerating shale gas exploration does not mean communities and the key regulators before any planning that communities will be put at risk. application is submitted. I therefore welcome the industry’s We have a long history of successful onshore oil and commitment, in the community engagement charter, to gas production. Getting it right will benefit the industry engage earlier with local communities and to be transparent where it matters in the long term, and across Government in their activities. However, close engagement with the we are creating a coherent and concerted approach to regulators by such firms is also beneficial, helping to shale. We have created the Office of Unconventional identify issues to be addressed as part of the planning Gas and Oil to co-ordinate the activities of the regulatory application and other approvals at an early stage. That bodies and Departments. We have a world-class safety is the right approach to create a sound basis for a shale and environmental regime with a joint approach to industry that can provide more energy security, jobs inspecting new exploratory operations, and for new and and investment. first-time operators, their key operations will be inspected, including the cementing and the main hydraulic fracture. The industry has said that we can expect about 20 to 40 exploration wells to be drilled here in the next couple We are providing tax incentives to create a fertile of years, but I am clear—this point was also made by ground for shale to prosper. We will consult shortly on a the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Rutherglen new pad allowance to help to unlock investment and to and Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex)—that success will provide significant support to the industry, particularly come only if development is done in true partnership during the critical exploration phase. I have already with communities. That means a responsibility to the announced that next year we will launch a new round of communities that host shale operations, and there are onshore licensing, in which we expect a great deal of two vital areas in achieving that: first, it is about engaging interest. communities right at the start of every shale application, I turn to the planning and regulatory system, which and secondly, it is about ensuring that where shale will have a high degree of local scrutiny and prior operations are hosted, local people feel that they are consultation, which we are setting out in guidance that getting their fair share of benefit from the development we will publish very soon. That guidance will not cover of shale. The community charter that has just been every issue when considering proposals for shale gas. It adopted will now be consulted on in the autumn, and its must be read alongside other planning guidance and the proposals, I hope, will be developed further. national planning policy framework, but it will carry I now want to try to answer some of the questions weight in the system. The Government have heard loud that were put to me. The hon. Member for Worsley and and clear what the industry and others in the community Eccles South asked me about the impacts on adjacent have said about the importance of clarifying that the wildlife sites, which are important issues to be addressed main focus of planning should be on the surface issues— in the planning system. Where an environmental impact traffic, noise, visual impact and so on. assessment is required, such issues will have to be addressed Responsibility for regulating activities beneath the in the report. They will have to be consulted on and surface rests largely with the other key regulators. For considered again by the planning authority on the basis example, seismic activity is regulated by my Department of that report, before any decisions are made. If any under our licensing arrangements; potential pollution SSSI or other European protected site might be affected, 355WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 356WH a habitats assessment must be made, and that, too, must how emissions from a well can affect air quality, how be similarly considered by the planning authority before they can be monitored and what controls are available. any decision is made on planning permission. If I can give her any further information on that, I certainly will. The hon. Lady also asked whether the Growth and Infrastructure Act could allow shale and gas projects My hon. Friend the Member for Lancaster and somehow to bypass local authorities’ planning permission. Fleetwood (Eric Ollerenshaw) had concerns about borehole The Act allows for certain business and commercial users and whether there would be a reduction in their projects, defined by regulation, to go directly to the supplies. It is likely that most operations will use public national regime for obtaining planning permission. The water supplies so far as practicable, because that is the Department for Communities and Local Government most likely way to reduce truck movements to and from has consulted on the possible inclusion of oil and gas sites. However, where operators want to extract water projects in that process, but in light of the responses to directly from aquifers, again, they will need a permit that consultation, I can tell her that option is not being from the Environment Agency that will not be given if pursued for the moment. We want those planning decisions the quantities that they require are not sustainable. to remain with the minerals planning authority in the The hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion made a very normal way. large number of points, and I am afraid that I may have to reply to her in writing about some of them. She The hon. Lady also asked about the Columbia university specifically asked me about the disclosure of the use of study on the domino effect, where distant quakes in one chemicals. The answer to her question is yes, the place can trigger quakes at other water disposal sites. It Environment Agency will require disclosure of all is important to point out, as my hon. Friend the Member substances proposed for injection into groundwater that for North Warwickshire (Dan Byles) did, that the research might affect the water, and it will only approve the use relates to waste water disposal wells involving volumes of those chemicals if they are assessed as harmless in of water much greater than those used in fracking. The that context. injection of very large volumes of water can trigger quakes in the ground. That is not news; it has been Tom Greatrex: The Minister will be aware that the understood for some time. However, as he also pointed Environment Agency requirement is for self-certification out, that particular technique of disposing waste water of what those chemicals are. Will he say any more about is not used at the moment in the United Kingdom, and ensuring, particularly in any early exploration, that the it is very unlikely that it would be approved if it were Environment Agency, or the Scottish Environment proposed. Protection Agency when in Scotland, are on site when the chemicals are injected, so that they can be absolutely sure about what is going into the process? Barbara Keeley: Will the Minister give way? There is a point that he has not moved on to, and I think there is Michael Fallon: It is certainly the responsibility of the time. operator to disclose that; but obviously, it is for the Environment Agency or SEPA in Scotland to ensure that what is disclosed is accurate. If the hon. Gentleman Michael Fallon: Of course. will allow me to write to him on that point to ensure that there is a procedure whereby that information is verified, I would be happy to do so. Barbara Keeley: I raised the point in my speech that the potential site I mentioned is in a heavily populated Tessa Munt: I hope that the Minister will forgive me a urban area, and I spoke about pollution. There is a brief intervention. From my past experience, the concern that the air quality is already poor enough and Environment Agency always gives at least a week’s that pollution is exceeding what it should be, but there notice, sometimes more, of a visit to inspect when it is will no longer be a duty on local councils to monitor looking at procedures. I wonder whether the Minister, that. How can we go forward given that we already have while he is writing about the subject, might consider very poor air quality and nobody will be monitoring it? ensuring that spot checks and investigations take place without a period of notice given to the body that is doing the drilling.

Michael Fallon: I must apologise to the hon. Lady. A Michael Fallon: I will certainly consider that suggestion, large number of points have been made during this and if I may, I will write to my hon. Friend about it. three-hour debate and I was not, I am afraid, going to attempt to answer each of them today. I will pick them The hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion also asked up and, if I may, write to colleagues whose points I have me about the differences in well designs between operations not had time to consider. here and in the United States and about the possibility that we might have methane leaks on the scale that we The hon. Lady asked about pollution. During have seen in Pennsylvania. I visited the United States to construction and drilling of the well, the operator will talk to experts, and I am aware that the standard of monitor emissions at the site, and that will have to be a environmental regulation has varied widely across the permanent feature of operations should the activity different states of America. They do not have the overall, proceed to commercial development. The Environment national regulatory system that we have. Practices appear Agency has also recently published research to understand to have been tolerated in some states that would not be acceptable in others. 357WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 358WH

I understand that the repertoire of well design technology Michael Fallon: The hon. Lady raised two other is essentially the same as in the United States, but the questions in her last intervention, but I will give way if regulatory framework in the United Kingdom is quite she wants to intervene again. different. Here, we have a national regulator—the Health and Safety Executive—which will require a full review Caroline Lucas: I should like to intervene again, first of well design and construction by an independent to say to you, Mr Amess, that I think that this is yet competent person. I should point out to the hon. Lady another example of the kind of patronising tone that that the Royal Academy of Engineering commented we hear again and again from Government Members, that that was a highly valuable feature of the United particularly towards women in this Chamber, and I Kingdom’s system. We can certainly learn from the absolutely deplore it. Secondly, and more to the point experience in the United States, but I want to emphasise of the debate, the Minister says that I am making a slur to her that we start from a position of having what the on the North sea somehow. The facts are that there have United States did not have—a system of national regulation. been 55 leaks in the last month. Is he or is he not comfortable with that fact? Caroline Lucas: The Minister has referenced, now and at the beginning of his winding-up speech, the fact Mr David Amess (in the Chair): Order. This is a very that our regulations are essentially much stronger. In warm afternoon. I just appeal to hon. Members on that respect, I wonder why he would think that it is all both sides of the Chamber to bear that in mind. We are right, perhaps, that Britain’s offshore rigs and platforms the mother of all Parliaments. Let us continue to have a have leaked oils or other chemicals into the North sea civilised debate, but obviously I have heard what has on 55 occasions in the last month alone, according to been said. the figures from DECC. The idea that our drilling regulations generally are somehow much better than Michael Fallon: Yes, I am content that the safety those elsewhere is more questionable than he suggests. regime in the North sea is fit for purpose. It is kept The Minister also spoke earlier about the number of constantly under review. I was struck during the events countries that are falling over themselves now to go to commemorate the Piper Alpha disaster that I attended down the fracking route. He did not talk about countries by the commitment of those involved—the Health and such as France, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Austria, Safety Executive and others—continuously to improve the Republic of Ireland, Spain, Denmark and Germany, the safety regulation regime in the North sea, and that all of which have full or partial bans or moratoriums on is what they are doing. fracking. That gives a slightly different picture. The hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion asked me Finally—this was one of the key questions that I about the fact that some countries now do not want to asked the Minister—why have the planning guidelines go down the fracking route. That is perfectly true. Some been delayed; what does “very soon” mean; and if he is have decided not to do so, but there is fracking in other seriously genuinely concerned about consultation with countries right across Europe. In Poland, fracking is local people, why are not those planning guidelines taking place. It is taking place right across the globe and open to some discussion with the communities? as far away as Australia. As I said, there is worldwide interest in the success of shale gas in the United States and other unconventional oil and gas in Canada. I Michael Fallon: I am coming to the point about think that it would be a little unfortunate if we were to planning guidance—I was due to do that—if the hon. close our minds to that. Lady can contain herself, but first let me deal with the point about the North sea. The hon. Lady asked why we have not consulted on planning guidance. The Government do not normally consult on planning guidance. We consult on planning Caroline Lucas: Honestly! policy. We have prepared the guidance in line with the principles set out by Lord Taylor of Goss Moor. This is Michael Fallon: I was coming to the point about a living, web-based resource that is easier to read alongside planning guidance. The hon. Lady has somehow suggested other parts of planning guidance. It will be on the that I was not or that I had missed it. Let us just deal website shortly, and it will be easier to adapt if we need with her slur on the North sea. The North sea has one to do so on the basis of experience. of the most extensive safety regimes in the world. Of course, we have learned from the accident on Piper Barbara Keeley: We were expecting something to be Alpha, which sadly took place 25 years ago this month. published today; the word “publish” was used. The Of course we have learned from that, but if she compares Minister seems to be saying that it will be published operations in the North sea to operations in other seas only on a website. Some of my constituents live in a right around the world, she will see that we have one of deprived area and will not necessarily have the internet. the best and safest regimes there is. The proof of that is Is he saying that no printed version of the guidance will precisely the fact that the incidents that she referred to be available? have to be reported to the Heath and Safety Executive, which is at present in Aberdeen. They have to be monitored; Michael Fallon: I will certainly check that, but the explanations are required from those involved. I think point of putting the guidance on the website is that it is that it is rather remiss of the hon. Lady to try to suggest a living document that can be and is adapted the whole somehow that there is laxity in our regime in the North time in the light of experience. That is what it is up there sea. for and that is obviously more difficult with hard copies, but I will of course look into whether hard copies can Caroline Lucas: On that point— be made available for colleagues in the House. We were 359WH UK Shale Gas18 JULY 2013 UK Shale Gas 360WH hoping to get the guidance out before the House rose I think that I concluded Tuesday’s debate in Westminster for the recess. It is possible now that we will miss that Hall on this subject by saying that we should approach deadline by a few hours or a day or two. We have been shale gas neither as zealots nor as victims, but looking trying very hard not to do that, but it will not be long at the evidence and going step by step to ensure that the now before that guidance is available to everyone involved. potential of shale is thoroughly understood, analysed As we move to a low-carbon future, oil and gas will and explored, so that if it really can benefit our economy continue to be a key part of our energy mix for decades and our people in the way that it has benefited those in to come. We believe that shale gas has the potential to the United States, it will be able to do so. provide the United Kingdom with greater energy security, more investment and more jobs. We have a strong Mr David Amess (in the Chair): I was not anticipating regulatory system, which provides a comprehensive and that any time would be left, but would the hon. Member fit-for-purpose regime for exploratory activities, but we for Brighton, Pavilion like to speak again? do want continuously to improve it. We have taken important steps to streamline the regulatory framework, 4.27 pm but that is not at the cost of robustness. It is about Caroline Lucas: That is very kind, Mr Amess. I sense ensuring that the regulation does not duplicate things that the mood in the room is one of warmth. We have and is clear, simple and understandable not just for the probably done our best with this debate, so I thank the developers, but for the public and the local communities Minister for his words. It will not come as a surprise to that will be asked whether they are prepared to host him that I do not agree with him, and I am sure that the shale exploration and production. It is very clear—it is debate will continue. even clearer after this debate—that to get those basics right, we must also work tirelessly to engage people Question put and agreed to. with clear, evidence-based information, so that they have hard facts on which to make an informed decision 4.28 pm about fracking. Sitting adjourned.

121WS Written Statements18 JULY 2013 Written Statements 122WS

period. That funding is sufficient to provide the Written Statements 417,000 places we need by 2015. By September this year, we expect 190,000 extra places will have been created Thursday 18 July 2013 during this Parliament, with more still in the pipeline. Our main basic need allocations—which go directly to local authorities, and are based on projections of TREASURY their need—were issued in March, and gave authorities funding for the next two years, enabling them to plan Business Premises Renovation Allowances provision. Those allocations totalled some £1.6 billion and will support local authorities to keep pace with projections of demand. The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David On top of this, we invited applications from local Gauke): The business premises renovation allowances authorities for additional new places, particularly focused (BPRA) scheme provides 100% capital allowances for on places in outstanding or good schools, and on creating the capital costs of converting or renovating empty new academies sponsored by organisations with a good business property in certain disadvantaged areas of the track record in educational success. We are determined UK, where the property has lain empty for at least a that every pupil should not just have a place, but that year, in order to bring the premises back into business the growth in the system is, as far as possible, concentrated use. in schools that parents and pupils really want to go to. The Government remain committed to the objectives So I am delighted to announce that the targeted basic of BPRA, which is to foster the regeneration of deprived need programme will provide £820 million to fund an areas, by helping to increase private investment, enterprise additional 74,000 high-quality school places on top of and employment in deprived communities. those already created and funded—all in areas that face HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has, however, the greatest pressure on places. These new places will be brought to the Government’s attention a recent increase in 45 new schools and in 333 expanding schools that are in DOTAS (disclosure of tax avoidance schemes) rated as outstanding or good. disclosures, involving BPRA, which appear to contain The number of pupils in England will continue to rise features aimed at exploiting the relief in ways that and ensuring that every child is able to attend an Parliament had not intended. outstanding or good school in their local area is at the The Government are fully committed to tackling tax heart of the Government’s comprehensive programme avoidance to ensure the Exchequer is protected and of reform of the school system. fairness is maintained for the taxpayer. We will continue to set up free schools where there is The Government have, therefore, authorised HMRC both demand from parents and where they can make to conduct a technical review of the BPRA legislation, the biggest difference to local provision through addressing with a view to making its policy purpose even clearer, so basic need and improving the quality of local schools. that the scheme may be made simpler and more certain Over the longer term, we will also fund a further in its application, at the same time reducing the risks of 500,000 places up to 2020-21, as announced in the exploitation. recent spending round—again, we judge that this will HMRC will shortly be publishing this technical review, be sufficient to meet the projected demand for school along with an associated “Spotlight” article to alert places. people to the fact that almost all of the disclosed BPRA schemes appear to be seriously flawed and that HMRC I will write today to all those MPs with successful will investigate anyone using them. projects in their constituencies, and I will place a list of successful projects in the Libraries of both Houses. The technical review will invite comments on new legislative proposals, with a view to introducing new legislation in 2014. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE EDUCATION Electricity Market Reform Targeted Capital Funding for New School Places The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): Today I (Mr Edward Davey): The Government yesterday published am announcing the outcome of the applications to the for consultation the draft electricity market reform (EMR) targeted basic need programme. The programme was delivery plan. launched in March this year to provide additional funding As laid out in my 27 June statement, Official Report, for school places in areas where they are most needed. column 12WS, EMR is a central component of the Local authorities were invited to bid for funding for Energy Bill currently being considered by Parliament, new schools, or to expand existing outstanding and and will address the need to attract unprecedented good schools. levels of investment in the UK electricity sector over the The targeted basic need funding brings the total coming decades as we replace our ageing energy amount of funding allocated to local authorities for infrastructure with a diverse mix of low-carbon generation, new school places over the current spending review and meet the expected increases in electricity demand as period to over £5 billion—more than double the £1.9 billion sectors such as transport and heat are electrified. The spent by the previous Government over an equivalent Energy Bill includes clauses to introduce contracts for 123WS Written Statements18 JULY 2013 Written Statements 124WS difference (CfD) to support investment in low-carbon proposing that a reliability standard of three hours generation, and a capacity market, to ensure security of LOLE per year most efficiently makes this trade-off supply. between cost and reliability. We are seeking consultees’ On 27 June, Government made a range of key views on this proposal and will finalise the reliability announcements in relation to reform of the electricity standard in the final delivery plan in December. market, and I laid before Parliament two policy documents: Analysis and scrutiny “Electricity Market Reform—Delivering UK Investment” Alongside the draft EMR delivery plan, I have published and “Electricity Market Reform: Capacity Market— a report from the system operator—National Grid—which Detailed Design Proposals”. The document published lays out analysis conducted to support the decisions yesterday for consultation provides further detail on the contained in the delivery plan. key components of EMR and seeks views from consultees. I have also published the report of the independent Contracts for Difference (CfDs) panel of technical experts, which was appointed to CfDs form a core component of the Government’s oversee the analysis. Information on the members of strategy to bring forward investment in affordable low- the panel and their terms of reference can be found at: carbon electricity generation—including renewables, carbon https://www.gov.uk/government/policy-advisory- capture and storage and new nuclear. CfDs provide groups/electricity-market-reform-panel-of-technical- efficient and long-term support for low-carbon generation, experts. reducing risks faced by generators by increasing revenue The consultation document is be available at: certainty and through the backing of a long-term contract. Generators are paid the difference between the market https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/ price and a “strike price”, but when the market price is consultation-on-the-draft-electricity-market-reform- high the generator must pay back the difference, which delivery. reduces costs to consumers when electricity prices are I will deposit copies of the delivery plan and associated high. documents in the Libraries of both Houses. Our June publication included draft CfD strike prices for renewables technologies, decisions on key CfD terms, and the levy control framework (LCF) profile to 2020-21. The draft EMR delivery plan published yesterday FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE provides details of the assumptions which underpin the draft CfD strike prices and seeks views and additional evidence from consultees. The Government will use the Safeguarding British Businesses Overseas evidence gathered through this consultation to inform final CfD strike prices, which we intend to publish in the final EMR delivery plan later this year, subject to The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Royal Assent of the Energy Bill. Affairs (Mr William Hague): Since the launch of the Capacity Market FCO’s Charter for Business in May 2010, the FCO has A key part of the challenge our market faces is in made supporting British business abroad one of its core ensuring secure electricity supplies. The capacity market activities to help build Britain’s prosperity. This priority will give investors the certainty they need to put adequate sits alongside the FCO’s work to safeguard Britain’s reliable capacity in place, protecting consumers against national security and support British nationals around the risk of supply shortages. It does this by providing a the world. predictable revenue stream to providers of reliable capacity, One of the commitments we made was to use the including both generation and non-generation measures FCO’s knowledge to help businesses manage risks. The such as demand-side response and storage. In return, FCO created a new Commercial and Economic Diplomacy they must commit to provide capacity when needed or Department to help deliver this, to work more closely face financial penalties. with UK business and liaise with the rest of the FCO to I confirmed on 27 June that Government intend to ensure we balance HMG’s commercial and security run the first capacity market auction in late 2014, for objectives. We do this by FCO staff sharing their political, delivery in 2018-19—subject to state aid clearance and economic and security analysis in written and oral laid out more detail on design proposals. briefings for UK business, and through the joint FCO UK Trade and Investment website Overseas Business I have now published Government’s intended reliability website. standard for the capacity market—which captures the trade-off between the cost of providing additional back-up The attack in January this year on a gas production capacity, and the level of reliability achieved. The proposed facility in the Algerian desert by a terrorist group linked standard is expressed as a loss of load expectation to al-Qaeda underlined the threat British businesses (LOLE), i.e. the number of hours per annum in which, and nationals can face overseas. Five out of the 38 over the long term, it is statistically expected that supply people killed were British nationals and one was a will not meet demand, and which reflects the economically British resident. Al-Qaeda, and groups inspired by al-Qaeda, efficient level of capacity. This does not mean that we continue to present a threat to British nationals and would have this level of blackouts in a particular year; businesses around the world. We are determined to help in the vast majority of cases, loss of load would be British business thrive and operate safely overseas. managed without significant impacts on consumers. Since the attack we have consulted many British But no electricity system can be 100% reliable. Based on extractive industries that operate in high-risk environments our assessment of the value consumers place on security and spoken to families of those affected by this of supply, and the costs of providing capacity, we are tragedy. Many have said they would like to gain a 125WS Written Statements18 JULY 2013 Written Statements 126WS better understanding from Government of the terrorism £54 million on IT for the new organisations; fuelling the threats we describe in the FCO’s travel £42 million on estates costs of closing bodies and setting up advice. Companies have said the additional information new organisations; could allow them to make better decisions on securing £22 million on internal departmental costs (e.g. programme their employees, and also to make longer-term decisions management); on what can be significant investments. And we have £299 million on setting up clinical commissioning groups stressed to industry how important it is to ensure the (excluding items above); and availability of information to all those employed at any £244 million on other costs of closing bodies (e.g. primary site, including subcontractors. care trusts (PCTs)) and setting up new organisations. I have therefore instructed officials to take the following In the impact assessment, long-term annual savings steps: arising from the changes were estimated at £1.5 billion To include more contextual information about terrorism per year from 2014-15 onwards. Gross savings over the threats in the FCO’s travel advice pages for countries where transition period (2010-11 to 2014-15) were estimated at there is a high threat from terrorism. This is available to all £4.5 billion. members of the public on GOV.UK at: https://www.gov.uk/ Annual savings are still expected to be £1.5 billion foreign-travel-advice. from 2014-15. Over the period 2010-11 to 2014-15, on a For the FCO, through its network of posts in high-risk comparable basis with the impact assessment, the locations, and through the Counter Terrorism Department in London, to engage British businesses and organisations cumulative savings in administration costs arising from who employ British nationals in high-risk locations. the reforms are still expected to be at least £5.5 billion. To offer British businesses and organisations the opportunity This sets aside administration costs of around £1.5 billion to apply to take part in crisis table top exercises in the FCO, that are expected to be incurred on implementing the and for officials to attend their crisis exercises. changes across this period. To make available information on overseas terrorism threats I am today publishing “Business Case for the Health to owners and operators of national infrastructure, through and Care Modernisation Transition Programme” which the Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure. was prepared for the major programme established to The advice for companies operating in high-risk take forward implementation of the reforms. A copy environments on the overseas business risk website has has been placed in the Library. Copies are available to been updated. I have placed a copy of this new advice in hon. Members from the Vote Office and to noble Lords the Libraries of both Houses. The advice can be found from the Printed Paper Office. This publication meets a at: commitment made in “Health and Social Care Reforms: http://www.ukti.gov.uk/pt_pt/edport/howwehelp/ Transition Programme Scheme for Publication”(published overseasbusinessrisk.html?null, with links to FCO travel in May 2012). The business case reflects the landscape advice. that existed in December 2011, after the Government had responded to the listening exercise. Although the financial estimates in the business case are largely consistent with the impact assessment they took account of some HEALTH costs (estimated at £127 million in total) that were excluded from the impact assessment either because they were out of scope (for example, because they NHS Modernisation (Costs and Benefits) related to measures not requiring legislation) or because they were redacted (for example, because they were commercially sensitive). The business case estimated The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt): the costs of implementing the changes at £1.5 billion at The Government’s estimates of the costs and benefits of today’s prices implementing policies in the Health and Social Care Act were contained in the “Coordinating document for the Impact Assessments and Equality Analysis”published Francis Inquiry (Costs) in September 2011. These estimates reflected the changes that the Government made to their proposals following the listening exercise and the report of the NHS Future The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt): Forum. Robert Francis QC published his “Report of the Mid Officials have continued to track closely the actual Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry” costs and benefits of the changes. Last September I on 6 February 2013. The public inquiry report looked at reported to the House that the current estimate of costs the roles and responsibilities of the wider health system was in the range £1.5 billion to £1.6 billion, which is in the events at Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation equivalent to £1.6 billion to £1.7 billion in today’s Trust between 2005 and 2009. The inquiry itself sat for prices. I can confirm today that I expect the costs—including a total of 139 days; its oral hearings began on 8 November spending on redundancy—to be no higher than announced 2010 in Stafford and concluded on 1 December 2011. last year. Indeed, the costs are likely to be nearer the The inquiry took 352 separate witness statements in estimate in the business case for the programme (£1.5 billion total, with 164 witness statements heard in person. in today’s prices). On the day of publication, the Prime Minister made a I can also announce that, up to 31 March 2013, costs statement to Parliament. The Department of Health of £1,096 million had been incurred across the health published the initial Government and system-wide response. and care system on developing and establishing the new “Patients First and Foremost”, on 26 March 2013. A arrangements, comprising: further response to Robert Francis’s report will be £435 million on staff redundancies; published in autumn 2013. 127WS Written Statements18 JULY 2013 Written Statements 128WS

Officials have compiled the costs of providing evidence Public Health (Local Authorities) to the inquiry incurred by the Department and the relevant NHS organisations, including foundation trusts. I can now report to the House that the expenditure The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health incurred by the Department and NHS organisations in (Anna Soubry): We have today laid before Parliament their role as witnesses amounted to £6 million. A breakdown “Government Response to the House of Commons by type of cost is shown below. Communities and Local Government Committee Eighth Report of Session 2012-13: The Role of Local Authorities £000 in Health Issues” (Cm 8638). The Government are grateful to the Committee for Cost of dedicated staff 712 its constructive and positive report, and for the opportunity Legal costs incurred 5,227 it provides to set out our position and expectations on Other staff related expenses (travel and 79 some key issues in greater depth. subsistence) Other directly related costs 23 I am grateful to the Department for Communities and Local Government and the Department for Work Total 6,041 and Pensions for their contribution to this report, and The public inquiry was independent. The Department commend to the House the increasingly broad base for of Health acted as sponsor for the public inquiry. The thinking and action on public health across Government. costs incurred in the direct running of the public inquiry Copies of the Government response are available to are published separately on the inquiry’s website. hon. Members from the Vote Office and to noble Lords from the Printed Paper Office.

Public Service and Demographic Change Caring and Support Consultation

The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman The Minister of State, Department of Health (Norman Lamb): We have today laid before Parliament “Government Lamb): Today we are publishing a significant consultation Response to the House Of Lords Committee on Public that looks at the practical detail of implementing our Service and Demographic Change report “Ready for reforms to what and how people pay for their care and Ageing?” (Cm 8677). support. This country faces major demographic and economic We have published plans for a new fairer funding challenges as a result of an increasingly ageing population. system that will help people to more easily prepare for We welcome the Committee’s report, which shares the the cost of their future care needs, and will provide Government’s ambition of making this country a great financial protection for people’s homes and savings. place to grow old in. The proposals are based on sweeping reforms to how We know the challenge is significant. The quality of care is paid for to give more certainty and peace of our later life is an issue which affects us all. Cross- mind over the cost of old age or living with a disability. Government co-ordination and focus is crucial to achieving They will end the unfairness of unlimited care costs and success. We all have responsibility for ensuring we make ensure everyone gets the care they need with most the most of the extraordinary opportunity of increasing support going to those in greatest need. life expectancy. These challenges are for individuals and From 2016 the reforms will deliver a new cap of communities, for local and national Government, for £72,000 on the costs of meeting eligible needs, additional the private sector and the third sector. financial help for people of modest wealth with less This response describes the wide reaching programme than £118,000 in assets including their home and, from of reforms this Government have put in place, as well as 2015, a scheme to prevent anyone having to sell their the plans we have for further work, which we believe home in their lifetime. The consultation confirms details will begin to address the challenges set out in “Ready of the plans including: for Ageing?”The reforms range from changes to pensions, for people entering a care home, their property will not be transformation of the health and care system as well as included in the assessment of assets if a partner or dependant improvements to wider public provision such as housing still lives in the home. In this case if a person has assets of and transport. less than £27,000 (excluding their home) they will qualify for financial assistance; and Public provision must continue to adapt and respond the cap is based on the total cost of meeting someone’s as the needs and expectations of the population change. eligible needs, not just their own contribution, an individual’s Individuals must take personal responsibility for planning payments are added to those made by the local authority for their later life, making choices and exercising control. when measuring progress towards the cap. This means around This report is not a one off piece of work but an two-thirds of people who reach the cap will have contributed important dialogue between Government and the public, less than £72,000 towards their care costs. which must and will continue into the next Parliament. The consultation looks in detail at the various elements As part of this dialogue, Government have committed of the reforms seeking people’s views to help us deliver to writing to the House of Lords Liaison Committee in a fairer and more sustainable care and support system a year’s time. This will update on progress of the in local areas. Government’s reforms as well as provide any new evidence Reforming how and what people pay for their care and challenges that might have arisen since the original intends to bring a number of benefits. Currently, a fear report was published. of high costs and lack of good information and advice 129WS Written Statements18 JULY 2013 Written Statements 130WS can cause people to delay getting the care they need, would establish the European Union Agency for Law and therefore see their needs escalate more quickly. This Enforcement Co-operation and Training. The Government leads to more people (and their families) seeking and will however seek to opt in to the regulation post organising care in a crisis situation and risking higher adoption provided that Europol is not given the power care costs, due to their condition having deteriorated to direct national law enforcement agencies to initiate more rapidly. investigations or share data that conflicts with national The reforms will set some limits around how much security. people can expect to pay for their care, making it easier The Commission has a number of objectives in this for them to plan and therefore putting them more in proposal: to update the law on the European Police control. It will also protect more of what people have Office (Europol) and the European Police College (CEPOL) worked and saved up for during their lives. following the Lisbon treaty and to create cost savings by The consultation launched today is about working merging both the agencies; as well as to strengthen out the practical detail of what needs to happen to Europol’s role in the exchange and analysis of information make the changes to payment of care costs a reality. on cross-border crime through increased obligations. Reforming what and how people pay for their care will The Government value UK membership of Europol involve significant changes to how local authorities as currently established. The ability to access law operate currently. We are therefore keen to hear people’s enforcement intelligence directly from all other EU views on how these changes to the funding system member states means UK law enforcement can significantly should happen and be organised locally, to help us increase its intelligence yield and is effectively supported deliver a care and support system that is sustainable and in the fight against organised crime and terrorism. fairer for everyone. However, having analysed the draft proposal from Consultation proposals include: the Commission the Government have identified two how best to provide people with information and advice, very serious concerns with the proposal which would including on how to pay for fundamentally change the relationship between Europol care and support, to help everyone plan for the future; and member states. annual “care account” statements to project when someone will reach the cap or qualify for additional financial support; First, there is an increased obligation to provide data. the option of joining a not-for-profit “deferred payment” In the proposal member states are not exempt from scheme where the local council pays people’s residential care providing data, even where it would conflict with national fees and the person is able to repay from their estate, allowing security, endanger ongoing investigations or an individual’s them to keep their home during their lifetime; safety. This conflicts with the national interest. possible new products from the financial services sector who Secondly, while Europol can already request a member are responding to these reforms by looking at how pensions state to initiate an investigation, this proposal goes and expanded life or health insurance could help some much further and includes an obligation to provide a people plan; reason if no such operation is conducted. Any reasons principles behind the level of the cap for people aged under provided would be subject to challenge before the European state pension age who have eligible needs; and Court of Justice. This creates a risk that the European the process for providing redress and resolving complaints. courts could dictate what national law enforcement The Government have provided £335 million to local agencies should prioritise. This interferes with operational authorities in 2015-16 to cover the costs of implementation independence which is at the heart of UK policing. of the cap and the requirement to offer deferred payments for residential care. This includes funds that will enable We will remain a full and active participant in negotiations local authorities to begin assessing people’s needs for on the regulation and are committed to seeking to opt care and support around six months before introduction in post adoption provided that the above two concerns of the cap, if they choose to do so. are met in the final text. The Department of Health, Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Social Action Fraud Services (ADASS) have committed to work in partnership on a joint programme to ensure successful and sustainable delivery of these reforms. The Minister of State, Home Department (Mr Jeremy The consultation will run from 18 July until 25 October. Browne): Action Fraud, run by the National Fraud “Caring for our future: Consultation on reforming Authority (an executive agency of the Home Office), what and how people pay for their care and support” now receives all reports of fraud on behalf of all police has been placed in the Library. Copies are available to forces in England and Wales. Between November 2012 hon. Members from the Vote Office and to noble Lords and July 2013, 2,490 reports (of which 1,738 were from the Printed Paper Office. reports of crime) were not processed correctly due to a fault in the IT system. This represents 1.3% of all fraud reports taken by Action Fraud in this period. No data HOME DEPARTMENT was lost or compromised at any point and the IT fault has been rectified. Action Fraud has taken immediate action to process the affected reports and will be writing Europol Regulation to apologise to everyone who submitted a report and to make clear that their report is now being dealt with. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the This issue came to light too late to notify the Office Home Department (James Brokenshire): The Government for National Statistics for inclusion in “Crime in England have decided at this time not to opt in to the European And Wales” for the year ending March 2013, published Commission’s proposal for a Europol regulation which today. Crime continues to fall. Although the levels of 131WS Written Statements18 JULY 2013 Written Statements 132WS total police recorded crime and fraud would be affected the Critical National Infrastructure” (Cm 8629). Today by this issue, the annual percentage change for total the Government publish their response. Copies have police recorded crime and for fraud would be unaffected. been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. As part of routine revisions to the data, any corrections The Government are grateful to the Intelligence and will be included by the Office for National Statistics in Security Committee for its report, and for its ongoing next quarter’s crime publications. valuable work. These figures supersede any given in previous answers to parliamentary questions and I apologise to the House for this. TRANSPORT Intercity Express Programme PRIME MINISTER

Commissioners (Annual Reports) The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Patrick McLoughlin): I have decided to exercise an option that was contained in the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): Ihave contract, signed in July 2012 with Agility Trains, a today laid before both Houses copies of the latest consortium made up of Hitachi and John Laing. annual reports from the Commissioners appointed by The option is to purchase a further 270 vehicles to me to keep under review public authority use of covert replace the electric Intercity 225 fleet which currently investigatory techniques. The reports are from: the former runs on the east coast main line with a fleet of new, high Interception of Communications Commissioner, the quality, modern, higher capacity class 800 series nine-car right hon. Sir Paul Kennedy (HC571); the current electric trains. This is in addition to the core order to Intelligence Services Commissioner, the right hon. Sir build nearly 600 vehicles to replace Britain’s fleet of Mark Waller (HC578); and, the current Chief Surveillance Intercity 125 high speed trains along the Great Western Commissioner, the right hon. Sir Christopher Rose and east coast main lines that were originally deployed (HC577). by British Rail in the 1970s and 1980s. The Commissioners and their staff provide statutory The first class 800 series trains will enter revenue-earning oversight to check that public authorities, and where service on the Great Western main line in 2017 and on necessary the Secretaries of State where they sign-off the east coast main line in 2018. We expect the second covert activity, use correctly and lawfully the relevant batch of new class 800 series vehicles to be in service on provisions of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers the east coast from 2019. Passengers will see improvements Act 2000, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers (Scotland) to their travelling experience, including even more reliable Act 2000, the Police Act 1997, and, the Intelligence services, improved telecommunications connectivity, Services Act 1994. increased leg space without compromising on luggage The Commissioners’ functions are different but provision, and a greater chance of getting a seat. Train complementary and cover a broad and complex legal capacity will be 627 seats per train, 18% higher than the and technical area. Their annual reports provide stock they are replacing which will mean that the class information, as far as is consistent with public security, 800 series deployment in total will increase the number on current patterns of use, emerging developments and of seats in to King’s Cross in the morning peak by 28%. broad statistics. Journey times between London, Leeds and Edinburgh In general they show a high degree of understanding, will also be reduced by several minutes. The new trains diligence and compliance with what the law requires will be capable of running at 140 mph, which would from the agencies and the personnel required to observe lead to further journey time reductions, although operation it. They also show that regrettably there have been a at this speed will require signalling and infrastructure small number of errors and instances where the law has upgrades. not been applied correctly. The Commissioners have Furthermore, Hitachi, the manufacturers of the trains, worked to correct the situation and assure themselves has announced that it will assemble them at its dedicated that safeguards have been adopted to minimise the risk manufacturing plant at Newton Aycliffe in County of future error. Durham. The order is a boost for the facility and its 730 I want to thank Sir Paul, Sir Mark and Sir Christopher planned jobs and many more in the local and national for maintaining the rigour of their scrutiny. I believe supply chains. that it has never been more important that their roles Exercising this option represents around a further are discharged effectively and efficiently. I regard the £1.2 billion investment in Britain’s rolling stock, bringing publishing of their annual reports as an important part the total contract value up to £5.8 billion covering the of demonstrating that there are independent, external design, build, finance and maintenance of the fleet over checks on public authority covert investigations and a 27.5-year period. This highlights the Government’s that public authorities may obtain private information commitment to infrastructure, to rail, to British covertly only when this is necessary and proportionate manufacturing and to the strategy of growing and to do so. protecting the key Intercity rail markets in readiness for HS2. “Foreign Involvement in the Critical National Infrastructure” HGV Road User Levy Bill

The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): On 6 June I The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport laid before Parliament a report of the Intelligence and (Stephen Hammond): I am today correcting a figure that Security Committee entitled “Foreign Involvement in I quoted during the Ways and Means resolution debate 133WS Written Statements18 JULY 2013 Written Statements 134WS on the HGV Road User Levy Bill, on Tuesday 23 October rates that will apply from 1 April 2014. By making this 2012, and during the Second Reading debate on Tuesday improvement, it is possible for Her Majesty’s Treasury 20 November 2012. There will be significantly fewer to amend the VED rates to reduce the number of vehicles paying more than £300 a year extra when the vehicles paying over £300 more to just one vehicle. Even levy is introduced than I previously stated. this additional cost represents less than 0.4% of the The reason for the additional costs once the levy is annual cost of running an HGV, which is normally in introduced is because some vehicles currently pay close the range of £80,000 to £100,000. to or below EU minimum rates of vehicle excise duty There is no change to figures quoted in Parliament of (VED), and so VED cannot be reduced by the same 94% of vehicles paying no more than now, and 98% amount as the levy, or indeed in some cases VED needs paying no more than an additional £50 per year, as a to be increased. result of these changes. The Department for Transport During the Ways and Means resolution debate I will be republishing the full updated analysis on the stated that consultation pages for “Charging Heavy Goods Vehicles” “our analysis of 7,000 rigid vehicles that tow a trailer has found hosted on the gov.uk website: that 40 vehicles would probably suffer a penalty of some £300, https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/ but that is only 40 out of 7,000, which is a significantly small part charging-heavy-goods-vehicles-consultation. of the overall haulage fleet of the United Kingdom”—[Official The updated analysis will enable vehicle operators to Report, 23 October 2012, Vol. 551, c. 884.] see the revised details of how much will be paid for each I also stated on Second Reading: type of vehicle. “there are a small number—about 7,000 of them on the road—of rigid vehicles with a trailer. Of those we estimate—the Department These figures will remain provisional, until Her Majesty’s has done some analysis—that fewer than 50 will face potentially Treasury confirm the new table of rates in the “Overview more than £300 extra in costs”—[Official Report, 20 November of Outstanding Legislation And Rates” document 2012, Vol. 553, col. 497.] accompanying Budget 2014. However, as a result of the Government continuing This once again reinforces the Government’s commitment to consider and refine the analysis for these vehicles, an to introduce the HGV road user levy in April 2014 at as error in the source data was corrected, and improvements minimal a cost to the UK haulage industry as we can were made to the methodology used to set the VED realistically deliver.

13P Petitions18 JULY 2013 Petitions 14P Petition Observations from the Secretary of State for Health: Local authorities are responsible for providing social Thursday 18 July 2013 care services, including residential care, in their areas. Local authorities are autonomous public bodies and it is a matter for the local authority concerned to decide OBSERVATIONS how best to meet the need for social services, including residential care, in its area. It would not be appropriate HEALTH for Government Ministers to intervene in such matters, provided of course that local authorities are acting Proposed Closure of Suffolk Court Care Home lawfully. The Petition of a resident of the UK, Declares that the Petitioner objects to the proposed It is for the local authority concerned to decide how closure of Suffolk Court Care Home in Yeadon; further best to meet the need for social care services. Local that with the increase in numbers and age of older authorities are entitled to review their direct provision people in our community, Suffolk Court is a vital resource, of residential care and other services to see if they can providing security and practical care for those unable to achieve a higher quality of care and better value for be sustained at home by community services; further money. that closing Suffolk Court would undermine services to the elderly and vulnerable in Yeadon. Ministers do understand how traumatic it can be for frail, older and vulnerable people who have to be The Petitioner therefore requests that the House of moved from residential care homes which have become Commons call upon Leeds City Council to reassess its their true homes. In considering changes to the extent of priorities and keep this essential service open. their direct provision of residential care, local authorities And the Petitioner remains, etc.—[Presented by Greg should ensure that, if care homes have to close and Mulholland, Official Report, 19 June 2013; Vol. 564, residents have to move, such moves are handled sensitively, c. 1023.] with full account taken of the welfare and wishes of residents and staff of the homes concerned. [P001188]

781W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 782W

Government is committed to engaging with the Special Written Answers to Envoys for Guantanamo Bay, in the US Departments of State and Defense, as soon as possible. Any decision Questions regarding Mr Aamer’s release remains in the hands of the US Government. Sri Lanka Thursday 18 July 2013 Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE answer from the Deputy Prime Minister to the right hon. Member for Bermondsey and Old Southwark of Hezbollah 15 May 2013, Official Report, column 634, on the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, what Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for consequences the Government is considering against Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Sri Lanka; and under what circumstances such assessment he has made of Hezbollah involvement in consequences would be invoked. [166179] Syria. [165717] Alistair Burt: The British Government continues to Alistair Burt: We judge that thousands of Hezbollah raise concerns about lack of progress on post-conflict fighters from Lebanon are supporting the Assad regime’s reconciliation, accountability, and the current human brutal and violent repression of the Syrian people as rights situation with the Government of Sri Lanka. We demonstrated in Qusayr and Homs. Any Hezbollah have been clear that we expect progress in both these involvement in Syria is simply prolonging the Assad areas and also access by media and civil society to the regime’s brutal and violent repression of the Syrian Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting people. The UK unequivocally condemns these actions. (CHOGM), as well as free, fair and peaceful Northern The consequences of overspill of the Syria crisis to Provincial Council elections in September. neighbouring countries like Lebanon has a seriously In attending CHOGM, the Prime Minister and the destabilising effect on the region as a whole. This is Foreign Secretary will see the situation on the ground, entirely contrary to the interests of Lebanon. It is vital speak with the Government of Sri Lanka, and draw that further contagion is avoided at all costs and a international attention to either progress made or the speedy resolution to the conflict is achieved as soon as lack of it. possible. We co-sponsored the Human Rights Council Resolution Bob Blackman: To ask the Secretary of State for on Sri Lanka which passed with increased support in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment March 2013. The council will return to the issue of Sri he has made of recent reports that the Secretary General Lanka in September and next March. If that is against of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, has stated that Hezbollah the backdrop of insufficient progress on Sri Lanka’s own commitments, or deterioration in the human rights fighters are active in Syria. [165719] situation, we will look for a strong and unified response. Alistair Burt: The Hezbollah leadership openly Uganda acknowledge their involvement inside Syria. The UK unequivocally condemns these actions. The consequences Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for of overspill of the Syria crisis to neighbouring countries Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations like Lebanon has a seriously destabilising effect on the the Government has made to civil society groups, churches region as a whole. This is entirely contrary to the and media organisations (a) in Uganda and (b) interests of Lebanon. It is vital that further contagion is internationally in relation to the Anti-Homosexuality avoided at all cost and a speedy resolution to the Bill before the Ugandan Parliament; and if he will make conflict is achieved as soon as possible. a statement. [166234] Shaker Aamer Mark Simmonds: Our high commission in Kampala has discussed our concerns about the Anti-Homosexuality Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Bill with a wide range of interlocutors, including from Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the religious groups and the media, and works closely with answer of 18 June 2013, Official Report, column 631W, Ugandan civil society groups campaigning for Lesbian, on Shaker Aamer, what steps he is taking to ensure Shaker Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights, including Aamer is released into UK jurisdiction as a matter of support for training, advocacy, and legal cases. President urgency and not forcibly sent to any other country upon Museveni and I discussed the issue with civil society release; what representations he has made to the new representatives during a visit to Uganda on 9 April. State Department envoy Clifford Sloan on this matter; Officials have also consulted closely with UK based what steps he has taken to follow up the Prime Minister’s international non-governmental organisations on our raising of the case with President Obama at the G8 approach. summit; and if he will make a statement. [166061] Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Alistair Burt: Mr Aamer’s case remains a high priority Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations for the UK Government and Ministers and senior the Government has made to the Government of Uganda officials maintain an active dialogue with the US on this in relation to the Anti-Homosexuality Bill before the issue. Following the G8, the Prime Minister wrote to Ugandan Parliament; and if he will make a statement. President Obama regarding Mr Aamer’s case. The UK [166235] 783W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 784W

Mark Simmonds: The Government is committed to overseas voters. One by the Institute for Public Policy ensuring that Lesbian. Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Research, in 2006, put the number at 5.5 million and (LGBT) people around the world are free to live their one by the World Bank, in 2010, estimated it to be lives in a safe and just environment. We have raised our 4.7 million1. Neither estimate takes eligibility, based on concerns about the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill either age or the 15-year rule, into account. with the Ugandan Government at the highest levels. Figures on the number of registered overseas electors Most recently, the Secretary of State for Foreign and are available only for December each year, when the Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member new registers are published. The number of overseas voters for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), raised this issue before and after the last two general elections was: with the Foreign Minister of Uganda in May. December 2004: 9,672 USA December 2005: 18,947 December 2009: 14,901 Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has December 2010: 32,739 made of the existence of fraudulent websites selling 1 The World Bank, Migration and Remittances Factbook 2011. fake electronic systems for travel authorization certificates http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTLAC/Resources/ to people planning to travel to the US; and what steps Factbook2011-Ebook.pdf his Department plans to take against such sites. [166196]

Alistair Burt: We are aware of the existence of websites Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the hon. Member for not endorsed by the US Government offering to help South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee facilitate the application of the Electronic System for on the Electoral Commission, (1) what target the Electoral Travel Authorisations (ESTAs) for the US. We have Commission has to increase the number of overseas advised those seeking travel to the US to be wary of voters (a) registered and (b) voting in the next general such websites on the UK Government’s US travel advice election; [164630] pages. We also provide travellers with the link to the (2) what steps the Electoral Commission is taking to genuine website for ESTA applications. increase awareness of overseas electors of their entitlement to vote before the next election; and how such steps will Wales differ from previous elections. [164631] Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me provides services to people resident in Wales or usually that it does not set specific targets regarding the number resident in Wales. [166106] of voters overseas that are either registered or use their vote. The Commission will, however, deliver a public Mark Simmonds: The Foreign and Commonwealth awareness campaign to encourage British citizens living Office (FCO) provides consular services to all British overseas to register to vote ahead of the European nationals when they are abroad, regardless of where parliamentary elections in 2014 and the UK parliamentary they reside. This is explained in the FCO’s publication, election in 2015. The Commission’s campaigns will be Support for British nationals abroad: A Guide, on informed by evidence obtained from its most recent www.gov.uk overseas voter campaign, which took place during the 2011 UK wide referendum on the parliamentary voting system, and the latest insights into communication techniques since then, particularly new ways to reach ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE people online. The Commission’s campaigns are expected to focus Electoral Register: British Nationals Abroad on the 10 countries with the largest expatriate populations (determined by the latest ONS data) and will include Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the honourable Member activity on specific websites accessed by overseas, such for South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s as BBC.com and editorial coverage in newspapers and Committee on the Electoral Commission what estimate on radio stations with a large expatriate audience. he has made of the total number of potential overseas nationals who are entitled to register for an overseas In addition, the Commission is working with overseas vote; and how many such people were registered to vote representatives from each of the political parties to in the (a) 2005 and (b) 2010 General Elections. identify practical ways to reach overseas electors. It has [164629] also commenced discussions with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to ensure they provide the support Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me of consulates and embassies, particularly in regions that it has made no estimate of the total number of with large expatriate communities. overseas nationals who are eligible to register to vote in elections in the United Kingdom. The dispersed nature Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the honourable of, and lack of data on, this potential electorate makes Member for South West Devon, representing the it very difficult to conduct surveys on this issue. Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission what There have, however, been two relatively recent estimates recommendations the Electoral Commission has made of the total number of UK citizens living abroad that to the Government to make it easier for overseas voters the Commission refers to when planning its work on to register. [164632] 785W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 786W

Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission has the Assembly’s contribution to UK ODA was in (a) recommended that the Government takes appropriate 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; and what the value of that steps to ensure that eligible British citizens living overseas contribution will be in 2013. [165942] are able to register online from the point at which the individual electoral registration digital service goes live, Mr David Jones: The total value of the Welsh which is currently planned for summer 2014. Government contribution to UK ODA was: The Commission has also recommended that all electoral (a) 2010: £1,040,387 registration officers in Great Britain should be required (b) 2011: £1,032,284 to offer this method of registration, and that the service (c) 2012: £966,000 (provisional figure). should not be provided at their discretion. The Commission Details of the specific projects administered by the will issue guidance to support electoral registration Welsh Assembly that are overseas development assistance officers and their staff in implementing any changes. (ODA) attributable are available from the Welsh Electoral Systems Government. The Welsh Government Budget for 2013-14 identifies a planned spend of £845,000 on international Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the hon. Member for development. South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, what recommendations the Electoral Commission has carried out into different ATTORNEY-GENERAL overseas voting systems around the world; and what conclusions have been drawn that would be applicable Duwayne Brooks to the UK. [164633] Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General whether Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission has informed any lawyers who worked on the 1993 prosecution of me that it has not carried out detailed work in this area Duwayne Brooks are still employed by the Crown nor made any specific recommendations for change. Prosecution Service. [165156] The Commission has, however, recommended changes to the current rules that will help overseas voters, including The Attorney-General: It has been established that extending the timetable for elections in order to allow some copy papers from the destroyed Crown Prosecution overseas voters more time to vote by post. This change Service (CPS) file relating to this case were retained by is expected to come into effect for elections from 2014 the Home Office as part of the MacPherson inquiry. A onwards. copy of the papers was given to the CPS on 15 July and The Commission is aware that some other countries this indicates that two of the lawyers who worked on offer different solutions to help overseas electors participate this prosecution of Duwayne Brooks are still employed in elections and believes a choice of voting methods is by the CPS. important. Any proposals to change the voting methods available to overseas electors would need to be carefully Grant Thornton assessed before they are introduced, including to make sure that they are secure and cost effective. This assessment Mr Sheerman: To ask the Attorney-General how would include any relevant evidence available from other much the Law Officers’ Departments have spent on comparable democracies. contracts with Grant Thornton in each year since 2008. [165684] Voting Rights: British Nationals Abroad The Solicitor-General: The information requested is Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the honourable Member contained in the following table. for South West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Expenditure with Grant Thornton by the Law Officers’ Departments Committee on the Electoral Commission how many £ overseas nationals are entitled to register to vote according TSol CPS SFO to their current country of residence. [164634] 2008-09 38,937 20,816 976,916 Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission has informed 2009-10 — 6,612 680,130 me that it does not hold information on the number of 2010-11 — 76,003 187,498 overseas nationals entitled to register to vote according 2011-12 — 168,504 4,500 to their current country of residence. 2012-13 34,535 232,188 3,326 The total number of UK citizens registered as overseas The Attorney-General’s office and HM Crown voters at 1 December 2012 was 19,245. Prosecution Service Inspectorate have not incurred any expenditure with Grant Thornton during the specified period of time. WALES Serious Fraud Office Overseas Aid Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for what steps he took to avoid the £15,000 unauthorised Wales which projects administered by the National ex-gratia payment to the Serious Fraud Office’s former Assembly for Wales are UK overseas development chief operating officer being paid out of the public assistance (ODA) attributable; what the total value of purse. [166223] 787W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 788W

The Attorney-General: As set out in my written ministerial These rules also apply to UK nationals living elsewhere statement of 4 December 2012, Official Report, columns in the EEA claiming that country’s equivalent of child 51-52WS, and explained by David Green CB QC in his benefit for their children resident in the UK. evidence to the Public Accounts Committee on 7 March The Government is reviewing the rules for this issue 2013, the director of the Serious Fraud Office sought in line with making sure that the UK has a fair and legal advice on the enforceability of the contracts entered proportional welfare system. into by the previous director. That advice said that the agreements the SFO had entered into were enforceable Employment and Support Allowance by law. However, as recommended by the Public Accounts Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Committee, the director of the SFO has written to the and Pensions (1) what the outcome of the investigation recipients of the unauthorised ex-gratia payments to undertaken by his Department into the telephone security request they repay the money. questions asked of applicants for employment and support Serious Fraud Office allowance was; [166169] (2) when he will publish the outcome of his Department’s Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General whether review of the telephone security questions asked of there have been any recent instances of evidence for applicants for employment and support allowance; current or past Serious Fraud Office investigations being [166171] (a) lost or (b) returned to the wrong people. [160059] (3) when his Department’s investigation into the effectiveness of security questions asked on the telephone The Attorney-General: The Serious Fraud Office is of applicants for employment and support allowance currently investigating one incident of data loss relating (a) started and (b) concluded. [166173] to a closed case. I will write to the hon. Member once this investigation is complete. Mr Hoban: The review commenced in June 2012 and was concluded June 2013. The review concluded that the security system used by the Department for Work and Pensions did not deliver the anticipated cost savings. WORK AND PENSIONS As a result of this, and in addition to user feedback, the Apprentices decision was made to remove it and revert to the previous system, where contact centre agents perform security checks manually. Managers will regularly quality check Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for a sample of calls to ensure that security procedures are Work and Pensions how many apprenticeships his followed correctly. Department offered to people aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 21 and (c) 22 to 26 years old in each year since 2010. As the review of the telephone security questions was [165882] internal, the Department for Work and Pensions will not be publishing a report. Mr Hoban: Since 2010 the following number of apprenticeship places have been offered in DWP: Flexible Support Fund

Placements Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what criteria was used to allocate 2010 75 money to local authorities under the Support Fund. 2011 108 [166540] 2012 237 2013 237 Steve Webb: The money was allocated based on the All apprentices are aged between 18 and 24 but, as percentage of spend of the discretionary Social Fund there is no requirement to capture information in budget in a local authority area between April 2011 and the required format, we are not able to provide a September 2011. That was the most up-to-date information further breakdown on age ranges without incurring the Government had on Social Fund spend by local disproportionate cost. authority area at the time of allocation.

Child Benefit Housing Benefit: Gwynedd

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps his Department is Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of taking to reduce the number of people claiming child the level of need for discretionary housing payment in benefit for children living outside the UK; and if he Gwynedd as a result of the under-occupancy penalty. will make a statement. [165661] [166616]

Sajid Javid: I have been asked to reply on behalf of Steve Webb: The allocation of funding for discretionary the Treasury. housing payments for all local authorities was agreed European economic area nationals with a right to following consultation with local authority associations. reside in the UK are entitled under European law to The distribution formula is intended, as far as possible, claim child benefit in respect of their dependent children to target resources according to need within each individual resident outside the UK. authority. 789W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 790W

Housing Benefit: Private Rented Housing Personal Independence Payment

Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions how many people living in private rented Work and Pensions whether (a) multiple sclerosis accommodation are in receipt of housing benefit. nurse specialists and (b) other nurse specialists will (i) [166130] complete factual report forms in relation to personal independence payments and (ii) be paid to do so; and if Steve Webb: The information requested for the number he will make a statement. [166311] of housing benefit recipients who are living in private rented accommodation, can be found at: Esther McVey: The health professionals conducting https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk personal independence payment assessments will consider Guidance on how to extract the information required each case individually and decide whether further evidence can be found at: would help inform their advice to DWP. Where they decide to gather further evidence, they will issue a https://sw.stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Stat- factual report form to the relevant professional. Xplore_User_Guide.htm We recognise that disabled people are experts in their Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing own lives and information provided by them will play an important part of the process. The individual is Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Secretary of State for asked which professionals are best placed to provide Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the supporting evidence on their claim. We expect evidence full cost to the Exchequer of reinstating the under- to come from a variety of sources, including GPs, hospital consultants, social workers and, where relevant, occupancy penalty in fiscal year 2015-16. [164543] specialist nurses. If it is appropriate to do so, health Danny Alexander: I have been asked to reply on professionals may request evidence from a multiple behalf of the Treasury. sclerosis nurse specialist. Table 2.2 of Budget 2013 shows that the removal of The Department pays GPs for completed factual the spare room subsidy in housing benefit from working-age report forms. Other professionals do not receive a fee. tenants in the social rented sector is expected to save Redundancy £465 million in 2015-16. It is not the Government’s policy to reinstate the Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work spare room subsidy. and Pensions (1) how many employees of the Health and Safety Executive resident in Scotland have been Jobseeker’s Allowance: Scotland made redundant through compulsory redundancy schemes since May 2010; and what the cost to the Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work public purse of such schemes has been; [166219] and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effect (2) how many employees of the Health and Safety of the introduction of a seven day wait before jobseekers Executive resident in Scotland have been made redundant can claim jobseeker’s allowance on (a) poverty levels, through compulsory redundancy schemes since May (b) child poverty levels, (c) food poverty levels and (d) 2010; and how much this has cost his Department. [166224] temporary poverty levels in Scotland. [165556]

Mr Hoban: No such assessments have been made. Mr Hoban: The Health and Safety Executive has not The increase of waiting days to seven will have a single made any of its employees resident in Scotland redundant effect at the start of a person’s entitlement when final through compulsory redundancy schemes since May wages will often be available. 2010; and therefore there is a nil cost.

Pensions: Fraud Social Security Benefits

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions how many non-UK-based companies are Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the currently being investigated by the Pensions Regulator number of single earner families with net annual earnings for the misappropriation of UK pension funds; and if of £26,000 who are also in receipt of (a) child benefit, he will make a statement. [166165] (b) tax credits and (c) housing benefit; what account he has taken of the receipt of state benefits by single Steve Webb: The existence of the anti-avoidance powers earner families with such annual earnings in the (i) acts as a strong deterrent and enables the Pensions formulation and (ii) communication of the Government’s Regulator to ensure the best outcome for schemes and benefits cap policy; and if he will make a statement. members without invoking those powers. Consequently, [166310] it has not found it necessary to use its powers on a widespread basis. Mr Hoban: These estimates are not available and Decisions on whether to use its anti-avoidance powers could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Working are made by the Regulator’s Determinations Panel, households are outside of the scope of the benefit cap. which although legally part of the Regulator, is not Median earnings are used as the basis of the level of the involved in the investigation of cases. Once a determination benefit cap. In work benefits are not therefore included has been made the outcome is then made public. in an income calculation to set this level. 791W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 792W

The benefit cap will ensure that no family on benefits Welsh Language scheme; when that scheme was will receive more than a working family’s average salary. adopted; and whether it has been reviewed since May It is primarily intended to act as a work incentive. That 2011. [166095] is why all households which include a member who is entitled to working tax credit are exempt from the Mr Hoban: The Department for Work and Pensions benefit cap, as announced in the 2010 spending review. has a Welsh language scheme which was approved by the former Welsh Language Board on 25 March 2010. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Previously there were specific schemes in existence for Work and Pensions how many households affected by the Employment Service, Benefits Agency, Pension Service the benefit cap in the pilot areas have moved out of and other constituent parts of the business. London since the cap was introduced. [166322] The Department has a dedicated Welsh Language Mr Hoban: This information is not available. Unit to oversee the requirements of the scheme. The scheme is kept under constant review and the Department Social Security Benefits: Greater London has reported annually each June to the Welsh Language Commissioner on progress against its objectives when Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for delivering services in Wales. Work and Pensions how many households have had their weekly income (a) reduced and (b) reduced by Work Programme over £100 in (i) Croydon, (ii) Bromley, (iii) Enfield and (iv) Haringey as a result of the introduction of the benefit cap in those areas on 15 April 2013. [166312] Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what assessment he has made of Mr Hoban: The benefit cap commenced phased the extent to which people finding jobs through the implementation in the four named boroughs on 15 Work Programme are doing so in (a) small firms and April 2013. The Department has since published ad hoc (b) large firms; and if he will make a statement; statistics that provide this breakdown to the end of [166320] May; these can be found here: (2) what assessment he has made of the sectors https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ which have proved most likely to employ jobseekers attachment_data/file/210056/Benefit_cap_FINAL.pdf participating in the Work Programme; and if he will make a statement. [166321] Wales Mr Hoban: Information on job starts from the Work Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Programme is not available. and Pensions whether his Department provides services to people resident in Wales or usually resident in Wales. The Department does not hold information on the [166113] size of firm or the sector that have employed jobseekers who participated in the Work Programme. Mr Hoban: In line with its Welsh language scheme the Department ensures that all services provided for Work Programme: Ashfield the public in Wales are available in Welsh, and that customers are aware of this fact. Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department has ensured that processes are in Work and Pensions how many people in Ashfield place across the various business arms to enable customers constituency have found employment lasting more than to deal with us in their preferred language, verbally or in six months through the Work programme since its writing, throughout their dealings with us. This applies inception; how many such people were aged under 24 for written, telephone, face to face and digital contact. years old; and how many such people had a disability. Welsh Language [165724]

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Mr Hoban: The available information is given in the and Pensions whether his Department has a current following tables:

Number1 of Work programme job outcomes2 for payment groups3 1,2and9byarea4,age5 and employment duration6; as at 31 March 2013 Employment duration6 Area4 Age5 Total 26 weeks up to 50 weeks 50 weeks or over

Ashfield parliamentary constituency Total 120 80 40 Other 60 40 20 18-24 60 40 20

Number1 of Work programme job outcomes2 for payment groups3 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 by area4,age5 and employment duration6; as at 31 March 2013 Employment duration6 13 weeks up to 25 25 weeks up to 49 Area4 Age5 Total weeks weeks 49 weeks or over

Ashfield parliamentary constituency Total 120 50 40 30 Other 60 20 20 10 793W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 794W

Number1 of Work programme job outcomes2 for payment groups3 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 by area4,age5 and employment duration6; as at 31 March 2013 Employment duration6 13 weeks up to 25 25 weeks up to 49 Area4 Age5 Total weeks weeks 49 weeks or over

18-24 60 30 20 20

Number1 of Work programme job outcomes2 for payment groups3 1,2and9byarea4, disability indicator7 and employment duration6; as at 31 March 2013 Employment duration6 Area4 Disability indicator7 Total 26 weeks up to 50 weeks 50 weeks or over

Ashfield parliamentary constituency Total 120 80 40 No/unknown 90 60 30 Yes 20 10 10

Number1 of Work programme job outcomes2 for payment groups3 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 by area4, disability indicator7 and employment duration6; as at 31 March 2013 Employment duration6 13 weeks up to 25 25 weeks up to 49 Area4 Disability indicator7 Total weeks weeks 49 weeks or over

Ashfield parliamentary constituency Total 120 50 40 30 No/unknown 80 30 30 20 Yes 301010— Notes: 1. Figures are cumulative and are rounded to the nearest 10. ″—″denotes nil or negligible. 2. Job outcomes: The Work programme IT payment system update went live in April 2012. All outcomes prior to this were recorded clerically and uploaded to the system during April and May 2012. The outcome date for these is based on the date the information was uploaded to the system. For job outcomes recorded after this, outcome dates are based on the date that payments were made to providers following pre-payment validation processes to confirm job outcomes. The manual pre-payment validation checks may take time to conduct resulting in a delay between the job outcome being claimed and the date the payment is made to providers, and hence recorded in the statistics. Validation procedures continue to improve to streamline the process as issues are identified. For further details around issues and delays to job outcome payments please see the information note available on the WP landing page https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions/series/work-programme-statistics--2 3. Payment group: Payment groups are assigned by Jobcentre Plus, on the basis of a claimant’s circumstances, and benefit they receive. A small number of claimants appearinan incorrect group caused by the way information is recorded on the administrative system. Payment group 9 is the JSA ex-offender day 1 mandation group andajob outcome payment can be claimed at 26 weeks. Details of the payment groups 1 -8 can be found at annex 1 of the following document: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/wp-pg-chapter-9.pdf 4. Parliamentary constituency: Parliamentary constituencies are assigned by matching postcodes against the relevant postcode directory. Boundaries are as at the reference date. More information and a map can be found at: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/geography/beginner-s-guide/maps/index.html 5. Age: Age is fixed at the time of referral. We have provided data for those aged 18 to 24 as this is a standard age grouping. 6. Employment duration: Employment duration is defined as the number of weeks required to claim a Job outcome plus the number of weeks for which sustainment payments have been made. For example a job outcome paid for a customer in payment group 1 with one additional sustainment payment will have been in employment for 30 weeks up to 34 weeks. 7. Disability indicator: Disability is self-assessed as having a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day activities. 8. Job outcome payments: A job outcome payment can be claimed when: There has been a either continuous or cumulative period of employment (job outcome payment trigger point) of 13 weeks for payment groups 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 and 26 weeks for payment groups 1, 2 and 9; A participant has been in employment and off benefit in each week of the period (a week is defined as a seven day period); and The job outcome is after the job start date, ie a job outcome payment can only be claimed when a participant starts a job after attachment activity has been recorded on DWP prescribed IT or clerical system. 9. Sustainment payments: Providers can only claim a sustainment payment where: A job outcome has been reported; Four continuous weeks in employment have elapsed between the job outcome payment date and the sustainment payment date, or between the previous sustainment payment date and the current sustainment payment date. A participant has been in employment and off benefit each week (a week is defined as a seven day period) in the four week period; and 15 working days have passed since the last date of the period being claimed. Following a break in employment after the 104 weeks allotted time providers will no longer be eligible to receive a sustainment payment (a break is defined as when a participant leaves employment for two days or more, even if they remain off benefit). Source: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate (IGS)

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Gregory Barker: DECC has had the following number of apprenticeships since 2010 to date: (a)—five Apprentices (b)—less than five (c)—less than five. Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change how many apprenticeships Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for his Department offered to people aged (a) 16 to 18, Energy and Climate Change what strategies he has to (b) 19 to 21 and (c) 22 to 26 years old in each year create apprenticeships in his Department; and what since 2010. [165872] plans he has to promote such strategies. [165890] 795W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 796W

Gregory Barker: DECC is committed to the which would amplify global warming. There are, however, Government’s Social Mobility Strategy and we aim to major scientific uncertainties over the potential size and offer up to 50% of our administrative officer level risk of such methane release and DECC is working vacancies to apprenticeships annually. The Department with the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) was actively involved in National Apprenticeship Week to improve our understanding of the potential for methane 2013. DECC’s apprentices worked closely with our release in the Arctic. partner developing case studies and taking part in the Extreme weather events form part of natural weather events. We have also engaged with Civil Service Learning variability and some, such as maximum temperatures, on the Fast Track Apprenticeship Scheme with a view are likely to become more frequent, widespread and/or to participation after the pilot. intense as part of a changing climate1. Research techniques Arctic now allow us to quantify how much more likely some such events have become as a result of greenhouse gas Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for emissions. A combination of changing average temperature, Energy and Climate Change (1) what recent assessment water availability and atmospheric carbon dioxide levels he has made of (a) the area of Arctic sea ice that will is already affecting crop yields1. It is also clear that remain during September 2015 and (b) the plausible changes in extreme weather events can have serious date range for the earliest ice free summer in the Arctic; impacts on crops, for example, through direct impacts and if he will make a statement; [165642] from flooding, drought and heatwaves. (2) what recent assessment he has made of scenarios The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s and probabilities on (a) further Arctic warming, (b) (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (2007) estimated a sea ice melt, (c) increasing climate extremes and reduced global average sea-level rise of between 0.18 and 0.59 crop production, (d) Arctic methane emissions and (e) million for the period 1980-99 to 2090-99. However, global sea level rise until 2100; and if he will make a these figures do not include all the possible contributions statement; [165643] from ice sheets. (3) what recent assessment he has made of (a) the The Science Volume of the IPCC Fifth Assessment amount of solar energy that was absorbed in the Arctic Report, which will include the IPCC’s latest climate and ocean during 2012 and (b) the minimum cooling required sea level projections, is due to be published in September to halt this level of retreat of sea ice; and if he will make 2013 and will provide a comprehensive assessment of a statement; [165647] these aspects of the climate system. (4) what recent discussions he has had with the Natural The Department has not had any recent discussions Environment Research Council about the CryoSat-2 with the NERC about the CryoSat-2 satellite measurements satellite measurements of Arctic sea ice (a) extend and of Arctic sea ice. Recently published findings2 from (b) volume; and if he will make a statement. [165648] these measurements are making an important contribution to the assessment of the ongoing decline in both the Gregory Barker: The complexity and variability of extent and volume of Arctic sea-ice. the Arctic environment means that it is not possible to make predictions for a specific year several years in Recent changes in the Arctic are another clear sign of advance. Therefore DECC has not made an assessment man-made climate change and reinforce the need for a of the likely area of Arctic sea ice for September 2015. global comprehensive international agreement in 2015 However, we expect that in the long term the annual to deal with the global rise in greenhouse gas emissions minimum extent of Arctic sea ice will continue to and avoid dangerous climate change. We are pressing decline as a result of man-made global warming. hard for that to happen, and we are taking action Results from most recent climate models suggest that domestically to reduce our emissions and so play our the Arctic could be virtually ice-free for a short time in part in the global effort. late summer as early as sometime between 2025 and 1 IPCC. (2012). Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and 2030. Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation. Special Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Geneva. Although no recent assessment has been made of the 2 amount of solar energy absorbed by the Arctic ocean Laxon et al, 2013. CryoSat-2 estimates of Arctic sea ice thickness and volume. Geophysical Research Letters DOI; 10.1002/grl.50193. during 2012, work is currently in progress using climate models and the most up-to-date observations to assess the energy budget of the Arctic, which will include the Energy Companies Obligation solar energy absorbed by the Arctic ocean. Halting the current long-term decline in summer Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Arctic sea ice would require stopping the current rise in Energy and Climate Change what the minimum volume global temperatures caused by rising greenhouse gas is of Energy Companies Obligation that Green Deal concentrations. However, due to the thermal inertia of providers are obliged to deliver in respect of individual the oceans, Arctic sea ice would likely still decline for contracts secured through the eco-brokerage. [166051] several years even if concentrations were stabilised. Temperatures in the Arctic have risen more than Gregory Barker: As described in the guidance for twice as quickly as the rest of the world over the past 40 brokerage participants, Green Deal providers who have years and climate models suggest that the Arctic will sold a lot on brokerage can deliver between 90% and continue to warm faster than the global average, at rates 110% of the carbon/bill savings in the contract (within ranging from 0.9 to 1.5°C per decade over the rest of the agreed three, six or 12 months) in order to receive this century. Rising temperatures are likely to increase payment: the risk of methane release from hydrates in the Arctic https://www.gov.uk/energy-companies-obligation-brokerage# how- ocean and shelf seas and also from thawing permafrost, it-works 797W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 798W

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of Energy and Climate Change how much of the £200 8 July 2013, Official Report, column 67W, on energy million of incentive money for the Green Deal has been companies obligation, for what reasons he does not used to carry out free Green Deal Assessments to date. intend to carry out a revised full impact assessment for [166319] the Energy Company Obligation. [166323] Gregory Barker: The total expenditure from the £200 Gregory Barker: The Department has no plans to million Green Deal incentives spent on Green Deal revise June 2012’s full impact assessment for the Energy assessments is £184,102. Company Obligation (ECO) for two reasons: firstly, producing an impact assessment is a lengthy and intensive Hinkley Point C Power Station process that requires robust analysis of updated evidence, which the Department cannot undertake frequently; Dan Byles: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and secondly, the Department will be publishing a and Climate Change when he plans to announce the consultation impact assessment for the next phase of detail on the community benefit package for the new ECO in due course, which will supersede the previous Hinkley Point C nulear power station. [165835] impact assessment’s projections. Michael Fallon: I refer my hon. Friend to the written Fuel Poverty ministerial statement on this subject which I made to the House on 17 July 2013, Official Report, column Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for 105-106WS. Energy and Climate Change how many people living in private rented accomodation are living in fuel poverty. Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy [166134] and Climate Change how many meetings (a) Ministers Gregory Barker: Fuel poverty is measured at the and (b) officials of his Department have had with household level, rather than in terms of numbers of Électricité de France in (i) the UK and (ii) France to individuals. discuss the strike price for nuclear power at Hinkley Point C in 2013 to date; and whether any of those Under the 10% measure of fuel poverty in 2011, the meetings have involved (A) Treasury Ministers and (B) most recent year that data are available for, there were officials; what period will be allowed for Parliamentary 632,000 households in private rented accommodation scrutiny of the agreement once it has been completed; that were in fuel poverty. This represented 17% of all and whether such scrutiny will include provision to households in this group. propose amendments to the agreement. [165925] On 9 July, DECC announced that they would be adopting a new indicator to measure fuel poverty, based Michael Fallon: Negotiations over the Investment on the recommendations from Professor Hills’ independent Contract have entailed numerous meetings with Électricité review. Statistics on fuel poverty under this measure will de France (EdF) and its joint venture NNB over terms, be published at 9.30 am on 8 August. This will include including price, some of which have involved Commercial the number of households in private rented accommodation Secretary to HM Treasury the noble Lord Deighton. in fuel poverty. This is a commercial transaction between the Green Deal Scheme Government and EdF. If a deal is to be reached, we have always been clear it must represent a fair deal that Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for is affordable and provides clear value for money. Any Energy and Climate Change what estimate his Department contract that is agreed will be laid before Parliament has made of how much the credit checking process for and published in line with the requirements of the Green Deal customers adds to the cost of delivering Energy Bill alongside summaries of reports from external Green Deal finance. [166052] expert advisors and our value for money appraisal. Insulation Gregory Barker: DECC has not estimated the cost of completing credit checks for Green Deal customers as this is a commercial consideration for Green Deal providers Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for who are offering finance. Lenders, including Green Energy and Climate Change what criteria were used to Deal providers, must lend responsibly and are required determine that hard to treat cavity wall insulation and by law to check people will be able to make the repayments. solid wall insulation would not be identified as separate It is for them to decide how best to meet this requirement measures in eco-brokerage contracts and auctions. and how any costs are managed. [166049]

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Gregory Barker: Brokerage was introduced to increase Energy and Climate Change what testing Green Deal transparency and liquidity of the ECO market by allowing systems were subject to before that scheme was launched a range of Green Deal providers, including new SME in January 2013. [166313] entrants, to trade with energy companies, thus helping keep cost to bill payers down. In keeping with this aim Gregory Barker: The Green Deal systems that went for transparency, a criterion used when designing brokerage live in January went through a series of end to end tests was that it should allow for the trading of those which involved both contractors responsible for providing commodities which are relevant to the legal targets set Green Deal services and participants including energy on the obligated energy companies. In the case of the companies and Green Deal providers. carbon saving element of ECO, that obligation is expressed 799W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 800W in carbon tonnes. Hard to treat cavity wall insulation Official Cars and solid wall insulation are not identified as separate sub-targets. Aligning commodities with the relevant Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for obligation also gives GDPs flexibility in preparing packages Energy and Climate Change which officials in his of future measures for auction. Department are entitled to use a car from the Government car pool. [165347]

Nuclear Industry Council Gregory Barker: When the allocated car provided by the Government Car Service is not used by Ministers it can be used for the transport of other officials. Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what matters were discussed and Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for what decisions taken at the Nuclear Industry Council Energy and Climate Change how many officials of his meeting on 10 July 2013; when full minutes of the Department were entitled to use the Government car meeting will be published on his Department’s website; pool in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011 and (d) 2012. what invitations have been offered to interested [165350] stakeholders to attend meetings of the Council as observers; and how long he and other Ministers of his Gregory Barker: When the allocated car provided by Department were in attendance at the meeting. [165924] the Government Car service is not used by Ministers it can be used for the transport of other officials. Michael Fallon: I can confirm that the minutes of the second UK Nuclear Industry Council (NIC) are currently Gavin Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for being written and will shortly be published in full on: Energy and Climate Change how many officials of his www.gov.uk Department used Government cars in (a) 2009, (b) 2010, (c) 2011 and (d) 2012. [165362] The matters discussed were Skills, Trade and Investment, Business Capability, Cost Reduction and Public Gregory Barker: This information is not held centrally Understanding of Nuclear Energy. The decision was and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. taken that workstreams for each of the areas above will be established. Regulation Invitations to join as observers were issued at the Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for time of the establishment of the NIC to the Office for Energy and Climate Change what the title is of each Nuclear Regulation, the Environment Agency and the regulation his Department (a) introduced and (b) Welsh Government. At the second meeting the UK revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to Nuclear Research Councils were also represented as date; and if he will make a statement. [165910] observers. The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Gregory Barker: The titles of regulations introduced the right hon. Member for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr by the Department in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 are Davey), and I are co-chairs of the NIC alongside Lord listed in the following table. The final column indicates Hurton (Chair of the Nuclear Industry Association). whether or not the regulations in question have been Unfortunately, due to a prior engagement I was only revoked. Information on the years in which these revocations able to attend the second half of the meeting. The were made and on regulations introduced before 2010 Secretary of State was in attendance for the duration of which have been revoked could be provided only at the meeting. disproportionate cost.

Statutory instrument title SI No. Coming into force date Revoked?

Entered force in 2010 The Carbon Accounting (Amendment) Regulations 2009 2009/3146 1 January 2010 — The Petroleum Licensing (Amendment) Regulations 2009 2009/3283 20 January 2010 — The Overhead Lines (Exempt Installations) (Consequential Provisions) Order 2010 2010/29 1 March 2010 — The Overhead Lines (Exempt Installations) Order 2010 2010/277 1 March 2010 — The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Order 2010 2010/768 22 March 2010 Yes Electricity (Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) (Keadby) 2010/411 31 March 2010 — (England and Wales) Order 2010 The Electricity (Exemptions from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) 2010/413 31 March10 — (Millennium and Kilbraur) (Scotland) Order 2009 The Feed in Tariffs (Specified Maximum Capacity and Functions) Order 2010 2010/678 1 April 2010 Yes The Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2010 2010/1107 1 April 2010 — The Energy Act 2008 (Consequential Modifications) (Offshore Environmental 2010/1513 1 July 2010 — Protection) Order 2010 The Energy Act 2004 (Commencement No. 10) Order 2010 2010/1889 29 July 2010 — The Energy Act 2008 (Commencement No. 5) Order 2010 2010/1888 29 July 2010 — The Electricity and Gas (Carbon Emissions Reduction) (Amendment) Order 2010 2010/1958 30 July 2010 — The Sale of Electricity by Local Authorities (Scotland) Regulations 2010 2010/1908 18 August 2010 — The Sale of Electricity by Local Authorities (England & Wales) Regulations 2010 2010/1910 18 August 2010 — The Aviation Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Regulations 2010 2010/1996 31 August 2010 Yes 801W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 802W

Statutory instrument title SI No. Coming into force date Revoked?

The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Licensing etc.) Regulations 2010 2010/2221 1 October 2010 — The Justification Decision (Generation of Electricity by the EPR Nuclear Reactor) 2010/2844 30 November 2010 — Regulations 2010 The Justification Decision (Generation of Electricity by the AP1000 Nuclear 2010/2845 30 November 2010 — Reactor) Regulations 2010 The Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Handling (Designated Technical 2010/2850 30 November 2010 — Matters) Order 2010 The Electricity (Guarantees of Origin of Electricity Produced from Renewable 2010/2715 5 December 2010 — Energy Sources) (Amendment) Regulations 2010

Entered force in 2011 The Submarine Pipelines (Designated Owners) Order 2010/3048 5 January 2011 — The Lynn and Inner Dowsing Offshore Wind Farms (Amendment) Order 2011 2011/84 24 January 2011 — The Gas (Exemptions) Order 2011 2011/232 1 March 2011 — The Promotion of the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources Regulations 2011 2011/243 14 March 2011 — The Aviation Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) 2011/765 25 March 2011 Yes Regulations 2011 Offshore Chemicals (Amendment) Regulations 2011 2011/982 30 March 2011 — Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) 2011/983 30 March 2011 — (Amendment) Regulations 2011 The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme (Amendment) Order 2011 2011/234 1 April 2011 Yes The Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2011 2011/984 1 April 2011 — Warm Home Discount Regulations 2011 2011/1033 1 April 2011 — The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Fees) and 2011/727 6 April 2011 — National Emissions Inventory Regulations 2011 The Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Handling (Finance and Fees) 2011/134 6 April 2011 Yes Regulations 011 The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (England)(Amendment) Regs 2011 2011/833 13 April 2011 — Feed-in Tariffs (Specified Maximum Capacity and Functions) (Amendment) Order 2011/1181 30 May 2011 Yes 2011 The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Nitrous Oxide) Regulations 2011 2011/1506 16 June 2011 — Warm Home Discount (Reconciliation) Regs 2011 2011/1414 1 July 2011 — The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Termination of Licences) Regulations 2011 2011/1483 11 July 2011 — The Disclosure of State Pension Credit Information (Warm Home Discount) Regs 2011/1830 20 July 2011 — 2011 Feed-in Tariffs (Specified Maximum Capacity and Functions) (Amendment No. 2) 2011/1655 1 August 2011 Yes Order 2011 Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Amendment Regulations 2011 2011/2043 11 August 2011/1 October 2011 — The Renewable Heat Incentive (Amendment to the Energy Act 2008) Regulations 2011/2195 6 September 2011 — 2011 The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Access to Infrastructure) Regulations 2011 2011/2305 16 September 2011 — Feed-in Tariffs (Specified Maximum Capacity and Functions) (Amendment No. 3) 2011/2364 18 October 2011 Yes Order 2011 Electricity and Gas (Internal Markets) Regulations 2011 2011/2704 9 November 2011 — The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Amendment of the Energy Act 2008 etc.) 2011/2453 16 November 2011 — Regulations 2011 The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme Regulations 2011 2011/2860 28 November 2011 — The Gas Transporter (Modification of Licence Conditions) Regulations 2011 2011/2803 16 December 2011 — The Electricity and Gas (Carbon Emissions and Community Energy Saving) 2011/3062 22 December 2011 — (Amendment) Order 2011

Entered force in 2012 The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Registries and 2011/2911 1 January 2012 — Fees etc.) Regulations 2011 The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Inspections etc.) Regulations 2012 2012/461 23 February 2012 — The Energy Act 2011 (Commencement No 1 and Saving) Order 2012 2012/873 20 March 2012 — The Offshore (Oil and Gas) Installation and Pipeline Abandonment Fees 2012/949 20 April 2012 — Regulations 2012 Electricity (Exemption from the Requirement for a Supply Licence) (MVV 2012/1646 26 June 2012 — Environment Devonport Limited) (England and Wales) Order 2012 Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2012 2012/1999 31 July 2012 — Green Deal Framework (Disclosure, Acknowledgement and Redress etc.) 2012/2079 Various made. 6 August 2012 — Regulations 2012 Green Deal (Energy Efficiency Improvements) Order 2012 2012/2106 7 August 2012 — Green Deal (Qualifying Energy Improvements) Order 2012 2012/2105 7 August 2012 — The Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (England)(Amendment) Regulations 2012 2012/2140 12 September 2012 — The Electricity and Gas (Smart Meters Licensable Activity) Order 1012 2012/2400 19 September 2012 — The Climate Change Agreements (Administration) Regulations 2012 2012/1976 1 October 2012 — 803W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 804W

Statutory instrument title SI No. Coming into force date Revoked?

The Electricity and Gas (Competitive Tenders for Smart Meter Communication 2012/2414 2012 October 2012 — Licences) Regulations 2012 Electricity (Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) (Curen) 2012/2740 31 October 2012 — (England and Wales) Order 2012 The Electricity (Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) 2012/2911 1 November 2012 — (Covanta Ince Park) (England and Wales) Order 2012 The Feed in Tariffs )Order 2012 2012/2782 1 December 2012 — The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) (Charging 2012/2788 3 December 2012 — Schemes) Regulations 2012 Green Deal Framework (Disclosure, Acknowledgement and Redress etc.) 2012/3021 5 December 2012 — (Amendment) Regulations 2012 The Electricity and Gas (Energy Companies Obligation) Order 2012 2012/3018 5 December 2012 — The Oil Stocking Order 2012 2012/2862 31 December 2012 —

Entered force in 2013 The Climate Change Agreements (Eligible Facilities) Regulations 2012 2012/2999 1 January 2013 — The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Regulations 2012 2012/3038 1 January 2013 — The Energy Act 2011 (Commencement No 2) Order 2013 2013/125 24 January 2013 — The Energy Act 2011 (Amendment) (Energy Performance of Buildings) 2012/3170 25 January 2013 — Regulations 2012 Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) etc. (Amendment) 2013/10 27 January 2013 — Regulations 2013 Green Deal (Acknowledgement) Regulations 2012 2012/1661 28 January 2013 — Green Deal (Disclosure) Regulations 2012 2012/1660 28 January 2013 — The Consumer Credit (Green Deal) Regulations 2012 2012/2798 28 January 2013 — Green Deal Framework (Disclosure, Acknowledgement and Redress etc.) 2013/139 28 January 2013 — (Amendment) Regulations 2013 The Kentish Flats Extension Order 2013 2013/343 20 February 2013 — Electricity (Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) 2013/426 25 February 2013 (Middlemoor) Order The Nuclear Industries Security (Amendment) Regulations 2013 2013/190 28 February 2013 — The Nuclear Decommissioning and Waste Handling (Finance and Fees) 2013/126 4 March 2013 — Regulations 2013 The Brechfa Forest West Wind Farm Order 2013 2013/586 13 March 2013 — —The Electricity (Applications for Consent) (Amendment) (England and Wales) 2013/495 6 April 2013 — Regulations 2013 The Pollution Prevention and Control (Designation of the Industrial Emissions 2013/669 15 March 2013 — Directive) (Offshore) Order 2013 The Climate Change Agreements Administration (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2013/508 31 March 13 — Regulations 2013 The Climate Change Agreements (Eligible Facilities) (Miscellaneous Amendments) 2013/505 31 March 13 — Regulations 2013 The Renewables Obligation (Amendment) Order 2013 2013/768 1 April 2013 — The Warm Home Discount (Reconciliation) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 2013/519 6 April 2013 — The Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2013 2013/1033 30 April 2013 — The CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme Order 2013 2013/1119 2 May 2013 —The Electricity (Extension of Transitional Period for Property Schemes) Order 2013/968 19 May 2013 — 20133 The Offshore Combustion Installations (Pollution Prevention and Control) 2013/971 19 May 2013 — Regulations 2013 The Electricity (Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) 2013/1011 27 May 2013 — (Baillie) Order 2013 The Chemical Weapons (Licence Appeal Provisions) (Revocation) Order 2013 2013/1045 n/a — The Electricity (Exemption from the Requirement for a Generation Licence) 2013/1031 1 June2013 — (Markinch) Order 2013 The Promotion of the Use of Energy from Renewable Sources (Amendment) 2013/829 1 June 2013 — Regulations 2013 Energy Supply Company Administration Rules 2013 2013/1046 7 June 2013 — Energy Supply Company Administration (Scotland) Rules 2013 2013/1047 7 June 2013 — The Chemical Weapons (Licence Appeal Provisions) (Revocation)(No. 2) Order 2013/1129 12 June 2013 — 2013 The Galloper Wind farm Order 2013 2013/1203 15 June 2013 — The Gas and Petroleum (Consents) Charges Regulations 2013 2013/1138 17 June 2013 — The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2013 2013/1037 23 June 2013 — The Hydrocarbons (Temporary Management Scheme) Regulations 2013 2013/1329 30 June 2013 — The Feed-in Tariffs (Amendment) order 2013 2013/1099 1 July 2013 — The Electricity and Gas (Market Integrity and Transparency) (Enforcement etc.) 2013/1389 29 June 2013 — Regulations 2013 The Gas and Electricity (Registers) (Revocation) Order 2013 2013/1420 12 July 2013 — 805W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 806W

Statutory instrument title SI No. Coming into force date Revoked?

The Planning Act 2008 (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects) (Electric 2013/1479 18 June 2013 — Lines) Order 2013 The Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Order 2013 2013/1734 12 July 2013 — The Gas Act 1986 (Exemption) (Onshore Gas) Order 2013 2013/1726 12 July 2013 —

Security JUSTICE

Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Capita Energy and Climate Change how many passes for his Department have been issued (a) to persons who are Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for not officials of his Department and (b) to representatives Justice how much his Department currently spends on of non-governmental organisations. [166284] contracts with Capita; and how much was spent in each year since 2008. [158470] Gregory Barker: As at 16 July 2013, excluding visitor passes, 75 DECC issued departmental staff photo passes Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice has spent the and 69 temporary passes were held by non-DECC following amounts on contracts with Capita since the officials. No DECC issued passes were held by financial year 2008-09. representatives of non-governmental organisations. There is a significant increase in expenditure in the financial year 2011-12 due to the transition by the MOJ Welsh Language onto the Government Procurement Service CIPHER Framework for specialist contractors and interim managers Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and the commencement of the MOJ contract under the and Climate Change whether his Department has a Framework for Language Services. current Welsh Language scheme; when that scheme was adopted; and whether it has been reviewed since May Total departmental spend 2011. [166086] Financial year Net amount (£) 2008-09 2,484,728.62 Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and 2009-10 4,568,308.60 Climate Change adopted its current Welsh Language 2010-11 3,936,244.42 Scheme in March 2012. 2011-12 24,551,942.29 The scheme has not yet been reviewed but we have 2012-13 40,671,774.05 committed to review it within four years of its coming into effect. Clothing Written Questions Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy how many officials in (a) his Department and (b) the and Climate Change (1) how many answers by his non-departmental public bodies for which he is responsible Department to Parliamentary Questions involving tables have made a claim for evening dress allowance in each of statistics fewer than four pages in length were (a) printed of the last five years; and what the total cost of such in full and (b) provided via a link to a website in the last claims has been. [155453] year; [165467] Mrs Grant: The following table provides a breakdown (2) what guidance his Department follows in determining of the number of claims for evening dress allowance whether statistics in answers to Parliamentary Questions and the total cost of such claims for each of the last five are (a) provided in full, (b) provided via a link to a years. website and (c) deposited in the Library. [165486] Hire and purchase of evening wear Gregory Barker: The Department for Energy and Period 1 April to Total number Total costs Climate Change endeavours to answer all parliamentary 31 March each year of claims (£) questions in accordance with Cabinet Office guidance. 2012-13 33 2,734.25 The full guide is available on the Cabinet Office website 2011-12 24 2,072.94 at: 2010-11 55 3,224.52 http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to- 2009-10 58 3,874.02 parliamentary-work 2008-09 42 2,883.63 A copy of the guidance relating to referring to websites has already been placed in the Library and the Office of No Ministers or senior MOJ officials have made the Leader of the House of Commons intends to review these claims. These claims relate to a number of claims the Guide to Parliamentary Work later this year. by prison officers for evening attire for a specific awards The Department’s parliamentary question database does event, where the hire cost might otherwise affect their not record when answers include tables of statistics, or attendance. how these tables, are provided. The information requested Information on the number of officials who have in (a) and (b) in both questions and in (c) is not held made a claim for evening dress allowance is not available centrally and to obtain it would incur disproportionate and the above figures may include more than one claim cost. for a specific individual. Information on the number of 807W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 808W officials who have claimed for evening dress allowance give courts new powers to electronically monitor the and the total cost of such claims for each of the location of offenders, and increase the use of pre-sentence MOJ’s NDPBs is not held centrally and would incur restorative justice. disproportionate cost to provide. General information on the completion rates of offending Civil service terms and conditions are currently being behaviour programmes are available within the NOMS reviewed through the civil service reform programme. Annual Report Management Information Addendum 2011-12: Community Orders https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/163292/noms-annual-report-2011-12- addendum.pdf.pdf Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice These figures have been drawn from administrative how many people aged (a) 10 to 15, (b) 16 to 18 and IT systems which, as with any large scale recording (c) 18 to 21 years and sentenced to community orders system, are subject to possible errors with data entry were sentenced to (i) unpaid work for up to 300 hours, and processing. (ii) specific activities, such as developing skills or making Tables 1 and 2 will be placed in the Library of the amends to their victim, (iii) undertaking a particular House. programme to help change offending behaviour, (iv) prohibition from doing particular activities, (v) adherence Conditions of Employment to a curfew, requiring the offender to be in a particular place at certain times, (vi) an exclusion requirement, Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for prohibiting the offender from going to particular places, Justice pursuant to the answer of 10 June 2013, Official (vii) a residence requirement, obliging the offender to Report, column 93W, on conditions of employment, live at a particular address, (viii) mental health treatment how many people in his Department were employed on with the offender’s consent, (ix) a drug rehabilitation zero hours contracts in each of the last three years. requirement with the offender’s consent, (x) an alcohol [164241] treatment requirement with the offender’s consent and (xi) supervision by the Probation Service in each year Mrs Grant: The number of staff employed on zero-hour since May 2005; and how many (A) completed and (B) contracts in the Ministry of Justice (Ministry of Justice failed to complete their sentence in each such year. HQ, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, National Offender [164564] Management Service and the Office of the Public Guardian) in each of the last three financial years is set out in the Jeremy Wright: Table 1 provides information on the following table. numbers of (a) 10 to 15, (b) 16 to 18 and (c) 18 to 21-year-olds sentenced at all courts to a community As at 1 April to sentence, by age groups and type of community sentence, 31 March each year Total cumulative staff number in England and Wales, 2005 to 2012. Centrally held sentencing data does not include information on the 2010-11 238 individual requirements attached to community orders. 2011-12 218 2012-13 172 Central data sources of starts of probation service supervision include information on the requirements The use of zero-hour contracts enables greater flexibility attached to community orders for all offenders aged 18 where work is irregular, thereby making more efficient and over. Offenders under the age of 18 are not subject use of resources to meet demand. The staff are only to supervision by the probation service. Table 2 provides paid for the hours that they work. the number of requirements started as part of a community order by offenders aged 18-21 by type of requirement in Court of Protection England and Wales, 2005 to 2012. The total number of requirements started as part of a community order will Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for be greater than the number of community order starts Justice (1) how many cases coming before the Court of in any year because an offender may have one or more Protection were later subject to Judicial Review in each requirement attached to an order. year since May 2005; [164567] Termination rates of individual requirements are not (2) how many decisions of the Court of Protection available from centrally held probation data sources. were appealed and how many were upheld or Nationally, 66% of community orders given to offenders overturned in each year since May 2005; [164566] of all ages ran their full course or terminated early due (3) in how many cases the Court of Protection has to good progress. made an order resulting in (a) imprisonment or (b) The Government is committed to strengthening confiscation of a defendant’s possessions in each year community sentences, so that they combine robust since May 2005; [164563] punishment with requirements that are effective at (4) how many cases of the Court of Protection were preventing further offending and which provide reparation prohibited from being reported in each year since May to victims and communities. At a time when crime is 2005. [164562] falling we have increased the length and duration of curfews, given courts greater flexibility to impose Mrs Grant: The Court of Protection is a unique court programme and treatment requirements, and made the dealing with some of the most vulnerable people in delivery of community payback swifter and more intensive. society. Its specialist judges are called on to make decisions Provisions in the Crime and Courts Act 2013 will ensure in cases where there is a concern a person may not have that all community orders contain a punitive element, the mental capacity to act in their own interests—for 809W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 810W example about their property, financial affairs, healthcare (4) what the cost of running the Court of Protection or personal welfare. The Court of Protection is a Superior was in each year since May 2005; [164608] Court of Record and takes its place with other civil, (5) what the (a) longest, (b) shortest and (c) average family and criminal jurisdictions, but is separate from time was for cases coming before the Court of Protection the county court and High Court and has its own set of to be heard in each year since May 2005. [164571] rules. The Ministry of Justice is not aware of any cases in Mrs Grant: The Court of Protection is a unique court the Court of Protection that have been subject to judicial dealing with some of the most vulnerable people in review since the court was created on 1 October 2007. society. Its specialist judges are called on to make decisions At the present time, data between the Court of Protection in cases where there is a concern a person may not have and other courts, including the Court of Appeal are not the mental capacity to act in their own interests—for linked and I am therefore unable to provide information example about their property, financial affairs, healthcare on the numbers of appealed cases and the outcomes or personal welfare. The Court of Protection is a Superior with any degree of accuracy. We are investigating how Court of Record and takes its place with other civil, this can be resolved. family and criminal jurisdictions, but is separate from The Court of Protection database does not hold a the county court and High Court and has its own set of record of the outcomes of these appeals. rules. Since October 2007, the court has made an order for From May 2005 to October 2007, the previous Court imprisonment in one case. That related to contempt. of Protection was an office of the Supreme Court and The court has no powers to confiscate a defendant’s like for like figures about the number of cases considered possessions. each year are therefore not available. The current Court of Protection came into being on 1 October 2007 following The Court of Protection generally sits in private, but the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. this is to reflect the sensitive and personal, and, in MOJ publishes applications made under the Mental particular, the financial nature of the issues being discussed. Capacity Act 2005 made at the Court of Protection It is also because the person who is the subject of the from 2008: proceedings may become vulnerable if identified. However, the court does have a wide discretion to: authorise the Number of applications publication of information about private hearings; authorise persons, including the media, to attend a private hearing; 2008 22,583 exclude persons from attending a hearing and otherwise 2009 19,093 restrict the publication of information about a hearing—the 2010 20,459 court will decide what restriction to impose on a case by 2011 23,538 case basis. The court does not record the detail of 2012 24,877 reporting restrictions. To research all cases where hearings have been held since October 2007 would be a We do not have the data linked to be able to provide disproportionate cost. accurate information on the duration of cases coming The Government agrees there is a need for greater to the Court in its various locations in England and openness in the Court of Protection and that it is Wales, since October 2007. We are currently scoping important to make progress so as to ensure public how this can be achieved. confidence. We acknowledge that there is a public perception The Ministry of Justice does not publish figures for and concern that the court is unjustifiably secret and contempt of court offences in the Court of Protection. this cannot be allowed to continue. This specific offence is more detailed than the offence The question of how to open up the Court of Protection group statistics published in the annual ‘Criminal Justice further and balance access with proper controls to Statistics’ publication. To collect data on specific cases prevent the disclosure of sensitive information which in the Court would be disproportionately expensive, as might be harmful to parties in the proceedings if released it would entail researching each case that had been (including vulnerable children and adults) remains a heard in the Court of Protection throughout England difficult and controversial issue, which requires careful and Wales. and serious consideration. There are occasions where NHS trusts and local The President of the Court of Protection is currently authorities are involved in Court of Protection cases. considering how progress can be made through changes However, the Ministry of Justice does not have any to Rules of Court, practice directions and guidance to information regarding the costs involved, as collecting further the public understanding of proceedings, while it from each NHS trust or local authority would be respecting the right to privacy of vulnerable individuals. disproportionately expensive. When the current Court came into being on 1 October Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for 2007, its running costs were shared with those of the Justice (1) how many cases were considered by the Office of the Public Guardian. I will write to the hon. Court of Protection in each year since May 2005; Member further on this point as the information regarding [164612] the courts costs at this time are not readily to hand. On (2) in how many cases the Court of Protection has 1 April 2009 responsibility for the Court transferred to made a finding of contempt of court in each year since HMCTS. Running costs since that date have been: May 2005; [164611] 2009-10: £3.9 million (3) what the cost of representations on behalf of the 2010-11: £5.0 million state in cases coming before the Court of Protection 2011-12: £4.4 million was in each year since May 2005; [164610] 2012-13: £4. l million. 811W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 812W

The full cost of running the Court of Protection Published breakdowns for data related to the timeliness (including allocated overhead costs) has been calculated of criminal court cases in England and Wales for the as part of the workings for a fees and charges note to period 2010 to 2012 can be found as part ‘Chapter 3— the HMCTS Annual Report and Accounts, and the Criminal cases’ of the Ministry of Justice statistics HMCS predecessor reports, since 2009-10. Equivalent bulletin ‘Court Statistics Quarterly’. data are not available prior to 2009-10. Published tables (Tables 3.6—3.9, 3.23 and 3.24) can be found at the following Courts: Shropshire link: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for attachment_data/file/207806/court-stats-q1-main-tables.xls Justice for what reason changes to the low-level courts structure are being initiated in Shropshire in advance of his Department’s review of the future shape of HM Death Courts and Tribunals Service. [159324] Sir Paul Beresford: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Grant: A consultation document has been issued Justice how many convictions or reported offences on possible changes to local justice areas (LJA) covering there have been under the amended section 5 of the the West Mercia area. There is no centrally-driven Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 policy to alter LJAs. These are local initiatives and this offence of causing the death or serious physical harm consultation has been issued on behalf of the Justices’ of a child or vulnerable adult which came into force on Issues Group (JIG)—a group comprising the chairmen 2 July 2012; and where such statistics are reported on of the six magistrates’ benches covered by the JIG, the Office for National Statistics website. [165680] representatives of the Magistrates’ Association for the area, the District Judge (magistrates courts) and Her Jeremy Wright: There were no convictions for the Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service managers. The offence of causing or allowing a child or vulnerable consultation process has not yet concluded, and no adult to suffer serious physical harm under section 5 of decisions have been made. LJAs are defined in secondary the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, as legislation and any changes will therefore require the amended by the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims amendment of that legislation. (Amendment) Act 2012, in England and Wales, between 2 July 2012 and the end of 2012 (latest available). This Criminal Injuries Compensation offence only came into effect in July 2012, thus could explain why there have not been any convictions to date. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice We will continue to monitor the new offence. how many applications for compensation from the There were three convictions for the offence of causing Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme Hardship the death of a child or vulnerable adult under section 5 Fund were rejected due to being received after the four of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, week eligibility cut-off point since the new scheme was in England and Wales, in calendar year 2012. established. [160475] Annual statistics for convictions are reported by the Justice Statistics Analytical Services (MOJ) as part of Mrs Grant: None of the Hardship Fund applications their ‘Criminal Justice Statistics’ publications. The most sent to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority recent publication is the quarterly update to December have been rejected due to being received after the four 2012, which can be accessed at the following link: week eligibility cut-off point. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-justice- statistics-quarterly-update-to-december-2012 Criminal Proceedings Convictions and sentencing data, by offence type, are available in ‘Volume 5—All Courts’, which is an Excel Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice spreadsheet within a Zip file of 371KB. Within the (1) what the average length of time was between a spreadsheet in tab ‘s5.1’ convictions and sentencing crime being committed and an offender being data for offence type ‘4.7 Causing death of a child or sentenced in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; [165937] vulnerable adult’ is available. In future, when convictions (2) what the average time taken was from sentencing and sentences are recorded for the offence of causing or to appeal hearing in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; allowing a child or vulnerable adult to suffer serious [165938] physical harm, they will be separately identified within (3) what the average time taken was from the end of this table, which will be under the identifier 4.11. a trial to sentencing in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) Annual criminal justice statistics for 2013 are planned 2012; [165939] for publication in May 2014. (4) what the average time taken was from charge to Additionally, the Home Office collects data for offences the commencement of a trial in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and recorded under section 5 of the Domestic Violence, (c) 2012. [165950] Crime and Victims Act 2004 as amended by the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims (Amendment) Act 2012. Mrs Grant: Data relating to the timeliness of cases However, from the statistics collected centrally it is not which result in a trial and/or sentencing occasion are possible to separately identify the number of child or not currently published by the Ministry of Justice. The vulnerable adult victims who died from those who creation and quality assurance of unpublished breakdowns suffered serious physical harm. Data for both these of existing timeliness datasets would be disproportionate offences are recorded under Home Office offence to costs. classification 4.7 and are available from the Office for 813W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 814W

National Statistics website in Table A4 of the Appendix Mrs Grant: When complaints are received, HMCTS tables to ‘Crime in England and Wales, Year Ending conducts an investigation to determine the cause of the December 2012’. The table can be accessed at: problem. Any remedial action is taken, including in this http://ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/crime-stats/crime-statistics/period- case notifying the DVLA so that it can return the ending-december-2012/rft-appendix-tables.xls driving licence to the driver in question. The court will apologise where something has gone wrong and, where appropriate, a compensation payment is made. Domestic Violence Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice on what date East London Magistrates Court notified what definition of the term domestic violence his the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency that the court Department uses for court operational purposes; and had wrongly identified Mr Byrne of Christchurch as which relationships are covered by that term. [165421] the person disqualified from driving by the court on 1 July 2013 for an offence on 19 January 2013. [166177] Mrs Grant: The Government uses the following non- legislative definition of domestic violence as part of its Mrs Grant: East London magistrates court notified strategy for raising awareness of and tackling domestic the DVLA of the error on 5 July 2013. violence against women and girls, which was revised on 31 March 2013: Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice “Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive for what reason East London Magistrates Court did or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 not write to Mr Byrne of Christchurch reinstating his or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members driving licence as soon as it realised on 5 July 2013 that regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse: psychological, physical, it had made an error in instructing the Driver and sexual, financial and emotional.” Vehicle Licensing Agency to revoke his licence. [166178] The courts in England and Wales are responsible for operating civil, family and criminal proceedings during Mrs Grant: HMCTS is aware that a number of errors which issues of domestic violence may arise. In such have occurred in this case and I will be writing to the situations the independent judiciary will interpret and hon. Member to provide a more detailed response to apply the relevant law to the individual circumstances explain what happened. HMCTS will be writing to Mr. of the case. A Home Office circular issued in February Byrne to apologise for the mistakes that have occurred 2013, however, drew attention to the cross-government in his case. definition and recipients included the judiciary and lay magistracy. Electronic Tagging In relation to domestic violence and the definition of family relationships, the courts will apply the definitions Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice contained in Part 4 of the Family Law Act 1996 when (1) how his Department plans to monitor the effectiveness considering an application for a protective measure of GPS-style tagging of offenders by private companies; such as a non-molestation or occupation order. Section [155604] 62 of the Act defines relationships by reference to “cohabitants”, “relevant child” and “associated persons” (2) what estimate his Department has made of the and in section 63 defines “relative” as mother, father, cost of introducing GPS tagging of offenders; [155605] son, daughter, brother, sister and grandparents whether (3) what research his Department has undertaken directly related, in-laws or step-family. into the effectiveness of GPS-style electronic tagging of offenders. [155606]

Driving Offences: Insurance Jeremy Wright: The electronic monitoring contracts are currently being competed and new contracts are due Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice to come into force next year. These contracts will include how much was raised from fines for driving whilst monitoring the effectiveness of new technology, including uninsured in (a) Barnsley Central constituency, (b) GPS capability, as part of the contract management South Yorkshire and (c) England in each of the last 10 process. As part of the competition we will test the years. [160458] effectiveness of the new technology before full deployment. The extent of the use of GPS technology under the Mrs Grant: This information could be provided only new contracts, and hence the cost, will depend on a at disproportionate cost as it would require a manual range of factors including the relevant provisions of the search of all live and closed fine accounts. Crime and Courts Act 2013, the outcome of the technical testing, and the outcome of the competition itself. However, we intend the competition to achieve significant Driving: Disqualification cost savings compared with the cost of current provision. The Ministry of Justice published an evaluation of Mr Chope: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice the earlier pilots of satellite tracking of offenders in what redress is available to a person whose driving August 2007. This is available at: licence is revoked as a result of a court wrongly http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100505212400/ notifying the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency that http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/docs/satellite-tracking- the person has been disqualified from driving. [166176] of-offenders.pdf 815W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 816W

The numbers quoted in this report are based on pilot Number recalled in year still data from 2004 to 2006, and do not provide a basis for Year of recall UAL extrapolating figures for the new contracts. 2000 1 Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2001 4 (1) what steps his Department has taken to monitor the 2002 4 effectiveness in reducing re-offending of the electronic 2003 18 tagging of offenders currently undertaken by each of 2004 5 the private sector companies contracted to provide such 2005 8 a service; [155607] 2006 10 (2) what research his Department has undertaken 2007 9 into the effectiveness of electronic tagging in reducing 2008 6 reoffending rates. [155608] 2009 7 2010 4 Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice has undertaken 2011 5 research to determine the relative effectiveness of community 2012 11 order requirements, including curfews (which are enforced by electronic monitoring), at reducing re-offending, for offenders with similar characteristics. This found that Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice offenders who received a punitive requirement (unpaid how many incidents there were of tags being work or curfew) in addition to supervision were less incorrectly removed from offenders in 2012. [165795] likely to re-offend and committed fewer re-offences within a two year period compared to those who only Jeremy Wright: We are not aware of any cases in 2012 received supervision. where tags were incorrectly removed from offenders. In addition, we have also undertaken separate research into the effect of release on Home Detention Curfew (HDC), which is also enforced using electronic monitoring, Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice on recidivism. Compared to similar offenders, this showed how many incidents there were of tags being that those released on HDC were no more likely to incorrectly fitted to the wrong person in 2012. [165796] engage in criminal behaviour during the first two years after release from custody than those who were not Jeremy Wright: We are aware of three cases in 2012 eligible for release on HDC, even factoring in the additional where a tag was initially fitted to the wrong person. In time spent in the community. each instance, the investigation report revealed that This research is published on the MOJ website and there had been a deliberate attempt to deceive the field can be located on the following webpages: officer responsible for fitting the tag. Immediate follow-up http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/research-and-analysis/ action was taken to ensure that the correct individuals moj/effectiveness-community-order-requirements were dealt with appropriately. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ attachment_data/file/162338/effect-early-release-hdc- Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for recidivism.pdf.pdf Justice if he will direct his Department to halt the We have not made any assessment as to the impact process of contracting out probation services until the individual providers of electronic monitoring have had forensic audit by PwC and investigation by the Serious on reoffending for the offenders whom they work with. Fraud Office into electronic tagging providers have been completed. [166294] Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many of those who breached the conditions of their tagging and were due to be recalled to prison Jeremy Wright: Our Transforming Rehabilitation reforms will see the extension of statutory supervision and failed to be recalled in 2012. [165794] rehabilitation to an additional 50,000 offenders who are sentenced to less than 12 months in custody. It is vital Jeremy Wright: Data on the number of prisoners that we move ahead now to change the system so that released from custody on licence that have been recalled these offenders can begin to receive the support they and returned to prison are published quarterly in a need and the much needed reductions in reoffending Ministry of Justice statistical bulletin. This may be rates can begin to be achieved. found at the following web address: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/offender- The Department has taken steps to ensure that we management-statistics-quarterly--2 have the best processes and people in place to manage these contracts and to deliver value for money for the By the end of 2012, since 1984, there were 994 taxpayer. prisoners who had been recalled and not returned to custody by the police. Of these, 97 were on home As the Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for detention curfew, which was introduced in 1999, at the Justice, my right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom time of recall, broken down in the following table. and Ewell (Chris Grayling), made clear in his statement to the House on 11 July 2013, Official Report, columns Number recalled in year still 573-75, the Department is auditing all contracts it holds Year of recall UAL with G4S and Serco. We will not be awarding any 1999 5 further contracts to these companies unless the audits reach a satisfactory outcome. 817W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 818W

Employment Tribunals Service are fair and accessible to all. In addition, the Ministry seeks to provide its services in a way that complies with Ian Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice the aims of the public sector equality duty in the what cost to the public purse has been incurred in the Equality Act 2010. last financial year arising from employment tribunal The information requested however is not collected cases involving claims for equal pay where an expert or held centrally and could not be provided other than was instructed. [166182] at a disproportionate cost as it would mean contacting every establishment and agency to request what is potentially Mrs Grant: It is not possible to provide information wide ranging information. on the cost of particular types of cases within the employment tribunal system. In particular, information Family Courts: Rhyl on equal pay (equal value) litigation in which an independent expert is instructed is not collated centrally Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice and could be identified only at disproportionate cost by what progress has been made on the closure of Rhyl manually trawling through tribunal files. family courts. [162907] However using official statistics published by the Ministry of Justice, it is possible to report on the Mrs Grant: As announced in the written ministerial number of receipts and disposals in relation to equal statement of 18 October 2012, Official Report, column pay complaints in the financial year 2012-13. Tables 1 36WS, Rhyl county court will be closed no earlier than and 2 set out this information. April 2014. The intention remains to relocate work to Prestatyn. Table 1 provides the number of equal pay jurisdictional complaints presented and disposed of by employment Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice tribunals during the financial year 2012-13. what plans he has to dispose of the Rhyl Family Court Table 1: Receipts and disposals of equal pay complaints in 2012-13 building. [163975] Equal pay complaints 2012-13 Mrs Grant: Rhyl county court will close no earlier Receipts 23,638 than April 2014 therefore currently there are no plans to Disposed 24,626 dispose of the building. Source: Official Annual Employment Tribunal Stats 2012-13 Family Law The employment tribunals disposed of more complaints than have been received during the year 2012-13. Mr Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) Table 2 provides the number of equal pay complaints what steps he has put in place to promote the that have been disposed of, broken down by type of availability of new legal aid-funded family mediation disposal, where that disposal was by judicial determination since 1 April 2013; [163980] (rather than by ACAS conciliation, withdrawal or (2) what assessment he has made of the level of otherwise). enquiries to all legally aided family mediation services Table 2: 2012-13 equal pay complaints disposals at hearing since 1 April 2013; [163981] Equal pay complaints (3) what proportion of cases have been heard in the Successful at tribunal 9 family division before a district judge where an FM1 Dismissed at preliminary hearing1 43 form has not been completed between April 2012 and [163988] Unsuccessful at hearing2 50 March 2013; and if he will make a statement. Default judgement 3 Jeremy Wright: Legal aid for family mediation has 1 Previously described as dismissed at hearing (out of scope) 2 Previously described as dismissed at hearing (other reasons) been available since 1997 and this continues as a result Source: of the reforms to legal aid implemented in April 2013. Official Annual Employment Tribunal Stats 2012-13 This includes the provision of legal advice, where The tables show that the vast majority of equal pay appropriate, to support the mediation process. complaints are disposed of by withdrawal, ACAS The coalition Government is making full use of conciliation or otherwise and are not disposed of at communication channels available to it to ensure that hearing. the public has access to information when they need it, including the availability of legal aid to fund family Equality mediation. The ‘Sorting Out Separation’ web app launched in November 2012 provides the key gateway for separating Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice parents and couples to access help, advice and services. how much has been spent by his Department (a) in We are also continuing to work with organisations total and (b) on staff costs on promoting equality and such as Citizens Advice to ensure accurate information diversity in each of the last three years for which figures continues to be given to the public about family mediation are available; and how many people are employed by his following legal aid changes. As part of the Government’s Department for this purpose. [165414] commitment to promote family mediation we recently launched a short animation film which has been posted Mrs Grant: The Ministry of Justice, across its business on YouTube and on a number of partner websites. areas, is working to ensure that equality of opportunity A court guide for separated parents has just been and diversity are a normal part of everyday business. As published and will shortly be accompanied by three an employer, the Ministry seeks to ensure that its policies videos explaining key stages of the court process. The 819W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 820W guide makes clear the need to consider family mediation Spend (£) and contains links to the family mediation service tinder website from which the public can locate a qualified and 2008 151,071.89 assured family mediator. 2009 60,914.88 The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) collates data on the 2010 50,389.28 number of publicly funded Mediation Information and 2011 6,000.00 Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) attended and on mediation 2012 0 starts. Monthly figures from April 2012 are set out in the following table. Referrals to publicly funded MIAMs rose 42% in March 2013 due to a large surge in applications Homicide for legal aid ahead of the changes implemented from 1 April 2013. LAA data show a decrease in such MIAMs of 30% in April based on the same period in 2012 and Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice provisional figures for May show a further significant what proportion of (a) male and (b) female victims of decrease. It is still too early to assess the steady-state homicide were acquainted with the principal suspect in position given that there were an additional 10,000 their murder in each of the last five years. [165179] applications for legal aid certificates most of which occurred in the final weeks of March. Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Cabinet Office. Couples attending a MIAM The information requested falls within the responsibility 2012 of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority April 2,316 to reply. May 2,829 Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013: June 2,236 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics July 2,631 (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question August 2,403 to the Secretary of State for Justice asking for the proportion of September 2,343 (a) male and (b) female victims of homicide who were acquainted October 2,619 with the principle suspect in their murder in each of the last five years. (165179) November 2,454 December 1,615 Data provided in the table below are sourced from the homicide index, which is a database separate from the main recorded crime dataset which contains detailed record-level information about 2013 each homicide recorded by the police in England and Wales. It is January 2,443 continually updated with revised information from the police and February 2,783 courts and, as such, is a richer source of data than the main recorded crime dataset. The data refer to the position as at 1 March 4,037 November 2012, when the Homicide Index database was ‘frozen’ April 1,585 for the purpose of analysis presented in the ONS statistical May 1,204 bulletin published in February 2013. The table below shows the percentage of victims acquainted The Ministry of Justice does not routinely collate with the principle suspect for male and female victims. The data on whether or not a Form FM1 has been filed in definition of acquaintance is: son or daughter, parent, partner or any cases heard in the family division. ex-partner, other family member and friend or acquaintance. Research commissioned by this Department to England and Wales commence shortly will include a court file based study All victims (Percentage) of cases and include an assessment of the level of 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 compliance in tiling Form FM1 and the type of responses entered. Male 52 54 54 59 54 victims A clause in the Children and Families Bill currently Female 78 78 78 80 78 before Parliament would require all applicants to the victims court in relevant family proceedings (with exemptions) to first attend a MIAM before issuing proceedings to These data have been published by ONS and have been extracted find out about and consider mediation. We expect this from Table 2.05 in ‘Appendix tables-Focus on: Violent crime and measure to increase the volume of MIAMs attended. Sexual offences 2011/12’ http://ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/crime-stats/crime-statistics/focus-on- violent-crime/rft-appendix-tables.xls Grant Thornton Updated England and Wales figures for 2012/13 are due to be published in February 2014. Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Crime statistics for Scotland and Northern Ireland are collected Justice how much his Department has spent on and published separately, and can be downloaded from: contracts with Grant Thornton in each year since 2008. Scotland: [165696] http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Crime- Mrs Grant: The Ministry of Justice has spent the Justice following on the provision of services with Grant Thornton Northern Ireland: since 2008. Spend is for the calendar year and is exclusive http://www.dojni.gov.uk/index/statistics-research/stats- of VAT. research-publications/northern-ireland-crime-survey-s-r/ 821W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 822W

Homicide: Bail Mrs Grant: With effect from 1 July we have removed the right to an oral renewal hearing in applications for Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for judicial review where a judge has certified that the case Justice (1) how many people have been given court bail is totally without merit. We have also, from that date, after being charged with (a) murder and (b) attempted reduced the time limit for applying for permission to murder in each of the last three years; [164616] bring a planning or a procurement judicial review from three months to six weeks in planning cases and 30 days (2) how many people on 8 July 2013 were on bail for in procurement cases. In addition the Government intends (a) murder and (b) attempted murder. [164627] to introduce a fee for an oral renewal in due course. Jeremy Wright: Bail may not be granted to someone charged with murder unless the court is of the opinion Legal Aid Scheme that there is no significant risk that, if released on bail, that person would commit an offence that would be John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice likely to cause injury to another person. how much legal aid has been spent on each of the top A change introduced by the Legal Aid, Sentencing 10 per cent of the most costly criminal cases in the last and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 allows the CPS three years. [159116] to appeal in cases where the Crown court grants bail in the face of representations from the prosecution. Jeremy Wright: The amount of legal aid spent on each of the top 10% of the most costly cases in the last The number of defendants remanded on bail at three years is shown in the following table. The Legal magistrates courts and the Crown court for the offences Aid Agency (LAA) have calculated this information of murder and attempted murder, in England and Wales, based on the most expensive cases where the final in each year between 2010 and 2012 (latest currently payments were made in the referenced year. The payments available), is shown in the table. in the referenced year and previous years have been The table presents data based on the final date on aggregated to obtain the full case costs. which the defendants appeared in court and proceedings were concluded. The date on which the court made £ million remand decisions on those defendants is not held centrally, 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 with remand decisions potentially made at an earlier stage during proceedings in previous months. Criminal legal 1,206 1,164 1,088 aid Defendants remanded on bail at magistrates courts1 and the Crown expenditure 2 court for the offences of murder and attempted murder, England and 10% expensive 120 116 109 Wales, 2010 to 2012 cases cost Defendants Notes: Court type / 1. The amounts given are not necessarily final—it is possible that offence 2010 2011 2012 some cases might incur additional costs in addition to costs stated, for example, where the lawyers appeal against the amounts paid. Magistrates 2. A single large criminal investigation can lead to many trials. 3 courts 3. The information provided includes information on cases as Murder 3 1 0 recorded centrally by the LAA. As with any large database, it is Attempted 10 16 17 possible that some details can be entered incorrectly. murder 4. All the cases costs include VAT. John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for The Crown court3 Justice what assessment he has made of the potential Murder 4 2 2 effect of the Government’s proposed reforms to legal aid funding on provider choice in rural areas. [160520] Attempted 994 murder 1 Data for magistrates courts are estimated. Jeremy Wright: Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the 2 The offence of murder is contrary to Common Law. Government consulted on a number of proposals to 3 Remand status shown is that recorded at the point of committal reform legal aid via the ‘Transforming Legal Aid: delivering from the magistrates court to the Crown court for trial or sentence. a more credible and efficient system’ consultation. This 4 Cases of murder proceeded against at magistrates courts are included a proposed model of competitive tendering for subsequently committed for trial or sentence at the Crown court. It is therefore possible for defendants to be counted twice in this table. criminal legal aid services. We have been clear we must Note: continue to bear down on the cost of legal aid, including Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate the £1 billion of taxpayers’ money spent on criminal and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have legal aid a year, to ensure we are getting the best deal for been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the taxpayer. the courts. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into Five impact assessments have been written in relation account when those data are used. to this consultation and they address the numbers of Source: legal aid recipients that would potentially be affected by Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database. these proposals. The impact assessments are as follows: Judicial Review 1) Civil Credibility Impact Assessment 2) Crime Credibility Impact Assessment Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for 3) Civil Fees Impact Assessment Justice what steps he has taken to stop weak judicial 4) Crime Fees Impact Assessment review cases. [162950] 5) Criminal Litigation Price Competition Impact Assessment. 823W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 824W

They are all available to download from the Consultation dealing with children. We are carefully considering all webpage which can be found here: responses to the consultation on these issues. https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/ transforming-legal-aid Mr Mark Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for The analysis supporting this was undertaken at the Justice what estimate he has made of the optimum national level, rather than at the regional level. distance of travel to legal firms to enable people to be able to access legal aid. [162073] Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of public Jeremy Wright: Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the Government consulted on a number of proposals to confidence in the legal aid system. [161369] reform legal aid via the ‘Transforming Legal Aid: delivering a more credible and efficient system’ consultation. This Jeremy Wright: Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the included a proposed model of competitive tendering for Government consulted on a number of proposals to criminal legal aid services. We have been clear we must reform legal aid via the “Transforming Legal Aid: delivering continue to bear down on the cost of legal aid, including a more credible and efficient system” consultation. This nearly £1 billion of taxpayers’ money spent on criminal included proposals for improving public confidence in legal aid a year, to ensure we are getting the best deal for the legal aid scheme. the taxpayer. The proposals include reforms to prison law to ensure Travel times between the provider of legally aided that legal aid is not available for matters that do not services and the client would be most heavily influenced justify the use of public funds such as treatment issues; by the size and geography of the proposed procurement the introduction of a household disposable income area. We have explored how best to divide England and threshold above which defendants would no longer Wales into procurement areas (areas within which we receive criminal legal aid; a residence test for civil legal would invite tenders to provide the full range of services), aid claimants; reforms to reduce the use of legal aid to which would be the areas within which services would fund weak judicial reviews; and amendments to the civil be delivered. We based our assessment of the options merits test to prevent the funding of any cases with less set out in the consultation paper on data from October than a 50% chance of success. 2010 to September 2011 on the volume and value of the These are anomalies that exist in the system which we criminal legal aid defence work which exists in each believe undermine the credibility of the scheme and we specified areas. The decision on the size of the procurement are seeking to address these issues. Against a backdrop area would influence the number of providers in that area. of continuing pressure on public finances, we need to We considered four options for the size of the continue to scrutinise everything we do and every pound procurement areas, outlined on page 47 of the consultation we spend to ensure we are getting the best deal for the paper, and proposed that—with the exception of London, taxpayer. When almost every other area of government Warwickshire and Gloucestershire—procurement areas spending is being further reduced, legal aid cannot be should be set by the current Criminal Justice System immune if we are to ensure a sustainable and credible areas. system. In the consultation, specific questions were asked about the suitability of the proposed procurement areas. Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice We asked respondents for their views on what factors if he will take steps to ensure that solicitors working should be taken into consideration in designing the with children are adequately trained in communicating criteria against which to test applicants for a new contract. with children in his proposals for legal aid. [161856] We set out a number of proposed conditions including a requirement to have or commit to acquiring premises Jeremy Wright: Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the that are accessible for clients. Officials are analysing the Government consulted on a number of proposals to responses now with a view to publishing the Government reform legal aid via the “Transforming Legal Aid: delivering response in the autumn. a more credible and efficient system” consultation. Children in family cases are appointed a guardian Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice and it is that guardian who usually instructs the solicitor what steps he will take to ensure that children have on behalf of the child. The main control in this area is access to appropriately qualified solicitors under his exercised by the Law Society which requires that any proposals for criminal legal aid. [162340] solicitor representing a child is a member of the Law Society Children Panel. The Law Society sets the applicable Jeremy Wright: Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the standards and the accreditation process. The proposals Government consulted on a number of proposals to on which we consulted would not affect this process. reform legal aid via the “Transforming Legal Aid: delivering The current crime contract includes provisions for a more credible and efficient system” consultation. This accepting applications for crime contract work on behalf included a proposed model of competitive tendering for of a child or protected party and accepting instructions criminal legal aid services. We have been clear we must directly from a child (paragraphs 4.24-4.29 of spec: part continue to bear down on the cost of legal aid, including A). However, any specific skills and competence of a the £1 billion of taxpayers’ money spent on criminal solicitor dealing with a child are not covered by the legal aid a year, to ensure we are getting the best deal for crime contract. We have asked for views from respondents the taxpayer. on the factors they feel we should consider when designing We are clear we will continue to uphold everyone’s the criteria for any future procurement process, which right to a fair trial. Quality assured lawyers will still be could include the skills and experience necessary for available—just as they are now. The Legal Aid Agency 825W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 826W would ensure as part of the tendering process that all the impact on different age groups. We are now considering providers are capable of delivering the full range of all responses to the consultation and will update our criminal legal aid services under contract across their assessment in light of any additional information. procurement areas. The current crime contract includes provisions for Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if accepting applications for crime contract work on behalf he will publish an equality impact assessment of the of a child or protected party and accepting instructions proposals contained in his Department’s consultation, directly from a child (paragraphs 4.24-4.29 of spec: part Transforming Legal Aid. [163372] A). However, any specific skills and competence of a solicitor dealing with a child are not covered by the crime contract. We have asked for views from respondents Jeremy Wright: Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the on the factors they feel we should consider when designing Government consulted on a number of proposals to the criteria for any future procurement process, which reform legal aid via the “Transforming Legal Aid: delivering could include the skills and experience necessary for a more credible and efficient system” consultation. We dealing with children. We are carefully considering all have been clear we must continue to bear down on the responses to the consultation on these issues. cost of legal aid, including nearly £1 billion of taxpayers’ money spent on criminal legal aid a year, to ensure we Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for are getting the best deal for the taxpayer. Justice what assessment he has made of the representation The Government is mindful of the importance of sent to him on 25 June 2013 by the campaign group considering the impact of the legal aid proposals on Liberty, setting out its concerns about the proposals different groups. In accordance with our duties under announced in his Department’s consultation, Transforming the Equality Act 2010 we have considered the impact of Legal Aid: Delivering a more credible and efficient the proposals on individuals sharing protected system; and if he will make a statement. [163009] characteristics in order to give due regard to the need to eliminate unlawful conduct, advance equality of Jeremy Wright: Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the opportunity, and foster good relations. Government consulted on a number of proposals to This equalities assessment was published as a part of reform legal aid via the “Transforming Legal Aid: delivering the main consultation document. It is Annex K and a more credible and efficient system” consultation. This starts on page 142. We are now considering all responses included a proposed model of competitive tendering for to the consultation and will update our assessment in criminal legal aid services. We have been clear we must light of any additional information. continue to bear down on the cost of legal aid, including the £1 billion of taxpayers’ money spent on criminal legal aid a year, to ensure we are getting the best deal for Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for the taxpayer. Justice what meetings with legal aid consultees he has planned; and if he will make a statement on the The consultation itself has received around 16,000 response to the consultation. [163519] responses, including from the campaigning organisation Liberty.Officials are currently considering all the responses before final decisions are taken. The Government response Jeremy Wright: Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the is due to be published in the autumn. Government consulted on a number of proposals to reform legal aid via the “Transforming Legal Aid: delivering Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if a more credible and efficient system” consultation. he will publish an age impact assessment of the Ministers and I will continue to meet with individuals proposals contained in his Department’s consultation, and organisations from across the legal professions in Transforming Legal Aid. [163371] relation to our “Transforming Legal Aid”policy proposals. Jeremy Wright: Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the The consultation received around 16,000 responses Government consulted on a number of proposals to which officials are currently analysing. We will carefully reform legal aid via the “Transforming Legal Aid: delivering consider all responses before final decisions are taken a more credible and efficient system” consultation. We and the Government response is published in the autumn. have been clear we must continue to bear down on the cost of legal aid, including nearly £1 billion of taxpayers’ Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for money spent on criminal legal aid a year, to ensure we Justice if he will list all meetings he and Ministers have are getting the best deal for the taxpayer. held as part of the legal aid consultation; and on what The Government is mindful of the importance of dates these meetings took place. [163521] considering the impact of the legal aid proposals on different groups. In accordance with our duties under Jeremy Wright: Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the the Equality Act 2010 we considered the impact of the Government consulted on a number of proposals to proposals on individuals sharing protected characteristics reform legal aid via the “Transforming Legal Aid: delivering in order to give due regard to the need to eliminate a more credible and efficient system” consultation. This unlawful conduct, advance equality of opportunity, included a proposed model of competitive tendering for and foster good relations. criminal legal aid services. We have been clear we must The equalities assessment, annex K of the main continue to bear down on the cost of legal aid, including consultation document, contains our analysis of the nearly £1 billion of taxpayers’ money spent on criminal potential impact of the proposals were they to be legal aid a year, to ensure we are getting the best deal for implemented, including, where information is available, the taxpayer. 827W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 828W

For a list of meetings my ministerial colleagues, officials, Legal Profession: Payments and I have undertaken since October 2012 I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave to the right hon. Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Member for Leicester East (Keith Vaz), PQ 158068, what the average length of time a member of the 1 July 2013, Official Report, columns 480-84W. publicly-funded criminal bar waits for payment of invoiced funds; and what the longest length of time such a Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for member has had to wait for payment in the last three Justice if he will list all submissions received in years. [163727] response to his recent consultation on legal aid changes and ensure that they are all published. [163522] Jeremy Wright: Central records relating to the Advocate Jeremy Wright: Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the Graduated Fee Scheme do not allow the average time of Government consulted on a number of proposals to payment to be easily calculated, and this could be done reform legal aid via the “Transforming Legal Aid: delivering only at disproportionate cost. The Legal Aid Agency a more credible and efficient system” consultation. This (LAA) processed 90% of invoices under this scheme included a proposed model of competitive tendering for within 30 working days last year. The following table criminal legal aid services. We have been clear we must shows equivalent figures since 2011-12. continue to bear down on the cost of legal aid, including nearly £1 billion of taxpayers’ money spent on criminal Performance against Financial year Published KPI KPI legal aid a year, to ensure we are getting the best deal for the taxpayer. 2011-12 95% in 40 working days 75% It is a long standing practice that responses to 2012-13 90% in 30 working days 94% Government consultations are not published. Many 2013 to date 90% in 30 working days 96% individuals and organisations (such as the Bar Council and Law Society) choose to share their responses with From 1 July 2013 our target has tightened further to MPs or make their responses public and many are 90% in 25 working days. Since the beginning of July usually available online to that end. 2013, LAA are currently processing the majority of claims at 23 days, so are within the revised target. I also understand, from the Justice Select Committee’s (JSC) meeting on 3 July, that the JSC has been sent Figures on the longest length of time taken to process copies of many of the responses. closed claims could be generated only at disproportionate cost. However, the oldest dates for payment of cases We will publish a summary of the responses to the awaiting processing are as follows. There will be instances consultation questions along with the Government when we require further information, as a bill needs response—as we did with our last legal aid consultation. further scrutiny to ensure we are using taxpayers’ money Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice appropriately. This is entirely the correct thing to do. if his Department will publish all responses to the On 3 July 2011, the oldest claim awaiting processing was dated recent legal aid consultation. [165775] 21 February 2011 On 1 July 2012, the oldest claim awaiting processing was dated Jeremy Wright: I refer the right hon. Gentleman to 8 February 2012 the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Islington On 4 July 2013, the oldest claim awaiting processing was dated North (Jeremy Corbyn) today, PQ 163522. 2 April 2013. Legal Aid Scheme: Wales Life Imprisonment Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what impact assessment he has made of the financial Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for effects of price competitive tendering on legal service Justice what recent estimate he has made of the average provision in Wales. [158124] length of time served by people sentenced to a life term in prison. [165408] Jeremy Wright: Between 9 April and 4 June 2013 the Government consulted on a number of proposals to Jeremy Wright: A life sentence comprises a minimum reform legal aid via the ‘Transforming Legal Aid: delivering term of imprisonment, which is determined by the a more credible and efficient system’ consultation. This court and must be served in full, after which the offender included a proposed model of competitive tendering for may be released on life licence when the Parole Board criminal legal aid services. We have been clear we must determines it is safe to do so. For the most exceptionally continue to bear down on the cost of legal aid, including grave offences the court may impose a whole life term the £1 billion of taxpayers’ money spent on criminal which means that the offender is never subject to Parole legal aid a year, to ensure we are getting the best deal for Board release. The average time served in custody by the taxpayer. offenders discharged from a life sentence in 2012 was 14 The impact assessments published alongside the years. consultation paper detail the potential impacts of the A life sentence is mandatory for murder, and this proposals. However, these do not consider any specific Government has introduced a new mandatory life sentence geographic areas, and there is no intention to conduct for a second very serious sexual or violent offence. In such an assessment. The full impact assessment of the addition, Parliament has put in place a maximum penalty price competitive tendering model can be viewed on the of a life sentence for other very serious offences. When Ministry of Justice’s website at the following address: imposing a life sentence it is for our independent courts https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/ to determine the minimum term to be served in custody transforming-legal-aid for the purposes of punishment and deterrence. There is 829W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 830W statutory guidance to the courts on determining the (3) what arrangements are in place to allow all lines minimum term under a life sentence for murder. Once of police enquiry and evidence to be pursued before the minimum term has been served in full, it is for the any decision regarding presumption of death can be Parole Board to determine whether or not the offender made; and if he will make a statement. [163508] is safe to be released on licence, which lasts for the rest of the offender’s life with the possibility of recall to Mrs Grant: I refer my hon. Friend to my written custody at any time. Many offenders serve longer than statement of 20 June 2013, Official Report, column their minimum term, and some are never released. 40WS, announcing that the Ministry of Justice and the This information is published annually in April and General Register Office are working to create the necessary can be found in Table A3.5 of the Annual Discharges rules of court and registration regulations and the tables 2012 via the following link: associated procedures to implement the Presumption of https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Death Act 2013, which will create a single certificate of attachment_data/file/194275/OMSQ_Annual_tables_2012.zip presumed death effective for all purposes. Last year, the These figures have been drawn from administrative Ministry of Justice and the Missing Persons Bureau IT systems which, as with any large scale recording prepared a factsheet about existing procedures for system, are subject to possible errors with data entry presuming a person to be dead to assist families of and processing. missing people in resolving their affairs. Any application under existing procedures or under Magistrates’ Courts: Salford the new Presumption of Death Act 2013 will need to be supported by evidence as to the probable death of the Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for missing person or of the person having been missing for Justice how the theft of a network server from Salford seven years. What is required in any given case will magistrates’ court in January 2012 took place; who depend on the circumstances but is likely to include the stole the server; what the value of the server was; how it outcome of any police investigation. was recovered; what action has been taken against the thief; what documents were on the server; whether such MITIE Group documents (a) related to court staff, defendants, victims or witnesses and (b) included personal or confidential matters or matters related to evidence; what steps have Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for been taken to inform those affected; for what reasons he Justice how much his Department spends on contracts believes that the information has not been accessed; for with MITIE; and how much was spent on contracts what reasons the theft was not reported to the police with MITIE in each year since 2008. [162469] and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) until June 2012; when he expects the ICO to report; and if he Mrs Grant: The annual spend with MITIE for each will make a statement. [165660] financial year from 2008 through to 2013-14 (year to date) is as follows: Mrs Grant: The theft of a network server from Salford magistrates court occurred during the IT decommissioning Financial year Spend (£) process undertaken by contractors during the closure of 2008-09 46,929,264.37 the court. Following a police investigation, there was 2009-10 46,275,772.36 insufficient evidence to identify who stole the server and 2010-11 47,386,906.92 secure a conviction and no charges were brought. The 2011-12 41,148,932.03 estimated value of the server was £1,200. 2012-13 56,340,717.46 The theft came to light on 3 May 2012 when the Total 249,418,341.90 server was put up for sale on eBay still bearing the contractor’s logo/asset tag. Arrangements were made Years 2008 to 2011 show a steady trend of spend, in by the contractor to recover the server on 9 May 2012. line with the contracts MITIE held with the MOJ at Once the facts were established, the incident was reported that time. Primarily, this spend was through the provision to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) on of security guarding services across courts and tribunals 14 June 2013. in England and Wales. Files recovered from non user-accessible areas of the The MOJ changed the delivery model for contracting server contained personal and sensitive data, including for security services in 2012 to a total facilities management court documents and e mails, but a detailed forensic model which included, among other facilities management analysis and audit did not identify any access to the files requirements, the provision of security services. MITIE during the time the server was not under the control of were awarded two out of the three contracts tendered at MOJ and therefore no action has been taken to inform this time. As a result the value of spend with MITIE has those affected. shown an upward trend since 2012, following The matter is still under investigation by the ICO and commencement of the new contracts. we await their report. Northcote House Missing Persons Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for how many (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his Justice (1) what plans he has to review the law relating Department used the facilities at Northcote House, to presumption of death provisions; [163506] Sunningdale Park, Berkshire in (i) 2010-11, (ii) 2011-12 (2) what practical assistance is given to those whose and (iii) 2012-13; and if he will make a statement. loved ones are missing presumed dead; [163507] [164826] 831W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 832W

Mrs Grant: Information on how many Ministers and place; and the claimant must consider whether to appeal officials of the Department have used the facilities at to the Tribunal, and then submit that appeal. The Northcote House, Sunningdale Park, Berkshire is not Tribunal is only now starting to receive the first appeals available centrally. It would require a Ministry wide against decisions made about PIP claims, and we are exercise to collect the information. This would incur not expecting receipts to flow through to the Tribunal in disproportionate costs. any numbers for several months, and cannot therefore Until the end of March 2012, Northcote House was provide firm expectations of cost. part of the Civil Service College, later the National The total cost of the SSCS tribunal to HMCTS in School of Government. The Ministry of Justice did 2012-13 was £115 million. The cost of PIP appeals will support and use the training provided by the National be included in the overall cost of the SSCS tribunal School. from 2013-14.

Oakwood Prison Prisoner Corruption Unit

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (a) (b) how many complaints from prisoners and in which periods the Prisoner Corruption Unit has prison staff there have been about conditions at HM been without an overall manager since 2008. [164470] Prison Oakwood since it first opened. [165798] Jeremy Wright: None. The National Offender Jeremy Wright: I have asked HMP Oakwood to Management Service Corruption Prevention Unit (CPU) provide the requested information and will write to the sits within the Security Group of NOMS HQ. Since right hon. Member as soon as possible. 2008 leadership and oversight of the operational delivery Offenders: Rehabilitation of the CPU has been provided by a senior civil servant.

Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Justice what the cost will be of creating new posts in the how many full-time equivalent officials worked in the Ministry of Justice and the National Offender Management prison corruption unit on 1 June (a) 2010, (b) 2011, Service in relation to implementing the changes outlined (c) 2012 and (d) 2013. [164471] in the Transforming Rehabilitation paper. [164914] Jeremy Wright: The number of staff in the corruption Jeremy Wright: The proposals set out in “Transforming prevention unit has increased since this Government Rehabilitation—a strategy for reform” will make came to office. considerable efficiency savings through the use of The information has been provided in the following competition and the introduction of a wider range of table. providers. Releasing these efficiency savings will enable us to extend statutory supervision and rehabilitation Number of full-time equivalent services to offenders sentenced to less than 12 months As at 1 June: officials in custody. 2010 12.15 The Ministry of Justice have a keen interest in ensuring 2011 10.15 that the reforms are affordable and offer value for 2012 15.98 money. The Department has been engaging HM Treasury 2013 15.98 throughout the development of the reforms; the cost of the transition, including any new posts which may be Corruption in the Prison Service is not acceptable created as a result of the establishment of the National and it will be sought out and prevented. This Government Probation Service, will be affordable within the context is committed to ensuring that the agencies are free from of the MOJ commitment to deliver annual savings of corruption and that those who do commit illegal acts over £2 billion by 2014-15. are dealt with swiftly and reported to the prosecuting authorities. Personal Independence Payment: Appeals Prisoners Mr Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what estimate he has made of the cost to HM Courts Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice and Tribunal Service of appeals against personal what his policy is on the extent to which prison independence payments. [165848] governors can exercise discretion in awarding extra privileges to prisoners. [156710] Mrs Grant: The First-tier Tribunal—Social Security and Child Support (SSCS), administered by HM Courts Jeremy Wright: We want to ensure that prisons operate and Tribunals Service, hears appeals on an individual’s to a consistent standard when rewarding prisoners for entitlement to social security and child support. positive behaviour and engaging with efforts to rehabilitate Personal independence payment (PIP) is progressively them. We announced an overhaul of the Incentives and replacing disability living allowance from April 2013. Earned Privileges (IEP) scheme on 30 April, with the There are a number of stages a claim made to the DWP revised scheme coming into effect from November 2013. must pass through before an appeal reaches the Tribunal: The revised scheme will provide consistency across the an initial decision by a DWP decision-maker must be adult (18 or over) estate, with the introduction of a made; the claimant needs to dispute the initial decision; centralised privileges and facilities list. This will set out mandatory reconsideration of that decision must take what is available at the different IEP levels. Governors 833W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 834W of prisons will be able to select privileges from this list Table 1: Overall number of prisoners released in error by financial year to meet local circumstances but will not be able to 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 deviate from it. Releases in error by 77682 escort contractors Prisoners’ Release Total releases in 31 63 68 63 42 error Note: Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Prisoners released in error by escort contractors relate to releases from court (1) how many prisoners wrongly released were still at following court appearances. large in each of the last three years; and what crimes Table 2: Number of prisoners released in error, yet to be returned to custody, by calendar year and offence type they committed in each such year; [156736] Offence Type 2010 2011 2012 (2) of those prisoners wrongly released from prison (a) what category of prisoner they were, (b) what Burglary 1 — — offence they had been found guilty of, (c) which prison Drugs —21 offences they were released from, (d) how many were released Fraud and 2—— from public prisons, (e) how many were released from forgery private prisons and (f) how long it took to return them Motoring 1—— to prison in each of the last three years; [156737] offences (3) how many prisoners were wrongly released from Not known 2 — 2 prison in (a) 2010, (b) 2011 and (c) 2012; [156738] Other 2 1 4 Robbery — — 2 (4) how many prisoners were mistakenly released Theft and —— 2 early in each of the last five years; from which prisons handling each such prisoner was released; what crime each prisoner Violence —12 had committed; how long it took to return each prisoner against the to prison; and how many remain at large. [161682] person Total 8 4 13 Notes: Jeremy Wright: Under this Government the number 1. Not all prisoners may subsequently return to custody, for example a remand of releases in error has reduced by 37%. In 2012 there prisoner released in error may subsequently appear at court and receive a were a total of 45 releases in error, which equated to community sentence. 2. The offence type is the main offence recorded for each prisoner released in 0.05% of discharges from prison. Releases in error are error; however he or she may not have been convicted at the time of the error. taken very seriously and action has been taken to tighten 3. This table reports on all releases in error (from both prisons and court). processes and focus managers’ attention in this area. All The following tables are based on releases in error incidents are subject to investigation, The majority prisoners occurring from prisons only. released in error are returned to custody quickly. Table 3: Number of prisoners released in error from prisons, by year and offence The tables provide the information requested on release type in error for each of the last three calendar years. It is not Offence type 2010 2011 2012 possible to provide a similar breakdown of this information Burglary 10 3 3 prior to 2010 without incurring disproportionate cost Drugs offences 4 6 7 as this would involve a manual interrogation of individual Fraud and 33— incident records. However, table 1 shows overall numbers forgery of releases in error over the last five financial years Motoring 2—— taken from historic records. offences It is not possible to provide details of releases in error Not known 3 1 — by category of prisoner. The category of prisoner at Other 9 16 8 time of release in error is not recorded in incident Robbery 4 3 5 Sexual 121 reports and live data shows details of the current security offences category only. No Category A prisoner has been released Theft and 13 4 8 in error in the last three years. Any crimes that might be handling committed by prisoners while they are released in error Violence 13 3 5 are not recorded in a form that can easily be retrieved against the and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. person Total624137 Table 1: Overall number of prisoners released in error by financial year Notes: 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 1. The offence type is the main offence recorded for each prisoner released in error; however he or she may not have been convicted at the time of the error. Releases in error 24 56 62 55 40 2. This table contains only releases in error reported by prisons and not from prisons releases in error from court.

Table 4: Number of prisoners released in error from prisons, by year and prison Establishment 2010 2011 2012

Acklington — 1 — Altcourse 2 — 1 Bedford — 1 — Belmarsh — 1 — Birmingham 2 1 3 Bristol 1 — 1 Brixton 3 2 — 835W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 836W

Table 4: Number of prisoners released in error from prisons, by year and prison Establishment 2010 2011 2012

Bronzefield — 2 2 Cardiff — — 1 Chelmsford — — 1 Dartmoor 1 — — Doncaster 1 2 1 Dorchester — 1 — Dovegate 1 1 1 Dover — 1 — Down view 1 — — Durham 1 — 2 Eastwood Park 1 — — Edmunds Hill 1 — — Elmley — — 3 Exeter 3 1 — Featherstone 1 — — Feltham 1 — 2 Haverigg 1 — — Hewell 7 1 — Highdown 3 3 3 Holloway 1 — 1 Hull — 1 — Kirklevington 1 — — Leeds — 1 — Leicester 2 1 — Lewes — 3 1 Lincoln 1 — — Lindholme — 1 — Liverpool 1 1 1 Maidstone 1 — — Manchester 1 — — Moorland 1 — 1 New Hall 3 1 2 North Sea Camp 1 — — Norwich 1 1 — Nottingham 1 1 — Parc — — 2 Pentonville 6 7 — Peterborough 2— Peterborough (F) 1 — — Preston 1 — — Reading — 1 — Risley 1 — 1 Rochester 1 1 — Shrewsbury 1 — — Swansea 1 1 1 Thameside — — 1 Wandsworth 3 — 3 Wealstun 1 — — Winchester — — 1 Woodhill — — 1 Total 62 — 37 Note: This table contains only releases in error reported by prisons and not releases in error from court.

Table 5: Number of prisoners released in error from prisons, by year and prison Table 6: Number of prisoners released in error from prisons, by year and the type number of days between release in error and next reception into custody 2010 2011 2012 Total Days 2010 2011 2012

Public 57 34 26 117 Number of 04 22 prison days between release and Private 5 7 11 23 subsequent prison return to Total624137140custody Note: 18 15 This table contains only releases in error reported by prisons and not releases in error from court. 22 12 837W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 838W

Table 6: Number of prisoners released in error from prisons, by year and the Table 6: Number of prisoners released in error from prisons, by year and the number of days between release in error and next reception into custody number of days between release in error and next reception into custody Days 2010 2011 2012 Days 2010 2011 2012

32 42Not required to —1 3— return to 45 21custody 54 1— 6— 1 2Not yet —5 49 returned to 72 21 custody 84 1—

10 — — 1 Total 62 41 37 11 1 1 — Notes: 12 — 1 — 1. This table contains only releases in error reported by prisons and not releases in error from court. 13 1 — — 2. Not all prisoners may subsequently return to custody, for example a remand prisoner released in error may subsequently appear at court and receive a 14 — 1 — community sentence. 15 2 1 — These figures have been drawn from live administrative 16 — 3 1 data systems which may be amended at any time. Although 18 — — 1 care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, 20 1 — 1 the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system. 22 1 — 1 The number of releases in error may change should 24 — — 1 further incidents be reported. 26 — 1 — 28 1 — 1 Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 31 1 — — how many people have been released on parole licence 33 1 1 — in each of the last three years. [161447] 35 — 1 — Jeremy Wright: The number of release decisions made 37 1 — — by the Parole Board in each of the last three financial 38 1 — — years can be found, by type of sentence, in the board’s 40 — 1 — 2012-13 annual report which is located at: 41 — 1 — http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/publications/corporate- reports/parole-board/parole-board-annual-report-2012- 42 — 1 — 2013.pdf?type=Finjan-Download&slot=000000BA&id= 43 1 — — 000000B9&location=0A640210s 54 — 1 — The number of prisoners released, in each financial 55 1 — 1 year, will be slightly different from the figures cited in 63 1 — — the report as, if a release decision is made late in a financial year, the actual release from prison may occur 70 1 — — early in the following financial year. 73 — — 1 77 — — 1 Prisoners: EU Nationals 85 1 — — 90 1 — — Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 97 — — 1 how many nationals of other EU member states are 120 1 — — held in UK prisons (a) in total and (b) by country of origin. [165579] 124 1 — — 133 1 — — Jeremy Wright: This information is published routinely 136 — 1 — in the Offender Management Statistics Quarterly bulletin 173 — 1 — and can be found in Table 1.6 of the prison population 181 1 — — tables via the following link: 214 1 — — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/offender- management-statistics-quarterly--2 237 — — 1 These figures have been drawn from administrative IT 278 1 — systems which, as with any large scale recording system, 291 — — 1 are subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. 318 1 — — 404 — 1 — Prisoners: Older People 439 — 1 — 537 — 1 — Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what assessment his Department has made 727 1 — — of the needs of older prisoners compared to younger inmates; [161431] 839W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 840W

(2) what assessment he has made of the number of Prisoners who incur deductions for poor attendance prisoners over the age of 60 in the last 20 years. and/or performance may earn less than the minimum [161430] employed rate, provided that the deductions have been calculated according to the formula published by the Jeremy Wright: The needs of all prisoners are assessed governor/director. on an individual basis. The differences within the group of older prisoners are wide, and it is not possible to Prisoners: Per Capita Costs generalise about what their needs are, other than to note that they tend to require increased levels of health and social care. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the (a) cost per place and (b) cost per prisoner The over 60 population comprised 1% of the overall was in (i) publicly run and (ii) privately run prisons in prison population in 1993 rising to 4% of the overall (A) 2010-11, (B) 2011-12 and (C) 2012-13. [165770] prison population in 2012. Prisoners: Pay Jeremy Wright: As part of the Government’s Transparency Agenda, the Department routinely publishes Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice full details of average costs per prisoner and place, with reference to the answer of 25 April 2013, Official based on actual net resource expenditure for each private Report, column 1314W, on prisoners: pay, how much and public sector prison and in summary form for the was spent per head on prisoners’ earnings in each of whole of the prison estate in England and Wales after the end of the financial year. The information for the last five years. [160399] financial year 2011-12 and 2010-11 is published as an Jeremy Wright: To identify spend per head for prisoners addendum to the NOMS annual report and accounts earnings would require examining a high volume of and available on the Department’s website at: local individual records from each prison establishment https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prison-and- and this would incur disproportionate costs. probation-trusts-performance-statistics-2011-12 When NOMS last conducted a survey of prisoner This link includes restated figures for 2010-11 to pay, in 2007, average prisoner pay was £9.60 per week. enable a more true comparison with 2011-12. Copies of Convicted prisoners who refuse to work as directed these are also placed in the House Library. receive no pay. Existing policy on prisoners’ pay is set Full details for average costs per prisoner and place out in Prison Service Order 4460, a copy of which is for financial year 2012-13 are not yet finalised. We available in the House Library. expect to publish the 2012-13 data by 31 October 2013. The Government is committed to delivering reform Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice in our public services. The Prison Competition Phase (1) what the required level of performance and effort One Programme will deliver efficiency savings, in line required by HM Prison Service is in any given activity with other public sector prisons, over the next four in order to secure eligibility for the standard rate of pay years. under Prison Service Order 4460; [164793] Care must be taken in considering the comparison (2) what the rate of pay is for prisoners in (a) work, between private and public sector costs for the following (b) induction, (c) education, (d) training and (e) reasons: offending behaviour programmes; and if he will make a 1. The public and private groups of prisons are not homogenous statement. [164791] groups in terms of prison category, size or age and these factors may have a greater impact on average costs than whether the Jeremy Wright: The minimum rate of pay for employed prisons are public or private sector. prisoners is £4 per week. Only minimum rates of pay 2. The private sector contracts may have different responsibilities are set centrally, and responsibility for prisoner pay is for provision of health or education services than public sector devolved to governors and directors, who set the rates prisons. This will affect their relative costs. of pay for their particular establishments to reflect 3. The different financing methods of PFI prisons mean that in regime priorities. Eligibility to earn higher rates of pay an individual year the resource costs of private and public sector is a key earnable privilege under the incentives and prisons are not directly comparable. earned privileges scheme. The last survey of prisons of 4. The costs are based on resource expenditure recorded in prisoner pay, completed in 2007, indicated that the NOMS annual accounts. The PFI prisons are on balance sheet, average prisoner weekly pay was £9.60. which means that the element of the private contractors’ charges Prisoners are eligible for the standard rate of pay if related to the capital cost is not included in the unit costs, while they complete the full working week and demonstrate depreciation of buildings is included. Following government accounting rules, the charge against the resource budget is not the required level of performance/effort required in any calculated in the same way. given activity in the establishment, or in any community work outside the establishment for which they are paid 5. The PFI prisons costs include a charge for interest on capital costs. There is no equivalent charge in the public sector costs. by the prison. The full working week in prison will normally be 10 morning, afternoon, or evening sessions, or five night shifts. Prisoners: Personal Records Prisoners who are employed in work, induction, education, training or offending behaviour programmes Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for will receive at least the minimum weekly rate of pay for Justice how many prisoner records in each prison employed prisoners. The minimum rate of pay does not establishment in England and Wales have gone missing preclude deductions for poor attendance or performance. in each year since 2008. [158164] 841W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 842W

Jeremy Wright: Data on the loss of prisoner records training or instruction to prisoners in combat sports are available from September 2008 following the such as boxing, boxercise, martial arts or any similar introduction of a new data loss reporting procedure activity. which covers prisoner files that go missing. The increase NOMS is aware however of the importance that in reporting of losses since the start of 2011-12 coincides physical education (PE) can make on the overall health with the programme of work that has been carried out and welfare of all prisoners especially young offenders to promote awareness of Information Assurance across and the role sport can play in supporting self-discipline NOMS and to improve reporting procedures. programmes and is currently supporting a request to examine the benefits of a controlled non-contact boxing Prisoner records gone From number of missing establishments programme at HMP YOI Doncaster. The evaluation has just begun and is currently at its programme 2008-09 (part year) 1 1 commissioning stage. 2009-10 13 11 2010-11 12 10 2011-12 24 20 2012-13 31 20 Prisons: Crimes of Violence 2013 to date 11 8 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Prisons how many assaults against prison staff in the (a) youth estate and (b) adult estate there were in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012. [161683] Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what arrangements were made for the disposal Jeremy Wright: The National Offender Management of equipment, furniture and other assets belonging to Service take a zero tolerance approach to violence in HMP (a) Shepton Mallet, (b) Kingston, (c) Bullwood prisons. Any offender assaulting a member of staff may Hall, (d) Canterbury, (e) Gloucester, (f) Shrewsbury be dealt with by the IEP scheme, by an adjudication or and (g) Camp Hill on the occasion of their closure; by referral to the police for prosecution, depending on [158157] the severity of the assault. While on duty prison officers (2) what the total value was of equipment and other have all the powers, authority and protection of a assets disposed of due to the closure of HMP (a) constable and a prisoner assaulting a prison officer may Shepton Mallet, (b) Kingston, (c) Bullwood Hall, (d) be charged with assault on a constable. Canterbury, (e) Gloucester, (f) Shrewsbury and (g) Assaults on staff are recorded for HM Prisons and Camp Hill in each year since 2010. [158158] young offender institutes. Where an assault occurs in a shared site, it is not possible to identify with certainty in Jeremy Wright: In common with all Government which part of the establishment the assault occurred. Departments, the National Offender Management Service As a proxy, figures are provided for assaults on staff (NOMS) must demonstrate value for money when disposing involving those aged under 18 as being in the youth of public assets. NOMS takes very seriously the effective estate and those aged 18 and over as being in the adult disposal of surplus equipment resulting from prison estate: closures. Assaults on staff by age group All portable and serviceable items (including equipment 2010 2011 2012 and furniture) are re-allocated to other prisons whenever it is practicable and economically viable to do so. As a Adult (ages 18 years and 2,436 2,767 2691 above) last resort, equipment that is old, unserviceable, has Youth (ages 15 to 413 365 296 little value or practical use (or its recovery is prohibitively 17 years) expensive) is disposed of. This is always the last resort. The only items that were disposed of were those deemed under Treasury rules to be of no value, Prisons: Drugs unserviceable, had little value or practical use or its recovery was prohibitively expensive. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many incidents of smuggling drugs and Prisons: Boxing contraband into prisons were committed by (a) prison staff and (b) non-prison staff in 2012. [159869] Charlotte Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what advice his Department issues on the Jeremy Wright: Nine directly employed staff (prison provision of boxing in prisons and young offenders’ staff) were convicted for smuggling drugs and contraband institutions. [161697] into prisons in 2012 and nine non-directly employed (non-prison staff) were convicted for smuggling drugs Jeremy Wright: The National Offender Management and contraband into prisons in 2012. Service (NOMS), which is responsible for PE policy in NOMS will always deal robustly with any member of prisons and young offender institutions in England and prison staff engaging in any form of staff corruption, Wales has issued a Prison Service Instruction (PSI) including the conveying of prohibited items into prisons, 58/2011 Physical Education for Prisoners which sets out and will look to use internal disciplinary and/or criminal a number of requirements prisons must follow. The PSI proceedings depending on the circumstances of the states that establishments must not deliver any supervision, case. 843W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 844W

Prisons: Education £ million Out-turn Budget Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 what the two most recent Ofsted inspection findings were on the standard of prison education, by prison. Dovegate 36.670 38.065 39.402 40.539 [163023] Forest Bank 35.572 35.467 36.510 38.093 Lowdham Grange 25.758 26.558 27.972 28.899 Jeremy Wright: Ofsted findings on the standard of Parc 47.946 58.526 59.628 57.517 education in each prison form part of the inspection Peterborough 32.866 33.118 33.776 34.880 carried out by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons Rye Hill 17.944 18.845 19.322 20.610 (HMIP). HMIP inspection reports on individual prisons Thameside n/a 0.143 27.505 30.806 are published on the Ministry of Justice website at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/inspectorate-reports/ Contracted managed prisons hmi-prisons/prison-and-yoi Birmingham n/a 14.148 28.812 29.139 The Government is committed to creating a learning Doncaster 22.527 19.983 18.547 17.125 and skills offer in prisons that offers the best possible Oakwood n/a n/a 23.631 18.049 opportunity of securing sustainable employment. This Wolds 9.104 8.662 8.789 2.323 includes a strong focus on vocational training during Total 327.489 354.938 428.078 424.138 the last year in custody that best meets the needs of Notes: employers in the areas into which prisoners will be 1. Altcourse—96 additional prisoner places (APPs) deactivated in December released. 2012 and a further 75 APPs deactivated in April 2013. 2. Parc—new houseblock opened in 2010; deactivation of 138 APPs in April 2013. Prisons: Food 3. Thameside became operational on 27 March 2012. 4. Birmingham transferred to private sector management on 1 October 2011. 5. Doncaster contract re-competed with revised pricing effective from 1 Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for October 2011. Justice what proportion of food procured by prisons 6. Oakwood became operational on 24 April 2012; expenditure in 2012-13 included £7.2 million of initial set-up costs. came from UK food producers in the latest period for 7. Wolds transferred to public sector management on 1 July 2013. which figures are available. [156807] Expenditure for each prison between years will vary due to a number of factors, including inflation uplift, Jeremy Wright: The proportion of food (by value) contract variations, new prisons becoming operational purchased through the Ministry of Justice Foodstuff or prisons transferring between the public and private Contracts produced in the UK for which figures are sector, and additional prison places being commissioned available is 46% or £27.5 million extrapolated over a or decommissioned. 12 month period. Expenditure for some prisons will include substance The data set used to inform this figure has been misuse costs which are recharged to the Department of calculated using actual sales data against the current Health from 2011-12. Not all running costs are met by MOJ foodstuff contracts for the provision of prisoner the private contractors, some costs are met directly by food during the quarter period October 2012-January the Department. 2013. For prisons run under the private finance initiative Prisons: Private Sector (PFI) scheme, the expenditure includes the annual instalment for the repayment of the capital cost of the prison building (and related interest payments), as well Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice as the running cost. how much was paid to private contractors for running each privately run prison in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 The Government is committed to driving down unit and (c) 2012-13; and how much is budgeted to be costs in prisons through replacing old and uneconomic spent in (i) 2013-14 and (ii) 2014-15. [165768] accommodation with new modern and cost-effective places within the public sector and private prison estate. Jeremy Wright: The following table shows expenditure Annual resource expenditure for individual public incurred with private contractors for each privately sector and private prisons is published each year alongside managed prison in each financial year 2010-11 to 2012-13, the management information addendums to the NOMS and the budgeted amounts for 2013-14 as at June 2013. annual report and accounts. The budgets for 2014-15 are not yet available. Budget allocations will be set as part of the Departments Prisons: Visits regular annual budget allocation process. Allocations will be made on the basis of need and according to Jenny Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for departmental priorities. Justice how many staff were employed to perform security checks on inmates and visitors entering prisons £ million in each prison in England and Wales, in each year from Out-turn Budget July 2008. [164836] 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14

Private finance Jeremy Wright: Prisons may deploy a comprehensive initiative prisons range of robust searching and security techniques. Such Altcourse 47.596 47.213 47.488 46.960 measures include basic and enhanced rub down searching Ashfield 25.015 26.285 27.529 28.713 and full searching of prisoners, staff and visitors, as Bronzefield 26.490 27.925 29.168 30.486 appropriate, the use of x-ray machines, drug detection 845W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 846W dogs and CCTV surveillance cameras and the imposition Public protection is paramount and we will put in of closed (non-contact) visits. Routine and intelligence-led place robust systems to ensure that the risk of serious searching of living accommodation and communal areas harm to the public is appropriately managed. All offenders is also deployed. who pose a high risk of serious harm, and those who No member of staff is employed only to conduct have committed the most serious crimes, will be managed security checks on prisoners and visitors entering prisons. directly by the public sector probation service, and we This task is generally part of a role comprising a range will place contractual obligations on providers in relation of duties within prisons. to risk management, including obligations which will Individual establishments are required to conduct a ensure that any potential escalation in risk of serious local assessment to determine the number of staff required harm to high is identified and referred to the public to conduct such checks in each circumstance, which will sector probation service for review. Frequency of contact be dependent on the security category of the establishment, with the offender will, as now, be partly determined by the nature of the area/activity and other specific local the risk posed and will be based on the professional needs. judgment of the offender manager. Prisons: Wales Probation: Essex

Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice who will be responsible for making the application for what information his Department holds on how many planning permission for the North Wales prison. members of the public have attended each meeting of [163764] the Essex Probation Board in each of the last 12 months for which information is available; and if he Jeremy Wright: The Lord Chancellor and Secretary will make a statement. [163571] of State for Justice, my right hon. Friend the Member for Epsom and Ewell (Chris Grayling), will be responsible Jeremy Wright: One member of the public has attended for making the application for outline planning permission. a board meeting of the Essex Probation Trust in the last 12 months. Probation Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Ian Lavery: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what directorate within his Department has policy (1) in the event of probation outsourcing in England responsibility for Essex probation trust; how many and Wales, whether he expects a reduction in staff in officials of each civil service grade are employed within the probation service as a result of the proposals within this directorate; and if he will make a statement. the Transforming Rehabilitation paper; [165275] [163585] (2) in the event of probation outsourcing in England and Wales, how he will ensure that the probation Jeremy Wright: Oversight of probation trusts is the system will deal with any increases in demand; [165276] responsibility of the National Offender Management (3) what assessment he has made of an increased risk Service (NOMS). A number of officials, across NOMS, to public safety should offenders be expected to report have dealings with Essex probation trust. less frequently to probation staff. [165281] For information on staff employed by NOMS, I refer my hon. Friend to the agency’s annual report and Jeremy Wright: On 9 May, the Ministry of Justice accounts for 2012-13, published on 25 June 2013, available published “Transforming Rehabilitation: a Strategy for at: Reform” that sets out the plans for transforming the http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/publications/corporate- way in which offenders are managed in the community reports/noms/2013/noms-anuual-report-accounts-2012-13.pdf in order to bring down reoffending rates. Our reforms will extend statutory rehabilitation to Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice offenders sentenced to less than 12 months, open up the what steps Essex Probation Trust (EPT) (a) have taken market to a diverse range of new rehabilitation providers, and (b) plans to take in each of the next two years to and see the creation of a new public sector national increase its cost-effectiveness; what meetings officials in probation service, working to protect the public and his Department have had with EPT on this issue; and if building upon the expertise and professionalism which he will make a statement. [163586] are already in place. We expect the majority of staff currently performing Jeremy Wright: Essex Probation continues to review probation roles to transfer to the new providers; we will all areas of expenditure as part of its annual business take a sensible and managed approach to making this planning process to identify potential for improving transition. cost-effectiveness. We are designing contracts for rehabilitation providers The contract management team in NOMS is in frequent that will be responsive to changing demands and priorities contact with the trust to discuss performance, including at local and national levels, new legislation and the financial performance, which is measured as part of the wider commissioning context. trust’s contract with the Secretary of State. The team We will introduce new payment incentives for market also has formal quarterly contract review meetings with providers to focus relentlessly on reforming offenders, the trust. giving providers the flexibility to do what works to turn Under the Government’s “Transforming Rehabilitation” offenders’ lives around, but only paying them in full for reforms, we will create a new public sector service, real reductions in reoffending. which will be more efficient and streamlined than the 847W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 848W existing arrangements. It will see the sharing of back-office Due to commercial sensitivity we cannot provide the functions in the new National Probation Service and a value of these properties. commissioning system which, while responsive to local needs, has been structured nationally for greatest efficiency. Reoffenders: Essex

Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice he will place in the Library a copy of the response from what recent steps Essex Probation Trust (a) has taken Essex probation trust to each request under the and (b) plans to take in each of the next two years to Freedom of Information Act 2000, where the request reduce reoffending in (i) Southend-on-Sea and (ii) was agreed to and answered in (a) full and (b) part Essex; and if he will make a statement. [163593] since October 2011; and if he will make a statement. [163587] Jeremy Wright: Essex Probation continues to deliver a full range of services to reduce risk of reoffending by Jeremy Wright: The requested information up to and those under supervision. These include integrated offender including April 2012 is in the Library. When Essex management (IOM), through co-located police/probation probation trust has provided us with the information teams in each of the trust’s six local delivery units. IOM for the period May 2012 to date, I will arrange for this brings an intensive multi-agency approach to reducing to also be placed in the Library. the likelihood of reoffending among those with whom the risk is greatest. Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice On 9 May, the Ministry of Justice published how many staff employed by Essex probation trust “Transforming Rehabilitation: A Strategy for Reform”, were (a) suspended and (b) dismissed for misusing the which sets out how we will reform the rehabilitation of Government procurement card in the last 12 months; offenders in the community in order to drive down and if he will make a statement. [163588] reoffending. As part of these reforms, we are going to create a new national public sector probation service. Jeremy Wright: No employee of Essex probation has The National Probation Service will work alongside been suspended or dismissed for misuse of a procurement new contracted rehabilitation providers and the skills card. and expertise of probation professionals will be utilised across the public, private and voluntary sectors. Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will place in the Library a copy of Essex Probation Reparation by Offenders Trust’s government procurement card transaction data including (a) the date of transaction, (b) the Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice merchant, (c) the value and (d) a description of each whether consent is required before sentenced criminals item of expenditure incurred since October 2012; and if undertake restorative justice processes. [159986] he will make a statement. [163589] Jeremy Wright: At all stages of the criminal justice Jeremy Wright: When Essex Probation Trust has system, restorative justice can take place only where the provided us with the requested information, I will arrange offender admits responsibility and both the victim and for it to be placed in the Library. offender have both been assessed as fully able, consenting and willing to engage in a restorative process. Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice RSPCA what recent reports he has received of the morale of probation officers in the Essex probation trust area; Karl McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for and if he will make a statement. [163590] Justice what representations he made to the RSPCA after paragraph 96 of the Adult Court Bench Book was Jeremy Wright: No recent representations have been amended in 2010. [161612] received in relation to the morale of probation officers in Essex probation trust. Jeremy Wright: The Adult Court Bench Book is produced by the Judicial College to provide general Property guidance and information to magistrates on law practice and procedure. No representations were made to the Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for RSPCA in relation to the amendment to paragraph 96 Justice what the (a) location and (b) value is of any of the Court Bench book. property his Department owns in Scotland. [160284] Schools Mrs Grant: The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) owns two properties in Scotland: Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for 52 Melville Street Justice if he will place in the Library a copy of any material his Department has distributed to schools in Edinburgh EH3 7HF the last five years. [165183] 54-56 Melville Street Edinburgh EH3 7HF Mrs Grant: The Department has not produced any The venue is used to hear reserved tribunals cases in material for schools in the last five years. However if it Scotland from the Employment Tribunal, and the is deemed necessary to do so in future, the Department Employment Appeals Tribunal which are UK-wide will be happy to provide copies of materials for the tribunals. Library. 849W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 850W

Serco Financial year £1

2012-13 229,434,045.80 Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for 1 Excluding VAT. 2 A number of Serco contracts did not come under the control of the Department Justice how much his Department currently spends on until part way through 2008-09. contracts with Serco; and how much was spent in each The Ministry of Justice has a number of contracts year since 2008. [162941] with Serco which includes the management of five private prisons and the Electronic Monitoring Contract. Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice has spent the Shoplifting following amounts with Serco Group plc since the start of the 2008-09 financial year: Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many of those sentenced for retail theft as of 21 Financial year £1 May 2013 had more than (a) one, (b) two, (c) five and (d) 10 prior convictions. [161355] 2008-09 2134,695,033.43 2009-10 228,516,267.11 Jeremy Wright: The following table shows the number 2010-11 201,895,382.93 of previous convictions of offenders who were sentenced 2011-12 210,435,183.12 for retail theft in England and Wales 2008 to 2012.

Number of previous convictions of offenders who were sentenced for retail theft in England and Wales 2008 to 2012. Number of previous convictions Offenders convicted in each year 0 1 or more 2 or more 5 or more 10 or more

2008 70,611 6,177 64,434 59,908 51,157 40,225 2009 75,394 7,470 67,924 62,733 53,064 41,999 2010 74,866 7,476 67,390 62,160 52,603 42,038 2011 73,734 6,801 66,933 62,177 53,116 43,114 2012 72,180 5,837 66,343 62,031 53,691 44,224 Source: Ministry of Justice

It should be noted that around 98% of offenders A retail theft offence has been taken to include the sentenced for retail theft are dealt with at a magistrates following offence: court, broadly indicating the lower levels of planning Theft Act 1968 Sec. 1 Stealing from shops and stalls (shoplifting) involved in the offences in question and the stolen goods typically being of a lower value. An increasing The Police National Computer (PNC) from which number of offences are carried out by re-offenders with the figures are calculated came into existence in 2000, so five offences or more, which highlights the need for data before 2000 are not available. In addition, the latest effective rehabilitation of those convicted. The Government available figures are for the period up to and including is committed to strengthening sentences, so that they December 2012. Figures about the criminal histories of combine robust punishment with requirements that are offenders sentenced during the period January 2013 to effective at preventing further offending and which provide March 2013 are due to be published on 22 August 2013. reparation to victims and communities. At a time when crime is falling we have increased the length and duration Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice of curfews, given courts greater flexibility to impose how many penalty notices were issued for retail theft of programme and treatment requirements, and made the under £200 in each of the last five years; and how many delivery of community payback swifter and more intensive. notices were subsequently paid in full. [161358] The data provided are based on the primary offence at each separate sentencing occasion and are based on sentenced occasions and not sentenced individuals which Jeremy Wright: The use of out of court disposals means an individual may appear more than once in have decreased every year since their peak in 2007 and each year in the data. decreased by 42% since then. Similarly, the use of Penalty Notices for Disorder (PND), for retail theft, peaked in Numbers of previous convictions are taken at the 2009 and have since declined by 42%. time the offender was sentenced for retail theft and are based on counting the number of previous occasions The number of Penalty Notices for Disorder (PND) the offender was convicted for any offence. An offender issued to persons aged 16 and over for retail theft of may appear more than once in the figures if they have under £200 in each of the last five years and the number been sentenced for a number of separate retail theft of Penalty Notices for Disorder paid in full can be offences over the period. viewed in the tables.

Penalty Notices for Disorder issued to all persons aged 16 and over for retail theft1 under £2002, with outcome, England and Wales, 2008 to 20123 Of those paid Number Total paid in Paid in full Paid in full Paid in full— issued full % within 21 days % outside 21 days % Timing unknown %

2008 45,616 20,903 46 17,280 38 3,623 8 0 0 851W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 852W

Penalty Notices for Disorder issued to all persons aged 16 and over for retail theft1 under £2002, with outcome, England and Wales, 2008 to 20123 Of those paid Number Total paid in Paid in full Paid in full Paid in full— issued full % within 21 days % outside 21 days % Timing unknown %

2009 48,161 24,529 51 20,116 42 4,413 9 0 0 2010 40,170 21,804 54 18,133 45 3,671 9 0 0 2011 34,688 18,603 54 15,128 44 3,475 10 0 0 2012 28,363 14,481 51 6,116 22 1,996 7 6,369 22

Other outcomes Court Fine hearing PND Potential Outcome registered % requested % cancelled % prosecution % unknown %

2008 23,090 51 189 0 881 2 540 1 13 0 2009 20,166 42 163 0 1,026 2 2,198 5 79 0 2010 15,468 39 128 0 906 2 1,704 4 160 0 2011 13,442 39 133 0 890 2 1,476 4 144 0 2012 8,260 29 35 0 670 2 365 1 4,552 16 1 Offence is a Notifiable offence included within OBTJ figures. 2 Penalty notices are no longer available for theft of goods valued at over £100 from July 2009 onwards. 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Staff specialist training which is sometimes not available internally. Externally procuring specialist training in this way is Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice often more cost effective than developing training packages how much his Department spent on (a) recruitment because the training is targeted to smaller groups. agency fees, (b) outplacement agency fees for displaced Translation Services or redundant staff and (c) staff training in each of the last 12 months. [162619] Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how much his Department saved through the Mrs Grant: To provide the amounts spent on recruitment contract for interpreters and translation services in (a) agency fees and outplacement agency fees for displaced February 2012 and (b) May 2013; [159451] or redundant staff in each of the last 12 months will (2) what the cost to his Department was of the incur disproportionate cost as it will require examination contract for interpreters and translation services in (a) of a substantial number of individual invoices over that February 2012 and (b) May 2013. [159452] period. Budgets for internal staff training are devolved and Mrs Grant: The overall annual savings under the are managed locally by the Ministry’s different business contract during 2012-13 are estimated to be in excess of groups and agencies. The Ministry does not record this £15 million. information centrally.Therefore to establish the expenditure I can confirm that the monthly expenditure under the on internal staff training in any given year would require Capita TI Language Services contract was £0.11 million a Ministry-wide survey of all its business areas. This for February 2012 and £1.2 million for May 2013. would also incur a disproportionate cost. The Ministry is committed to providing training and Trials education for all civil servants in line with the commitment set out in the Civil Service Reform Plan: Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what assessment he has made of the annual costs to the “to provide at least five days a year targeted at the skills most [163374] needed for their roles”. court system of litigants in person. Generic training is provided by Civil Service Learning, Mrs Grant: No assessment has been made of the and external spend on learning and education is subject annual costs to the court system of litigants in person. to the governance arrangements put in place by the The Department has published a review of published Cabinet Office. research evidence on civil and family litigants in person, For external training, the most recent data available which found that the impact on case duration, a key shows that for the period between I June 2012 and 31 driver of cost, was mixed. This research can be found May 2013, the Department spent around £14.273 million. online: This amount is in relation to 6600 members of staff A Literature Review by Kim Williams on LiPs covering the Core Department and its executive agencies. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/litigants-in-person- Department and its executive agencies External training a-literature-review costs are those which are delivered outside of our internal resources with approval through the central Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Civil Service Learning arrangement. This can include (1) how many cases in (a) magistrates courts and (b) professional training and training through academic Crown courts were awaiting trial on 1 January (i) 2010, bodies. External training providers are able to deliver (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013; [165759] 853W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 854W

(2) how many cases (a) magistrates courts and (b) Jeremy Wright: Information on the number of Governing Crown courts received in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) Governors or Directors there have been in each of the 2012. [165762] establishments between 31 March 2008 and 31 March 2013 is contained in the following table. Governing Mrs Grant: The number of trial cases outstanding in Governors is the term used in the public sector whereas the Crown court and criminal cases outstanding in the in the private sector the senior manager in charge of an magistrates courts in England and Wales from 2009 to establishment is known as a Director. Across all public 2012 is provided in Table 1. This includes those awaiting sector establishments the average tenure of a Governing trial and those who have pleaded or been found guilty Governor is now around three years and four months. and are awaiting sentence. Number of Governing Governors/Directors Between 31 March 2008 The number of cases received in the Crown court and and 31 March 2013 the number of criminal cases received in magistrates Number of Governing Governors/ courts in England and Wales from 2010 to 2012 are Directors presented in Table 2. Feltham 1 Information on cases received and cases outstanding Ashfield 3 in the magistrates courts is management information Cookham Wood 3 which has recently been developed and is currently Downview 2 being validated. Some bulk applications, such as council Eastwood Park 3 tax, are sometimes counted as a single case. It is therefore Hindley 2 not subject to the same level of checking as official New Hall 3 statistics. Parc 1 Table 1: The number of trial cases outstanding in the Crown court and Warren Hill 3 criminal cases in the magistrates courts outstanding in England and Werrington 3 Wales, 2009 to 2012 Wetherby 2 Total number of Note: Total number of trial criminal cases Where the Deputy Governor temporarily steps up to cover the post cases outstanding in outstanding in they are not included. the Crown court at the magistrates courts at end of each year1 the end of each year1

2009 39,898 313,100 Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for 2010 37,788 325,172 Justice how many (a) staff and (b) young offenders 2011 36,077 326,693 there were in (i) Feltham, (ii) Ashfield, (iii) Cookham 2012 32,150 322,141 Wood, (iv) Downview, (v) Eastwood Park, (vi) Hindley, 1 Outstanding cases as at 31 December. (vii) New Hall, (viii) Parc, (ix) Warren Hill, (x) Werrington 2 Outstanding cases include those which have pleaded or been found guilty but are waiting to be sentenced. It also includes cases where a and (xi) Weatherby young offenders institutions in (A) warrant has been issued for the defendant’s arrest in magistrates court 2010, (B) 2011, (C) 2012 and (D) 2013. [165531] cases. Source: HM Courts and Tribunals Service CREST system (Crown court) and Libra system (magistrates courts) Jeremy Wright: Information on the full-time equivalent Table 2: The total number of cases received in the Crown court and staff in post and the number of young offenders in each criminal cases in the magistrates courts, England and Wales, 2010 to of the establishments specified is contained in the following Total number of two tables. The staffing numbers provided refer to the Total number of cases criminal cases received entire establishment, even where it houses both young received in the Crown in magistrates courts court1 2010 to 2012 offenders and adults. Annual population data are reported as at 30 June. Population data for 30 June 2013 have not 2010 152,336 1,856,403 yet been published at the level of detail required in this 2011 148,250 1,790,111 question and are therefore not provided. 2012 133,371 1,680,191 Table 1: Total staff in post (full-time equivalent) 30 June 2010, 2011 1 Receipts in the Crown court include committals direct from the and 2012 magistrates courts, bench warrants executed (trial and sentence only) 30 June 2010 30 June 2011 30 June 2012 and cases transferred in, less cases transferred out. 2 Receipts in the magistrates courts include cases transferred or Feltham 700 680 660 remitted between courts which will be counted as receipts at both courts. Ashfield 450 460 450 Source: Cookham 210 220 220 HM Courts and Tribunals Service CREST system and Libra system Wood (magistrates courts) Downview 200 200 190 Eastwood 250 250 240 Park Young Offender Institutions Hindley 410 410 390 New Hall 360 350 350 Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Parc1 60 70 70 Justice how many governors (a) Feltham, (b) Ashfield, Warren Hill 220 230 240 (c) Cookham Wood, (d) Downview, (e) Eastwood Warrington 170 170 180 Park, (f) Hindley, (g) New Hall, (h) Parc, (i) Warren Wetherby 370 400 420 Hill, (j) Werrington and (k) Weatherby young offenders 1 Staffing data refer only to the portion of the establishment housing institutions has had in the last five years. [165530] young offenders. 855W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 856W

Table 2: Young offender (age 15 to 20) population 30 June 2010, 2011 The YouthJustice Board commissions places in young and 2012 offender institutions, secure training centres and secure 30 June 2010 30 June 2011 30 June 2012 children’s homes to ensure there are sufficient places to Feltham 660 730 610 meet the demand. Ashfield 280 360 230 Since April 2000, the YJB has fully withdrawn places Cookham 110 120 110 commissioned for young people at the following young Wood offenders institutions: Downview 40 30 30 Eastwood Park 60 40 30 YJB commissioned places at Hindley 330 340 . 260 Establishment withdrawal date New Hall 50 40 40 Portland 130 Parc 350 300 240 Brockhill 14 Warren Hill 180 120 140 Onley 240 Werrington 130 150 140 Bullwood Hall 30 Wetherby 320 360 320 Woodhill 8 Note: Thorn Cross 60 Figures are rounded to the nearest 10 Lancaster Farms 240 Brinsford 112 Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Castington 168 Justice how many (a) education and (b) work places Huntercombe 270 were available to young people in (i) Feltham, (ii) Foston Hall 16 Ashfield, (iii) Cookham Wood, (iv) Downview, (v) Stoke Heath 202 Eastwood Park, (vi) Hindley, (vii) New Hall, (viii) Parc, (ix) Warren Hill, (x) Werrington and (xi) Weatherby Ashfield 360 young offenders institutions in each month in (A) 2010, Following the withdrawal of the Youth Justice Board (B) 2011, (C) 2012 and (D) 2013. [165532] from these establishments, all of the above places were handed back to the National Offender Management Jeremy Wright: Each young offender institution is Service and subsequently used to hold prisoners aged required to provide a programme of education, vocational 18 and over. training and other constructive activity, including work On 2 July 2013 the YJB announced its full withdrawal related learning, of 25 hours per week for every young from places commissioned for young people at the person, according to their individual learning needs. following young offenders institutions:

Young Offenders YJB commissioned places at Establishment withdrawal date Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for Downview 16 Justice how many people currently held in the secure Eastwood Park 16 children’s estate are of no fixed abode. [163768] New Hall 9

Jeremy Wright: The Youth Justice Board collect data Secure children’s homes are owned and operated by on individuals held in the youth secure estate, but local authorities who make any decisions about use of information on home address and accommodation status places. Since 2000, the YJB has ceased to contract with is not mandatory. secure children’s homes at:

Youthoffending teams have a duty to work with local YJB commissioned places at authorities to ensure that all young people leaving custody Secure children’s home withdrawal date are provided with appropriate accommodation on release. The Government has identified improving wider Brunel 6 resettlement of young people (including appropriate Leverton 2 accommodation) as a key priority. Redsands 4 Stoke House 4 Youth Custody Briar’s Hey 7 Clare Lodge 8 Dales House 8 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice St John’s Tiffield 8 which secure youth establishments have (a) been Stamford House 20 closed, (b) been decommissioned and (c) had their use Thornbury House 7 altered, by capacity of establishment, since 1997. Dyson House 16 [165766] Orchard Lodge 16 Sutton Place 8 Jeremy Wright: There has been a significant fall in Atkinson 3 the number of young people in custody and it makes Kyloe House 3 sense to reduce capacity where places are not needed. However we will always ensure there are always places Information on changes in the under-18 estate prior available for young people sentenced to custody by the to the Youth Justice Board commissioning the secure courts. estate in 2000 is not available. 857W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 858W

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice the wider review of the 2006 Act in 2010 did not reveal what the (a) capacity and (b) population of the secure any problems with its effectiveness in relation to animal youth estate was in each year since 1997. [165767] sanctuaries or any other animal related activity. Jeremy Wright: There has been a welcome and continued fall in the number of young people in custody. We Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for always seek to reduce capacity and save money when Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if his places are not needed whilst ensuring that young people Department will make an assessment of the effect the can continue to be placed safely. economic downturn has had on animal charities and sanctuaries. [166202] The following table shows the (a) average capacity and (b) average population of the youth secure estate in each financial year from 2000-01 to 2012-13 inclusive Mr Heath: There are no plans to carry out an assessment for the youth secure estate, (i) excluding 18-year-olds of the effect the economic downturn has had on animal and (ii) including 18-year-olds that remain within the charities and sanctuaries, although we are aware of the youth secure estate. growing pressure on charities, in particular the horse welfare charities. Average capacity Average secure Average secure (beds estate population estate population commissioned) (under 18’s) (inc. 18-year-olds) Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what 2000-01 3,260 2,807 3,011 information his Department holds on the number and 2001-02 3,373 2,801 3,190 type of animal sanctuaries in England; [166287] 2002-03 3,487 3,029 3,451 2003-04 3,456 2,771 3,151 (2) what definition of an animal sanctuary his 2004-05 3,193 2,745 3,125 Department uses. [166288] 2005-06 3,300 2,830 3,177 2006-07 3,474 2,914 3,235 Mr Heath: DEFRA does not hold information on 2007-08 3,485 2,932 3,208 the number or type of animal sanctuaries in England. 2008-09 3,503 2,881 3,049 There is no specific legal definition of an animal sanctuary. 2009-10 3,507 2,418 2,670 2010-11 2,954 2,040 2,222 2011-12 2,567 1,963 2,141 Biodiversity 2012-131 2,491 11,561 11,727 1 Population figures for 2012-13 are provisional, the 2012-13 figures will be finalised in the 2012-13 Youth Justice Statistics. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Notes: 1. Data has not been collected by the Youth Justice Board for 1997-99 as the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how much board only came into existence in 1998 and started data collection in 2000 his Department spent on biodiversity conservation in 2. The population figures are an average of 12 monthly snapshots of the custodial population, taken on the last Friday of the month or first Friday of (a) England and (b) UK Overseas Territories in the following month, depending on which is nearer to the actual month end. 2012-13; [158367] 3. Population figures prior to 2012-13 reflect published data where available, however some data may not exactly match the published data due to different (2) how much his Department spent on biodiversity extraction times. conservation in (a) England and (b) the British 4. Please note that although the YJB is only responsible for placing 10 to Overseas Territories in 2012-13. [162953] 17-year-olds, young people aged over 17 remain in the youth secure estate if they only have a short period of their sentence left to serve, to avoid disrupting their regimes 5. These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with Richard Benyon: Details of DEFRA spend on any large scale recording system, are subject to possible errors with data entry biodiversity conservation in England in 2012-13 are and processing and can be subject to change over time. provided in the following table. These figures represent Sources: 1. The Average capacity (Beds commissioned) data is supplied by the Secure DEFRA programme spend and spend by the wider Accommodation Directorate at the Youth Justice Board. DEFRA network but do not include staff costs. They 2. The Average Secure Estate population (under 18’s) data is from two sources. also include total agri-environment scheme expenditure From 2000-01 to June 2012 the data is sourced from the Secure Accommodation Clearing House System (SACHS) database and from July 2012 the data is and the DEFRA biodiversity research programme, of sourced from eAsset, which a major share is judged to be spent on biodiversity 3. The data for Average Secure Estate Population (inc. 18-year-olds) data is from the Youth Justice Board’s daily Unlock reports. in England. Estimated public expenditure by DEFRA network organisations on biodiversity conservation in England ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Area of spend Amount (£ million) DEFRA: Agri-environment 405.3 Animal Welfare schemes1 Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Other DEFRA expenditure: he has made of the effectiveness of the Animal Welfare Biodiversity Programme2 1.9 Act 2006 in dealing with cases of cruelty to or neglect Biodiversity Evidence and Research1 7.0 of animals (a) at animal sanctuaries and (b) elsewhere. [166167] Environment Agency 21.4 Forestry Commission 23.3 Mr Heath: No assessment has been made of the Natural England 26.5 effectiveness of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (the “2006 Joint Nature Conservation 3.3 Act”) specifically in relation to animal sanctuaries. However, Committee 859W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 860W

Estimated public expenditure by DEFRA network organisations on biodiversity (2) which organisations or individuals were awarded conservation in England licences to remove buzzard nests to prevent serious Area of spend Amount (£ million) damage to livestock. [165682] DEFRA network total3 488.7 1 Total scheme and research expenditure, consisting largely of work related to Richard Benyon [holding answer 16 July 2013]: Disclosure biodiversity in England. 2 Due to re-structuring of the budgets, the expenditure figure for the of this information is likely to breach the first data Biodiversity Programme is not directly comparable with estimates from protection principle in schedule 1 to the Data Protection previous years. Act, which relates to the fair and lawful processing of 3 Totals may not add due to rounding. Note: personal data. Releasing this data could lead to retaliatory Figures are provisional estimates pending finalisation of accounts. action against the licensees and in light of this, I do not Natural England spend in previous years included consider it would be in the public interest to disclose the general grant to areas of outstanding natural beauty this information. (AONBs), which is no longer reported in these estimates. However, both AONBs and national parks continue to spend part of their DEFRA funding on biodiversity British Overseas Territories conservation. DEFRA spend on biodiversity conservation in the Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, British Overseas Territories in 2012-13 is estimated to Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is be £1,562,054. This includes commitments under the taking to ensure that all Overseas Territories entrench Darwin initiative and support for projects to address the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species invasive non-native species. It also includes spend by the of Wild Animals into their respective legislation. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. It does not include [165278] spend by others, for example, the Governments of the Overseas Territories themselves, which are principally Richard Benyon: UK practice is that treaties are only responsible for biodiversity conservation in their territories. extended to Overseas Territories if the territories request extension. Environment is an issue devolved to Territory Biofuels Governments and it is for each Overseas Territory to decide how to deliver any obligations arising from Multilateral Environmental Agreements that have been Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for extended to it. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many If an Overseas Territory considers the Convention on microgrammes of small particulates (PM2.5) per cubic Migratory Species to be of relevance, we will work with metre of air he expects emissions from biomass combustion that Territory to extend the Convention to it. to add to the atmosphere in the UK in (a) 2012, (b) 2013 and (c) 2020. [165811] Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department Richard Benyon [holding answer 16 July 2013]: Biomass takes if a UK Overseas Territory is in contravention of combustion is expected to increase due to measures the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species under the Renewable Heat Initiative (RHI). of Wild Animals. [165280] The emissions from biomass combustion funded under the non-domestic RHI have been modelled to contribute Richard Benyon: Environment is an issue devolved to 0.035 microgrammes of small particulates (particulate Territory Governments. Where the Convention on the matter up to 2.5 micrometres in size, or PM2.5) per cubic 3 Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals metre of air (ug/m ) to the 2020 population-weighted has been extended to a UK Overseas Territory it is the mean concentration of PM2.5 in the UK; this is net of responsibility of that Territory to decide how to deliver the emissions from the fuels displaced by biomass. The any obligations arising from it. If requested we will total predicted population-weighted mean concentration 3 work with the Territories to which the Convention has of PM2.5 in 2020 excluding the RHI is 9.47 ug/m . been extended to help them meet their obligations. There are no estimates currently available for 2012 or 2013; uptake of the RHI has been relatively low to date. The biomass uptake in the domestic RHI is targeted Devolution at off-gas grid users. Current modelling predicts that the majority is expected to replace coal or oil combustion and so slightly to reduce emissions and hence concentrations Margaret Curran: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will place in of PM2.5, unless current projections of uptake are greatly exceeded. the Library any concordats which his Department or the public bodies for which he is responsible have with the devolved Administrations. [163150] Birds of Prey Richard Benyon: The Memorandum of Understanding Mary Creagh: To ask the Secretary of State for (MoUs) and Supplementary Agreements, agreed in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the September 2012, set out principles which underlie the answer of 1 July 2013, Official Report, columns 445-6W, relationship between the UK Government and the devolved on birds of prey, (1) in which (a) regions and (b) administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. counties the two licences to remove buzzard nests to These documents are currently available in the Library prevent serious damage to livestock were issued; [165673] of the House. 861W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 862W

DEFRA and the public bodies for which it is responsible baked bean jars, leftovers recipe ideas and the production have in addition agreed the bilateral concordats listed as of smaller sized loaves of bread to suit smaller households. follow for handling of procedural, practical or policy We also clarified date labelling guidance in 2011 to matters with counterparts in the devolved Administrations. make labels clearer so that people are more confident Copies of the documents will be placed in the Library: about what they mean and how long food is safe to eat. Concordat on animal health and welfare matters between the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Grant Thornton Scottish Ministers and the Welsh Ministers. Marine Management Concordat between the Secretary of Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Northern Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much his Ireland Executive. Department has spent on contracts with Grant A subject specific Concordat between the Department for Thornton in each year since 2008. [165691] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Marine Scotland, the Welsh Government and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Northern Ireland) on Management Arrangements Richard Benyon: This table sets out spend by core for Fishing Opportunities and Fishing Vessel Licensing in the DEFRA on contracts with Grant Thornton in each United Kingdom. financial year from 2008-09 up to 30 June 2013 in the Concordat on the Implementation of Directive 2001/18EC current year. and Regulation 1946/2003/EC on genetically modified organisms, between the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland, £ the National Assembly for Wales, the Scottish Executive and the UK Government. 2008-09 0 DEFRA and the public bodies for which it is responsible 2009-10 0 also have a number of detailed MoUs, Service Level 2010-11 0 Agreements and other documents setting out joint working 2011-12 0 with the devolved Administrations. 2012-13 128,964 2013-14 (to 30 June) 85,320 Flood Control Hydroelectric Power Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much Mr Charles Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for funding his Department has allocated for flood Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for what reason defences in each of the next four years. [154253] the Environment Agency is continuing to pass applications for small-scale hydro schemes while it is still in the Richard Benyon: The table shows how much funding process of gathering evidence as to the environmental has been allocated for flood defences in each of the next impact of such schemes; and if he will make a statement. four years. [166114] The allocation for the revenue spend beyond 2014-15 has not yet been finalised although there will be an Richard Benyon: The Environment Agency continues additional £5 million provided for the Environment to consider permit applications for hydropower schemes Agency in 2015-16 to carry out maintenance of flood on the basis of its Good Practice Guidelines for hydropower defence assets. published in 2009. This guidance was based on best available knowledge and evidence, and provides a sound £ million basis for ensuring that small-scale hydropower schemes DEFRA Funding for flood defences are designed with measures in place to protect the local Revenue incl environment. maintenance Capital Total The guidance is currently under review. The Environment 2013-14 239 294 533 Agency is gathering evidence to inform this review. 2014-15 226 344 570 Until the review is complete the current guidance will 2015-16 — 370 — be used to assess applications. 2016-17 — 377 — Recycling: Plastics Food: Waste Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Department is taking to boost the recycling of (a) Government is taking to encourage households to plastic films and (b) black plastics. [165651] reduce food waste. [165654] Richard Benyon: DEFRA is supporting work by the Richard Benyon: The Government funded Waste and Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to Resources Action Programme (WRAP) is working with boost recycling of these materials. consumers to help them save money and reduce household The front of store recycling work being undertaken food waste. WRAP’s Love Food Hate Waste campaign by WRAP has led to a significant increase in the number offers information and ideas on reducing food waste. of stores collecting plastic film. This packaging can Under the voluntary Courtauld Commitment, we have currently be returned for recycling at a number of encouraged industry to adopt innovations that benefit major supermarket outlets, and indications are that this consumers, such as re-sealable salad bags, re-sealable will be rolled out more widely. 863W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 864W

WRAP is also working closely with representatives One element of the action plan is a communications from across the plastics supply chain to promote the initiative to increase public awareness of the importance recycling of film and will provide guidance for local of plastics recycling. authorities that wish to improve their film collections shortly. The British Plastics Federation Recycling Group Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for is also looking at promoting film recycling. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Conventional black plastics packaging cannot be sorted he has made of the effect of the export of plastics by plastics recyclers due to the nature of the carbon recyclate from the UK on the domestic plastics pigment. WRAP has undertaken trials using other pigment recycling market and the wider UK economy. [165656] which looks black to the eye, but can be used by plastic sorters and re-processors, and is acceptable by brands Richard Benyon: DEFRA has not made an assessment and retailers. WRAP is also due to publish work which of the effect of the export of plastic recyclate on the has been examining the end market opportunities that domestic market and wider UK economy. could be available for this material. Once this is published, There is a legitimate global trade in waste, which can WRAP will be working with the plastics packaging be good for the environment and business. Movements supply chain to get this initiative adopted. of waste to and from the UK are subject to the requirements of the waste shipments regulation. This allows the Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for export of recyclate as long as it is not contaminated to Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress the extent that it could not be managed in an his Department is making in its efforts to meet plastics environmentally sound manner in the destination country. recycling targets. [165652] Rural Areas: Affordable Housing Richard Benyon: The plastics recycling targets are part of a producer responsibility regime and it is a Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for matter for industry to meet them. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent Representatives from across the plastics supply chain, discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues in the facilitated by the Waste and Resources Action Programme, Department for Communities and Local Government are developing a Plastics Industry Action Plan to ensure on the need for more affordable housing in rural areas. the necessary actions are taken forward to deliver the [165728] plastic packaging recycling targets by 2017. DEFRA is planning to introduce new regulations Richard Benyon: DEFRA Ministers have regular contact before the end of the year which will require material with their counterparts in DCLG on a range of issues. recovery facilities to measure the quality of the input DEFRA officials continue to work closely with DCLG and output of the materials including plastics. This will colleagues on housing policy. help improve the way the recyclate market operates by increasing transparency. Water Companies: Corporation Tax

Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when his Department Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will have will next review PRN/PERN policy. [165653] discussions with OFWAT about requiring water and sewerage companies to disclose their level of corporation Richard Benyon: DEFRA and the Department for tax payments; and if he will make a statement. [165935] Business, Innovation and Skills are currently undertaking a review of the producer responsibility regimes to improve Richard Benyon: All water and sewerage companies the coherence between the different regulations, and to and water only companies are obliged under their licences reduce burdens on businesses which have to deal with to publish their accounts, including the level of corporation more than one regime. tax paid, on their websites by 15 July each year. A consultation on amendments to the packaging regulations, which will take forward the ‘coherence Written Questions issues’ and other specific packaging-related issues, is planned for this autumn. As part of the process, we will Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for be considering whether improvements might usefully be Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how many made to the packaging recovery note/packaging export answers by his Department to Parliamentary Questions recovery note system. involving tables of statistics fewer than four pages in length were (a) printed in full and (b) provided via a Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for link to a website in the last year; [165468] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the (2) what guidance his Department follows in determining Government is taking to increase public awareness of whether statistics in answers to Parliamentary Questions plastics recycling in the UK. [165655] are (a) provided in full, (b) provided via a link to a website and (c) deposited in the Library. [165487] Richard Benyon: Representatives from across the plastics supply chain, facilitated by the Waste and Resources Richard Benyon: Information on how statistics have Action Programme, are developing a Plastics Industry been presented within answers to parliamentary questions Action plan to ensure the necessary actions are taken is not readily available and could be provided only at forward to deliver the plastic recycling target by 2017. disproportionate cost. 865W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 866W

DEFRA aims to provide clear and concise answers to Financial year Total parliamentary questions, and provides statistics and other supplementary information in the most appropriate 2012-13 15 format, guided by the Cabinet Office advice, which is The Government launched its Fast Track Apprenticeships itself available online: Scheme on 15 April, as part of its wider programme of http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to- civil service reform. The scheme is designed to support parliamentary-work 18 to 21-year-olds who have chosen not to go to university, The guidelines advise that: but who have the skills and potential to support the civil “Where an answer makes use of published material (e.g. statistics, service in delivering exceptional public services. A range economic data or quotations from reports) the source should be of Government Departments are taking part in the given, as appropriate, either in the text of the answer or as a pilot of the scheme, with 100 places initially being made footnote. Attached papers (for example, statistical tables) should available. In due course, the scheme will grow to 500 be deposited in the Libraries of the House. If reference is made to documents in a response, copies of these documents must also be places to match the existing Graduate Fast Stream placed in the Library.” programme. Arts: Staff

John Robertson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet CABINET OFFICE Office what estimate he has made of the number of people employed in the creative industries in (a) each Apprentices parliamentary constituency in Glasgow, (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) the UK in each of the last five Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet years. [166129] Office (1) how many apprenticeships his Department offered to people aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 21 and Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the (c) 22 to 26 years old in each year since 2010; [165867] responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. (2) how many apprenticeships the Prime Minister’s Office offered to people aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 21 Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013: and (c) 22 to 26 years old in each year since 2010; As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I [165926] have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question to the Minister for the Cabinet Office asking the number of (3) what strategies he has to create apprenticeships in people employed in the creative industries in (a) each parliamentary his Department; and what plans he has to promote constituency in Glasgow, (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) the such strategies; [165885] UK in each of the last five years. [166129] Annual employment statistics from 2008 onwards are available (4) what strategies the Prime Minister has to create from the Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES). apprenticeships in his Office; and what plans he has to Table 1 contains estimates of the number employed in businesses promote such strategies. [165933] considered to be part of the creative industry for the areas requested between 2008 and 2011. Estimates for Great Britain Mr Maude: The Prime Minister’s office is an integral have been given instead of the UK, as UK information is not part of the Cabinet Office. readily available for these breakdowns. Employment information prior to 2008 is available from the Annual Business Inquiry The number of apprentices taken on by the Cabinet (ABI), but the ABI cannot provide the breakdowns required to Office, including the Prime Minister’s office, is as follows. answer this question. Employment information for 2012 will be Due to the small numbers involved we have not broken published in September 2013. this down by age: A full list of the industry codes (Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 2007) are also provided in the table. Financial year Total National and local area estimates for many labour 2009-10 <5 market statistics, including employment, unemployment 2010-11 6 and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at 2011-12 11 http://www.nomisweb.co.uk

Table 1—Employment in the creative industries for specified geographies: 2008-2011

Area 2008 2009 2010 2011

Glasgow Central constituency 11,300 11,000 10,000 9,200

Glasgow East constituency 300 300 400 300

Glasgow North constituency 700 700 700 600

Glasgow North East constituency 400 500 300 200

Glasgow North West constituency 200 100 100 100

Glasgow South constituency 100 100 200 100

Glasgow South West constituency 500 500 500 500

Glasgow City local authority 13,500 13,300 12,100 10,900

Scotland 47,600 42,400 40,200 33,100 867W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 868W

Table 1—Employment in the creative industries for specified geographies: 2008-2011 Area 2008 2009 2010 2011

Great Britain 683,600 664,800 660,900 651,600 Notes: 1. Cells containing an asterisk (*) represent disclosive data that cannot be published. 2. Figures haw been rounded to the nearest 100 3. There is a small discontinuity between the 2008 and 2009 results due to a difference in the way that directors of limited companies are treated in the results. The creative industries are defined here as comprising of the following industries taken from the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) 2007 and defined by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS): 73110: Advertising agencies 73120: Media representation 71111: Architectural activities 71112: Urban planning and landscape architectural activities 47781: Retail sale in commercial art galleries 47791: Retail sale of antiques including antique books, in stores 14110: Manufacture of leather clothes 14120: Manufacture of workwear 14131: Manufacture of men’s outerwear, other than leather clothes and workwear 14132: Manufacture of women’s outerwear, other than leather clothes and workwear 14141: Manufacture of men’s underwear 14142: Manufacture of women’s underwear 14190: Manufacture of other wearing apparel and accessories 14200: Manufacture of articles of fur 14310: Manufacture of knitted and crocheted hosiery 14390: Manufacture of other knitted and crocheted apparel 15120: Manufacture of luggage, handbags and the like, saddlery and harness 15200: Manufacture of footwear 74100: Specialised design activities 74201: Portrait photographic activities 74202: Other specialist photography (not including portrait photography) 74203: Film processing 74209: Other photographic activities (not including portrait and other specialist photography and film processing) not elsewhere covered 90010: Performing arts 90020: Support activities to performing arts 90030: Artistic creation 90040: Operation of arts facilities 78101: Motion picture, television and other theatrical casting 63910: News agency activities 18110: Printing of newspapers 18130: Pre-press and pre-media services 18201: Reproduction of sound recording 18202: Reproduction of video recording 18203: Reproduction of computer media 58110: Book publishing 58130: Publishing of newspapers 58141: Publishing of learned journals 58142: Publishing of consumer, business and professional journals and periodicals 58190: Other publishing activities 58210: Publishing of computer games 58290: Other software publishing 62011: Ready-made interactive leisure and entertainment software development 60100: Radio broadcasting 60200: Television programming and broadcasting activities 59111: Motion picture production activities 59112: Video production activities 59113: Television programme production activities 59120: Motion picture, video and television programme post-production activities 59131: Motion picture distribution activities 59132: Video distribution activities 59133: Television programme distribution activities 59140: Motion picture projection activities 59200: Sound recording and music publishing activities

Government Departments: Information was from (a) other EU member states and (b) non-EU countries in (i) 2005, (ii) 2010 and (iii) 2012. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet [166150] Office what guidance his Department provides on the format of data published by Government. [166041] Mr Hurd: The information requested fails within the responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Mr Maude: Cabinet Office guidance is that data asked the authority to reply. should be machine readable and available under an Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013: open government licence. Amendments to Section 45 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 will come into As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question force later this summer: asking the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/36/section/45 level of immigration to the UK was from (a) other EU member This means that public authorities must publish datasets states and (b) non-EU countries in (i) 2005, (ii) 2010 and (iii) for reuse and, where practicable, in a reusable format. 2012. [166150] ONS produces estimates of Long-Term International Migration Immigration (LTIM), primarily based on the International Passenger Survey (IPS). The IPS is a continuous voluntary sample survey conducted Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Minister for the by ONS and is the prime source of long-term international Cabinet Office what the level of immigration to the UK migration data for the UK providing estimates of both inflows 869W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 870W and outflows. LTIM is the only series able to provide single year (4) what criteria is used in the Civil Service Compensation UK immigration estimates and to separate EU and non-EU Scheme to decide on a permissible severance deal; countries. [166045] Table 1 shows estimates of immigration to the UK, based on (5) what provision there is for clawback of money if country of last residence, for EU and non-EU countries for the year ending December 2005 and the year ending December 2010. an individual has already accepted another form of Data for the year ending December 2012 will be published on employment, outside of the civil service, when they 28th November 2013. leave their position. [166046] Table 1: LTIM immigration estimates to the UK, by country of last residence, for EU and non-EU countries Mr Maude: The terms of exit schemes made under EU countries Non-EU countries the reformed Civil Service Compensation Scheme are approved by Cabinet Office, in consultation with the Year ending 186,000 381,000 Treasury where necessary, under the spending controls December 2005 regime operated by the Cabinet Office. Year ending 208,000 383,000 December 2010 The exit package for the former Permanent Secretary Source: at the Department of Energy and Climate Change was ONS within the rules of Section 12 of the reformed Civil http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/migration1/long-term-international-migration/ 2011/2-02-ltim-country-of-last-or-next-residence--1991-2011.xls Service Compensation Scheme. The scheme was laid before Parliament in December 2010 and copies are LTIM provisional estimates of immigration by citizenship, available in the Library of the House. including an EU and non-EU breakdown for the year ending September 2012 have been published and can be found at the Music: Staff following link: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/migration1/migration-statistics- John Robertson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet quarterly-report/may-2013/provisional-long-term-international- Office what estimate he has made of the number of migration--ltim--estimates-sep-2012.xls people employed in the music industry in (a) each Revised net migration, immigration and emigration figures parliamentary constituency in Glasgow, (b) Glasgow, have been published as components of change in revised mid-year (c) Scotland and (d) the UK in each of the last five population estimates from the year to mid-2002 to the year to years. [166127] mid-2010 for England and Wales. These take into account the results from the 2011 Census, and included a revision to the net Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the migration component, focussed primarily on the middle part of responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have the decade before improvements were made to the International asked the authority to reply. Passenger Survey in 2009. This is explained in a report published in December 2012. Table 7 of that report shows the differences Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013: between LTIM and the revised net migration component. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question http://ons.gov.uk/ons/guide-method/method-quality/specific/ to the Minister for the Cabinet Office asking the number of population-and-migration/population-statistics-research-unit-- people employed in the music industry in (a) each parliamentary psru-/methods-used-to-revise-the-national-population-estimates- constituency in Glasgow, (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) the for-mid-2002-to-mid-2010.pdf UK in each of the last five years. [166127] ONS plans to publish a further analytical report in Autumn Annual employment statistics from.2008 onwards are available 2013 that will further explain the differences between LTIM and from the Business Register and Employment Survey (BRES). the net migration component of the revised population estimates Table 1 below contains estimates of the number employed in series. businesses considered to be part of the music industry for the areas requested between 2008 and 2011. Estimates for Great Moira Wallace Britain have been given instead of the UK, as UK information is not readily available for these breakdowns. Employment information prior to 2008 is available from the Annual Business Inquiry John Robertson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet (ABI), but the ABI cannot provide the breakdowns required to Office pursuant to the answer of 11 July 2013, Official answer this question. Employment information for 2012 will be Report, column 403W, on Moira Wallace (1) what published in September 2013. assessment has been made of how long it will take for The music industry has been defined as comprising of the the costs of Miss Wallace’s severance payment to be following industries taken from the Standard Industrial Classification recouped; [166016] (SIC) 2007: 18.20/1—Reproduction of sound recording (2) what procedure is in place to allow his Department 46.43/1—Wholesale of gramophone records, audio tapes, compact and HM Treasury to agree on severance payments to discs and video tapes and of the equipment on which these are civil servants; [166043] played (3) if he will list the specific rules in the reformed 47.63—Retail sale of music and video recordings in specialised Civil Service Compensation Scheme that Miss Wallace’s stores severance payment was judged against; [166044] 59.20—Sound recording and music publishing activities

Table 1: Employment in the music industry for specified geographies: 2008 to 2011 Area 2008 2009 2010 2011

Glasgow Central constituency 100 200 200 100 Glasgow East constituency * * * * Glasgow North constituency 0 0 0 0 Glasgow North East constituency * * * * Glasgow North West constituency 0 0 * * 871W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 872W

Table 1: Employment in the music industry for specified geographies: 2008 to 2011 Area 2008 2009 2010 2011

Glasgow South constituency * * 0 0 Glasgow South West constituency * * 100 * Glasgow City local authority 200 300 300 200 Scotland 800 900 1,000 700 Great Britain 24,700 20,400 18,000 19,000 Notes: 1. Cells containing an asterisk (*) represent disclosive data that cannot be published. 2. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 100. 3. There is a small discontinuity between the 2008 and 2009 results due to a difference in the way that directors of limited companies are treated in the results.

National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant Total spent on property (£000) count are available on the NOMIS website at: 2010-11 8,533 http://www.nomisweb.co.uk 2011-12 8,437 2012-13 7,862

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Background Apprentices The buildings in central London that the Department has paid rent/utilities on in the period of the question Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for are: Culture, Media and Sport what strategies she has to 2-4 Cockspur street create apprenticeships in her Department; and what Oceanic House, Cockspur street plans she has to promote such strategies. [165887] Tottenham Court road, Hugh Robertson: The Department is committed to Grove House, Orange street. supporting opportunities for young people through the new Civil Service Fast Track Apprenticeships scheme, Legal Costs which is currently being piloted. DCMS plans to take part by offering placements on this scheme, once further Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, details are announced after the initial pilot, which Media and Sport (1) how much her Department has commences in the autumn. By taking part in a scheme, spent in total on external legal advice from Queen’s run centrally through Civil Service Learning, the Counsels (a) between 7 May 2010 and 4 September Department can ensure that the scheme is promoted 2012 and (b) since 4 September 2012; [157641] more widely. Apprenticeships feature as part of the Department’s talent and resourcing strategies. (2) what the 20 largest amounts paid for external legal advice by her Department was in (a) 2010, (b) Buildings 2011 and (c) 2012; to whom they were paid; and for what reasons the legal advice was sought; [157642] John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for (3) what the highest day rate paid for external legal Culture, Media and Sport what the total running costs advice by her Department has been since 7 May 2010. were for each building used, owned or rented in central [157643] London by her Department, its agencies and non- departmental public bodies, except for buildings constructed for the 2012 London Olympics in each of Hugh Robertson: The Department does not hold information on the breakdown of external legal advice, the last three financial years. [154247] in a format that would allow this information to be Hugh Robertson: The following table sets out the provided, without incurring disproportionate costs. amounts the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has spent on properties, in central London, in the last Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, three financial years in totals. This year’s projected Media and Sport how much her Department spent in expenditure is expected to be approximately £5 million, total on external legal advice (a) between 7 May 2010 in keeping with the need to seek out economies and and 4 September 2012 and (b) since 4 September 2012. efficiencies, one of the reasons why the Department has [157645] relocated to 100 Parliament street. The data, building by building, cannot be retrieved, without incurring Hugh Robertson: The Department has spent the following disproportionate costs. amounts on external legal advice.

Account description From To Total amount (£)

External legal advice 7 May 2010 4 September 2012 1,683,494

5 September 2012 30 June 2013 1,232,620 873W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 874W

Members: Correspondence Hugh Robertson: DCMS, which includes the GEO, uses a variety of locations for training and conference Helen Goodman: To ask the Secretary of State for purposes. However the department does not hold data Culture, Media and Sport when she plans to reply to in such a way as to identify the specific information the letter from the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland requested. of 2 July 2013. [165832] Personnel Management Mr Vaizey: I hope to be able to reply to the hon. Lady shortly. Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how many officials in her Department Northcote House were employed in human resources functions in each of the last five years; at what grades such staff were Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, employed; and what the total cost of her Department’s Media and Sport how many (a) Ministers and (b) human resources functions was. [156665] officials in her Department used the facilities at Northcote House, Sunningdale Park, Berkshire in (i) 2010-11, (ii) Hugh Robertson: The number of officials in the 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13; and if she will make a statement. Department employed in human resources functions in [164806] each of the last five years are as follows:

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

Number of Officials Employed in Human Resource Functions 12 15 13 13 13

Grades Staff Employed AA/AO 1n/a 6 3 2 2 EO 1n/a 2 4 3 3 HEO/SEO 1n/a 3 2 3 3 G7 1n/a 3 2 3 3 G6 1n/a — 1 1 1 SCS1 1n/a 1 1 1 1 015131313 1 Records not held.

These figures represent the maximum number of wound up as part of the Governments wider reform of individual employees in the HR function over the given local authority performance indicators in 2008. A periods. As part of the Department’s administrative ’comprehensive and efficient’ library service represents cuts of 50%, and in line with cross-Government cost the balance to be struck by each local authority in cutting measures, the human resources function has meeting local needs within the context of available been reduced and is currently at seven. resources in a way which is appropriate to the Identified The total employment costs of the Department’s needs of the communities they serve. Each local authority human resources functions in each of the last five years has an intimate knowledge of local conditions and are as follows: needs and has direct democratic accountability to the local population. Total cost of human resources The Department re-circulated in March 2013 the function (£) three pieces of correspondence from the Minister for 2008-09 651,753.45 Culture and Secretary of State to library authorities 2009-10 390,987.64 drawing attention to their responsibilities in delivering a 2010-11 567,941.61 comprehensive and efficient library service. 2011-12 499,951.95 2012-13 443,133.99

Public Libraries Redundancy Pay

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what the minimum statutory requirement Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for is for a local authority library service; what the derivation Culture, Media and Sport how many senior civil servants is of that requirement; what guidance she has issued to left her Department and public bodies under voluntary local authorities on compliance with the minimum statutory exit and received a severance payment in each of the last three years; and what the value of such payments was. requirement; and if she will make a statement. [162017] [164396] Mr Vaizey [holding answer 27 June 2013]: The 1964 Public Libraries and Museums Act does not seek to be Hugh Robertson: Table 1 shows the number of senior overly prescriptive but instead anchors the delivery of a civil servants who left DCMS under a voluntary exit local service to the needs of the local community. As the scheme in each of the last three financial years and hon. Member is aware, Public Library Standards were Table 2 the value of such payments by cost band. 875W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 876W

Table 1 Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Order 2010 Number of leavers in senior civil Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 1) Order 2010 Financial year service grades Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 2) Order 2010/1966 2010-11 8 Equality Act 2010 (Consequential Amendments, Saving and 2011-12 3 Supplementary Provisions) Order 2010 2012 -13 3 Equality Act 2010 (Qualifying Compromise Contract Specified Table 2 Person) Order 2010 Cost band of such Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 3) Order 2010 payments 2010-11 2011-2012 2012 - 2013 Equality Act 2010 (Obtaining Information) Order 2010/2194 <£10,000 — — — Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 4, Savings, Consequential, £10,000 to £25,000 — — — Transitional, Transitory and Incidental Provisions and Revocation) Order 2010 £25,000 to £50,000 2 — — £50,000 to £100,000 1 — — Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 4, Savings, Consequential, Transitional, Transitory and Incidental Provisions and Revocation) £100,000 to £150,000 4 1 — Order 2010 (Amendment) Order 2010 £150,000 to £200,000 1 2 2 Football Spectators (Seating) Order 2010 £200,000 to £250,000 — — 1 Gambling Act 2005 (Operating Licence Conditions) (Amendment) As part of a money saving exercise, in line with the Regulations 2010 rest of Government, DCMS has been offering, in cyclical Holocaust (Return of Cultural Objects) Act 2009 (Commencement) phases, the opportunity for civil servants to take voluntary Order 2010 redundancy. The Department does not hold central Legislative Reform (Licensing) (Interim Authority Notices etc) records for our bodies. Figures for the Government Order 2010 Equalities Office, which joined DCMS in September Licensing Act 2003 (Premises licences and permitted temporary 2012, are held by the Home office, its previous parent activities) (Forms and notices) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 Department. National Lottery (Annual Licence Fees) Regulations 2010 National Lottery Act 2006 (Commencement No. 5) Order Regulation 2010 Olympics, Paralympics and London Olympics Association Rights (Infringement Proceedings) Regulations 2010 Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces (Amendment) (No. 2) etc Culture, Media and Sport what the title is of each Regulations 2010 regulation her Department (a) introduced and (b) Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces (Amendment) etc Regulations revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to 2010 date; and if she will make a statement. [165907] Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 2) Order 2010 Hugh Robertson: The following list sets out the title Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 3) Order 2010 of each statutory instrument made by the Department Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) Order 2010 for Culture, Media and Sport in respect of the requested Welsh Language (Gambling and Licensing Forms) Regulations years. The machinery of government change brought 2010 the Government Equalities Office (GEO) under control 2011 of the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media Categories of Gaming Machine (Amendment) Regulations and Sport in September 2012. This list also covers the 2011 period when GEO was under the control of the Secretary Code of Practice for Electronic Programme Guides (Addition of State for the Home Department. of Programme Services) Order 2011 None of these statutory instruments has been revoked Communications Act 2003 (Maximum Penalty for Contravention in its entirety. There may be amendments and revocations of Information Requirements) Order 2011 in force to the provisions contained within them but Digital Economy Act 2010 (Appointed Day No. 1) Order 2011 there is no central record of what provisions may have Digital Switchover (Disclosure of Information) Act 2007 been modified and this information could be obtained (Prescription of Information) (Amendment) Order 2011 only at disproportionate cost. Electronic Communications (Universal Service) (Amendment) 2010 Order 2011 Apportionment of Money in the National Lottery Distribution Electronic Communications and Wireless Telegraphy Regulations Fund Order 2010 2011 Audiovisual Media Services (Codification) Regulations 2010 Equality Act 2010 Codes of Practice (Services, Public Functions Audiovisual Media Services (Product Placement) Regulations and Associations, Employment, and Equal Pay) Order 2011 2010 Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 5) Order 2011 Audiovisual Media Services Regulations 2010 Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 6) Order 2011 Communications (Television Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 7) Order 2011 2010 Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 8) Order 2011 Communications Act 2003 (Disclosure of Information) Order 2010 Equality Act 2010 (Public Authorities and Consequential and Supplementary Amendments) Order 2011 Community Radio (Amendment) Order 2010 Ecclesiastical Exemption (Listed Buildings and Conservation Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties) Regulations 2011 Areas) (England) (Amendment) Order 2010 Football Spectators (Seating) Order 2011 Ecclesiastical Exemption (Listed Buildings and Conservation Gambling Act 2005 (Gaming Machines in Adult Gaming Areas) (England) Order 2010 Centres and Bingo Premises) Order 2011 877W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 878W

Grants to the Churches Conservation Trust Order 2011 Licensing Act 2003 (Personal licences) (Amendment) Regulations Horserace Betting and Olympic Lottery Act 2004 (Appointed 2012 Day) Order 2011 Live Music Act 2012 (Commencement) Order 2012 Horserace Betting and Olympic Lottery Act 2004 (Commencement Local Digital Television Programme Services Order 2012 No. 4) Order 2011 Protection of Wrecks (Designation) (England) (No. 2) Order Horserace Betting and Olympic Lottery Act 2004 (Commencement 2012 No. 5) Order 2011 Protection of Wrecks (Designation) (England) Order 2012 London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (Advertising Public Lending Right Scheme 1982 (Commencement of Variation) and Trading) (England) Regulations 2011 (No. 2) Order 2012 Marriages and Civil Partnerships (Approved Premises) Public Lending Right Scheme 1982 (Commencement of Variation) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 Order 2012 Media Ownership (Radio and Cross-media) Order 2011 Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces (Amendment) (No. 2) Multiplex Licence (Broadcasting of Programmes in Gaelic) Regulations 2012 (Revocation) Order 2011 Royal Parks and Other Open Spaces (Amendment) Regulations National Lottery etc Act 1993 (Amendment of Section 23) 2012 Order 2011 Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 2) Order 2012 Natural History Museum (Authorised Repositories) Order Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) Order 2012 2011 Video Recordings (Labelling) Regulations 2012 Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 Wireless Telegraphy (Control of Interference from Apparatus) (The London Olympic Games and Paralympic Games) Regulations Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 2) Order 2011 2012 Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 3) Order 2011 Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (Directions to Ofcom) Order Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 4) Order 2011 2012 Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) (No. 5) Order 2011 2013 Safety of Sports Grounds (Designation) Order 2011 Authorisation of Frequency Use for the Provision of Mobile Sports Grounds Safety Authority Act 2011 (Commencement) Satellite Services (European Union) (Amendment) Regulations Order 2011 2013 Transfer of Functions (Big Lottery Fund) Order 2011 (Order Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) in Council) (Amendment) Regulations 2013 Wireless Telegraphy (Fixed Penalty) Regulations 2011 Football Spectators (Seating) Order 2013 2012 Legal Deposit Libraries (Non-Print Works) Regulations 2013 Broadcasting (Local Digital Television Programme Services Licensing Act 2003 (Descriptions of Entertainment) (Amendment) and Independent Productions) (Amendment) Order 2012 Order 2013 Civil Partnership Act 2004 (Overseas Relationships) Order Mobile Roaming (European Communities) (Amendment) 2012 Regulations 2013 Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment New Parks for People (England) Joint Scheme (Authorisation) (Dissolution) Order 2012 Order 2013 Digital Economy Act 2010 (Appointed Day No. 2) Order 2012 Olympic Lottery Distributor (Dissolution) Order 2013 Digital Economy Act 2010 (Appointed Day No. 3) Order 2012 Protection of Wrecks (Designation) (England) Order 2013 Digital Economy Act 2010 (Transitional Provision) Regulations Sick Leave 2012 Equality Act 2010 (Age Exceptions) Order 2012 Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Order 2012 Media and Sport how many days on average staff of Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 9) Order 2012 her Department in each pay grade were absent from Equality Act 2010 (Commencement No. 10) Order 2012 work as a result of ill health in each of the last 12 Football Spectators (Seating) Order 2012 months. [162579] Gambling (Licence Fees) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2012 Hugh Robertson: The number of days on average Gambling (Operating Licence and Single-Machine Permit Fees) staff in DCMS, in each pay grade, were absent from (Amendment) Regulations 2012 work, as a result of ill health in each of the last 12 Gambling Act 2005 (Amendment of Schedule 6) Order 2012 months, is shown in the table.

Average working days lost 2012 2013 Grade July August September October November December January February March April May June

D 0.14 0.16 0.12 0.25 0.53 0.29 0.33 0.08 0.04 0.41 0.12 0.86 C 0.15 0.11 0.02 0.21 0.58 0.49 0.65 0.76 0.47 0.77 0.60 0.06 B 0.22 0.28 0.41 0.56 0.23 0.33 0.28 0.30 0.12 0.22 0.43 0.25 HEOD — — — — — — — — 0.28 3.97 — — A 0.25 0.22 0.20 0.21 0.37 0.07 0.28 0.22 0.06 0.09 0.15 0.31 AU———————————— SCS — — 0.21 0.42 0.03 0.10 0.24 0.03 0.07 — — — 879W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 880W

Average working days lost 2012 2013 Grade July August September October November December January February March April May June

Total 0.23 0.25 0.27 0.39 0.35 0.28 0.40 0.38 0.25 0.44 0.40 0.28

DCMS is committed to the health and welfare of its Welsh Language staff, helping staff to stay healthy and reducing the need for sick leave. Support is provided to staff returning Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, from long-term sick leave, referring them to Occupational Media and Sport whether her Department has a current Health to advise on how best to facilitate a return to Welsh Language scheme; when that scheme was adopted; work and offering access to an Employee Assistance and whether it has been reviewed since May 2011. Programme, for independent advice and support. [166082]

Sports: Children Hugh Robertson: DCMS has had a Welsh Language scheme since 2007. The Department will shortly be Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, providing an annual report, to the Welsh Language Media and Sport (1) what discussions she has had with Commissioner, regarding compliance with the scheme. relevant bodies on increasing participation in under- DCMS remains committed to ensuring that it is accessible subscribed sports for 5 to 16 year olds; [164892] for UK citizens, who speak Welsh and who wish to communicate in Welsh, regarding issues relating to Culture, (2) what discussions she has had with the Secretary Sport and Tourism. of State for Education about increasing participation in sports in schools; [165013] (3) what plans she has to increase participation in sports by children outside school hours. [165077] HEALTH Ambulance Services Hugh Robertson: DCMS is working with a wide range of partners, including the Department of Health, the Department for Education, Sport England, the Jesse Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for Association for Physical Education, the Youth Sport Health (1) how many ambulances based in Herefordshire Trust and ParalympicsGB, on a number of programmes responded to calls in (a) Herefordshire, (b) other counties designed to increase participation in sport for all school in England and (c) Wales in each of the last five years children, no matter their age, gender or ability. These for which figures are available; [165952] programmes include the Sainsbury’s School Games, the (2) how many English ambulances responded to calls recently announced school sport premium, Sportivate in Wales in each of the last five years for which figures and community satellite clubs. are available. [165953]

Travel Anna Soubry: The information requested is not routinely collected centrally. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Ambulance Services: Wales Culture, Media and Sport what her Department’s budget for ministerial travel for (a) the Government Jesse Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for Car Service, (b) private hire vehicles, (c) taxis, (d) rail, Health how many Welsh ambulances responded to calls (e) aviation and (f) other is for (i) 2013-14, (ii) 2014-15 in England in each of the last five years for which and (iii) 2015-16. [157521] figures are available. [165951]

Hugh Robertson: The Department has five Ministers, Anna Soubry: Health in Wales is a devolved matter. who travel to a range of local, regional and international The Department does not hold this information centrally. events from UN meetings and International Olympic committee meetings, to 2014 Commonwealth Games Apprentices planning sessions in Glasgow and meetings at regional theatres. Mindful of the need to seek economies and Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for efficiencies, the overall budgetary allocation for fulfilling Health (1) how many apprenticeships his Department this aspect of departmental business is £126,000, down offered to people aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 21 and from £394,000 in 2008-09. Budgets for 2014-15 and (c) 22 to 26 years old in each year since 2010; [165875] 2015-16 have not yet been agreed. (2) what strategies he has to create apprenticeships in Ministerial travel cost 2008-13 his Department; and what plans he has to promote £ such strategies. [165893]

2008-09 394,202 Dr Poulter: The Department offers apprenticeships in 2009-10 386,851 two ways - appointing apprentices through external 2010-11 116,436 recruitment and by offering existing staff access to 2011-12 66,534 apprenticeship programmes as part of their learning 2012-13 122,931 and development. 881W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 882W

Since 2010, the Department has recruited three Dr Poulter: The Government is determined to improve apprentices, aged 16-18, as part of a national apprenticeship value for money on departmental expenditure. The scheme. All three commenced their apprenticeships in amount spent on management consultancy services has 2010 and on successful completion secured permanent fallen dramatically. In 2008-09, expenditure was £107 full time roles in the Department in January 2012. million and in 2012-13 the figure was £5 million. The Department has also offered an internal The Department’s spend for all financial years from apprenticeship programme for its existing staff. In 2010-11, 2008-09 to 2011-12 on contracts with Grant Thornton six staff successfully completed the Level 2 Personal is contained in the following table. Assistant development programme. This was open to Grant Thornton Ltd all staff and age was not part of the eligibility criteria £ and therefore the Department did not collect this information. 2008-09 290,392 The Department will review its apprenticeship strategy 2009-10 85,269 after the current Department of Health Transition 2010-11 513,449 Programme changes have fully embedded in the newly 2011-12 1,111,195 established Department. 2012-13 1,005,568 Source: Department of Health Business Management System Cancer Heart Diseases Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the most recent five-year cancer survival Stuart Andrew: To ask the Secretary of State for rates are in each primary care trust. [166490] Health (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that all advisers and decision-makers involved within the Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the decision-making process are representative of all Cabinet Office. regions and units; [166197] The information requested fails within the responsibility (2) if he will commission further capacity analysis to of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority consider patient flows as part of the new congenital to reply. cardiac review; [166198] Letter from Glen Watson, dated July 2013: (3) if he will commission further capacity analysis to As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I consider more recent and predicted increases in activity have been asked to reply to your recent question to the Secretary and population growth and take such analysis into of State for Health asking what the most recent five-year cancer account in the new congenital cardiac review; [166199] survival rates are in each Primary Care Trust. [166490] (4) what steps he is taking to ensure that assessments Five-year cancer survival estimates for the former primary care are correct and that individual units will be given trusts (PCTs) are not available. However, one-year estimates are available, in the form of a survival index for all cancers combined. proper scope to respond, prior to publication of the The survival index is adjusted for differences in the profile of congenital cardiac review; [166200] cancer patients by age, sex and type of cancer between PCTs. The (5) what steps he is taking to ensure that population most recent estimates available are for patients diagnosed during density, geography and transport links are taken into 1996-2010 and followed up to 31 December 2011. These figures consideration in the scope of the new congenital are available on the National Statistics website: cardiac review. [166201] http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/cancer-unit/combined-cancer- survival-by-primary-care-trusts/index.html Anna Soubry: NHS England, as the body responsible ONS publishes one- and five-year cancer net survival estimates for adults (aged 15 to 99 years) in England, for 21 common for commissioning specialised congenital heart services, cancers. The latest published figures are for adults diagnosed is responsible for taking forward the new national review during 2006-2010 and followed up to 2011. These figures are of these services. available on the National Statistics website: NHS England has published a paper on the review http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/cancer-unit/cancer-survival/ which is available at: index.html www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/180713- ONS also publishes figures on geographic patterns of cancer item13.pdf survival. These figures contain one- and five-year net survival estimates for regions, and the former strategic health authorities It outlines early thinking on the way forward and will and cancer networks, for eight common cancers. The latest published be considered at its board meeting on 18 July. figures are for adults followed up to 2011. These figures are We are advised by NHS England that there will be available on the National Statistics website: opportunities for all stakeholders to participate in the http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/cancer-unit/cancer-survival-by- review, including all current providers of congenital gor--sha-and-cancer-network/index.html cardiac services. NHS England will obtain analytical and other advice to support its review process, including where necessary updates of existing analysis. Grant Thornton NHS England is committed to wide and ongoing engagement. On 21 June, its officials met the senior Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for leaders of all those centres currently providing children’s Health how much his Department has spent on contracts congenital heart surgery to discuss the review and their with Grant Thornton in each year since 2008. [165693] engagement in the process. 883W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 884W

Medical Equipment NHS

Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what estimate he has made of the cost of Health what representations he has received since May items of nursing equipment and aids to daily living 2010 from each of the 14 health trusts under provided for temporary use by discharged patients that investigation by Sir Bruce Keogh. [166057] were not returned in each of the last five years; [165825] Dr Poulter: Information is provided for each of the 14 (2) how many items of nursing equipment and aids to trusts under investigation by Sir Bruce Keogh from the daily living provided for temporary use by discharged Department’s ministerial correspondence unit and patients were not recovered in each of the last five ministerial visits and meetings from Ministers Private years; [165826] Office Diaries and Visit Teams records. (3) how much was spent on providing items of nursing A search of the Department’s ministerial correspondence equipment and aids to daily living for temporary use by database was made of correspondence received between discharged patients in each of the last five years. 1 May 2010 and 15 July 2013 from each of the 14 trusts under investigation by Sir Bruce Keogh. These are [165827] minimum figures which represent correspondence received by the Department’s ministerial correspondence unit Norman Lamb: This information is not collected only. centrally. A search of Private Office Diary records of visits and meetings was made between 1 May 2010 and 16 July Members: Correspondence 2013. Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Sir Gerald Kaufman: To ask the Secretary of State for Trust Health when he plans to reply to the letter to him dated Items of correspondence received by the Department’s ministerial 16 May 2013 from the right hon. Member for correspondence unit—10 Manchester, Gorton with regard to Mr Simon Keppie. Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust [165834] Items of correspondence received by the Department’s ministerial correspondence unit—5 Dr Poulter: The Secretary of State for Health, my Ministerial visits: right hon. Friend the Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), replied to the right hon. Member’s letter of 6 January 2012—Andrew Lansley visit to Blackpool Victoria 16 May 2013 on 7 June 2013. Hospital 13 December 2012—Dr Daniel Poulter visit to the Trust Multiple Sclerosis Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust Items of correspondence received by the Department’s ministerial correspondence unit—9 Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Ministerial visits: what steps he is taking to improve treatment rates for multiple sclerosis. [166074] 10 May 2010—Earl Howe visit to Wycombe Hospital as part of the listening exercise Norman Lamb: We want to make the national health 14 December 2012—Earl Howe visit to Amersham Hospital services among the best in Europe at supporting people Meetings: with ongoing health problems such as multiple sclerosis 22 July 2010—Simon Burns had a meeting with Steve Barker (MS). MP regarding Wycombe Hospital meeting Responsibility for determining the overall national Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust approach to improving clinical outcomes from health Items of correspondence received by the Department’s ministerial care services lies with NHS England. The Department’s correspondence unit—10 NHS Outcomes Framework and Mandate outline the Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust improvements in health and health care that we envisage Items of correspondence received by the Department’s ministerial the NHS achieving. This includes enhancing the quality correspondence unit—22 of life for people with long-term conditions through the provision of high quality, efficient and fair services. Ministerial visits: 3 March 2011—Andrew Lansley visit to the Trust for the There are a wide range of treatment options available official opening of ICENI Centre for people with MS. 2 March 2012—Simon Burns visit to Colchester Foundation Clinical guidelines published by the National Institute Trust for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) provide Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recommendations on the appropriate treatment for, and care of, people with multiple sclerosis. Since NICE’s Items of correspondence received by the Department’s ministerial correspondence unit—8 publication of the clinical guideline on MS entitled Management of multiple sclerosis in primary and secondary Ministerial visits: care in 2003, commissioners have considered these guidelines 26 October 2010—Simon Burns visit to Russells Hall Hospital when commissioning services for their local populations. East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust We have also asked NICE to include MS in the Items of correspondence received by the Department’s ministerial library of NICE quality standard topics. correspondence unit—16 885W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 886W

Ministerial visits: under the Freedom of Information Act 2000; and on 18 June 2010—Andrew Lansley visit to Burnley General Hospital what grounds a decision on whether to exempt such material from a freedom of information request would Meetings/Telephone call: be made. [166298] 3 November 2010—Simon Burns had a meeting with Gordon Birtwistle MP regarding Burnley General Hospital Dr Poulter: The Department handles all Freedom of 8 November 2010—Simon Burns had a telephone call with Mike Farrar regarding Burnley General Hospital Information (FOI) requests in accordance with the legislation which provides full details of the grounds for George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust possible exemption. It is not possible to predict the Items of correspondence received by the Department’s ministerial outcome of an FOI request that has not been submitted. correspondence unit—9 FOI requests can be sent using the following contact Ministerial visits: form on the Department’s website: 10 April 2013—Jeremy Hunt visit to George Elliot Hospital www.info.doh.gov.uk/contactus.nsf/memo?openform Medway NHS Foundation Trust Items of correspondence received by the Department’s ministerial correspondence unit—4 NHS: Private Sector Ministerial meetings: 23 January 2013—Earl Howe met with Mark Reckless MP and Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Denise Harker and Mark Devlin, chair and chief executive of Health (1) what safeguards are in place to ensure that Medway NHS Foundation Trust private healthcare providers operating NHS contracts 16 August 2013—Norman Lamb hosted the Voluntary Sector carry sufficient insurance indemnity to meet any future and Social Enterprise Sounding Board meeting which was attended claims for medical negligence made against them; by Martin Riley from Medway Community Healthcare [166159] North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust (2) whether private healthcare providers fulfilling Items of correspondence received by the Department’s ministerial contracts for the NHS are able to use the NHS correspondence unit—11 Litigation Authority scheme to meet future claims; Ministerial visits: [166174] 8 July 2010—Andrew Lansley visit to North Cumbria Hospital (3) whether private healthcare providers fulfilling and Whitehaven and West Cumberland Hospital contracts for the NHS bear the full indemnity in cases Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Hospitals NHS Foundation of medical negligence on their part. [166175] Trust Items of correspondence received by the Department’s ministerial Dr Poulter: The NHS Standard Contract requires all correspondence unit—2 contractors of national health service care to hold and Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust maintain adequate and appropriate indemnity Items of correspondence received by the Department’s ministerial arrangements. The commissioner issuing the contract correspondence unit—9 should always ensure that sufficient indemnity insurance Ministerial visits: is in place. 1 July 2010—Simon Burns visit to Newark Hospital with Private health care providers are now able to use the Patrick Mercer MP Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts. Changes were 21 March 2013—Dr Daniel Poulter visit to Newark Hospital made to secondary legislation to allow this to happen Debates: from April 2013. 6 July 2010—Simon Burns participated in a debate on Newark The NHS Litigation Authority (NHS LA) bears the Hospital full indemnity for private health care providers in cases of medical negligence, where providers are a paid up Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust member of an appropriate NHS LA scheme. Items of correspondence received by the Department’s ministerial correspondence unit—10 Private health care providers are also able to procure clinical negligence indemnity cover from the insurance United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust market. Items of correspondence received by the Department’s ministerial correspondence unit—27 Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Ministerial visits: Health what financial stringency tests are applied to 26 April 2012—Andrew Lansley visit to Pilgrim Hospital private healthcare providers bidding for NHS 21 March 2013—Dr Daniel Poulter visit to Lincoln County contracts. [166160] Hospital and Grantham and District Hospital Dr Poulter: It is standard practice for commissioners NHS: ICT to apply financial checks as part of their procurement processes, typically at the pre-qualification questionnaire Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for stage. These should apply equally and in a non- Health pursuant to the answer of 12 July 2013, Official discriminatory way to all types of providers but be Report, column 473W,on NHS: ICT, and with reference proportionate to the service being procured. It is for to paragraph 7.53 of the Guide to Parliamentary Work commissioners to determine the precise nature of the published by the Cabinet Office, whether those briefing financial checks they apply for any given procurement documents would be disclosable in response to a request process. 887W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 888W

Obesity: Children Child Measurement Programme for the school year 2011-12. New data will be published at the end of this year. Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health A copy of ‘A call to action on obesity in England’ has with reference to Healthy Lives, Healthy People: a call already been placed in the Library. to action on obesity in England, published in October Out of Area Treatment 2011, what progress has been made to date on achieving the Government’s aim to reverse the increase in the level Tom Greatrex: To ask the Secretary of State for of excess weight in children by 2020. [166299] Health how many patients registered at an address in (a) Scotland, (b) Wales and (c) Northern Ireland received treatment at a hospital in England in each Anna Soubry: Figures are not yet available to indicate month since May 2007. [166170] what progress has been made on the levels of excess weight in children since the publication of ‘A call to Anna Soubry: The following tables show the number action on obesity in England’ in October 2011. Data on of finished admission episodes (in-patients), out-patient the prevalence of overweight and obesity are published attendances (out-patient) and accident and emergency annually by the Health and Social Care Information (A&E) attendances for patients identified as resident in Centre. The latest data available are from the Health Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland from May 2007 Survey for England for 2011 and from the National to March 2012.

Inpatient finished admission episodes (FAEs1) Month Scotland Wales Northern Ireland Total FAEs

2007 May 596 4,388 146 1,147,113 2007 June 648 4,196 144 1,104,802 2007 July 847 4,549 192 1,145,539 2007 August 658 4,234 139 1,112,277 2007 September 625 4,098 142 1,082,317 2007 October 652 4,398 149 1,193,763 2007 November 638 4,391 156 1,163,552 2007 December 525 3,764 108 1,038,820 2008 January 533 4,341 149 1,178,857 2008 February 518 4,149 140 1,136,323 2008 March 513 4,218 120 1,124,737 2007-08 Unknown 14 — — 1,026

2008 April 589 4,552 145 1,183,865 2008 May 576 4,379 119 1,152,208 2008 June 676 4,574 155 1,159,465 2008 July 808 4,928 180 1,224,943 2008 August 645 4,346 144 1,107,367 2008 September 636 4,527 131 1,188,091 2008 October 638 4,937 155 1,245,045 2008 November 514 4,454 124 1,174,331 2008 December 630 4,379 109 1,156,641 2009 January 566 4,500 192 1,185,322 2009 February 473 4,127 161 1,110,094 2009 March 575 4,763 211 1,265,296 2008-09 Unknown — — — 24

2009 April 600 4,559 157 1,176,322 2009 May 618 4,298 198 1,161,147 2009 June 688 4,754 175 1,233,630 2009 July 837 4,868 218 1,250,820 2009 August 697 4,416 175 1,134,941 2009 September 655 4,784 141 1,227,678 2009 October 625 4,917 154 1,263,743 2009 November 602 4,899 148 1,237,284 2009 December 576 4,512 147 1,195,749 2010 January 587 4,358 142 1,168,688 2010 February 544 4,357 144 1,159,192 2010 March 642 5,100 193 1,328,515 2009-10 Unknown — — — 3

2010 April 674 4611 131 1,197,916 2010 May 608 4808 153 1,214,441 2010 June 662 5,027 208 1,267,020 889W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 890W

Inpatient finished admission episodes (FAEs1) Month Scotland Wales Northern Ireland Total FAEs

2010 July 802 4,974 192 1,271,826 2010 August 712 4,781 191 1,207,305 2010 September 697 4,800 174 1,265,420 2010 October 722 4,651 175 1,260,699 2010 November 644 4,877 182 1,288,492 2010 December 528 4,160 127 1,185,182 2011 January 615 4,228 158 1,223,968 2011 February 522 4,329 141 1,173,697 2011 March 625 5,033 159 1,334,848 2010-11 Unknown — — — 30

2011 April 612 4,356 163 1,153,007 2011 May 635 4,803 187 1,235,567 2011 June 678 4,885 196 1,270,018 2011 July 866 4,630 227 1,242,971 2011 August 721 4,894 199 1,238,800 2011 September 640 4,894 177 1,256,931 2011 October 701 4,732 184 1,256,062 2011 November 518 4,886 156 1,290,705 2011 December 574 4,658 149 1,205,098 2012 January 516 4,772 185 1,281,841 2012 February 532 4,715 169 1,245,647 2012 March 581 5,252 155 1,341,198 2011-12 Unknown — — — 1,551 1A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FAEs are counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year. Outpatient attendances Month Scotland Wales Northern Ireland Total attendances

2007 May 1,239 16,077 232 4,587,402 2007 June 1,310 15,610 187 4,482,970 2007 July 1,412 16,366 191 4,657,427 2007 August 1,336 15,924 213 4,437,888 2007 September 1,199 15,236 209 4,401,026 2007 October 1,486 18,005 266 5,018,526 2007 November 1,363 17,357 218 4,892,107 2007 December 1,054 13,524 162 3,804,210 2008 January 1,344 17,823 216 5,007,974 2008 February 1,232 16,829 214 4,664,936 2008 March 1,207 15,156 175 4,300,343 2007-08 Unknown — — — —

2008 April 1,414 18,636 258 5,231,205 2008 May 1,262 16,881 243 4,736,639 2008 June 1,410 17,797 224 5,015,809 2008 July 1,551 19,048 264 5,356,906 2008 August 1,259 16,069 201 4,429,787 2008 September 1,529 19,185 235 5,254,169 2008 October 1,457 19,105 240 5,466,323 2008 November 1,416 18,101 246 4,996,065 2008 December 1,245 16,768 220 4,691,664 2009 January 1,301 17,742 254 5,184,452 2009 February 1,207 16,243 292 4,689,794 2009 March 1,460 19,107 368 5,554,413 2008-09 Unknown — — — —

2009 April 1,381 19,819 348 5,418,178 2009 May 1,221 18,049 249 5,117,063 2009 June 1,523 21,141 315 5,954,518 2009 July 1,589 21,546 348 5,893,611 2009 August 1,394 18,244 362 5,053,890 2009 September 1,565 21,559 419 5,924,923 2009 October 1,456 21,361 369 5,851,855 2009 November 1,352 20,970 355 5,842,119 891W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 892W

Outpatient attendances Month Scotland Wales Northern Ireland Total attendances

2009 December 1,246 18,438 248 5,219,020 2010 January 1,195 18,078 273 5,235,358 2010 February 1,188 20,277 300 5,517,135 2010 March 1,500 23,461 377 6,386,367 2009-10 Unknown — — — —

2010 April 1,414 21,256 290 5,625,951 2010 May 1,332 20,253 281 5,589,873 2010 June 1,603 22,325 399 6,187,189 2010 July 1,541 21,915 345 6,024,397 2010 August 1,365 20,541 334 5,586,435 2010 September 1,506 22,525 314 6,132,641 2010 October 1,515 21,031 294 5,815,430 2010 November 1,532 22,704 338 6,266,164 2010 December 1,072 17,456 259 4,978,292 2011 January 1,424 21,013 379 5,870,157 2011 February 1,360 20,690 314 5,675,057 2011 March 1,622 24,419 371 6,514,378 2010-11 Unknown — — — —

2011 April 1,391 19,153 315 5,255,936 2011 May 1,500 21,950 307 6,034,137 2011 June 1,465 23,445 365 6,340,940 2011 July 1,444 21,908 349 5,865,916 2011 August 1,481 22,807 343 6,005,574 2011 September 1,423 23,264 369 6,241,871 2011 October 1,335 22,525 332 6,065,976 2011 November 1,412 24,238 365 6,520,687 2011 December 1,140 20,159 262 5,400,350 2012 January 1,450 23,778 266 6,362,941 2012 February 1,355 22,939 305 6,136,357 2012 March 1,439 23,702 344 6,419,807 2011-12 Unknown — — — —

A&E attendances Month Scotland Wales Northern Ireland Total Attendances

2007 May 1,149 3,444 149 1,085,820 2007 June 1,196 3,402 179 1,055,606 2007 July 2,125 3,446 276 1,066,035 2007 August 1,554 3,869 241 1,026,979 2007 September 1,182 3,297 146 1,008,982 2007 October 1,201 3,242 168 1,027,328 2007 November 907 2,903 148 998,048 2007 December 1,053 3,020 164 982,490 2008 January 844 2,688 150 975,036 2008 February 727 2,766 154 951,744 2008 March 961 3,067 170 1,049,448 2007-08 Unknown — — — —

2008 April 1,268 3,105 146 1,125,175 2008 May 1,358 3,636 194 1,235,891 2008 June 1,428 3,436 221 1,189,715 2008 July 2,251 3,709 355 1,199,422 2008 August 1,614 3,984 312 1,149,472 2008 September 1,348 3,346 211 1,131,584 2008 October 1,320 3,499 218 1,152,728 2008 November 883 3,126 202 1,121,270 2008 December 1,231 3,318 152 1,126,183 2009 January 866 2,927 142 1,072,069 2009 February 784 2,796 147 1,031,699 2009 March 1,016 3,371 168 1,258,864 2008-09 Unknown — — — —

2009 April 1,554 3,781 225 1,316,152 893W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 894W

A&E attendances Month Scotland Wales Northern Ireland Total Attendances

2009 May 1,346 3,789 227 1,365,253 2009 June 1,531 3,921 219 1,372,846 2009 July 2,627 4,197 456 1,372,436 2009 August 1,812 4,464 317 1,281,021 2009 September 1,405 3,739 182 1,298,934 2009 October 1,507 3,742 220 1,341,259 2009 November 1,017 3,384 192 1,275,185 2009 December 1,182 3,360 211 1,271,028 2010 January 923 2,906 156 1,198,195 2010 February 909 2,940 161 1,127,791 2010 March 991 3,318 180 1,349,636 2009-10 Unknown — — — —

2010 April 1,552 3,755 236 1,361,001 2010 May 1,443 4,041 255 1,443,785 2010 June 1,562 AP78 278 1,397,321 2010 July 2,686 4,342 436 1,442,289 2010 August 1,874 4,468 333 1,345,139 2010 September 1,511 3,813 275 1,346,328 2010 October 1,553 3,764 264 1,356,486 2010 November 968 3,358 203 1,285,427 2010 December 1,113 3,518 215 1,322,514 2011 January 1,020 3,118. 200 1,311,577 2011 February 948 3,098 209 1,212,860 2011 March 1,193 3,513 186 1,420,207 2010-11 Unknown — — — —

2011 April 1,791 4,125 280 1,473,668 2011 May 1,510 4,146 268 1,516,468 2011 June 1,622 4,114 304 1,443,957 2011 July 2,951 4,309 482 1,516,064 2011 August 1,987 4,795 384 1,436,403 2011 September 1,714 3,951 307 1,460,438 2011 October 1,666 4,131 265 1,514,703 2011 November 1,118 3,569 213 1,425,632 2011 December 1,349 3,815 248 1,411,283 2012 January 1,099 3,364 198 1,433,705 2012 February 1,073 3,554 231 1,400,877 2012 March 1,265 3,974 250 1,586,510 2011-12 Unknown — — — — Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre.

It should be noted that for each of these measures the TRANSPORT number does not necessarily equate to the number of A14 patients as it is possible for an individual to have more than one admission or attendance within the period. Mr Djanogly: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Data for 2012-13 is not yet final, but can be made (1) what the development and financing proposals are available in the autumn once checks have been completed. for the new A14 road; [166315] (2) when proposals for tolling of the new A14 will be announced; [166316] (3) when it is proposed that the planning process for St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust the construction of the new A14 will (a) commence and (b) be completed; [166317] (4) when the contractors for the new A14 will be Mr Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for appointed. [166318] Health if he will visit the hospitals within the St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. [166610] Stephen Hammond: When we announced the A14 major scheme in July 2012 we said that it would involve Dr Poulter: The Department’s ministerial team undertake tolling, a local contribution and, subject to spending a large number of visits each year to a range of health review decisions, central Government funding. That and care settings and would be happy to consider a visit remains our position and the Chief Secretary to the to St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Treasury confirmed the government funding element in Trust in the future. his speech on 27 June 2013. 895W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 896W

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury also announced Driving Tests that we will be bringing forward the planned start by almost two years. This means that construction could Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for begin in 2016, subject to completion of statutory processes. Transport if he has undertaken a review of the health The Highways Agency is planning a consultation this and safety issues associated with the use of private year on the A14 proposals in line with a programme to commercial and retail properties as bases for driving submit a Development Consent Order application in examiners. [166295] the second half of 2014. This consultation will set out the tolling proposal and the scheme options and will Stephen Hammond: All private commercial and retail inform the option that is taken through the Development properties that are currently used to deliver driving tests Consent Order process. We will provide a firmer timetable from were subject to health and safety visits by Driving for delivery, including when contractors are likely to be Standards Agency (DSA) health and safety staff. Health appointed, in the autumn. and safety checks were also undertaken by the Public and Commercial Services trade union health and safety Bournemouth team before testing commenced. These sites, and all other DSA premises, are subject to annual safety reviews. Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to visit Bournemouth. Driving: Licensing [162875] Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Norman Baker: Transport Ministers have no current what plans he has to increase the age when driving plans to visit but of course they would be open to licence holders have to reapply for a licence. [166463] considering any invitation from the hon. Member. Stephen Hammond: There are no plans to increase the Carbon Emissions: Aviation age when driving licence holders have to reapply for a licence.

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Excise Duties: Motor Vehicles Transport what steps he is taking to help secure an agreement at the forthcoming international Civil Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Aviation Agreement Organisation Assembly to reduce how many untaxed vehicles have been recorded following aviation emissions. [166314] online reporting in (a) 2012 and (b) 2013. [166206]

Mr Simon Burns: The UK has been heavily involved Stephen Hammond: The figures available relate to the in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) total number of unlicensed vehicle reports that were discussions to secure an agreement on climate change received online and the number of vehicles that were emissions. In particular, the UK was a member of the subsequently found to be unlicensed. These figures may High Level Group on Climate Change which was contain multiple reports for the same vehicle. established in November 2012 and has actively participated In 2012, 164,777 online reports of possibly unlicensed in all of the meetings to date. vehicles were received from the general public, of these, The UK has been working with our EU counterparts 51,761 were unlicensed. This calendar year, 91,932 online to convince the ICAO Council States of the need for reports have been received of possibly unlicensed vehicles, ICAO to show leadership at its General Assembly in of these, 18,097 were unlicensed. September, especially in light of the adoption by the Fuels: EU Law global airline industry association, IATA, of a climate change resolution which supports the development of a single, global measure for aviation emissions. The UK Andrew Percy: To ask the Secretary of State for will continue to work with our international partners Transport what recent discussions he has had on the and with ICAO to push for an ambitious, global approach implementation of measures arising from the Fuel Quality to reduce emissions from international aviation in the Directive. [165962] run-up to the Assembly. Norman Baker: Department for Transport ministers and officials meet regularly with various interested parties, Diesel Vehicles including counterparts in the European Commission, to discuss the implementation of the Fuel Quality Directive. Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for I have had meetings with the Commissioner for Climate Transport where guidance on the removal of factory- Action, Connie Hedegaard, with representatives of industry, fitted particulate diesel filters from vehicles has been and with environmental pressure groups. published on his Department’s website. [166568] Recent discussions included the Commission’s proposed Directive amending the Fuel Quality Directive and the Stephen Hammond: The Department’s officials are Renewable Energy Directive to address indirect land still working on the details of the guidance to ensure use change impacts associated with certain biofuels accuracy of the information being provided. We hope published in October last year, and implementing measures to make the information available on the website after under article 7a of the Fuel Quality Directive in respect the summer break. of the calculation of the carbon intensity of fossil fuels. 897W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 898W

High Speed 2 Railway Line As no crew or passengers had been injured during the event, and because the marine regulator reported it was Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for taking what appeared to be appropriate action to prevent Transport how many miles of High Speed 2 within the a recurrence, the MAIB decided not to investigate further. Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are not Following the sinking of Wacker Quacker 1 on 15 planned to be in a tunnel as of 16 July 2013. [166520] June 2013, the MAIB commenced a full investigation that will include a review of the actions taken following Mr Simon Burns: Of the 12.9 miles through the the earlier sinking of Wacker Quacker 4. Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, only 5.5 miles is not in bored tunnel or green tunnel. However Public Transport: Disability this does not take into account the length of route hidden in cutting, which is over 3.5 miles. Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much funding his Department has Motor Vehicle Type Approval: EU Law allocated to (a) train and (b) bus services to make them more accessible to disabled people in the last five Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for years. [166336] Transport what his policy is on implementation of EU Directive 2007/46/EC; and if he will make a statement. Norman Baker: £203m of the 10 year £370m Access [166403] for All programme has been spent in the last five years on improving access at railway stations and a further Stephen Hammond: Directive 2007/46/EC has been £37.5m Mid-tier fund was announced in 2011 which implemented in the UK through Statutory Instrument will be spent by March 2014. In addition, around £31 m 2009 (No. 717) that came into force on 29 April 2009. has been allocated direct to train operators for smaller The Government’s approach to this directive is to scale access improvements between 2009 and 2014. This ensure that UK manufacturers have the opportunity to is over and above work funded by the train operators approve vehicles for use on our roads using the full themselves or as part of larger projects such as Birmingham flexibility of the different schemes provided for in the New Street or Thameslink. directive. No direct funding is allocated to make rail vehicles more accessible. Instead the cost is included in the Passenger Ships: Accidents purchase price of new vehicles, or when such work is undertaken on older vehicles as they receive heavy maintenance. This is ahead of the legal deadline of Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 1 January 2020 by which time all rail vehicles must be what assessment he has made of the response of the accessible. Marine Accident Investigation Branch to the sinking of the leisure craft in Liverpool on 30 March 2013; and if No direct funding has been provided by the Department specifically to improve accessibility of buses. However, he will make a statement. [166565] the provision of funding such as the Green Bus Fund has supported the purchase of around 1,200 new, low Stephen Hammond: The Marine Accident Investigation carbon buses, more than 900 of which are now on the Branch acted in accordance with the legislation in respect roads of England. All of these buses are fully accessible. of the incident on 20 March 2013. The Department for Transport continues to work to On 30 March 2013, it was reported to the Marine improve physical accessibility to public transport. The Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) that Wacker Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations 2000 Quacker 4, a DUKW operated by Yellowduck Marine, (PSVAR) require all new buses and coaches used to had foundered in Albert Dock, Liverpool. The provide local or scheduled services and designed to circumstances of the accident were that the DUKW carry more than 22 passengers to be accessible to disabled had suffered a malfunction of its hydraulic steering passengers. system such that it could not manoeuvre back to the slipway. All existing buses and coaches used to provide local or scheduled services will have to comply with PSVAR With the assistance of another vessel, the DUKW by end dates between 2015 and 2020, depending on was manoeuvred alongside a pontoon to disembark the vehicle type. At November 2012, 69% of all buses in passengers, whereupon the crew noticed that the vessel Great Britain met the PSVAR requirements. was taking on water. On June 12th 2013 I announced the decision to retain Once all passengers had left the DUKW, attempts the Disabled Person’s Transport Advisory Committee were made to move the vessel to the slipway for recovery. (DPTAC), in recognition of DPTAC’s valuable contribution The DUKW sank before it reached the slipway, but was to the wider transport accessibility agenda. subsequently recovered. The MAIB made enquiries from which it was established Railways: Finance that water had entered the DUKW via a drainage hole, as the plug had not been refitted at the start of the day’s operations. It was further established that the Maritime Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for and Coastguard Agency was following up the sinking, Transport what recent estimate he has made of the and was taking steps with Yellowduck Marine to ensure amount of funding allocated for new railway infrastructure that the DUKWs had enough buoyancy to remain in (a) the North West and (b) the South East over the afloat when flooded. last three years. [166326] 899W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 900W

Mr Simon Burns: No recent estimate has been made Norman Baker: A Welsh language scheme was published of allocation by region. Network Rail provides detail of by the central Department in 2004, and is maintained as its new railway infrastructure funding by route for the a living document. The scheme is available on GOV.UK years to 2014. in both Welsh and English. The Driving Standards Agency (DSA), Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the Vehicle Operator Wales Service Agency (VOSA) each have Welsh language schemes. The DSA adopted its current Welsh language scheme in Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for December 2008, the most recent review began in December Transport whether his Department provides services to 2012 and was completed in April 2013. people resident in Wales or usually resident in Wales. The DVLA adopted their scheme in 1997 and it was [166111] last updated in December 2009 and the VOSA adopted their Welsh language scheme in 2005, revising it in 2010. Norman Baker: The Department for Transport provides excellent services to those living or residing in Wales, in particular through the Department’s agencies, including INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, the Driving Accountancy Standards Agency, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and the Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Vehicle Certification Agency. International Development how much her Department spent on contracts with (a) Deloitte, (b) PricewaterhouseCoopers, (c) KPMG and (d) Ernst Welsh Language and Young in each year since 2008. [164956]

Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Duncan: The following table gives details of spend Transport whether his Department has a current Welsh on contracts with (a) Deloitte, (b) language scheme; when that scheme was adopted; and PricewaterhouseCoopers, (c) KPMG and (d) Ernst whether it has been reviewed since May 2011. [166093] and Young in each year since 2008.

£ Supplier 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Deloitte 2,523,884 4,640,574 6,447,028 907,321 1,891,790 PricewaterhouseCoopers 2,333,773 5,812,908 15,812,927 23,486,324 42,307,000 KPMG 15,252,962 15,536,952 40,657,136 37,024,013 28,098,467 Ernst & Young 0 0 161,082 1,566,061 4,297,254

This table shows the amount paid to the supplier. Afghanistan DFID systems cannot currently automatically break this down into how much is retained in fees and how Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for much is spent on the project they are managing. An International Development how much funding her example of such a breakdown is KPMG’s programme Department has allocated to projects which support to help the Government of Ethiopia to improve their economic growth in Afghanistan in each year since management of the risks of climate change, which has a 2010; and what the 10 most expensive such projects total value of £8.3 million, of which £0.4 million consists have been. [166564] of fees and expenses incurred managing the programme. Mr Duncan: Supporting economic growth is one of Changes are now under way to DFID’s accounting the three priority areas for DFID’s work in Afghanistan, system to enable it to make automatic distinctions alongside work to improve political stability and helping between contract fees and overall project costs. This the state to deliver improved services. Many of our latter money is used by communities to fund the provision programmes indirectly support economic growth in of services, for example by paying salaries for teachers Afghanistan and so it is not possible to disaggregate the and health workers, and to buy goods such as textbooks precise amount that DFID spends on this objective. and medical supplies. It also funds research and provides Figures for the 10 largest programmes which contribute training and advice to support the development of local to the delivery of our growth objectives that commenced capacity. in or around 2010 are:

Total programme Programme name Start date End date budget (£ million

Contribution to multi-donor Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund November 2011 November 2014 300.0 Helmand Growth Programme May 2010 June 2015 36.0 Supporting Employment and Enterprise Development March 2010 August 2014 36.0 Contribution to multi-donor Afghanistan Infrastructure Trust Fund March 2011 December 2015 35.0 Afghanistan Investment Climate Facility February 2009 March 2015 31.5 901W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 902W

Total programme Programme name Start date End date budget (£ million

Comprehensive Agriculture and Rural Development programme (CARD-F) June 2009 June 2014 30.0 Road Rehabilitation and Maintenance Programme May 2012 December 2014 19.45 Tax Administration Project August 2011 March 2015 19.0 Strengthening the Agricultural Sector in Afghanistan April 2012 March 2015 12.9 Road Improvement in Central Helmand November 2010 April 2013 10.5

Apprentices Mr Duncan: The Civil Service Apprenticeship Scheme was launched in April 2013 and a pilot cohort will commence with 100 places across Government Departments Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for in September 2013. The aim is to increase the total International Development how many apprenticeships places available in the future to 500 and DFID is her Department offered to people aged (a) 16 to 18, committed to participate when the scheme is extended. (b) 19 to 21 and (c) 22 to 26 years old in each year since 2010. [165877] Billing

Mr Duncan: DFID has not recruited any external Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for apprentices in the years or age groups specified. However, International Development how many creditors to her DFID does offer current employees the opportunity to Department owed more than £10,000 remained unpaid (a) (b) (c) take up in-service apprenticeships, irrespective of age. for more than 30 days, 45 days, 60 days, (d) 75 days and (e) more than 90 days in each of the last three years. [166377] Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what strategies she has to Mr Duncan: The number of creditors owed during create apprenticeships in her Department; and what the period outlined in the question is shown in the plans she has to promote such strategies. [165895] following table:

Number of creditors Financial year 30-44 days 45-59 days 60-74 days 75-89 days Over 90 days Total

2010-11 18 6 1 0 0 25 2011-12 15 8 2 0 1 26 2012-13 3 2 1 0 1 7

All payments detailed in the schedule have now been Mr Duncan: The overall funding envelope for the processed. This includes the “over 90 days” invoice for 11th European Development Fund covers Africa Caribbean 2012-2013 which was payable to the Crown Agents in and Pacific countries, Overseas Territories, the European the sum of £23,208. Investment Bank and Commission support costs. During negotiations in Brussels on the allocations to be set for British Overseas Territories Overseas Territories, no specific strategies were considered, although the UK Government was keen to ensure that Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for International the Territories were not disadvantaged in the final funding Development what steps her Department has taken to envelope agreed. DFID will encourage the British Overseas work with Overseas Territory governments to improve Territories to consider biodiversity issues when submitting their standards of transparency. [166450] applications to the fund.

Mr Duncan: DFID encourages Overseas Territories (OT) to undertake their business in a transparent fashion. Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for International Technical support has been made available to OT Development what response her Department has made Governments to strengthen both financial and audit to the recent commitment by the DG-Development functions. Co-operation of the European Commission to We welcome the increased availability and public release environmental funding to the British Overseas disclosure of government documentation available online Territories under the Development Co-operation from many of the Territories but recognise that more Instrument. [166455] needs to be done. Recent reform plans agreed by DFID with OT governments require that any new policies and legislation to be the result of wider consultation, and more transparent procedures. Mr Duncan: DFID welcomes the decision of the European Commission confirming that Overseas Territories are eligible for environmental funding under the Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development Cooperation Instrument. DFID will work Development whether her Department’s input into the with colleagues in FCO and DEFRA to ensure the European Development Spending Agreements for the Territories are supported in their applications for any British Overseas Territories will take into account the such funding. UK Overseas Territories Biodiversity Strategy. [166451] 903W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 904W

Fairtrade Initiative Mr Duncan: The potential impact of airport construction on biodiversity has been subject to detailed analysis in Mr McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for the environmental impact assessment undertaken by International Development what assessment she has UK consultants during the period 2005 to 2007. Surveys made of the role of fairtrade goods in development. and mitigation measures to protect biodiversity have [166481] been undertaken subsequently in response to variations in construction design and will continue to be carried Mr Duncan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I out as necessary. gave to the hon. Member for Wirral South (Alison McGovern) on 17 July 2013, Official Report, column 775W. Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what (a) technical assistance her Department Montserrat has provided and (b) representations her Department has made to the St Helena Government on the draft Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for Environmental Protection Ordinance currently in International Development (1) what her Department’s preparation. [166468] policy is on the draft Conservation and Environmental Management Bill proposed by the Government of Mr Duncan: In December 2010, DFID and the St Montserrat; [166454] Helena Government agreed a series of wide ranging (2) what recent representations her Department has reforms to prepare for air access. This included building made to the government of Montserrat on that country’s on earlier DFID-funded work to strengthen the institutional draft Conservation and Environmental Management arrangements for environmental management. An Bill. [166449] Environmental Management Directorate was established in April 2012 to which DFID continues to provide Mr Duncan: Environmental management and financial and technical support. In September 2012, the conservation is a key component of the Strategic Growth new Directorate produced the island’s first National Plan for Montserrat. As part of that plan, DFID has Environmental Management Plan with substantive technical helped the Government of Montserrat create an appropriate input from the DFID Environmental Adviser. The new legal and institutional framework for environmental Environmental Protection Ordinance comes out of the management and will provide further technical support work of the new Directorate. DFID funds a specialist for work on environmental and climate change management who is helping to draft the Ordinance. under this framework.

Pitcairn Islands COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what recent discussions her Department Affordable Housing: Rural Areas has had with the Government of the Pitcairn Islands on her Department’s funding of projects to deal with Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State consequences of lax biosecurity in that Territory and for Communities and Local Government how many the lack of biosecurity legislation. [166457] units of affordable housing were developed in rural areas in each of the last three years. [165732] Mr Duncan: Through provision of budget aid, DFID funds a biosecurity officer who has responsibility for biosecurity issues. Mr Prisk: There were 20,830 additional affordable dwellings provided in rural areas in 2009-10, 20,890 additional affordable dwellings provided in rural areas Redundancy in 2010-11 and 20,400 additional affordable dwellings provided in rural areas in 2011-12. Comparative figures Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for for 2008-09 were 19,820. International Development how many officials in her Rural areas included all local authorities defined as Department resident in Scotland have been made redundant Significant Rural (districts with more than 37,000 people through compulsory redundancy schemes since May or more than 26% of their population in rural settlements 2010; and how much this has cost her Department. and larger market towns); Rural-50 (districts with at [165560] least 50% but less than 80% of their population in rural settlements and larger market towns); or Rural-80 (districts Mr Duncan: No DFID employees resident in Scotland with at least 80% of their population in rural settlements have been made redundant through compulsory redundancy and larger market towns) based on the DEFRA rural/urban since May 2010. There has therefore been no cost to the local authority classification. Department.

St Helena Assured Tenancies

Dr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for International Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Development what recent assessment her Department Communities and Local Government what plans he has made of the effect of the airport construction on has to bring Crown tenants within the assured tenancy biodiversity conservation in St Helena. [166456] scheme. [166210] 905W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 906W

Mr Prisk: Subject to finding parliamentary time, it is affordable rent model that is delivering more affordable the Government’s intention to amend legislation to housing at a lower cost to the taxpayer; the new affordable ensure that Crown tenants (mostly tenants of Government homes programme announced at the spending round Departments) are in general provided with the same will further drive up efficiency and value for money statutory rights as the majority of tenants in the private from this very large Government investment in new sector. affordable homes. The Government is also offering two Currently, most tenants in the private sector have innovative Housing Guarantee schemes to enable the assured shorthold tenancies. Assured shorthold tenants building of more homes in the affordable and private enjoy a minimum tenancy term of six months and the rented sectors without increasing public debt. The landlord may only seek possession on one of the grounds Government has also been promoting self build to set out in legislation. The no-fault ground for possession encourage its expansion and the diversification of the gives landlords an automatic right to possession, provided house building sector. The range of the Government’s the landlord has given the tenant at least two months’ housing policies and programmes can be found on the notice. However, an order for possession on this ground DCLG website at cannot be enforced during the initial six months or any https://www.gov.uk/government/topics/housing fixed term period. Crown tenancies are currently excluded from the Landlords: Urban Areas assured tenancy regime. This means that the only statutory protection enjoyed by a Crown tenant is that provided Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for by the Protection from Eviction Act 1977, which requires Communities and Local Government pursuant to the the landlord to give the tenant a minimum of 28 days answer of 10 July 2013, Official Report, column 284W, notice. In both cases, the landlord needs to obtain an on landlords: urban areas, when he plans to publish order for possession from the court. details of the further solutions to improve information There may of course be certain specific situations on high street landlords. [166117] where there are compelling reasons why a Crown tenancy might need to be terminated after less than six months Mr Prisk: The Future High Street Forum is considering, or with less than two months’ notice being given. We with care, ways that could assist councils in identifying intend to retain an exemption for Crown tenancies from property owners without creating unnecessary costs to the assured tenancy regime in limited circumstances, for business or local authorities. Progress will be reported example where occupants may need to be moved at through the Forum webpage at: short notice for military operational reasons. https://www.gov.uk/government/policy-advisory-groups/ The Government will of course consult on any proposed future-high-streets-forum changes before bringing forward legislation. It is intended that any change to legislation would apply only to Local Government Finance Crown tenancies granted after the date on which the amendment comes into force. Nadhim Zahawi: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government if he will estimate the full cost to the Exchequer of restoring funding to local authorities to the level it would have Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for been without the Spending Rounds of both 2010 and Communities and Local Government what assessment 2013 in the fiscal year 2015-16. [165105] he has made of the potential of home purchase plans to provide alternative routes into home ownership. Danny Alexander: I have been asked to reply on [166053] behalf of the Treasury. The Treasury estimate of the amount of Exchequer Mr Prisk: We support innovation in the development funding that would be required to make funding provided of home purchase plans, including Sharia-compliant to local authorities through LG DEL equivalent to the mortgages. This country is in the forefront of Sharia- 2010-11 baseline in real terms is £7.276 billion. compliant mortgages, rating at the upper end of Western countries in Sharia-compliant assets. Other forms of Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for home purchase plans are at too early a stage of development Communities and Local Government what proportion to allow a full assessment of their potential. of the Environmental, Cultural and Protective Services block grant is distributed using indicators of (a) social Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for deprivation, (b) population density and (c) population Communities and Local Government what steps the sparsity. [165545] Government is taking to promote innovation in the housing sector. [166055] Brandon Lewis: The Environmental Cultural and Protective Services block is one of a number of Relative Mr Prisk: The Government is undertaking a range of Needs Formulae used in the provision of Revenue Support work to encourage innovation in the housing sector. In Grant to local authorities. It is not expressed in terms of particular, we are working to expand the private rented an amount of funding. Revenue Support Grant is sector through our £1 billion Build to Rent fund which unhypothecated, local authorities are free to spend it as aims to attract new institutional investment to provide they choose, and for this reason it is not possible to state new build homes for private rent. We introduced an how much is distributed for any particular service. 907W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 908W

Local Government Finance: Barnsley Rented Housing: Electrical Safety

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for and Local Government how much funding his Department Communities and Local Government what steps he is has allocated to Barnsley metropolitan borough council taking to review the current arrangements for electrical for local authority supported capital expenditure in (a) safety in the residential rental sector; and if he will housing stock and (b) major repairs allowance in each make a statement. [165388] year since 2009-10. [166161] Mr Foster [holding answer 15 July 2013]: There is a Mr Prisk: The allocation figures for Barnsley statutory requirement on landlords to ensure that electrical metropolitan borough council’s subsidy capital financing installations in a building are kept safe and in good requirement and major repairs allowance are given in working order. Our publication ‘Top Tips for Landlords’1 the table. Housing revenue account subsidy was abolished encourages landlords to consider having electrical under the Localism Act 2011 and replaced with self- installations and equipment checked. The Electrical financing for local housing authorities from 1 April Safety Council recommends that safety checks are carried 2012. The data shown for 2012-13 are the subsidy-equivalent out every five years. figures. Local authorities have powers under the Housing Act £ 2004 to investigate electrical hazards. Local authorities Subsidy capital Major repairs can also introduce a licensing scheme for private rented financing allowance/ Major repairs housing in their area under certain circumstances, requirement dwelling allowance total Conditions can be attached to the licence specifying any 2010-11 133,152,900 608.67 11,721,243 requirements with which a landlord must comply. We 2011-12 275,179,400 603,72 11,528,117 will be working with local authorities over the summer 2012-13 275,354,400 852.97 16,174,017 to try and establish the extent to which licensing is used and the type of conditions that are typically attached to those licences. Non-domestic Rates 1 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/top-tips-for- landlords-assured-shorthold-tenancies Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the (a) Wind Power: Planning Permission average time was between business rates being levied and collected and (b) amount of uncollected business rates was in each (i) London borough and (ii) other Sir Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for local authority in England in the latest period for Communities and Local Government when he plans to which figures are available. [166297] issue further guidance to local planning authorities on onshore wind farms. [166116] Brandon Lewis: Information on the average time between non-domestic rates being levied and collected is not Mr Prisk: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer of held centrally. 2 July 2013, Official Report, columns 538-39W. Information from each local authority in England on the national non-domestic rates net collectable debit for 2012-13, and on the amount of non-domestic rates collected during 2012-13 in respect of that year, have HOME DEPARTMENT been published at the following location: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ Appropriate Adults attachment_data/file/208765/Drop_down_Collection_ Rate_form_2012-13.xls These data are as reported on the Quarterly Return Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for the of Council Taxes and Non-Domestic Rates (QRC4) Home Department (1) what proportion of appropriate forms submitted by all billing authorities in England. adults fell within the age range (a) 20 to 30, (b) 31 to 40, (c) 41 to 50, (d) 51 to 60, (e) 61 to 70 and (f) over 70 in the most recent year for which information is Private Rented Housing available; [166249] (2) what proportion of appropriate adults fell in each Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for ethnic category in the most recent year for which Communities and Local Government what progress has information is available; [166250] been made on the development of the private rented (3) how many of appropriate adults were (a) women sector guarantee; and when he expects the private rented and (b) men in the most recent year for which sector guarantee to be open for applications. [166054] information is available; [166251] Mr Prisk: We announced on 20 June that we are now (4) what information her Department holds on the able to consider direct applications for the private rented socio-economic background of appropriate adults. sector guarantees scheme. Some potential borrowers [166252] are already discussing applications with DCLG and others are invited to do the same. A formal application Mr Jeremy Browne: The information requested is not process will open shortly. held centrally. 909W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 910W

Borders: Personal Records Immigration

Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Home Department what the cost to the public purse Department (1) what the average wait for in-country has been of legal fees for the binding arbitration applicants waiting to be sent biometric enrolment process with Raytheon Systems Ltd relating to the invitations from the date their application is e-Borders programme to date. [160167] acknowledged is; [158825] (2) what her Department’s service standard is for the Mr Harper: The final cost of legal fees in connection issuing of biometric enrolment invitations for with the arbitration will not be determined until the in-country applications once the application has been conclusion of the process at which time this information acknowledged. [158915] will be disclosed. Cumbria Constabulary Mr Harper [holding answer 10 June 2013]: The average waiting time to dispatch a biometric enrolment invitation letter in the three-month period from 1 January to 31 John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for the March 2013 was 65 calendar days for temporary migration Home Department (1) what costs were incurred to the cases, and 28 calendar days for permanent migration public purse by the South Wales Police investigation cases. into the conduct of the suspended Chief Constable of Cumbria. [165849] With reference to the second question, the Home Office does not have a service standard for the issuing of (2) what costs were incurred to the public purse by biometric enrolment invitation letters for in-country the IPCC investigations into the conduct of the cases. suspended Chief Constable of Cumbria. [165850] As part of its commitment to transparency the Home Damian Green [holding answer 17 July 2013]: The Office publishes its performance against service standards Home Office does not hold this information. However, on a quarterly basis. The latest publication can be found information relating to this query can be found on the at: Office of the PCC for Cumbria’s website: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/ aboutus/percentage-of-migration/ http://www.cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/media/12029/ 2013%20FOI%20Disclosure%20Log%20(June).pdf Notes: 1. The figures quoted have been derived from management information Europol and are therefore provisional and subject to change. This information has not been quality assured under National Statistics protocols. Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2. Figures relate to main applicants only. Home Department what discussions she and her 3. Figures relate to postal applications only. ministerial colleagues have had with representatives of 4. Figures relate to permanent and temporary migration biometric Europol since May 2010. [160171] applications with a case created date between 1 January and 31 March 2013. Mr Harper: Home Office Ministers and officials have 5. Waiting time based on average number of calendar days meetings with a wide variety of international partners, between application raised (received) and case creation date, as as well as organisations and individuals in the public biometric enrolment invitations are sent when the case is input on and private sectors, as part of the process of policy the Case Information Database (CID). development and delivery. Members: Correspondence Human Trafficking

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of Home Department if she will arrange for the hon. the long-term trends in co-operation and co-ordination Member for Walsall North to received a reply to his on the issue of human trafficking by (a) Eurojust, (b) letter of 10 June 2013 to the interim Director General, UK Visas and Immigration, on behalf of a constituent, Europol and (c) Interpol. [156391] CTS ref M8559/13. [165056] Mr Harper: No formal assessment has been made. However, Europol, Eurojust and Interpol all play an Mr Harper [holding answer 12 July 2013]: I will important role in helping the UK co-operate with our arrange for the Interim Director General, UK Visas international partners against serious crime, including and Immigration to reply to your letter shortly. human trafficking. Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will arrange for the hon. Home Department what assessment she has made of Member for Walsall North to received a reply to his the effectiveness of the European Arrest Warrant in letter of 10 June 2013 to the interim Director General, combating human trafficking. [156439] UK Visas and Immigration, on behalf of a constituent, CTS ref B16075/13. [165058] Mr Harper: No formal assessment has been made. However, the European Arrest Warrant plays an important Mr Harper [holding answer 12 July 2013]: I will role in helping the UK co-operate with our international arrange for the Interim Director General, UK Visas partners against serious crime, including human trafficking. and Immigration to reply to your letter shortly. 911W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 912W

Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for Police: Laboratories the Home Department when the Minister for Immigration plans to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Slough of 25 February 2013, regarding her Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for constituent Mrs FN and her sister Mrs AS in Pakistan, the Home Department what her latest estimate is of the references GRY-PK-01-230449-X and ISL-210213- number of police laboratories that will be accredited to ISO17025 by November 2013. [166203] 229528-1. [166286]

Mr Harper: I wrote to the hon. Member on 15 July Mr Jeremy Browne [holding answer 18 July 2013]: 2013. 37% of police forces currently hold accreditation to ISO 17025, this is predicted to increase to over 60% by November 2013 as a number of forces finalise the National Security recommendations made by the awarding body, United Kingdom Accreditation Service. A number of forces have however decided to outsource this activity to Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for the commercial forensic service providers, who already hold Home Department what assessment she has made of ISO 17025, either on a short- or long-term basis. the EU’s role in promoting national resilience; and if she will make a statement. [165546] Police: Unmanned Air Vehicles Miss Chloe Smith: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Cabinet Office. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the It is this Government’s position that national resilience Home Department how many unmanned aerial or civil protection is, and should, remain primarily a vehicles were in use by police forces in (a) 2012 and national responsibility.However, the Government recognises (b) 2013. [R] [166168] that action at EU level can facilitate mutual aid between member states in a disaster, and supports the sharing of Damian Green: Police use of unmanned aerial vehicles good practice to prevent disasters where possible and/or (UAVs) in England and Wales is an operational matter mitigate their consequences. for individual police forces, within the regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority. Information about numbers in use is not collected centrally. Offenders: Deportation Pornography: Internet Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many foreign national criminals were deported from the UK in each year Mr Leech: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking (a) to tackle since 2008. [165025] breaches of the Obscene Publications Acts by non-UK websites which provide explicit hardcore pornography Mr Harper [holding answer 12 July 2013]: The Home equivalent to that classified R18 by the British Board of Office seeks to deport from the UK foreign national Film Classification which is downloaded in the UK and offenders (FNOs) who meet the following criteria: (b) to put in place suitable age verification measures to A court recommendation. prevent children accessing such material. [164729] For non-EEA nationals—a custodial sentence of 12 months or more either in one sentence or as an aggregate of two or three sentences over a period of five years, or a custodial sentence of Damian Green: The Government supports the work any length for a drug offence (other than possession). that the Authority for Television on Demand (ATVOD) has undertaken. This will explore with UK financial For EEA nationals—a custodial sentence of 12 months or more for an offence involving drugs, violent or sexual crimes or a institutions and card companies the possibility of declining custodial sentence of 24 months or more for other offences. to process payments to websites operating outside the European Union which allow under-18s in the UK to The following table sets out the number of foreign view explicit pornographic content. ATVOD provided a national offenders removed or deported from the UK in report of its progress in this area to the UK Council for each year of the last five years. Child Internet Safety (UKCCIS) Executive Board on 8 July 2013. Through UKCCIS the Government is supporting Total number of FNOs removed by the Home Office the work with industry to look at how age verification processes could be implemented. 2008 5,395 2009 5,530 Recovery Orders 2010 5,342 2011 4,649 2012 4,589 Robert Flello: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many statutory recovery The table includes foreign national offenders who do orders have been enforced in each police force area in not meet the criteria set out above and are removed (a) 2013, (b) 2012, (c) 2011 and (d) 2010. [166040] from the UK under Section 10(1) of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Section 10(1) relates to the Damian Green: The requested information is not removal of individuals unlawfully in the UK. collected by the Home Office. 913W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 914W

Sexual Offences Mr Harper: This question could be answered only at disproportionate cost. Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people are currently on Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the the sex offenders register; and what estimate she has Home Department what guidance her Department made of the number of sex offenders in the UK who are follows in determining whether statistics in answers to not subject to the sex offenders register because their Parliamentary Questions are (a) provided in full, (b) convictions took place prior to the implementation of provided via a link to a website and (c) placed in the [165490] the Sex Offenders Act 1997. [163733] Library. Mr Harper: The Office of the Leader of the House of Mr Jeremy Browne [holding answer 15 July 2013]: Commons provides guidance to all Departments on the Information on registered sex offenders is held on the practice of answering parliamentary questions by reference Violent and Sex Offender Register (ViSOR) database, a to Government websites. UK-wide system which is used to store and share information and intelligence on individuals. The full guide is available on the Cabinet Office website at: Data on ViSOR shows that there are currently a total of 64,484 registered sex offenders in the UK, http://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to- parliamentary-work Information on the number of offenders with convictions A copy of the guidance relating to referring to websites made prior to the commencement of the Sex Offenders has already been placed in the Library and the Office of Act 1997, which introduced the notification requirements the Leader of the House of Commons intends to review for registered sex offenders (commonly referred to as the Guide to Parliamentary Work later this year. the ’sex offenders’ register), is not held centrally. West Midlands Police BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Apprentices Home Department what assessment she has made of the effect of formula damping on the amount of national funding allocated to West Midlands Police in Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State each of the last three years. [158014] for Business, Innovation and Skills how many apprenticeships his Department offered to people aged Mr Jeremy Browne: Damping is a means of ensuring (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 21 and (c) 22 to 26 years old in stability in funding for Police and Crime Commissioners each year since 2010. [165865] between years. After considering the responses of an Jo Swinson: Until 2013, the Department for Business, informal consultation on damping, the Government Innovation and Skills (BIS) did not keep a record of the decided that every police force area in 2013-14 (and in age of internal apprentices. The table shows the age of 2014-15) will face the same percentage reduction in core externally recruited apprentices since 2010: central Government funding. The cash reduction in this funding for 2013-14 is 1.6%. This mirrors the approach Age 2010 2011 2012 2013 taken for the first two years of this spending review period. 16 to 18 0 0 0 1 Damping is only one part of the police funding 19 to 21 2 1 2 4 picture, which is driven by the Police Allocation Formula 22 to 26 0 0 0 1 (PAF). The Government will conduct a fundamental BIS currently have 51 apprentices, 21 of whom are review of the PAF (including damping) to begin in due just embarking on their apprenticeship. This figure will course and will seek the views of PCCs. Until this rise to 57 in September. 12 of these 57 apprentices will review of the Police Allocation Formula is completed, be under the age of 21, with a further six apprentices the Government considers that it would be inappropriate under 21 expected to join the Department in the new to change existing arrangements, as this is the basis on year. which many PCCs have made their financial plans. In 2011 -12, the effect of damping was to reduce core Business: EU Law Government funding to West Midlands Police Authority by £27.5 million (equating to 5.2%), compared to what Jonathan Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for it would have received if the raw formula had been used. Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has In 2012-13, the reduction was £23 million (equating to made on the effect of directive 2007/46/EC on small 4.7%), and in 2013-14, the reduction is £43.8 million and medium-sized businesses in the UK; and if he will (equating to 8%). make a statement. [166402] Written Questions Stephen Hammond: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Transport. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the At the time of implementing the national regulations Home Department how many answers by her Department to meet our obligations under directive 2007/46/EC a to Parliamentary Questions involving tables of statistics full impact assessment was undertaken and published fewer than four pages in length were (a) printed in full by the Department for Transport. This is available at and (b) provided via a link to a website in the last year. the following link: [165471] http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/718/impacts 915W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 916W

The impact assessment includes a “Small firms’ impact Cybercrime: Higher Education test” and sets out the assessment undertaken at that time. The Department’s officials continue to liaise with Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for the UK motor industry on the implementation of the Business, Innovation and Skills how many undergraduate directive. degree courses in cyber security are available in UK universities. [166060] Business: Government Assistance Mr Willetts: This information is not collected by the Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Higher Education Statistics Agency or other means as Business, Innovation and Skills what processes his cyber security is not a standard subject classification. Department has put in place to ensure that ongoing support is given to UK companies seeking to develop EU Grants and Loans long-term business relationships overseas; and what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of such processes. [165552] Mr Sanders: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what methodology his Michael Fallon: Companies are in the best position to Department used to determine the distribution of EU determine how best to maintain and develop long-term transition zone funding for 2014 to 2020. [165975] relationships with overseas customers. UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) has a global network of overseas Michael Fallon: 3% of the UK transition region support for UK companies. This network is always budget will be transferred to the UK’s two less developed available to companies for advice and support but the regions—Cornwall and West Wales. commercial relationship management rests with the Funding for Northern Ireland and the Highlands companies themselves. The effectiveness and impact of and Islands of Scotland will be 5% lower in real terms UKTI’s advice and support is assessed through UKTI’s than in 2007-13. Performance and Impact Monitoring Surveys (PIMS). Funding for the nine English transition regions will Quarterly reports are published on the UKTI website: be distributed equally, with all regions receiving an http://www.ukti.gov.uk/uktihome/aboutukti/ourperformance/ annual 20% real terms increase in funding compared to performanceimpactandmonitoringsurvey/quarterlysurveys.html 2013. In addition, UKTI has a programme of independent evaluations to complement evidence from PIMS, which Exports looks in depth at particular areas and assesses their performance. Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what processes his Business: Northern Ireland Department uses to monitor the increase in UK exports following trade missions and delegations. [165554] Ms Ritchie: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what his policy is on Michael Fallon: Evidence about the financial benefits extending the provision of the Business Bank to generated by UKTI trade services is gathered quarterly Northern Ireland. [166195] through the performance and impact monitoring survey (PIMS) carried out by an independent market research Michael Fallon: The flexibilities recently put in place company specialising in business surveys. Quarterly under the Business Bank programme are already making results are published on the UKTI website at: a difference to Northern Irish businesses: http://www.ukti.gov.uk/uktihome/aboutukti/ourperformance/ The Start Up Loans scheme was extended to cover Northern performanceimpactandmonitoringsurvey/ Ireland last month. This will give people in NI who wish to start quarterlysurveys.html up their own business access to unsecured loans and tailored advice from a fund of £117 million. The UKTI annual report and accounts (annex C) Earlier this month, Northern Irish businesses also became provides a short overview to PIMS at: eligible to receive investments from the £100 million Business http://www.ukti.gov.uk/uktihome/item/534440.html Angel Cofund. PIMS measures additional sales and the business In addition, through its future wholesale products, benefits derived as a result of the support provided. we expect the bank to create more diverse and sustainable These measures recognise that export activity is not an supplies of finance for businesses looking to grow and end in itself, but benefits businesses and the UK economy foster greater competition by leveraging funds through through enabling companies to improve their performance challenger banks. and achieve stronger growth than would otherwise be Officials in the Department for Business, Innovation possible. and Skills (BIS) will also be running a roadshow event In addition to the evidence from PIMS, estimates of in Northern Ireland for potential applicants for the the impact of UKTI trade services are obtained through Business Bank’s first £300 million investment programme a rolling programme of independent evaluations of in the coming months. particular trade services. These evaluations use a range BIS are continuing to work with the Executive and of alternative techniques in order to derive estimates of the main banks in Northern Ireland to help them receive the magnitude of the impact of trade services on businesses the full benefits of the Business Bank’s interventions and other measures of performance and to ensure that it is relevant to the needs of NI http://www.ukti.gov.uk/uktihome/aboutukti/ourperformance/ businesses. evaluation.html 917W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 918W

UKTI recently commissioned an evaluation of all its Green Investment Bank events (which include trade missions), the results of which will be published in the next few months on the Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for website. Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Grant Thornton made of the role of the Green Investment Bank in the Green Deal. [166128] Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Michael Fallon: The Green Deal is one of the Green Business, Innovation and Skills how much his Investment Bank’s priority sectors. The bank supplied Department has spent on contracts with Grant part of the financing arrangements for the Green Deal, Thornton in each year since 2008. [165683] providing £125 million of senior debt on commercial terms. Jo Swinson: The Department has spent the following amounts on direct contracts for service with Grant Thornton: Higher Education: Admissions

£ Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has 2008 20,268 made of the number of applications made by young 2009 10,390 people for higher education places in 2013-14. [165964] 2010 2,885 2011 17,400 2012 110,769 Mr Willetts: Data published by UCAS on applications made by 30 June show a rise of 3% compared to the 1 See as follows. same point last year. Since 2012 onwards, Grant Thornton has been the lead contractor for two significant BIS programmes. In England the application rate for 18-year-olds is the second highest ever at 35.3%. The first is the delivery of the Manufacturing Advisory Service which is funded by BIS to provide specialist Other data from UCAS show that the proportion of manufacturing support for companies in England to 18-year-olds from the most disadvantaged backgrounds help them improve and grow. The programme is delivered applying to university has increased to the highest level in England by the Manufacturing Advisory Consortium ever recorded. but BIS funding for the programme is initially paid through Grant Thornton as the lead contractor. Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for The second is the delivery of the Growth Accelerator Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has programme which is aimed at small and medium-sized made of higher education applications for entrance in enterprises to deliver structured advice and support to 2014 among young people in England; and if he will break down barriers and provide opportunities for sustained make a statement. [166058] business growth. This programme is delivered through a network of private sector business growth experts but Mr Willetts: The latest information on applicants in BIS funding for the programme is initially paid through the 2013/14 entry cycle provided by UCAS shows that Grant Thornton. by 30 June there were 443,522 applicants from England, In 2012 (January to December), BIS paid a total of up 12,767 or 3% on the same point last year. £21,177,011 to the Manufacturing Advisory Service The application rate for 18-year-olds from England programme and a total of £35,069,821 to the Growth is, at 35.5%, the second highest on record, and only Accelerator programme. slightly below the record figure of 35.7% in 2011. In 2013 (January to end June), BIS paid a total of Other data from UCAS show that the proportion of £15,558,672 to the Manufacturing Advisory Service 18-year-olds from the most disadvantaged backgrounds programme and a total of £30,329,267 to the Growth applying to university has increased to the highest level Accelerator programme. ever recorded.

Green Construction Board Interest Rate Swap Transactions Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what plans his Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Department has for the Green Construction Board Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the Answer after November 2013. [166123] of 8 July 2013, Official Report, columns 49-50W, on Interest Rate Swap Transactions, how many customers Michael Fallon: As ″Construction 2025″, the industrial of (a) Barclays Bank, (b) RBS Groups, (c) HSBC strategy for construction (published on 2 July) makes Banking Group and (d) Lloyds Banking Group have clear, low carbon and sustainable construction presents received financial redress as part of the Financial huge opportunities for the industry, and Government Conduct Authority redress scheme. [165540] and industry strongly support the continuation of the Green Construction Board. Its work will focus on the Michael Fallon: The Department does not have figures development of market and technology based plans to on the number of cases which have received financial secure the jobs and growth opportunities from driving redress as part of the Financial Conduct Authority carbon out of the built environment. scheme. 919W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 920W

Manufacturing Advisory Service gas opportunities in Mozambique. In the last year, UKTl has reopened an office in Maputo and has helped Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for a broad range of companies on this basis. Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Manufacturing Advisory Postal Services: Wales Service (MAS) in providing services regarded as satisfactory by businesses; and what steps he plans to take to improve Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for the effectiveness of the MAS. [165549] Business, Innovation and Skills what quantifiable benefits the privatisation of Royal Mail will bring to Michael Fallon: An independent survey is undertaken postal services in North West Wales. [166034] quarterly to evaluate customer satisfaction and perceived value of the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) interventions, including the initial diagnostic of needs Michael Fallon: The overarching objective of the in the Manufacturing Review (Level 2) and the in-depth Government’s reforms of the postal sector is to secure support to implement business improvements (Level 4). the future of the universal postal service (the six-days-a-week The latest survey covering the period January to March delivery and collection of letters at uniform affordable 2013 found that: prices throughout the UK). The best way to achieve this is by ensuring that Royal Mail has a sustainable future. At Level 2, 95% of clients surveyed (319 out of 337) think ″MAS is good value for money/time investment″ the highest score Our reforms so far—installing Ofcom as regulator since the surveys began in Q4 2011/12. and taking on Royal Mail’s historic pension deficit— At level 4, 99% of clients surveyed (267 out of 269) think together with the efforts of employees and management ″MAS is good value for money/time investment″ at Level 4. to modernise the company, mean that Royal Mail is on As set out in “Building the Business Bank” published the path to sustainability. in March 2012, work is under way to improve the A sale of Royal Mail shares will allow the company effectiveness, raise awareness and increase the use of the future access to private capital so that it can continue to Government’s business advice services, including those become more efficient, and can innovate and seize the provided through MAS. opportunities presented by new markets; like the rapid growth of parcels through online shopping. It will make Medicine: Research Royal Mail a more efficient, better capitalised, faster-moving company which is better able to adapt and meet the Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State needs of its customers in all parts of the UK. for Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of his Department’s ring-fenced budget for science will be Recycling: Job Creation used to support charity-funded medical research in the next 12 months. [166281] Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Willetts: The Government recognises the significant Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has contribution made by charitable funders of research. made of the number of jobs created by recycling The charity support element of quality related research between 2013 and 2020. [165659] funding, provided by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), recognises the public Richard Benyon: I have been asked to reply on behalf benefit arising from research funded by charities, including of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural the medical charities. HEFCE has been asked, as part Affairs. of the science and research allocation for the spending The Waste and Resources Action Programme has review period 2011-15, to protect support for institutions estimated that the recycling industry has the potential leveraging funding from external sources, such as the to generate roughly 10,000 new jobs in the UK by 2020, charitable and business sectors. HEFCE has announced available at: that support for universities undertaking research funded by charities, including the medical charities, will be www.wrap.org.uk/content/wraps-vision-uk-circular-economy- 2020 maintained at £198 million for 2013-14. The Environmental Services Association also estimates Overseas Investment: Mozambique that there is potential for 7,500 to 12,000 new jobs in the recycling sector by 2020, available at: Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for www.esauk.org/esa_reports/ Business, Innovation and Skills what assistance the Circular_Economy_Report_FINAL_High_Res_For_Release.pdf Government provides to UK firms that wish to invest It is estimated that Britain’s waste and resource in Mozambique. [165709] management sector currently employs over 100,000 people and generates over £12 billion in sales. Michael Fallon: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) offer a broad range of help, tailored to the specific Regulation needs of the company requesting it. This could include high level lobbying, in-depth reporting on market conditions including regulations and potential, help with relevant Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for meetings and invitations to events in the UK to meet Business, Innovation and Skills what the title is of each senior decision makers. UKTI’s High Value Opportunities regulation his Department (a) introduced and (b) (HVO) programme, which helps UK-based firms to revoked in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011, (iii) 2012 and (iv) 2013 to capitalise on major projects worldwide, includes oil and date; and if he will make a statement. [165903] 921W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 922W

Michael Fallon: The One In, One Out rule was introduced Jo Swinson: The new Competition and Markets on 1 September 2010 and applied to regulations introduced Authority (CMA) will come into force formally in April from 1 January 2011. It was replaced by the One In, 2014. It will take forward the responsibilities of the Two Out rule which has applied to regulations introduced Office of Fair Trading and Competition Commission, from 1 January 2013. Details of regulations introduced which have previously investigated the groceries market and revoked by the Department for Business, Innovation and put in place remedies. The CMA will similarly have and Skills (BIS) that fall within the scope of One In, access to powers (under the Enterprise Act 2002) to One Out (OIOO) and One In, Two Out (OITO) are deal with anti-competitive behaviour in UK markets. published online in the Statements of New Regulation Decisions on individual cases will be a matter for the and have also been placed in the Library in response to CMA. the answers I gave on 20 May 2013, Official Report, Following the Competition Commission’s recommendation column 633W. in its groceries market investigation, the Government The complete tables of measures, including those in has established a Groceries Code Adjudicator which the recent Sixth Statement of New Regulation (covering focuses on contract issues between supermarkets and July to December 2013) are contained in the annex suppliers. which will be placed in the Library. Trade Missions Science of Cyber Security Research Institute Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what information his Business, Innovation and Skills what the timescale is Department records on the (a) the levels of satisfaction for funding of the Institute for Science of Cyber of businesses participating in trade missions and delegations Security. [166010] and (b) reasons why businesses chose not to participate in such missions and delegations; what steps he plans to Mr Willetts: The ‘Science of Cyber Security’ Research take following assessment of that information; and if he Institute is looking to improve understanding of the will publish in anonymised form the data so collected. science behind the growing cyber security threat. The [165551] institute is funded by a £3.8 million grant as part of the cross-Government commitment to increasing the UK’s Michael Fallon: Economic research and analysis in academic capability in cyber security. This is administered UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) contributes to the through Engineering and Physical Sciences Research development of the portfolio of UKTI services. The Council research grants which were granted on 1 October research tends either to be concerned with estimating 2012 and will run until 31 March 2016. the benefits of trade and investment or with barriers to Shipbuilding: Industry such activity rather than why a specific service has not been taken up. All reports and data are published on the UKTI website. John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his UKTI monitors the performance and effectiveness of Department is taking to support the shipbuilding its trade services through the use of its Performance and Impact Monitoring Surveys (PIMS). The satisfaction industry. [166119] scores for missions in the most recent period (covering Michael Fallon: We are working with shipbuilders the 12 months to December 2012), suggests that 84% of and the rest of the marine sector to implement the clients reported to be very satisfied, or fairly satisfied Marine Industries Growth Strategy through the Marine with the missions. Results are readily available on the Industries Leadership Council that I co-chair. Good UKTI website: progress is being made on the priority areas of technology, http://www.ukti.gov.uk/uktihome/aboutukti/ourperformance/ skills and exports. The Technology Strategy Board launched performanceimpactandmonitoringsurvey.html an £8 million collaborative research competition in To assist in benchmarking the effectiveness of UKTI’s January 2013 aimed at accelerating innovation and services, UKTI conducts an annual survey with businesses technologies to improve vessel efficiency. This proved to that do not use its services. The purpose of these be highly successful and illustrated the industry’s capability surveys is to compare the experience of companies who to develop innovative projects. A further competition do not use our support together with the outcomes of will be launched in the winter. their activities. More information can be found at: In January 2013 I launched the Marine Export Strategy, http://www.ukti.gov.uk/uktihome/aboutukti/ourperformance/ which UK Trade & Investment has developed with performanceimpactandmonitoringsurvey/ industry to deliver export growth. Support has also nonusersurveys.html been provided to Princess Yachts under the Regional UKTI also receives information and comments from Growth Fund (RGF) and Fairline Boats Ltd received a industry bodies through their participation in UKTI’s conditional offer under the latest round of the RGF. Sector Advisory Groups and Trade Challenge Partners Programme. These bodies advise UKTI on a number of Supermarkets: Competition issues including feedback on UKTI’s trade mission programme. Additionally, although not systematic, feedback Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for is received from users in response to marketing campaigns Business, Innovation and Skills what plans the Competition for events and missions. and Markets Authority has to assess market features UKTI uses the information received from these various restricting, preventing or distorting competition between sources to improve the quality and satisfaction ratings supermarkets and small independent retailers. [166035] of events and missions and to both expand its reach to 923W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 924W new companies who are unaware of its services (including The Department reviews activities under its Welsh trade missions) and increase the return rate of attendees language scheme each year when preparing its annual reusing its services. report on the scheme to the Welsh Language Board/Welsh Language Commissioner. UK Trade and Investment

Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what training UK Trade WOMEN AND EQUALITIES and Investment staff receive to ensure they identify potential markets and specific business opportunities Castes for UK manufacturers. [165550]

Michael Fallon: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Minister for Women and staff receive training relevant to their role for effective Equalities if she will take steps to launch the proposed and successful delivery to business. Regional customer- public consultation on caste discrimination before the facing staff and locally employed staff in the overseas summer recess in order to enable the necessary network are recruited for their private sector business legislative changes before the end of the current experience. All staff including those in UKTI headquarters parliamentary session. [165815] can access a range of training programmes specifically aimed at upskilling staff to better assist UK companies, Mrs Grant: We expect to be able to outline the either delivered directly by an external training provider timetable shortly. or through Civil Service Learning. Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Minister for Women and Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Equalities what the exceptions are mentioned in the Business, Innovation and Skills whether UK Trade and letter from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Investment staff are remunerated through bonuses for Women and Equalities to Lord Avebury of 25 June based on the increase in UK exports following trade 2013 regarding the proposed research on caste by the missions and delegations. [165553] Equality and Human Rights Commission. [165816]

Michael Fallon: UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) is Mrs Grant: There are provisions and exceptions within not an employer in its own right; for the majority of its the Equality Act 2010 that apply to aspects of race, human resource requirements it draws on civil service such as immigration, that may not be appropriate in staff (including those with contractual arrangements) relation to caste. These are clearly sensitive issues and employed by one or other of its two parent Departments— before we consult on and seek to define exceptions, we the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills need to know more about how ’caste’ fits into the race (BIS) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). characteristic within the Act. UKTI utilises the performance management and reward arrangements of the relevant Departments in order to Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Minister for Women and set individual objectives and recognise achievement. Equalities whether the Government plans to run the Equality and Human Rights Commission research on Wales caste in parallel with the Caste Discrimination consultation for the purpose of ensuring there are not Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, unnecessary delays to implementation. [165817] Innovation and Skills whether his Department provides services to people resident in Wales or usually resident Mrs Grant: Among the statutory responsibilities of in Wales. [166096] the Equality and Human Rights Commission is a requirement for it to advise on the effectiveness of Michael Fallon: This Department and its agencies equality law. The Commission has already indicated in provide a range of services to people resident in Wales its Business Plan for 2013-14 that it intends to undertake or usually resident in Wales. research into caste issues in this country and make recommendations. The complexity of caste means that Welsh Language it is vital that preparatory work for the public consultation is able to draw on the Equality and Human Rights Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Commission’s research as a key, independent source. Innovation and Skills whether his Department has a current Welsh language scheme; when that scheme was Equalities Ministerial Group adopted; and whether it has been reviewed since May 2011. [166078] Seema Malhotra: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities when the inter-ministerial group on Jo Swinson: This Government is fully committed to equalities last met. [164011] the Welsh language and fully committed to providing Government services in the Welsh language where there Mrs Grant [holding answer 8 July 2013]: The Inter- is demand for them. Ministerial Group on Equalities (IMGE) last met on The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills 7 February 2012 to consider progress on the Government’s has a current Welsh language scheme, which was endorsed equality strategy. A report (“Building a Fairer Britain: by the then Welsh Language Board and adopted on 28 Progress Report”) was subsequently published on 22 May May 2009. 2012. 925W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 926W

The IMGE is a mechanism for monitoring the overall and most recently into DCMS where all corporate effectiveness of the Government’s equality strategy; services for GEO will be provided by DCMS. It is not however, implementation of the strategy is overseen by possible to provide precise like for like figures, but the other relevant ministerial groups and committees. For figures provided as follows show the overall staffing example, the Minister for Women and Equalities is levels devoted to delivering GEO objectives: chair of a bespoke ministerial group, which includes (a) May 2010: 123 staff, including 16 working in the Women’s members of the IMGE, which has been established to National Commission and an estimated 27 providing corporate drive delivery of the Women’s Business Council services; recommendations. This work will significantly contribute (b) May 2011: 111 staff, including an estimated 20 providing to the aim set out in the equality strategy of creating a corporate services fair and flexible labour market. (c) May 2012: 120 staff, including an estimated 15 providing Females corporate services (d) May 2013: 97 staff, including an estimated 9 providing Miss McIntosh: To ask the Minister for Women and corporate services Equalities what recent steps she has taken to ensure Planned staffing levels at the end of the Spending that women fulfil their potential. [162870] Review period are a core GEO policy team of 50 policy staff with corporate and accountability services being Mrs Grant: We are taking strong action to ensure provided by DCMS. The level of corporate and women are able to fulfil their potential. The Children accountability resource to be devoted to GEO is difficult and Families Bill currently going through Parliament to estimate but on current plans would be in the region will extend the right to request flexible working to all by of 15-20 people. This includes a significantly wider 2014 and encourage shared parenting through a new range of services than the corporate service figures system of parental leave. Measures taken in the Budget provided for earlier years. 2013 will mean that more than a million low-paid women will be lifted out of income tax and families will Women’s National Commission get more help with their child care costs. As a result of the recommendations made by Lord Seema Malhotra: To ask the Minister for Women and Davies, women now account for 17.4% of FTSE 100, Equalities what arrangements she has put in place to and 13.8% of FTSE 250 board directorships, up from enable her to engage directly with women on issues 12.5% and 7.8% respectively in February 2011. As of affecting them following the winding-up of the this month, there are now only five all-male boards in Women’s National Commission. [164362] the FTSE 100. We are also working with employers to ensure greater transparency on issues such as pay and Mrs Grant: Following the closure of the Women’s progression through ‘Think, Act, Report’. Over 110 National Commission in December 2010, the Government leading businesses have signed up to this initiative, conducted a national consultation on engagement with covering over 1.8 million employees. women. Its response, “Strengthening Women’s Voices In addition, the Women’s Business Council, set up by in Government”was published in November 2011 together Government in 2012, published its report last month with a written ministerial statement. The Government with recommendations focusing on the key areas they has committed to an engagement programme with women have identified where girls and women face particular which prioritises direct ministerial contact rather than barriers to fulfilling their potential, from making informed through an intermediary non-elected body.The programme choices made about education through to ensuring the is managed from within the Government Equalities knowledge and skills of older women are not lost to Office and works with other Government Departments the economy. Government has published its response to and the devolved administrations. Its activities include: the report which, alongside a series of early actions for A programme of ministerial roundtables: all three Ministers Government, announced that the Secretary of State for for Women and Equalities hold regular roundtables discussions Women and Equalities will be working with ministerial with individual women and women’s organisations. colleagues to produce a Government action plan. The Bi-monthly women’s engagement newsletter: our online newsletter report and the Government response can be found at: is sent to over 2,000 organisations that represent women, with a www.womensbusinesscouncil.dcms.gov.uk combined potential reach of 1 million women Additionally, Ministers have recently spoken at events Stakeholder meetings: there are frequent meetings to consult about the need for more women to apply and take on and engage with women on areas of particular priority. For public appointment roles and are working to ensure example, the Women’s Business Council has held a series of that this happens. consultative meetings, and a dedicated NGO Liaison Group is established each year to ensure close co-ordination in the run-up Staff to the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The new approach is well established, understood Seema Malhotra: To ask the Minister for Women and and largely appreciated by our stakeholders. Over the Equalities what the Government Equalities Office’s coming year we plan to increase our reach to those staffing levels were in May (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) women who are under-represented through the current 2012 and (d) 2013; and what these levels will be at the channels, through a programme of social and digital end of the current Spending Review period. [164010] engagement. Mrs Grant: In May 2010 the Government Equalities Links: Office was a separate Department. It was subsequently Women’s Engagement Newsletter: moved into the Home Office, where corporate services https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/womens- were largely provided for the GEO by the Home Office, engagement-newsletter 927W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 928W

Consultation response: Strengthening Women’s Voices: issued a joint press notice with the Minister for Culture, https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/publication-of- Communications and Creative Industries. consultation-response-strengthening-womens-voices-in- The ’Cultural education’ document can be found on government-wms the GOV.UKwebsite1. Its release was advertised through Youth Work DFE social media channels, including to 13,500 DFE followers on Facebook and over 77,000 followers on Twitter. Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for Women and 1 Equalities how much funding the Government Equalities https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cultural-education Office allocated for youth work in (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13; and if she will make a statement. Education: Finance [164080] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Mrs Grant: The Department of Culture, Media & which capital projects for the development of academies, Sport, which includes the Government Equalities Office, schools and colleges his Department has supported does not hold data in such a way that the amount with what level of funding in (a) Barnsley Central specifically spent on youth work can be extracted. constituency, (b) Barnsley, (c) South Yorkshire and (d) England since May 2010. [166162]

EDUCATION Mr Laws: Since 2010-11 the Department has provided capital support of (a) £30 million in Barnsley, (b) £470 Apprentices million in South Yorkshire and (c) £20,618 million in England1. The Department for Education allocates a significant amount of capital funding to local authorities Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for so they have the freedom to decide their school investment Education what strategies he has to create apprenticeships needs according to local priorities. in his Department; and what plans he has to promote such strategies. [165889] The Department does not collect information on how these funds have been used. As such the Department Matthew Hancock: The Department promotes does not hold complete information on investment at a apprenticeship opportunities through our apprenticeship constituency level. provider, learndirect, and uses the National Apprenticeship 1 These figures include capital grant and supported borrowing Service to advertise opportunities online. allocations made to schools and local authorities. They also The Government has also started the civil service fast include provisional figures for 2013/14. track apprenticeship scheme to bring in 100 apprentices South Yorkshire comprised of aggregated figures for Barnsley, by September 2013, akin to the graduate fast stream. 15 Sheffield, Doncaster, and Rotherham areas. new apprentices will begin work in the Department for Education under this scheme in September 2013 and we Financial Services: Education plan to increase this number over time. Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture: Education Education (1) what steps his Department is taking to signpost teachers to existing resources, advice and Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for support available for delivering financial education in Education what steps he has taken to promote the the curriculum; [166180] Government’s Cultural Education Plan; and if he will (2) how his Department is working with (a) subject make a statement. [166282] experts, (b) educationalists and (c) providers of initial teacher training on the inclusion of financial capability Elizabeth Truss: ‘Cultural education’ was published components within the new curriculum; [166183] on 5 July. The document sets out the Government’s ambitions for cultural education and provides an overview (3) what training is currently available for teachers to of the programmes and opportunities open to children prepare them for the introduction of financial education and young people in England. into the curriculum; and what new additional training in this area is planned. [166193] The Secretary of State for Education and the Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries held a cultural, roundtable on 5 June with a number of Elizabeth Truss: As a general principle, schools themselves organisations in the arts sector to discuss the forthcoming are best placed to decide what support they will need to document. Attendees included representatives from: the support their staff to teach the new national curriculum. National Portrait Gallery, the Imperial War Museum, As part of the consultation, however, we asked specifically the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Barbican, Classic for views on who was best placed to develop resources FM, English Heritage, the British Film Institute, Arts to support schools to teach it successfully. Responses Council England and head teachers. On 5 July the and suggestions from financial education experts, including Secretary of State, wrote to these organisations and on how the Department might assist by signposting others, including the Guildhall School of Music and existing resources, are currently being considered. We Drama, Sadler’s Wells and the Lyric Theatre, notifying will provide further information in due course. them of the document’s publication. He also wrote to The Government do not prescribe the content of the Chair of the Education Select Committee and Chair initial teacher training courses. Providers must ensure of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, and that their programmes enable all trainees to demonstrate 929W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 930W that they meet the Teachers’ Standards. This includes free school meals in state-funded primary and secondary preparing trainees for teaching new or revised aspects schools in London and England by religious denomination of the national curriculum, such as financial education. of the school. Proportion of pupils1, 2, 3 known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals4 Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Percentage Education if he will take steps to extend financial State-funded primary State-funded secondary education into the National Colleges for Teaching and schools5 schools6 Leadership and in teaching school clusters. [166181] Religious character London England London England Elizabeth Truss: The Government recognises the Church of 21.4 13.3 23.6 15.1 importance of financial education, as reflected in the England Roman 17.4 15.9 17.6 14.6 draft national curriculum programmes of study that are Catholic currently available for consultation. Other faith 10.1 14.1 23.2 19.5 Although we do not prescribe the content of initial No faith 27.6 21.3 26.8 16.5 teacher training courses, providers must ensure that recorded their programmes enable all trainees to achieve qualified 1 Based on headcount of pupils of compulsory school age and full-time pupils aged under five. teacher status by demonstrating that they meet the 2 Includes pupils who are sole or dual main registrations. appropriate standards. This includes preparing trainees 3 Includes boarders. to deliver the appropriate curriculum for their chosen 4 Proportion of pupils known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals based on headcount of pupils of compulsory school age and full-time pupils subject and phase. aged under five. 5 Includes middle deemed primary schools. School leaders are best placed to decide what 6 Includes middle deemed secondary schools. arrangements are needed to support their staff to deliver Source: the new national curriculum. School Census, January 2013. Teaching school alliances can provide additional support. Primary Education within these clusters, teaching schools will be able to respond to the needs of each school, and if they identify a particular need for teacher or leadership development, Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for example with regards to financial education, they for Education how many state-funded primary schools will be able to respond appropriately. there are; and how many such schools there are with (a) up to 100, (b) between 101 and 200, (c) between 201 and 300, (d) between 301 and 400, (e) between 401 Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for and 500, (f) between 501 and 600, (g) between 601 and Education what assessment he has made of the value of 700, (h) between 701 and 800, (i) between 801 and 900, extending financial education to the primary school (j) between 901 and 1,000, (k) between 1,001 and curriculum; and if he will make a statement. [166184] 1,100, (l) between 1,101 and 1,200, (m) between 1,201 and 1,300, (n) between 1,301 and 1,400, (o) between Elizabeth Truss: The Government considered a range 1,401 and 1,500, (p) between 1,501 and 1,600 and (q) of proposals on how to make finance education compulsory more than 1,601 pupils. [166291] in the national curriculum. With regard to the primary school curriculum, our assessment was that children Mr Laws: Data on the number of pupils in each should focus on mastering arithmetic, including arithmetic school are collected in the School Census. The latest with money and percentages, so they have the necessary data are for January 2013 and were published in the foundations to be taught financial literacy as part of the Statistical Release about the School Census on 20 June citizenship curriculum from ages 11 to 16. 2013: We are also planning to strengthen the secondary https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-pupils- curriculum and GCSE qualification in mathematics so and-their-characteristics-january-2013 young people will understand concepts such as compound This has been placed in the House Library. interest, which will enable them to make sound financial decisions. Pupils: Ethnic Groups Free School Meals Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education with reference to the answer of 17 March Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011, Official Report, columns 606-10W,what proportion Education what proportion of pupils attending (a) of pupils attending (a) Church of England, (b) Catholic, Church of England, (b) Catholic, (c) other denominational (c) other denominational or faith and (d) other maintained or faith and (d) other maintained (i) secondary and (ii) (i) secondary and (ii) primary schools in (A) Greater primary schools in (A) Greater London and (B) nationally London and (B) nationally were from each ethnic group claimed free school meals for the last year for which in the last year for which figures are available. [165931] figures are available. [165927] Mr Laws: Data on the number of pupils in each Mr Laws: Data on the number of pupils known to be ethnic group who attend different types of faith schools eligible for and claiming free school meals is collected is collected in the School Census. The latest available via the school census and the latest available data is for data are for January 2013. January 2013. The following table sets out the proportion A table including the requested information has been of pupils that were known to be eligible and claiming placed in the House Library. 931W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 932W

School Meals Teachers

Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Education what steps his Department has taken to for Education how many teacher training entrants did address the needs of children who require gluten-free not gain qualified teacher status within 12 months of meals in schools that do not allow their pupils to bring beginning initial teacher training in each year since in packed lunches. [166204] 2010. [165840] Mr Laws: The National College for Teaching and Elizabeth Truss: This is not a matter for central Learning (NCTL) publishes data about initial teacher Government. Head teachers and school governors are training in England annually1. The latest published data well placed to know how best to accommodate the are for the academic year 2010/11. needs of children with specific dietary needs. The data show that of the 28,050 trainees who started We would expect schools to work with parents, setting a one-year programme in the autumn of 2010, 2,830 out their objectives and gaining their support for removing (10%) did not gain qualified teacher status by the end of packed lunches. the academic year (July 2011).

Proportion of trainees engaged in Schools: Construction a one-year course, who did not gain qualified teacher status Academic year within 12 months (%)

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education 2008/09 12 how many new schools have been built in each (a) local 2009/10 11 education authority area and (b) parliamentary 2010/11 10 constituency in England since May 2010; and if he will 2011/12 1— [165298] make a statement. 1 Data will be published in due course We have raised the bar for entry to initial teacher Mr Laws [holding answer 15 July 2013]: The training courses to ensure that all trainees who start a Government provides local authorities with capital funding course are equipped to complete it. for schools through maintenance funding and basic 9,200 trainees began an initial teacher training need funding for new school places. Since May 2010, programme lasting longer than 12 months and are £4.2 billion has been allocated to local authorities in expected to gain qualified teacher status in a later maintenance funding, £4.3 billion has been allocated in academic year. basic need funding and we have set up a Targeted Basic 1 The initial teacher training performance profiles: Need Programme. http://dataprovision.education.gov.uk/public/page.htm?to- Local authorities can spend this money on new school page=publicOpencmsStaticPage&cms-page-id=tta_public/en/ buildings but the Department does not collect this data publicAdditionalReports/sectorLevelReports.html centrally. Information on the impact of this funding in Work Experience each local authority and parliamentary constituency could therefore be provided only at disproportionate cost. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many schools have withdrawn provision for work experience for 14 to 16-year-olds in Secondary Education each year since 2010. [166290] Matthew Hancock: We do not hold the information Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State requested because schools have never been required to for Education how many state-funded secondary schools provide information about pre-16 work experience. there are; and how many such schools there are with (a) up to 100, (b) between 101 and 200, (c) between For the first time, from September 2013, it will be a 201 and 300, (d) between 301 and 400, (e) between 401 requirement for schools and colleges to record work and 500, (f) between 501 and 600, (g) between 601 and experience by 16 to 18-year-olds as part of Government 700, (h) between 701 and 800, (i) between 801 and 900, plans to expand the provision of work experience for (j) between 901 and 1,000, (k) between 1,001 and this age group. This information will, therefore, be 1,100, (l) between 1,101 and 1,200, (m) between 1,201 available in the future. and 1,300, (n) between 1,301 and 1,400, (o) between 1,401 and 1,500, (p) between 1,501 and 1,600 and (q) more than 1,601 pupils. [166292] TREASURY Apprentices Mr Laws: Data on the number of pupils in each school are collected in the School Census. The latest Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer data are for January 2013 and were published in the (1) how many apprenticeships his Department offered Statistical Release about the School Census on 20 June to people aged (a) 16 to 18, (b) 19 to 21 and (c) 22 to 2013: 26 years old in each year since 2010; [165881] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-pupils- (2) what strategies he has to create apprenticeships in and-their-characteristics-january-2013 his Department; and what plans he has to promote This has been placed in the House Library. such strategies. [165900] 933W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 934W

Sajid Javid: The information requested is as follows: Cash Dispensing

Age group (years old at Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) the time of offering apprenticeship) 2010 2011 2012 2013 if he will make an assessment of the number of automatic free-of-charge money dispensing machines which have (a) 16 to 18 0 0 5 0 been removed from communities in (a) Scotland, (b) (b) 19 to21 0 0 0 0 Northern Ireland, (c) Wales and (d) each region of (c) 22 to 26 0 0 0 2 England in each of the last four years; [165634] (2) if he will make an assessment of the number of In 2012 and 2013, HM Treasury created apprenticeships automatic money dispensing machines which operate by recruiting into vacancies that already existed in HM only by payment of a fee or charge which have been Treasury, advertising via the National Apprenticeship installed in communities in (a) Scotland, (b) Northern Service. By bringing apprentices into existing vacancies, Ireland, (c) Wales and (d) each region of England in the strategy was to create the prospect of employment each of the last four years. [165637] in the longer term if the posts continued to exist, and the apprentices successfully completed their apprenticeship. Sajid Javid: The Government has no plans to carry There are currently 6 Range Bs (AA/AO equivalent), out an assessment of the number of automatic money who have studied or are studying Level 2 NVQ in dispensing machines in the UK. Business and Administration, of whom five have been offered employment on a permanent basis. More recently, Child Benefit: EU Nationals one higher level apprenticeship at Range C (EO equivalent), who is studying the Advanced IT user qualification has begun. HM Treasury continues to actively support the Sir Robert Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Government Apprenticeship scheme and will continue what evidence nationals of other EEA states are required to look for further apprenticeship opportunities in the to show in order to demonstrate proof of entitlement to future. child benefit in respect of a child resident (a) in the UK and (b) in another EEA member state; and in respect of what proportion of such applications such proof was requested in the last financial year. [166277] Bank of England: Public Appointments Sajid Javid: An EEA national is required to provide Diana Johnson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer evidence that they have been allocated, or applied for, a how many women are on the shortlist of candidates for national insurance number. HM Revenue and Customs deputy governor of the Bank of England; and how (HMRC) use this to carry out a variety of checks many women are on the selection panel. [166278] including whether they have a right to reside. If the child being claimed for is living in the UK they are required to provide the child’s birth certificate and one Sajid Javid: Applications for the position of deputy other form of evidence of birth—this usually being the governor for financial stability closed on 15 July 2013. child’s passport. If the child they are responsible for is The composition of the selection panel was outlined in resident in another EEA country, as well as providing a the application pack and the process for selecting a birth certificate, checks are carried out with the family preferred candidate is ongoing. benefits authorities in the child’s country of residence The Government is committed to appointing serious, to confirm the composition of the family and whether knowledgeable and experienced candidates with the family benefits are in payment there. appropriate qualifications and skills to sit on the Bank All claims falling into the above categories are subject of England’s decision-making bodies. to these checks. Appointments should be made on merit. Diversity is always an important consideration and the Government Children: Day Care continues to encourage women to apply for vacancies. George Eustice: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to the Exchequer Bank Services of extending free childcare for all three and four year olds to 17.5 hours a week in 2015-16. [164654] Philip Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many people do not have a bank Sajid Javid [holding answer 16 July 2013]: Extending current account; [164626] free child care for all three and four-year-olds to 17.5 hours a week in 2015-16 would cost approximately £390 million. (2) how many people who have been discharged from This does not include Barnett consequentials. bankruptcy in the last 12 months do not have a current bank account. [164628] Credit Unions

Sajid Javid: The Government do not collect this data. Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer The Treasury does not hold the requested information what recent discussions his Department has had with on the number of people who have been discharged the Association of British Credit Unions to broaden from bankruptcy in the last 12 months but do not have the range of financial services provided by them to a bank account. their members in areas of social deprivation. [165639] 935W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 936W

Steve Webb: I have been asked to reply on behalf of The majority of spend with Grant Thornton has the Department for Work and Pensions. been in connection with independent advisory services DWP is providing funds of up to £38 million to in relation to financial stability, Equitable Life and support credit unions. A contract has been awarded to Project OSCAR. the Association of British Credit Unions Limited (ABCUL) By taking stronger control of our consulting and to develop the sector. temporary labour bills this Government has saved over This will support participating credit unions to become £1.6 billion in 2012-13. financially sustainable while offering an increased range Since January 2011, central Government Departments of financial services to a million more consumers, many have been required to publish on Contracts Finder of whom reside in areas of social deprivation. information on the contracts they award: Since the commencement of the contract on 1 May www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk/ 2013 my officials have held numerous meetings with In addition, Departments publish details of spend in ABCUL, both informally and as part of the formal excess of £25,000. commercial governance. Green Construction Board Financial Services Oliver Colvile: To ask the Chancellor of the Guto Bebb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Exchequer how much he plans to make available for the what recent assessment he has made of the progress of Green Construction Board in 2015-16. [166122] the Financial Conduct Authority redress scheme for businesses mis-sold interest rate hedging products. Michael Fallon: I have been asked to reply on behalf [165969] of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and as Minister with responsibility for construction. Sajid Javid: The Financial Conduct Authority’s review This Department is yet to allocate budgets for 2015-16, into the mis-selling of interest rate hedging products is so I cannot yet confirm the funding to be made available now under way. Each bank has appointed independent to the Green Construction Board. reviewers who will assess each case to determine whether a customer was mis-sold these products, and if so, what Income Tax redress is due. The FCA has recommended that, where possible, banks complete their full review within six Chris Skidmore: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer months. with reference to the answer to the hon. Member for Harlow of 14 January 2013, Official Report, columns Future Jobs Fund 556-7W on income tax, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of implementing an income George Eustice: To ask the Chancellor of the tax rate of 10p on all earnings between £9,440 and Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to the £12,230 in the fiscal year 2015-16. [164424] Exchequer of restoring the Future Jobs Fund in Mr Gauke: The cost to the Exchequer of reintroducing 2015-16. [164653] an income tax rate of 10p on all earnings in the same band as the starting rate for savings is estimated to be Sajid Javid: The total programme cost of the Future around £8.0 billion in 2015-16. Jobs Fund was £480 million in 2010-11. Grown in line with forecasts for general inflation in the economy, this This estimate is based on the 2010-11 Survey of would cost £530 million in 2015-16. Personal Incomes, projected to 2015-16 using economic assumptions consistent with the Office for Budget Responsibility’s March 2013 economic and fiscal outlook. Grant Thornton Mortgages Mr Sheerman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much his Department has spent on Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer contracts with Grant Thornton in each year since 2008. what estimate he has made of the (a) number of [165700] households in mortgage arrears, (b) number of repossessions and (c) number of households benefiting Sajid Javid: The Department has spent a total of from the Mortgage Rescue Scheme (i) in each region of £1,321,604 in relation to contracts with Grant Thornton England, (ii) in each London borough and (iii) in total since 2008 to 2012, a breakdown of these costs can be in each of the last three years; and if he will make a found in the following table. statement. [163380]

£000 Mrs Grant: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. 2008 47,878 2009 173,103 The Ministry of Justice does not hold information on 2010 322,888 (a) number of mortgage arrears, (b) number of 2011 311,523 repossessions (i) in each region of England, (ii) by 2012 466,212 London borough as these can occur without a court order, such as where borrowers hand the keys back to 937W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 938W the lender. Our figures only include repossessions carried responsibility of those bodies to keep records of them. out by county court bailiffs, and do not indicate how The Treasury does not therefore hold the information in many properties have actually been repossessed. the format requested and could provide such information The Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) publishes only at a disproportionate cost. the total numbers of mortgage repossessions in the UK. I have written to the hon. Gentleman in response to The following table shows the numbers of claims leading his Point of Order of 25 June 2013, a copy of which I to orders being made for the (a) number of mortgage have placed in the Library of the House. arrears, (b) number of repossessions in the UK in each of the last three years. These data are not broken down Ofgem by region. Information on numbers of households benefiting from the Mortgage Rescue Scheme is available on the Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer DCLG website at: if he will estimate the full cost to the Exchequer of abolishing Ofgem and replacing it with a new regulator https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live- in the fiscal year 2015-16. [164538] tables-on-repossession-activity and the Homes and Communities Agency website at: Sajid Javid: Ofgem fulfils a number of statutory http://www.homesandcommunities.co.uk/ duties to enforce competition law and to protect consumers. mortgage_rescue_guidance Any replacement body would need to take on these Number of mortgages in arrears and repossessions in the UK, 2010 to functions. In addition a change to a new regulator 2012 would be likely to incur transitional costs associated Number of with any staffing changes, establishment of a new mortgages in Number of properties arrears taken into possession organisation, premises and so forth. These costs would be above the ongoing running costs inherited from 2010 260,300 38,500 Ofgem. 2011 239,200 37,300 2012 235,700 33,900 Overseas Aid

NHS: Redundancy Pay Mr Ivan Lewis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to which Departments the UK’s official development John Woodcock: To ask the Chancellor of the assistance (ODA) budget will be allocated in 2015-16; Exchequer (1) on how many occasions he has approved and how much each Department will administer. special severance payments for NHS employees based [162562] in the North West of England since taking office; [162569] Danny Alexander: In 2015-16, ODA will be allocated (2) on how many occasions he has approved special to Departments as follows: severance payments for NHS employees based in the North East of England since taking office; [162570] 2015-15 ODA Department (£ million) (3) on how many occasions he has approved special severance payments for NHS employees based in DFID 10,551 Yorkshire and the Humber since taking office; [162571] FCO 273 (4) on how many occasions he has approved special DH 20 severance payments for NHS employees based in the MOD 5 West Midlands since taking office; [162572] BIS 100 (5) on how many occasions he has approved special DEFRA (International Climate Fund) 40 severance payments for NHS employees based in the DECC (International Climate Fund) 329 East Midlands since taking office; [162573] DECC (Non-International Climate Fund) 6 HO 115 (6) on how many occasions he has approved special DWP 4 severance payments for NHS employees based in the East of England since taking office; [163032] (7) on how many occasions he has approved special Public Expenditure severance payments for NHS employees based in South East England since taking office; [163033] Chris Leslie: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (8) on how many occasions he has approved special what the cost to his Department was of the commissioning, severance payments for NHS employees based in South production and dissemination of the cartoon video West England since taking office; [163034] published on his Department’s website setting out the (9) on how many occasions he has approved special spending review strategy in June 2013. [161855] severance payments for NHS employees based in Greater London since taking office. [163035] Sajid Javid: The video, ‘What is the Spending Round’, was produced within the Department using a software Danny Alexander [holding answers 1 and 2 July 2013]: package which cost £16. To date this video has been While the Treasury is required to approve all special viewed by 3,300 people. There was no other cost to the severance payments, as the primary responsibility for Department m commissioning, producing or disseminating making these settlements falls to departments, it is the this video. 939W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 940W

George Eustice: To ask the Chancellor of the The Government judges the current plans to be a Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to larger scale investment than the 1955 plan for the following the Exchequer in 2015-16 of restoring police funding to reasons: the level it would have been without the decisions made The 1955 plan covered the whole rail industry including rolling in the 2010 spending review and the 2013 spending stock and operations, whereas the RIS covers just rail infrastructure; round. [164655] The enhancement component of the 1955 plan at today’s values is calculated to be less than £15 billion; and Charlie Elphicke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Delivery of the RIS will take just five years, whereas the 1955 if he will estimate the full cost to the Exchequer of plan included improvements which slipped into the 1970s or were restoring spending on legal aid to the level it would have never delivered. been without the spending rounds of 2010 and 2013 in fiscal year 2015-16. [164544] Revenue and Customs: Scotland Nadhim Zahawi: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the full cost to the Exchequer of Dr Whiteford: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer restoring funding to the Criminal Justice System, by (1) how many employees of HM Revenue and Customs agency, to the level it would have been without the resident in Scotland have been made redundant through spending rounds of both 2010 and 2013 in the fiscal compulsory redundancy schemes since May 2010; and year 2015-16. [165104] how much this has cost his Department; [165559] (2) how many employees of HM Revenue and Customs Danny Alexander: The amount of Exchequer funding resident in Scotland have been made redundant through that would be required to make spending in 2015-16 on compulsory redundancy schemes since May 2010; and legal aid, the police and other Criminal Justice System what the cost to the public purse of such schemes has agencies equivalent to the 2010-11 baselines for those been. [166221] agencies in real terms is estimated as follows: Mr Gauke: HMRC is committed to avoiding compulsory Agency £ million redundancy (CR) as far as it is possible to do so. Police 2,450 Under Cabinet Office protocols for managing staff Legal aid agency (criminal and civil legal aid) 990 surpluses all HMRC staff leaving under CR terms have Crown Prosecution Service 210 first been offered and declined voluntary redundancy Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (criminal 380 (VR) terms. To date this approach has ensured that all courts, civil courts and tribunals combined) staff who have left HMRC on CR terms have acquiesced National Offender Management Service 1,070 to compulsory redundancy either because accepting Youth Justice Board 160 CR over VR terms has not financially disadvantaged them or they have declined a reasonable alternative Railways: Finance redeployment solution in favour of CR terms. Since May 2010 one member of HMRC staff employed Tristram Hunt: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer at an office in Scotland has left under CR terms, at a Pursuant to the oral answer from the Chief Secretary to cost of £6,686. the Treasury to the hon. Member for Bristol West of 25 June 2013, Official Report, column 151, on infrastructure Tax Allowances: Social Enterprises investment, what the evidential basis was for the statement that the Government is undertaking the largest investment Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Chancellor of the in the railways since Victorian times. [166276] Exchequer what progress he has made on confirming the outcome of consultation on a new tax relief to Danny Alexander: This Government is spending more encourage investment in social enterprises, at the than £64 billion on the railway in the 10 years between autumn statement 2013. [166296] 2010 and 2020. This sum includes the c£16 billion recently committed Mr Gauke: The consultation on the social investment to capital expenditure in HS2 between 2015-16 and tax relief closes on 6 September 2013. The Government 2020-21, and the c£1 5 billion funding provided to will set out the outcome of the consultation once all Crossrail. It also includes over £32 billion support for responses have been considered. the rail network from 2010, projected out to 2019—which includes support for the delivery of the over £9 billion programme of enhancements announced July 2012. Taxation: Construction The British railways developed in the Victorian era and early 20th century into over a hundred medium to Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer large sized railway undertakings and the majority of what estimate he has made of the number of subcontractors these were grouped into four main privately-owned operating within the Construction Industry scheme who companies in 1923. Each of these companies had its did not claim any deduction for the costs of materials, own investment plans and cycles. These four companies plant and equipment and provided only their own labour were merged and nationalised in 1947. Prior to the in each of the last five years. [166172] publication of the Rail Investment Strategy (RIS) in July 2012, the only comparable national rail investment Mr Gauke: An estimate of the number of subcontractors plan since the Victorian era was the 1955 British Rail providing labour only has not been made for the previous modernisation plan. five-year period. 941W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 942W

Unemployment: Young People (5) how much money has been overpaid to child tax credit recipients in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Chancellor of the Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK in each Exchequer what estimate he has made of the number of year since that scheme’s inception; [165163] young people unemployed for over a year in financial (6) how many families in (a) Jarrow constituency, year 2015-16 according to (a) official claimant count (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the and (b) International Labour Organisation forecasts. UK have received tax credits in each year since that [164816] scheme’s inception; [165164] (7) how many families in (a) Jarrow constituency, Sajid Javid: The Government do not publish (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the unemployment forecasts broken down by age, or duration UK have received child tax credits in each year since on benefit. The latest labour market statistics recorded that scheme’s inception; [165165] 265,000 16 to 24-year-olds unemployed for over a year, and 73,100 18 to 24-year-olds on the Claimant Count (8) how many people in work in (a) Jarrow foroverayear. constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East To tackle long-term unemployment, the Government and (d) the UK have received working tax credits in launched the Work programme in June 2011 that will each year since that scheme’s inception; [165166] provide personalised support to an expected 3.3 million (9) how many people in work in (a) Jarrow constituency, claimants. The £1 billion YouthContract will also support (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK up to 500,000 young people into employment and education have received (i) tax credits and (ii) child tax credits in opportunities. each year since those schemes inception. [165167]

VAT Sajid Javid: The information is as follows: PQ 0955W, 0961W and 0962W Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Chancellor of the Information on the number of families benefiting from Exchequer what revenue accrued to the Exchequer tax credits, child tax credit (CTC) and working tax from VAT in 2012-13; and what estimate he has made credit (WTC) for the geographical areas requested is of the likely level of revenue accruing in 2013-14 and available in the HM Revenue and Customs snapshot 2014-15. [164817] publication “Personal Tax Credits: Provisional Statistics— Geographical Statistics”. Data for April and December Sajid Javid: The revenue accrued from VAT in 2012-13 each year from April 2009 to April 2013 are available at: is £100.4 billion. The Office for National Statistics publishes accrued receipts in the Public Sector Finances www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/prov-geog-stats.htm here: Data for years 2004 and 2008 are available here: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/psa/public-sector-finances/may- http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/*/http:// 2013/tsd---public-sector-finances.html www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/cwtc-geog-stats.htm The forecast for revenue accruing from VAT in 2013-14 PQ 0959W and 0960W is £103.3 billion and for 2014-15 is £107.2 billion. This can be found m the Economic and Fiscal Outlook Information on the number of tax credits awards where published by the Office for Budget Responsibility here: there is an overpayment as at 5 April 2012 is published http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/economic- in the HMRC publication “Child and Working Tax and-fiscal-outlook-march-2013/ Credits Statistics. Finalised Annual Awards 2011-12. Supplement on Payments 2011-12”. This publication is available on the HMRC website at: Welfare Tax Credits http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/fin-main-stats.htm#2 It is not possible to split overpayments into parts Mr Hepburn: To ask the Chancellor of the attributable to CTC and WTC but table 4 in this publication Exchequer (1) how many families in (a) Jarrow gives the level of overpayments at 5 April 2012 split by constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East profile position (that is, whether the family is out of and (d) the UK have received working tax credits in work with children, in work with children, in work each year since that scheme’s inception; [165158] without children etc) at UK level. (2) how many people have received working tax Equivalent publications for previous years are available credit payments in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South at: Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK in each year since that scheme’s inception; [165159] http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/*/http:// www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/final-award- (3) how many people have received child tax credit main.htm payments in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK in each HMRC also publishes information on overpayments year since that scheme’s inception. [165160] for lower geographical areas in the publication “Child (4) how much money has been overpaid to working and Working Tax Credits Statistics. Finalised Annual tax credit recipients in (a) Jarrow constituency, (b) Awards 2011-12. Supplement on Payments 2011-12. South Tyneside, (c) the North East and (d) the UK in Geographical Analysis” at: each year since that scheme’s inception; [165162] http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/statistics/fin-geog-stats.htm#1 943W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 944W

Archived publications for previous years are available Earlier years would be available only at disproportionate at: cost. http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/*/http:// www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/personal-tax-credits/final-award- geog.htm

Table 1: Finalised awards overpaid at 5 April by position on profile at that date—North East £ million 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Terminated awards 13.6 12.2 10.8 15.9 22.3

Positive entitlement at 5 April: Not in work with children 0.3 3.4 5.4 5.3 7.1

In work with children: WTC and CTC 1.5 11.5 19.4 22.0 22.5 CTC only, more than family element 0.8 3.9 6.0 6.1 7.5 CTC only, family element 0.3 1.2 1.8 1.6 1.7 CTC only, less than family element — 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1

In work, no children (WTC only) 0.3 1.5 3.5 2.2 3.0

Entitlement at 5 April but tapered to zero 0.2 0.9 1.3 1.7 2.8

Award ceased during year 26.0 6.5 8.4 10.1 10.4

Total all families 43.2 41.3 56.9 64.8 77.6

Table 2: Finalised awards overpaid at 5 April by position on profile at that date—South Tyneside £ million 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Terminated awards 0.8 0.7 0.5 0.9 1.6

Positive entitlement at 5 April: Not in work with children — 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.4

In work with children: WTC and CTC 0.1 0.6 1.1 1.2 1.3 CTC only, more than family element — 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.4 CTC only, family element — 0.1 0.1 — 0.1 CTC only, less than family element —————

In work, no children (WTC only) — 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.2

Entitlement at 5 April but tapered to zero — 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2

Award ceased during year 1.6 0.3 0.5 0.7 0.7

Total all families 2.5 2.4 3.3 3.9 5.0

Table 3: Finalised awards overpaid at 5 April by position on profile at that date—Jarrow £ million 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

Terminated awards 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.7

Positive entitlement at 5 April: Not in work with children — 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2

In work with children: WTC and CTC 0.1 0.5 0.6 0.8 0.6 CTC only, more than family element — 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.4 CTC only, family element — 0.1 — — 0.1 945W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 946W

Table 3: Finalised awards overpaid at 5 April by position on profile at that date—Jarrow £ million 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

CTC only, less than family element —————

In work, no children (WTC only) — — 0.1 0.1 0.1

Entitlement at 5 April but tapered to zero — — 0.1 0.1 0.1

Award ceased during year 0.9 0.1 0.3 0.3 0.4

Total all families 1.4 1.3 1.7 2.1 2.5

The value of overpayments, both at UK level and in Table 5: Number of people benefiting from child tax credit by month the areas requested, has increased over the last five Thousand years. However, as a proportion of total entitlement it South has stayed fairly stable. Policy changes announced in Jarrow Tyneside North East UK Budget 2010 and Spending Review 2010 will have increased April 2006 12.7 23.4 398.1 8,543.4 the level and number of overpayments. In particular, April 2007 12.9 24.0 403.4 8,673.4 the decrease in the income rises disregard from £25,000 April 2008 13.0 24.1 401.6 8,713.2 to £10,000 will have increased overpayments in 2011-12. April 2009 13.3 24.4 402.9 8,808.5 In addition, increased error and fraud interventions by April 2010 13.5 25.1 409.2 9,009.0 HMRC may have increased overpayments as well as April 2011 13.7 24.9 410.9 9,110.7 identifying error and fraud. April 2012 11.6 21.0 356.5 7,949.4 HMRC’s strategy for reducing tax credit overpayments April 2013 8.3 16,2 272.2 6,158.8 is to continue to focus on getting it right first time. We Table 6: Number of people in work benefiting from working tax credit by month are developing a greater understanding of the causes of Thousand overpayments and continue to re-engineer products and South processes to reduce the amount of debt entering the Jarrow Tyneside North East UK system. January 2004 10.4 18.7 312.1 6,294.1 PQ 0956W, 0957W, 0963W and 0964W April 2005 10.6 18.8 314.9 6,401.8 The information provided is based on snapshots of April 2006 10.3 18.4 309.9 6,304.4 tax credits awards as at April where possible, and will April 2007 10.6 18.7 310.5 6,330.5 have been liable to change once awards were finalised. April 2008 10.7 18.6 305.3 6,326.1 For 2003-04, January was the closest published month April 2009 10.7 18.3 300.5 6,291.4 to April 2004. April 2010 10.6 18.2 303.7 6,405.1 “People”are defined as adults in a family unit benefiting April 2011 10.8 18.4 306.2 6,496.5 from working tax credit and/or child tax credit as April 2012 8.7 14.7 254.5 5,429.4 relevant. A family can have one or two adults present. April 2013 5.6 10.2 177.1 3,902.7 “People in work” are defined as an adult in a family Table 7: Number of people in work benefiting from child tax credit by month eligible for working tax credit, who works 16 or more Thousand hours a week. South Jarrow Tyneside North East UK Table 4: Number of people benefiting from working tax credit by month Thousand January 2004 9.8 17.6 295.4 5,089.5 South April 2005 9.7 17.2 291.6 6,097.2 Jarrow Tyneside North East UK April 2006 9.6 16.8 285.4 5,960.8 April 2007 9.7 17.0 283.8 5,939.5 January 2004 12.4 22.6 381.6 7,846.2 April 2008 9.8 16.7 279.0 5,919.3 April 2005 12.5 22.6 386.0 8,016.7 April 2009 9.6 16.2 270.4 5,803.0 April 2006 12.3 22.1 378.4 7,908.2 April 2010 9.4 16.0 269.1 5,812.4 April 2007 12.5 22.5 378.8 7,935.6 April 2011 9.4 15.9 268.8 5,858.2 April 2008 12.6 22.5 372.0 7,916.2 April 2012 7.4 12.4 218.0 4,803.2 April 2009 12.5 22.1 366.6 7,874.4 April 2013 4.6 8.2 142.3 3,290.9 April 2010 12.5 22.2 370.2 8,027.8 April 2011 12.8 22.4 372.9 8,153.9 April 2012 10.4 18.2 315.6 6,938.2 The Government is taking steps to ensure that spending April 2013 7.0 12.9 222.9 5,045.2 on welfare is sustainable by making sure that work pays, Table 5: Number of people benefiting from child tax credit by month while also supporting those most in need. It is rewarding Thousand work by: South raising the personal allowance to £9,440 and announcing a Jarrow Tyneside North East UK further increase to £10,000 from April 2014. The combined effect January 2004 12.3 22.7 379.9 8,006.2 of all personal allowance increases announced by this Government April 2005 12.6 23.3 397.1 8,485.5 will be to remove 2.7 million low income individuals, under 65, out of income tax altogether from April 2014; 947W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 948W

developing a new tax-free child care scheme to expand support Armed Forces: Discharges for affordable child care to 2.5 million families; and introducing universal credit to make the benefits of work clearer and simpler, with the aim of offering a smooth transition Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Secretary of State for into work and encouraging progression in work. Defence how many members of a) the Army, (b) the Royal Navy, (c) the RAF and (d) the Royal Marines Sir Robert Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer were medically discharged for reasons relating to how many individuals resident in (a) Scotland and (b) alcohol in (i) 2010, (ii) 2011 and (iii) 2012. [158071] England have had tax credit overpayments written off Mr Francois [holding answer 5 June 2013]: Defence in the last 10 financial years. [166293] Statistics release annual updates on medical discharges Sajid Javid: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in the UK armed forces as an Official Statistic publication. does not hold the information in the format requested In accordance with the code of practice for the release and it could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. of National/Official Statistics we are unable to provide HMRC does hold information relating to the totality the data for 2012 prior to the next statistical release, due of remissions and write-offs of tax credit overpayments. on 11 July 2013, as set out in the Statistics and Registration The latest account figures for remissions and write-offs Service Act, 2007. can be found on page 118 of the HM Revenue and In the Royal Navy, there were no personnel medically Customs annual report and accounts 2012-13, at: discharged with a principal condition relating to alcohol https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ in 2010 or 2011, and none with a contributory condition attachment_data/file/210244/9549-TSO- relating to alcohol in 2010. There were fewer than five HMRC_RA_ACCESSIBLE.pdf with a contributory condition in 2011. In the Royal Marines, there were no personnel medically Welfare Tax Credits: Woking discharged with a principal or contributory condition Jonathan Lord: To ask the Chancellor of the relating to alcohol in 2010 or 2011. Exchequer how many (a) people, (b) people in work In the Army, there were no personnel medically and (c) families in Woking constituency are in receipt discharged with a contributory condition relating to of tax credits. [165268] alcohol in 2011. There were fewer than five with a contributory condition in 2010 and fever than five with Sajid Javid: In the constituency of Woking there are: a principal condition in both 2010 and 2011. 4,900 families in receipt of tax credits. In the Royal Air Force, there were no personnel 7,200 people within these families. medically discharged with a principal or contributory 3,900 people in work within these families. condition relating to alcohol in 2010 or 2011. Within this answer, ‘people’ have been defined as We have used the term ’fewer than five’ rather than ‘adults’. A family can have one or two adults present. giving a specific number in order to protect medical A person in work is defined as an adult in a family confidentiality. eligible for working tax credit, who works 16 or more hours a week. Armed Forces: Suicide The Government is taking steps to ensure that spending Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for on welfare is sustainable by making sure that work pays, Defence with reference to his Department’s publication, while also supporting those most in need. It is rewarding A study of deaths among UK Armed Forces personnel work by: deployed to the 1982 Falklands Campaign: 1982 to raising the personal allowance to £9,440 and announcing a 2012, how many and what proportion of (a) 3 Commando further increase to £10,000 from April 2014. The combined effect (b) of all personal allowance increases announced by this Government Brigade and 5 Infantry Brigade who served in the will be to remove 2.7 million low income individuals, under 65, Falklands campaign committed suicide in each year out of income tax altogether from April 2014; since 1982. [164602] developing a new tax-free childcare scheme to expand support for affordable childcare to 2.5 million families; and Mr Francois: At the cessation of hostilities on the introducing universal credit to make the benefits of work 14 June 1982, there were 25,713 UK service personnel clearer and simpler, with the aim of offering a smooth transition who participated in and survived the Falkland Islands into work and encouraging progression in work. campaign. Of these, tragically, 95 are recorded to have died as a result of suicide or as open verdict deaths between 14 June 1982 and 31 December 2012. DEFENCE The breakdown of these deaths in relation to the respective brigades is set out in the following table: Air Force: Reserve Forces 3 Commando 3 Commando 5 Infantry Brigade or 5 Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Formation Brigade Brigade Infantry Brigade Defence whether there are any plans to use reserve officers as combat pilots in the RAF along the lines of Number of 15 7 8 Suicides/open the US National Guard. [165646] verdicts1 1 The statistics provided include both coroner-confirmed suicides and open Mr Robathan: There are no current plans to use verdict deaths, in line with the definition used by the Office for National reserve officers to fly combat aircraft. However, RAF Statistics (ONS), since research has shown that these deaths share many similarities with suicides except that in the case of open verdict deaths, the reserves provide pilots and other aircrew for air transport intention of the deceased to take their life has not been sufficiently proven to such as the CI30 Hercules and C17 Globemaster aircraft. the satisfaction of the coroner. 949W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 950W

Due to the small number of suicides within each year, Time=09:30:00&date=2010-08-24&disText=Tranche2& and in line with rounding policy, the information requested from=listing&topDate=2012-08-24 on suicides by brigade and year has not been provided. The information published is not broken down by location. However, the total number of suicide and open verdict I will write to the hon. Member with the breakdown by deaths of all Falkland Islands campaign veterans between local authority. 1982 and 2012, published in the Official Statistic report, are shown in the following table. Service personnel who applied for redundancy under Tranches 1 and 2 have already left the Department. Number of suicides/open verdict deaths The selection of an individual for redundancy cannot All 95 be assumed to imply that the post they occupy on the date of notification is no longer required and as such 1982 0 the geographical distribution of redundancy notices is 1983 0 not a valid basis for assumptions about the future 1984 0 distribution of military posts. 1985 0 Substantive answer from Mark Francois to Madeleine 1986 1 Moon: 1987 1 1988 2 In my answer of 10 July (Official Report, column 266W) I said 1989 7 I would write in response to your parliamentary question 163828 on the number of Armed Forces personnel who volunteered for 1990 6 redundancy from bases in Wales. 1991 2 1992 9 The table shows the number of voluntary redundancy applications 1993 4 under Tranche 3 by Army Service personnel based in Wales, 1994 3 broken down by Local Authority area. 1995 4 Number of Personnel Who 1996 3 Local Authority Area Volunteered for Redundancy 1997 2 1 1998 4 Blaenau Gwent — 1 1999 5 Bridgend — 1 2000 5 Caerphilly — 2 2001 2 Cardiff — 1 2002 6 Carmarthenshire — 1 2003 3 Ceredigion — 1 2004 5 Conwy — 1 2005 5 Denbighshire — 2 2006 3 Flintshire — 1 2007 3 Gwynedd — 1 2008 3 Isle of Anglesey — 1 2009 2 Merthyr Tydfil — 1 2010 1 Monmouthshire — 1 2011 2 Neath Port Talbot — 1 2012 2 Newport — Pembrokeshire 40 For each year between 1982 and 2012, there have Powys 20 been fewer than 10 deaths with a coroner confirmed Rhondda Cynon, Taff 1— suicide or open verdict. For each year over the entire Swansea 2— period, the risk of dying as a result of suicide for the The Vale of Glamorgan 10 Falkland veterans was no different to the UK general Torfaen 1— population. Wrexham 1— 1 Zero or rounded to zero. 2 Fewer than 5. Armed Forces: Wales Where rounding has been used, totals and sub-totals have been rounded separately and so may not equal the sums of their Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence rounded parts. When rounding to the nearest 10, numbers ending how many serving members of the (a) Royal Air Force, in “5” have been rounded to the nearest multiple of 20 to prevent (b) RoyalNavyand(c) Army have asked for voluntary systematic bias. early release, at each base located in Wales; and if he The figures in the above table are for those who applied for will make a statement. [163828] redundancy under Tranche 3 and who were based in Wales at 1 June 2013. Personnel could have moved location between applying Mr Francois: The information is not held in the for Tranche 3 (applications were invited between 22 January and format requested. However, statistics on the number of 12 March 2013) and 1 June 2013. Army personnel who have applied for redundancy under Tranche 3 will be available shortly. Information on the The figures are based on Service personnel’s stationed armed forces redundancy programme is published by location and not their location of residence. Personnel Defence Statistics and is available from their website at: deployed on operations to an area away from their http://www.dasa.mod.uk/applications/newWeb/www/ stationed location are shown against their most recent index.php?page=48&pubType=0&thiscontent=5100&Publish stationed location. 951W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 952W

Armed Forces: Wimbledon Table 1 Army Male Female

John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Officers — 1,479 255 Defence whether and by whom the military personnel Other ranks Under 18 150 15 on duty in uniform at the lawn tennis championships at Over 18 13,389 1,239 Wimbledon in 2013 were paid for their attendance. [165118] For the same period, table 2 presents the number of UK Regular Army personnel medically discharged with Mr Francois [holding answer 12 July 2013]: Since a principal condition of a stress related injury or disorder. 1946, personnel from each of our regular armed forces Table 2 have been invited by the All England Lawn Tennis and Army Male Female Croquet Club, Wimbledon to work as Service Stewards at their annual All England Lawn Tennis Championships Officers — 12 ~ (AELTC). The stewarding of these Championships Other Ranks Under 18 18 0 normally involves some 300 non-commissioned service Over 18 477 42 personnel. Note: All service personnel are made aware of this invitation In keeping with the Office for National Statistics guidelines, numbers through an annually issued Defence Instruction and less than five are represented as ‘~’. Notice. Those who successfully apply to accept the Army: Training invitation are required to take annual leave to attend the AELTC and are given permission to wear uniform. Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Service personnel on leave receive their salaries as normal when the guidance for soldiers conducting UK-based and there are no further costs to the public purse. training in hot conditions was last reviewed; and if he Expenses incurred by the service personnel who are will make a statement. [166164] stewards at the Championships, are reimbursed to the individuals directly by the AELTC. Mr Francois: The code of practice for the prevention and treatment of climactic injuries in the armed forces for land based activities, including training, exercises Army: Germany and operations, is contained in the Joint Service Publication (JSP) 539. The heat injury/illness sections of the JSP are kept Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for under regular review by the Heat Injuries Working Defence if he will set out the building and renovation Group: this working group has representatives from all timetable for the sites earmarked for use as part of the three services as well as subject matter experts. re-basing requirements for forces returning from Germany; and which lead contractors have been The JSP was revised fully in 2012 and published in appointed. [R] [165783] November 2012. Business Services Association Mr Francois: The timetable for forces returning from Germany remains the same as announced in the Army Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for Basing Plan of 5 March 2013. We have commenced the Defence on what occasions (a) he, (b) Ministers and assessment work to progress the Army Basing Programme (c) officials in his Department have met representatives to the next stage. No lead contractors for build or of the Business Services Association. [165782] renovation work have yet been appointed. Dr Murrison: We have no records of any meetings between the Secretary of State for Defence, my right Army: Injuries hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), or Ministers and representatives of Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Business Services Association. Defence how many soldiers including trainees were (a) We are not aware of any officials meeting with treated for and (b) discharged as a result of overuse representatives of the Business Services Association but and stress injuries including Achilles tendinitis, anterior a definitive answer could be provided only at knee pain, mechanical back pain, anterior tibial pain, disproportionate cost. stress fracture tibia, stress fracture foot, stress fracture pubis and stress fracture neck of femur in the latest Defence Estates period for which figures are available; and how many of those soldiers were (i) under the age of 18 at the time of Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the injury and (ii) female. [157765] Defence with reference to Spending Round 2013, Cm 8639, how reducing costs of construction in the Defence Mr Francois: For the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March estate will be implemented; and what estimate he has 2012 (the latest dates for which data are available), table made of how much was saved through this measure. 1 presents the number of Army personnel with at least [162503] one Read code recorded on the primary care system Defence Medical Information Capability Programme Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence’s Spending (DMICP) for the conditions related to overuse and Round 2013 settlement included a commitment to reduce stress injuries. our spending on our estate capital investment programme 953W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 954W by £125 million in financial year (FY) 2015-16 through Mr Robathan: The Secretary of State for Defence, my benchmarking our plans against industry best practice right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and and then setting the targets within contracts wherever Weybridge (Mr Hammond) visited Scotland twice but possible. These savings apply from FY 2015-16 and we has not visited Wales or Northern Ireland. will work with our suppliers in the intervening period to establish the precise details of their implementation. ICT Defence Infrastructure Organisation Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many (a) computers, (b) mobile telephones, (c) Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for BlackBerrys and (d) other pieces of IT equipment were Defence what estimate he has made of the total cost of lost or stolen from his Department in (i) 2010-11, (ii) the redundancy programme at the Defence Infrastructure 2011-12 and (iii) 2012-13; and if he will make a statement. Organisation in (a) 2010, (b) 2011, (c) 2012 and (d) [156423] 2013. [160963] Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes Mr Francois [holding answer 24 June 2013]: The any theft, loss, attacks, or misuse of its information, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has not run networks and associated media storage devices very a separate redundancy programme in 2010, 2011, 2012 seriously and has robust procedures in place to mitigate or 2013. against and investigate such occurrences. Furthermore, The DIO is part of a departmental wide voluntary new processes, instructions and technological aids are early release scheme which has run since 2011, and continually being implemented to mitigate human errors considers release of people against the departmental and raise the awareness of every individual in the need. Department. Defence Vetting Agency: Foreign and Commonwealth The MOD does not generally record items as ‘lost’. Office Any incident where an information asset has not been handled and recorded correctly in accordance with our strict guidelines is recorded as the asset being ‘unaccounted Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for for’. In a high proportion of cases where information Defence what plans he has for the merger of vetting and communications technology (ICT) is reported as functions of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office missing it is likely it has been officially disposed of with the Defence Vetting Agency; and if he will make a without the correct record being maintained. statement. [164144] 352 of the assets recorded as ‘unaccounted for’ in Mr Francois: An independent study is taking place financial year (FY) 2012-13 are a result of a legacy into the future provision of national security vetting. accounting issue with the accuracy of recording assets This includes the two main providers of vetting: Defence belonging to a network which was in use from Business Services and Foreign and Commonwealth Office approximately 1990 to 2005 and contained around 88,000 Services. An announcement will be made once a decision assets. The discrepancy was noted as a result of responses is taken on the study’s recommendations. to the Burton report in 2008 but ongoing action to locate the assets resulted in it not being centrally recorded Domestic Visits at this time. It was formally reported to the Joint Security Co-ordination Centre (JSyCC) as part of negotiations Mr Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for a contract transfer in 2012. For this reason it appears how many visits Ministers in his Department have in FY 2012-13, although the incident itself will have made to (a) Northern Ireland, (b) Scotland and (c) taken place over eight years ago. Investigations suggest Wales in an official capacity in each year since 2010. it is very likely that none of these assets has left MOD [164065] establishments and that they have therefore not been ‘lost’. However, they are recorded as ‘unaccounted for’ Mr Francois: For visits to Scotland and Wales from as this cannot be conclusively proven at this time. May 2010 to 30 June 2012, I refer the right hon. It is MOD policy that all portable computers and Member to the answer my predecessor, my right hon. removable media should be encrypted. Therefore, even Friend the Member for South Leicestershire (Mr Robathan), when a device cannot be accounted for (or is stolen) the gave on 3 September 2012, Official Report, columns MOD can be confident that the risk of information 56-59W,to the right hon. Member for East Renfrewshire being compromised is low. (Mr Murphy). The following table details the number of reported The number of visits made in an official capacity by unaccounted for or stolen computers, mobile telephones, Ministers between 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 to BlackBerrys and other pieces of ICT equipment centrally Scotland was 10 and to Wales was two. reported within the Department in FY 2010-11, FY For visits to Northern Ireland, Ministers visited once 2011-12 and FY 2012-13: in 2010, once in 2011, three times in 2012 and twice in Number of items unaccounted for or stolen 2013 to date. 1 April 2010 to 1 April 2011 to 1 April 2012 to ICT type 31 March 2011 31 March 2012 31 March 2013

Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Computers 371 206 1469 Defence how many times he has visited (a) Scotland, Mobile 3241 (b) Northern Ireland and (c) Wales in an official telephones capacity since his appointment; and if he will make a BlackBerrys 4 34 11 statement. [165294] Other ICT 225 365 225 955W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 956W

Number of items unaccounted for or stolen Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence has no plans 1 April 2010 to 1 April 2011 to 1 April 2012 to to close the Royal Marine Base in Poole. ICT type 31 March 2011 31 March 2012 31 March 2013 1 352 of these are a result of a single legacy incident. Military Decorations: World War II Katrice Lee Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of those who are eligible have Defence what his latest estimate is of when the latest applied for the Bomber Command clasp to date; how Ministry of Defence Police investigation into the many of those applications have been (a) rejected and disappearance of Katrice Lee will be concluded; and if (b) accepted; and what estimate he has made of the he will make a statement. [165273] number of members of Bomber Command who are ineligible for the clasp. [161077] Mr Francois: The Royal Military Police investigation into the disappearance of Katrice Lee is ongoing. The Mr Francois: We are collating the statistics which my investigation is extensive and complex and because of hon. Friend has requested and I shall reply to him its nature it is difficult to estimate when it will conclude. shortly. A significant number of active lines of inquiry are currently being pursued. It would be inappropriate to Navy: Greenock comment on these in any detail but I can confirm that, for example, the military police are speaking to new Mr McKenzie: To ask the Secretary of State for potential witnesses who have come forward following a Defence what the current status of the Royal Naval recent television appeal on the German equivalent of buildings in Greenock is; and what future plans he has the BBC’s Crimewatch programme. In doing so, they for these buildings. [165000] are working closely with police forces in other countries. The Royal Military Police are committed to ensuring Mr Francois: In accordance with the Department’s that the investigation is brought to a conclusion as soon normal disposal procedure the site is being offered for as possible. However, their priority is to ensure that the sale on the open market. A closing date for offers of 28 investigation is thorough and that all potential lines of June 2013 has now passed with a preferred bidder inquiry have been explored. They also remain committed identified. to inviting a civilian police force to review their investigation in order to ensure that no investigative opportunities Press: Subscriptions have been missed. Katrice’s family are being kept fully informed of Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence progress and they will continue to be updated as the how much his Department spent on newspapers, investigation develops. periodicals and trade publications in the last 12 months. [162648] Mercian Regiment Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) accesses Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for a pan-Government framework contract for the purchase Defence what the cost of the presentation of new of print and electronic journals on subscription. The colours to the four battalions of the Mercian Regiment contract is primarily used to purchase academic, technical, was. [161974] medical and trade publications for the MOD colleges, training centres, technical information centres and medical Mr Francois: The Presentation of New Colours to units, including those in operational theatres. A small the Mercian Regiment was funded in part through number of recreational titles are taken for use in personnel charitable sources. recovery centres. Expenditure under this contract is The cost to the Department of the presentation ceremony shown in the following table: was in the order of £38,000 which largely related to transporting personnel from the four battalions and Financial year Expenditure (£) moving two Warrior vehicles to support recruiting activity 2008-09 871,075 around the presentation event. This figure does not 2009-10 864,923 include the cost of the Colours themselves. 2010-11 696,631 The role of the Colours has great historical significance 2011-12 668,583 in their use as a rallying point. British military history is 2012-13 334,772 full of instances of gallantry including the Colours and their defence. Today, Colours are the ceremonial evidence Figures for each individual year have been compiled of a regiment and its spirit, a moral rallying point using the same methodology which in some cases may recording their often illustrious history. differ to that given in answers to previous parliamentary questions on this subject. Military Bases: Poole Unit newspaper requirements tend to be fluid and subject to short-notice amendment. They are not therefore Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for suitable for fixed-term subscription. MOD units may Defence what his policy is on the future of the Royal make their own supply arrangements with local distributors. Marine Commando Base in Poole; and if he will make Information on such arrangements is not held centrally a statement. [165548] and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. 957W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 958W

Redundancy psychiatrist. If reservists return to the UK with mental health problems they are not demobilised but would Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for access treatment through the Ministry of Defence’s Defence (1) how many officials in his Department resident (MOD) Department of Community Mental Health in Scotland have been made redundant through compulsory (DCMH) in the UK. redundancy schemes since May 2010; and how much If a reservist develops a mental health problem after this has cost his Department; [165557] demobilisation they are entitled to high-quality mental (2) how many of his employees resident in Scotland healthcare from the NHS. In addition reservists deployed have been made redundant through compulsory overseas since 2003 are able to attend the Veterans and redundancy schemes since May 2010; and what the cost Reserves Mental Health Programme in Chilwell. This to the public purse of such schemes has been. [166220] provides mental health assessments, and, if diagnosed to have a combat-related mental health condition, out- Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has patient treatment for reservists via one of the DCMHs. not run a compulsory redundancy scheme for civilian In the recently published White Paper on Reserve personnel since May 2010. Forces we proposed the extension of occupational health provision to ensure consistent access to these services Reserve Forces for all reservists. This will provide a mechanism to identify a range of issues, including mental health problems, Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for and assess the implications in the context of service in Defence how many full-time volunteer mobilised reservists the reserves. were subject to a deduction of earnings request from As part of the Government’s ongoing commitment the Department for Work and Pensions in financial to ex-service personnel with mental health problems, years (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13. £2.5 million from the LIBOR fines has been awarded to [156714] programmes which will support mental health programmes for veterans in the future. Mr Francois: The number of volunteer mobilised In addition, the right policies and intervention strategies reservists that were subject to a deduction of earnings must be underpinned by good quality evidence. To this request in each of the financial years (FY) 2010-11, end, the MOD funds a considerable amount of research 2011 -12 and 2012-13 is shown in the following table: into mental health issues, for example, the broad range of studies undertaken by the King’s Centre for Military FY Number of reservists subject to a Health Research, including those covering reservists. deduction of earnings

2010-11 10 Senior Civil Servants 2011-12 5 2012-13 10 Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many senior civil servants left his Department Figures have been rounded to protect the confidentiality and public bodies under voluntary exit and received a of individuals in accordance with the Data Protection severance payment in each of the last three years; and Act 1998 and the Code of Practice for Official Statistics what the value of such payments was. [164397] 2009. Mr Francois: The number of senior civil servants Reserve Forces: Mental Health Services (SCS) who left the Ministry of Defence and associated public bodies under the Voluntary Early Release Scheme Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (VERS) in each of the last three financial years (FY), what proposals he has to improve mental health services including the total value of the severance payments, are for current and former Reserve forces personnel. set out in the following table: [164118] FY SCS departures Cost (£) Mr Francois [holding answer 8 July 2013]: The mental health of our personnel and veterans is a top priority 2012-13 25 2,576,709 for the Government that is why we have committed £7.4 2011-12 47 5,543,549 million to ensure there is extensive mental health support 2010-11 3 412,412 in place for those who need it. These figures represent all non-compulsory departures Support is out there for service personnel and veterans of SCS under the Civil Service Compensation Scheme who are suffering mental health problems. This includes since its reform in 2010. The current scheme is designed tailored NHS mental health services, priority treatment to encourage voluntary rather than compulsory departure. for veterans with a service related health problem, the All costs fall in the year of departure, whereas under the Big White Wall online mental well-being service which terms of the previous, pre-reform, scheme there could is available to those serving, their families and veterans be costs extending for up to 10 years from a departure. on a 24-hour basis and a 24-hour helpline with Combat Stress, so service personnel and veterans can seek help Territorial Army: Scotland at any time. Deployed reservists have the same access to mental Mr Reid: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence health services as regulars—including the mental health which sites are used by the Territorial Army (TA) in team deployed on operations in Afghanistan, consisting Scotland; and how many TA personnel are based at of three mental health nurses and a visiting consultant each such site. [164110] 959W Written Answers18 JULY 2013 Written Answers 960W

Mr Robathan [holding answer 8 July 2013]: I will may support a wide range of combined operations write to the hon. Member with the information requested. provided these are consistent with national directives. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Unmanned Air Vehicles pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Gillingham and Rainham of 15 May 2013, Official Report, column Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence 221W,on unmanned aerial vehicles, on how many occasions what assistance UK personnel provide to the US operation flights of unmanned aerial vehicles have taken place in of drones from the Combined Air Operation Centre at each of his Department’s reserved airspace areas within Al-Udeid. [R] [166205] the UK in each of the last 10 years; what the purpose of each such flight was; and what type of unmanned aerial vehicle was flown on each such occasion. [R] [166283] Mr Robathan: The UK has around 40 personnel stationed in the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) Mr Robathan: Available information on the number at Al-Udeid which provides command and control in and location of flights of unmanned aerial vehicles support of operations in the Gulf and Afghanistan. (UAV),either on the military register or operating under This includes a wide variety of tasks and platforms eg a military flight test permit, in each of the last 10 years, strategic airlift to and from Afghanistan. UK personnel is provided in the following table:

UAV type Number of flights Location Purpose

2003-06 Phoenix 1— 1— 1— 2004 Buster 2— Larkhill Trials 2006 Scan Eagle 22 Hebrides Range Capability Demonstration 2009 Desert Hawk III 126 Salisbury Plain Trials and Training 2010 Desert Hawk III 184 Salisbury Plain, Stanford, Otterburn Training and conversion to Role Watchkeeper 11 West Wales Airport Trials 2011 Desert Hawk III 564 Salisbury Plain, Stanford, Otterburn Training Watchkeeper 83 West Wales Airport Trials and Training Tarantula-Hawk 3 Thorney Island Training 2012 Desert Hawk III 1,180 Salisbury Plain Training Watchkeeper 129 West Wales Airport Trials and Training Tarantula-Hawk 11 Thorney Island Training Scan Eagle 5 South Coast Exercise Area Trials 2013 Desert Hawk III 555 Salisbury Plain, Stanford, Otterburn Training Watchkeeper 6 West Wales Airport French Army Training Watchkeeper 77 West Wales Airport Trials and Training Black Hornet 3n/a Lydd Camp, Lossiemouth, Salisbury Plain4 Training 1 The Phoenix Unmanned Air System, which retired from service in 2006, was flown in UK airspace. Records of the number, location and purpose of Phoenix sorties are no longer centrally available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. 2 Records of the number of Buster sorties are no longer centrally available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. 3 Because of the way Black Hornet is used the number of sorties and flying hours are not recorded. 4 The locations identified are the primary areas in which Black Hornet has been operated. Because of the weight and size of the air vehicle and the height at which it operates, under Military Aviation Authority regulations there is no requirement to limit flights to segregated airspace.

Wales to help to deal with situations that are beyond the capability or capacity of the civil authorities, e.g. in the Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence event of severe flooding. whether his Department provides services to people Welsh Language resident in Wales or usually resident in Wales. [166101] Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence does not whether his Department has a current Welsh Language normally provide services separately to people resident scheme; when that scheme was adopted; and whether it in Wales or usually resident in Wales. However, in line has been reviewed since May 2011. [166083] with Military Assistance to the Civil Authority (MACA) Mr Francois: The Ministry of Defence’s Welsh Language principles, Defence can provide assistance to other Scheme was first introduced in 1999 and last reviewed Government Departments or devolved Administrations in 2009. 17MC Ministerial Corrections18 JULY 2013 Ministerial Corrections 18MC

young carers. This followed the conclusion of a three-year Ministerial Corrections funding grant to help 18 local authorities develop and test intensive family focused models of support for Thursday 18 July 2013 families with young carers as part of the young carers pathfinder programme. In February I announced the award of a new contract worth up to £1.2 million to the two organisations to continue this work for a further two HEALTH years. Carers: Young People The funding is enabling The Children’s Society and Carers Trust to deliver regional events for practitioners Mr Mike Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for in local statutory and voluntary services on designing Health (1) what support his Department has made and delivering ’whole family’ approaches to support for young carers. The events include training on engaging available for young carers in each year since 2010; ″ ″ [160567] young carers in hard-to-reach groups, such as those belonging to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) (2) what support his Department gives to young groups who have English as a second language. The carers from a minority background who do not speak training is based on learning and resources developed in English as their first language. [160568] partnership with the Black Carers Network and young [Official Report, 24 June 2013, Vol. 565, c. 104W.] carers from BAME communities. Letter of correction from Edward Timpson: Additionally, the Department has worked closely with An error has been identified in the written answer the two organisations to share evidence-based tools and given by the Under-Secretary of State for Education, good practice guidance, including an online training the hon. Member for Crewe and Nantwich (Mr Timpson), package for school staff which raises awareness about to the hon. Member for Portsmouth South (Mr Hancock) the issues facing young people with caring responsibilities on 24 June 2013. and how it can impact on their school attendance and attainment. The full answer given was as follows:

Mr Timpson: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department for Education. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT From 2011 to 2013, the Department allocated over Empty Buildings £1.5 million in grant funding to The Children’s Society The following is the answer given by the Under-Secretary and Carers Trust to improve the support available for of State for Communities and Local Government, the young carers. This followed the conclusion of a three-year right hon. Member for Bath (Mr Foster), to the hon. funding grant to help 18 local authorities develop and Member for Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore) during test intensive family focused models of support for Communities and Local Government Question Time on families with young carers as part of the young carers 8 July 2013. pathfinder programme. Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Further to The funding has enabled The Children’s Society and the question from my hon. Friend the Member for Carers Trust to deliver regional events for practitioners Denton and Reddish (Andrew Gwynne), is not the in local statutory and voluntary services on designing problem that no real research was done before the and delivering ’whole family’ approaches to support for introduction of the bedroom tax? The position is very young carers. The events include training on engaging different up and down the country, and in some areas it young carers in ″hard-to-reach″ groups, such as those is clear that an inadvertent consequence might be more belonging to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) empty homes. If that proves to be the case, will the groups who have English as a second language. The Government change their mind? training is based on learning and resources developed in partnership with the Black Carers Network and young Mr Foster: I must say to the hon. Lady that clearly carers from BAME communities. In February I announced very detailed research was done and we had a number the award of a new contract worth up to £1 2 million to of pilots across the country. It would be very helpful if those two organisations to continue this work for a she would assist the House by indicating whether the further two years. Labour party, which has been so opposed to the measure, Additionally, the Department has worked closely with now intends to reverse it. the two organisations to share evidence-based tools and [Official Report, 8 July 2013, Vol. 566, c. 4.] good practice guidance, including an online training Letter of correction from Don Foster: package for school staff which raises awareness about the issues facing young people with caring responsibilities An error has been identified in the oral answer given and how it can impact on their school attendance and on 8 July 2013 to the hon. Member for Edinburgh East attainment. (Sheila Gilmore). The correct answer should have been: The correct answer should have been: Mr Foster: I must say to the hon. Lady that clearly Mr Timpson: I have been asked to reply on behalf of very detailed research was done and an estimate was the Department for Education. made of the likely impact in each region. It would be very From 2011 to 2013, the Department allocated over helpful if she would assist the House by indicating £1.5 million in grant funding to The Children’s Society whether the Labour party, which has been so opposed and Carers Trust to improve the support available for to the measure, now intends to reverse it.

ORAL ANSWERS

Thursday 18 July 2013

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 1295 BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Apprenticeships ...... 1304 Royal Mail ...... 1301 Automotive Industry...... 1296 Science and Society...... 1309 Economic Development (North-East)...... 1308 Supply Chains...... 1307 Economic Growth (Humber) ...... 1308 Technology Exports...... 1295 Employment Law Reform...... 1302 Topical Questions ...... 1310 Lending to Small Businesses ...... 1303 Traineeships ...... 1298 Payday Lenders...... 1305 Universal Service Obligation...... 1299 Regional Growth Fund ...... 1297 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Thursday 18 July 2013

Col. No. Col. No. EDUCATION...... 121WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 129WS Targeted Capital Funding for New School Places .. 121WS Action Fraud ...... 130WS Europol Regulation...... 129WS ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 122WS Electricity Market Reform ...... 122WS PRIME MINISTER ...... 131WS “Foreign Involvement in the Critical National FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 124WS Infrastructure”...... 131WS Safeguarding British Businesses Overseas ...... 124WS Commissioners (Annual Reports) ...... 131WS

HEALTH...... 125WS TRANSPORT ...... 132WS Caring and Support Consultation...... 128WS HGV Road User Levy Bill ...... 132WS Francis Inquiry (Costs) ...... 126WS Intercity Express Programme ...... 132WS NHS Modernisation (Costs and Benefits)...... 125WS Public Health (Local Authorities) ...... 128WS TREASURY ...... 121WS Public Service and Demographic Change...... 127WS Business Premises Renovation Allowances...... 121WS PETITION

Thursday 18 July 2013

Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH...... 13P Proposed Closure of Suffolk Court Care Home.... 13P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Thursday 18 July 2013

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 786W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Duwayne Brooks...... 786W Interest Rate Swap Transactions ...... 918W Grant Thornton...... 786W Manufacturing Advisory Service...... 919W Serious Fraud Office ...... 786W Medicine: Research ...... 919W Serious Fraud Office ...... 787W Overseas Investment: Mozambique...... 919W Postal Services: Wales ...... 920W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 914W Recycling: Job Creation ...... 920W Apprentices...... 914W Regulation ...... 920W Business: EU Law ...... 914W Science of Cyber Security Research Institute ...... 921W Business: Government Assistance ...... 915W Shipbuilding: Industry ...... 921W Business: Northern Ireland ...... 915W Supermarkets: Competition ...... 921W Cybercrime: Higher Education ...... 916W Trade Missions...... 922W EU Grants and Loans...... 916W UK Trade and Investment...... 923W Exports ...... 916W Wales ...... 923W Grant Thornton...... 917W Welsh Language...... 923W Green Construction Board...... 917W Green Investment Bank ...... 918W CABINET OFFICE...... 865W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 918W Apprentices...... 865W Col. No. Col. No. CABINET OFFICE—continued EDUCATION—continued Arts: Staff ...... 866W Primary Education...... 930W Government Departments: Information ...... 867W Pupils: Ethnic Groups...... 930W Immigration...... 867W School Meals ...... 931W Moira Wallace...... 869W Schools: Construction...... 931W Music: Staff...... 870W Secondary Education ...... 931W Teachers...... 932W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 904W Work Experience...... 932W Affordable Housing: Rural Areas ...... 904W Assured Tenancies...... 904W ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE...... 783W Housing ...... 905W Electoral Register: British Nationals Abroad ...... 783W Landlords: Urban Areas ...... 906W Electoral Systems...... 785W Local Government Finance ...... 906W Voting Rights: British Nationals Abroad ...... 785W Local Government Finance: Barnsley...... 907W Non-domestic Rates...... 907W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 793W Private Rented Housing ...... 907W Apprentices...... 793W Rented Housing: Electrical Safety...... 908W Arctic ...... 795W Wind Power: Planning Permission ...... 908W Energy Companies Obligation ...... 796W Fuel Poverty...... 797W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 871W Green Deal Scheme...... 797W Apprentices...... 871W Hinkley Point C Power Station ...... 798W Buildings...... 871W Insulation...... 798W Legal Costs ...... 872W Nuclear Industry Council ...... 799W Members: Correspondence ...... 873W Official Cars...... 800W Northcote House ...... 873W Regulation ...... 800W Personnel Management...... 874W Security...... 805W Public Libraries...... 873W Welsh Language...... 805W Redundancy Pay ...... 874W Written Questions ...... 805W Regulation ...... 875W Sick Leave ...... 878W Sports: Children...... 879W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Travel ...... 879W AFFAIRS...... 857W Welsh Language...... 880W Animal Welfare ...... 857W Biodiversity...... 858W Biofuels...... 859W DEFENCE...... 947W Birds of Prey...... 859W Air Force: Reserve Forces...... 947W British Overseas Territories...... 860W Armed Forces: Discharges ...... 948W Devolution...... 860W Armed Forces: Suicide ...... 948W Flood Control...... 861W Armed Forces: Wales ...... 949W Food: Waste...... 861W Armed Forces: Wimbledon ...... 951W Grant Thornton...... 862W Army: Germany...... 951W Hydroelectric Power...... 862W Army: Injuries...... 951W Recycling: Plastics...... 862W Army: Training ...... 952W Rural Areas: Affordable Housing...... 864W Business Services Association ...... 952W Water Companies: Corporation Tax ...... 864W Defence Estates...... 952W Written Questions ...... 864W Defence Infrastructure Organisation...... 953W Defence Vetting Agency: Foreign and Commonwealth Office ...... 953W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 781W Domestic Visits ...... 953W Hezbollah ...... 781W ICT ...... 954W Shaker Aamer ...... 781W Katrice Lee ...... 955W Sri Lanka ...... 782W Mercian Regiment...... 955W Uganda ...... 782W Military Bases: Poole ...... 955W USA...... 783W Military Decorations: World War II...... 956W Wales ...... 783W Navy: Greenock ...... 956W Press: Subscriptions ...... 956W HEALTH...... 880W Redundancy...... 957W Ambulance Services ...... 880W Reserve Forces ...... 957W Ambulance Services: Wales...... 880W Reserve Forces: Mental Health Services...... 957W Apprentices...... 880W Senior Civil Servants...... 958W Cancer ...... 881W Territorial Army: Scotland...... 958W Grant Thornton...... 881W Unmanned Air Vehicles ...... 959W Heart Diseases ...... 882W Wales ...... 959W Medical Equipment ...... 883W Welsh Language...... 960W Members: Correspondence ...... 883W Multiple Sclerosis...... 883W EDUCATION...... 927W NHS...... 884W Apprentices...... 927W NHS: ICT ...... 885W Culture: Education...... 927W NHS: Private Sector...... 886W Education: Finance...... 928W Obesity: Children ...... 887W Financial Services: Education ...... 928W Out of Area Treatment ...... 888W Free School Meals...... 929W St Helens and Knowsley Hospitals NHS Trust ...... 893W Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT...... 908W JUSTICE—continued Appropriate Adults...... 908W Prisons ...... 841W Borders: Personal Records ...... 909W Prisons: Boxing ...... 841W Cumbria Constabulary...... 909W Prisons: Crimes of Violence ...... 842W Europol...... 909W Prisons: Drugs ...... 842W Human Trafficking ...... 909W Prisons: Education...... 843W Immigration...... 910W Prisons: Food...... 843W Members: Correspondence ...... 910W Prisons: Private Sector ...... 843W National Security ...... 911W Prisons: Visits...... 844W Offenders: Deportation...... 911W Prisons: Wales...... 845W Police: Laboratories ...... 912W Probation ...... 845W Police: Unmanned Air Vehicles...... 912W Probation: Essex ...... 846W Pornography: Internet...... 912W Property...... 847W Recovery Orders...... 912W Reoffenders: Essex ...... 848W Sexual Offences...... 913W Reparation by Offenders ...... 848W West Midlands Police...... 913W RSPCA ...... 848W Written Questions ...... 913W Schools ...... 848W Serco ...... 849W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 900W Shoplifting ...... 850W Accountancy...... 900W Staff ...... 851W Afghanistan ...... 900W Translation Services ...... 852W Apprentices...... 901W Trials...... 852W Billing ...... 902W Young Offender Institutions...... 853W British Overseas Territories...... 901W Young Offenders ...... 855W Fairtrade Initiative ...... 903W Youth Custody...... 855W Montserrat...... 903W Pitcairn Islands ...... 903W TRANSPORT ...... 894W Redundancy...... 903W A14 ...... 894W St Helena ...... 903W Bournemouth...... 895W Carbon Emissions: Aviation...... 895W Diesel Vehicles ...... 895W JUSTICE...... 806W Driving: Licensing...... 896W Capita ...... 806W Driving Tests...... 896W Clothing...... 806W Excise Duties: Motor Vehicles...... 896W Community Orders ...... 807W Fuels: EU Law ...... 896W Conditions of Employment...... 808W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 897W Court of Protection...... 808W Motor Vehicle Type Approval: EU Law...... 897W Courts: Shropshire ...... 811W Passenger Ships: Accidents ...... 897W Criminal Injuries Compensation ...... 811W Public Transport: Disability ...... 898W Criminal Proceedings ...... 811W Railways: Finance ...... 898W Death ...... 812W Wales ...... 899W Domestic Violence ...... 813W Welsh Language...... 899W Driving: Disqualification ...... 813W Driving Offences: Insurance...... 813W TREASURY ...... 932W Electronic Tagging ...... 814W Apprentices...... 932W Employment Tribunals Service...... 817W Bank of England: Public Appointments ...... 933W Equality ...... 817W Bank Services...... 933W Family Courts: Rhyl...... 818W Cash Dispensing ...... 934W Family Law ...... 818W Child Benefit: EU Nationals ...... 934W Grant Thornton...... 819W Children: Day Care ...... 934W Homicide ...... 820W Credit Unions ...... 934W Homicide: Bail ...... 821W Financial Services ...... 935W Judicial Review ...... 821W Future Jobs Fund...... 935W Legal Aid Scheme ...... 822W Grant Thornton...... 935W Legal Aid Scheme: Wales...... 827W Green Construction Board...... 936W Legal Profession: Payments...... 828W Income Tax ...... 936W Life Imprisonment ...... 828W Mortgages...... 936W Magistrates’ Courts: Salford ...... 829W NHS: Redundancy Pay ...... 937W Missing Persons ...... 829W Ofgem ...... 938W MITIE Group...... 830W Overseas Aid...... 938W Northcote House ...... 830W Public Expenditure...... 938W Oakwood Prison ...... 831W Railways: Finance ...... 939W Offenders: Rehabilitation ...... 831W Revenue and Customs: Scotland ...... 940W Personal Independence Payment: Appeals ...... 831W Tax Allowances: Social Enterprises...... 940W Prisoner Corruption Unit ...... 832W Taxation: Construction ...... 940W Prisoners ...... 832W Unemployment: Young People...... 941W Prisoners: EU Nationals ...... 838W VAT ...... 941W Prisoners: Older People...... 838W Welfare Tax Credits...... 941W Prisoners: Pay ...... 839W Welfare Tax Credits: Woking ...... 947W Prisoners: Per Capita Costs...... 840W Prisoners: Personal Records...... 840W WALES...... 785W Prisoners’ Release ...... 833W Overseas Aid...... 785W Col. No. Col. No. WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 924W WORK AND PENSIONS—continued Castes ...... 924W Housing Benefit: Private Rented Housing...... 789W Equalities Ministerial Group ...... 924W Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing ...... 789W Females...... 925W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Scotland...... 789W Staff ...... 925W Pensions: Fraud ...... 789W Women’s National Commission ...... 926W Personal Independence Payment...... 790W Youth Work ...... 927W Redundancy...... 790W Social Security Benefits...... 790W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 787W Social Security Benefits: Greater London ...... 791W Apprentices...... 787W Wales ...... 791W Child Benefit...... 787W Welsh Language...... 791W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 788W Work Programme...... 792W Flexible Support Fund...... 788W Work Programme: Ashfield...... 792W Housing Benefit: Gwynedd...... 788W MINISTERIAL CORRECTIONS

Thursday 18 July 2013

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 18MC HEALTH...... 17MC Empty Buildings ...... 18MC Carers: Young People ...... 17MC Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied. 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 Thursday 25 July 2013

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Members may obtain excerpts of their Speeches from the Official Report (within one month from the date of publication), on application to the Stationery Office, c/o the Editor of the Official Report, House of Commons, from whom the terms and conditions of reprinting may be ascertained. Application forms are available at the Vote Office.

PRICES AND SUBSCRIPTION RATES DAILY PARTS Single copies: Commons, £5; Lords, £4. Annual subscriptions: Commons, £865; Lords, £600. LORDS VOLUME INDEX obtainable on standing order only. Details available on request. BOUND VOLUMES OF DEBATES are issued periodically during the session. Single copies: Commons, £105; Lords, £60 (£100 for a two-volume edition). Standing orders will be accepted. THE INDEX to each Bound Volumeof House of Commons Debates is published separately at £9·00 and can be supplied to standing order. All prices are inclusive of postage Volume 566 Thursday No. 39 18 July 2013

CONTENTS

Thursday 18 July 2013

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 1295] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills

Business of the House [Col. 1317] Statement—(Mr Lansley)

Representation of the People Act 1981 (Amendment) [Col. 1330] Bill presented, and read the First time

Backbench Business Communities and Local Government Committee Report: Private Rented Sector [Col. 1331] Motion—(Mr Betts)—agreed to Political and Constitutional Reform Committee: Wright Reforms [Col. 1336] Motion—(Mr Allen)—agreed to EU-US Trade and Investment Agreement [Col. 1342] Motion—(John Healey)—agreed to Summer Adjournment [Col. 1381] Motion—(Mr Amess)—agreed to

Petition [Col. 1415]

Henry Thorley and HMRC [Col. 1416] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall UK Shale Gas [Col. 307WH] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Statements [Col. 121WS]

Petition [Col. 13P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 781W] [see index inside back page]

Ministerial Corrections [Col. 17MC]