Monday Volume 539 30 January 2012 No. 257

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 30 January 2012

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2012 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through The National Archives website at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/information-management/our-services/parliamentary-licence-information.htm Enquiries to The National Archives, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; e-mail: [email protected] 531 30 JANUARY 2012 532

the National Gallery, the Wolseley and the Cinnamon House of Commons Club. It may be of interest to know that Labour Ministers were not alone—the Audit Commission managed to go Monday 30 January 2012 to L’Escargot, Coq d’Argent and the Cinnamon Club, and its board members even went to an oyster bar to discuss corporate governance, and then lost the receipt. The House met at half-past Two o’clock Empty Properties PRAYERS 2. Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): What plans he has to return empty homes to use. [92055] [MR SPEAKER in the Chair]

5. Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): What plans Oral Answers to Questions he has to return empty homes to use. [92058] 6. Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): What plans he has COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT to return empty homes to use. [92059]

The Secretary of State was asked— TheParliamentaryUnder-Secretaryof StateforCommunities Public Spending and Local Government (Andrew Stunell): We have put in place powerful tools and incentives to support local 1. Mr Douglas Carswell (Clacton) (Con): What steps communities to tackle empty homes. The Government his Department has taken to increase transparency in published “Laying the Foundations—A Housing Strategy (a) local government and (b) departmental spending. for England” on 21 November 2011. This sets out our [92054] plans for tackling empty homes. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Sir Bob Russell: I thank the Minister for that reply Government (Mr Eric Pickles): We have replaced the and I congratulate the coalition Government on taking previous Administration’s byzantine bureaucracy with action after 13 years of failure. While I welcome the transparency and local accountability. We have asked empty homes premium and the empty homes fund—and every council to open up their books and to publish bearing in mind that the borough of Colchester has their spending over £500. Every council is doing this, 2,024 empty houses, 591 of which have been empty for apart from Nottingham city council, which finds it a bit more than six months—may I urge him to bring more difficult. pressure to bear on local authorities, especially as 2,000 My Department is practising what we preach. Not dwellings is roughly the size of a sprawling estate, land only do we publish our spending over £500, but we have for which is short and which would be a planning and also published every single item of corporate credit card environmental disaster if it went ahead? spending since 2004. Mr Carswell: Will my right hon. Friend join me in Andrew Stunell: I certainly agree with my hon. Friend congratulating and applauding Tendring district council, that it is a scandal that there are so many empty homes, which has decided not only to publish items over £500, especially if they are empty for more than six months. but to publish all items of expenditure every month? The total at the moment is 270,000 across the country, This has created a climate of thrift that has allowed it to but the good news is that that is a reduction of 21,000 in cut council tax. Will he ensure that Whitehall Departments, the last year. It is important to tackle the problem and agencies and quangos take similar steps? that is why we have committed £150 million to bringing empty homes back into use. I am sure that his friends in Mr Pickles: I am happy to join my hon. Friend in Colchester will want to take advantage of that. congratulating Tendring. The council did not make the headlines for many years, but suddenly it has started coming up with lots of new initiatives. It is certainly in Dr Huppert: Will my hon. Friend join me in congratulating the forefront of transparency, and where Tendring leads, councillors Sian Reid and Catherine Smart of Cambridge I am more than happy to follow. city council on their work to reduce the number of empty homes in Cambridge since 2004? The Government’s Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): Frankly, it £150 million empty homes fund is welcome. How can is not good enough, because the Department is not Cambridge city council access it in order to get even publishing spending between 50p and £500, and that is more empty homes back into use? where—on credit cards and in other areas—a lot of things go wrong. Can we have some transparency in this wretched Department, instead of the cover-up it is Andrew Stunell: Local authority bids will be invited currently practising? shortly for the £100 million that we have announced for providing affordable housing, and I hope that Cambridge Mr Pickles: I am afraid that the right hon. Gentleman will be right there. We are currently drawing up the is quite wrong. We have published every penny of spending criteria for the £50 million to tackle the worst concentration on credit cards, and that is why we know that Labour of empty homes. I also know that several community Ministers wined and dined at some of the finest restaurants and voluntary groups in the east of England have their in the country, including the Boisdale, Somerset House, eyes on Cambridge. 533 Oral Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Oral Answers 534

Charlie Elphicke: Although the number of homes Private Rented Sector empty for six months in the Dover district has fallen sharply, to 872, do Ministers agree that a lot more work 3. Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): What is needed to undo the damage of the past in Dover? In recent assessment he has made of value for money and 2005, there were 674 empty homes. I urge the fastest standards for tenants in the private rented sector. possible action. During the same time, the social housing [92056] waiting list has grown by 14%. The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant Andrew Stunell: I absolutely agree with my hon. Shapps): The English housing survey shows that standards Friend that it is an urgent task to get empty homes back in the private rented sector have continued to improve into use, particularly affordable use. Often, the waiting more rapidly than in other sectors. In most areas, renting lists facing many local authorities could be shortened if remains more affordable than purchasing a home. those authorities tackled empty homes vigorously. That is why we have provided the new homes bonus as a Alex Cunningham: Shelter’s rent watch report 2011 reward and are investing £100 million to switch empty found that, on average, private rents in 55% of local homes to affordable homes. authorities in England were unaffordable for ordinary working families, and that 38% of privately renting families with children had to cut down on food to pay Gloria De Piero (Ashfield) (Lab): Does the Minister their rent. Also, many rogue landlords are still out accept that making use of empty homes is vital not just there, providing appalling accommodation at poor value. to tackling homelessness but to protecting the green What are the Government doing about those issues? belt from house building? Grant Shapps: The hon. Gentleman is absolutely right to point out those issues. I am concerned to ensure Andrew Stunell: The hon. Lady is absolutely right. that quality in the private rented sector is as good as An empty home already has planning permission and is possible, and I am undertaking work in that direction. capable of use without all the aggravation often created It is worth considering, though, that satisfaction rates by new development. More than that, an empty home is in the private rented sector are higher, at 85%, than often the cause of antisocial behaviour and other problems those in the social sector, at just 81%. in a community, so it is a double win; in fact, a treble win. I agree entirely. Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Poole) (LD): What is the Department’s view on local landlord Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): Sefton has a accreditation schemes, and what advice does he give on shortage of land for building houses but has 6,000 empty such schemes to local authorities? homes. Why do the Government not let councils such as Sefton include those homes in their housing strategy? Grant Shapps: Local accreditation and licensing schemes That would also be a way to protect the green belt and can be good value for local people. I attended a local urban green space. accreditation in Welwyn Hatfield on Thursday evening. The scheme is very good and designed locally to address local problems; in our case, it happens to be a student Andrew Stunell: I strongly urge Sefton council to population. That is the advantage of doing it locally: it develop a stronger policy on tackling empty homes. I can be fitted in with what the community requires. hope that with the incentives that we have provided—the new homes bonus, the investment in affordable housing Jack Dromey (Birmingham, Erdington) (Lab): Rents and the £50 million available to tackle the worst are soaring in the private rented sector, and too many concentration of empty homes—it will do exactly that. rogue landlords are ripping off the tenants, thus The matter that the hon. Gentleman raises really relates undermining reputable ones, yet earlier this month the to issues in the national planning policy framework and Prime Minister said that rents were falling, and the his council’s core strategy. I suggest that he watch this Minister for Housing and Local Government has put space. up for grabs the remaining tenant protections that he has not already scrapped. Will he explain why the Prime Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): Minister is so out of touch that he thinks that rents are Although dealing with empty homes is one way to falling and why he believes that basic tenant protections address the housing crisis, what is the Minister doing amount to red tape, at a time when it has never been to build more homes, particularly as the net supply, more important to regulate the private rented sector, in housing starts and housing completes have all fallen? order to drive standards up and rogues out? Grant Shapps: On the first point, I imagine that the Andrew Stunell: First, we have commissioned a social Prime Minister was probably referring to recent surveys and affordable housing programme, which will deliver by LSL Property Services showing two-month falls in 170,000 homes during this Parliament, resulting in more rent levels. Those might be partially seasonal, but social and affordable homes at the end of this Parliament nevertheless rents have been falling—we will see what rather than a reduction, as happened under the Labour happens in future months. The hon. Gentleman calls Administration. Secondly, the new homes bonus was for greater regulation. I will tell him what happened paid out on approximately 160,000 new and returned when there was greater regulation in the private rented empty homes in the past 12 months, and we are determined sector. There used to be rent controls, for which some of to increase that rate dramatically. his colleagues, including Labour’s London mayoral 535 Oral Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Oral Answers 536 candidate, are calling, but when they were introduced, Grant Shapps: There might just be a fundamental the housing rented sector fell from 55% of the overall difference of opinion between Opposition and Government sector to just 8%. However, since rent controls were Members on this matter. The latter believe that private abolished in the late ’80s, the market has doubled to property should not be taken over automatically by the 16%. I am afraid, therefore, that more regulation is state just because somebody has gone on holiday or is unlikely to be the solution. working absent. There have been cases where people who have been working absent for six months have Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): House owners have a duty come back to find that their properties have been taken to declare neighbour problems or disputes when selling over. That is unacceptable, and we do not want that to their properties. Will the Secretary of State protect happen. The hon. Gentleman is right that we have tenants in the private and social housing sectors in the raised the limit to two years, but a range of tools is same way by making it the law that landlords and available to local authorities to get properties back into agents must disclose neighbour problems when they active use, and we are working actively on the empty enter into a new tenancy agreement, so that we do not homes programme. The Government are fully committed have one rule for house owners and another for tenants? to getting properties back into use, hence the big drop in the number of empty ones. Grant Shapps: My hon. Friend makes a good point. It is important that when people move they know what Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con): their neighbours are like, whether for social housing, Given the Mary Portas review and the flagging state of properties purchased or in the private rented sector. I many high streets in our small market towns, what more encourage everybody thinking about renting to use an can be done to help change to residential the usage of agent that belongs to something like the Safe Agent redundant retail properties that, realistically, are unlikely Fully Endorsed scheme, which provides reassurance ever to be used for retail purposes again? that some of these checks are being carried out properly. Grant Shapps: My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. He will be aware that we are looking at making Empty Properties changes to the use class orders, through the national planning policy framework, to allow for greater flexibility. 4. Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): What steps he We have a good opportunity to allow some commercial is taking to make (a) empty houses and (b) vacant properties to be more easily converted to homes, and I properties above shops available for rent. [92057] hope that will help with the ever-present pressures on housing in this country. The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant Shapps): Our strategy for empty homes applies to all Council Tax Benefit properties, including flats above shops, but we are also committed to revitalising high streets and shortly will 8. Grahame M. Morris (Easington) (Lab): What publish the Government’s response to the Mary Portas assessment he has made of the potential effects on review. lower-income households of his planned localisation of and changes to council tax benefit. [92061] Dr Wollaston: The South Hams is one of the least affordable places to live in the UK, with house prices on TheParliamentaryUnder-Secretaryof StateforCommunities average 16.7 times the average income, and more than and Local Government (Andrew Stunell): On 19 December 1,200 households on bands A to D of the housing my Department published an impact assessment setting waiting list. What does the Minister plan to do to out the Government’s assessment of the impacts of the address these affordability issues in the South Hams? reform of council tax support.

Grant Shapps: My hon. Friend is right that for levels Grahame M. Morris: The Secretary of State has told of non-affordability in many areas to have reached councillors that they have a “moral duty” to freeze 16.7 times average earnings is unacceptable. The Under- council tax this year, but at the same time he plans a cut Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Hazel Grove of £500 million, or 10%, to council tax benefit for the (Andrew Stunell), referred to the social house building poorest, so that the only people to face rising council programme and the 170,000 being delivered during this tax bills next year in constituencies such as mine will be Parliament. She will also be pleased to hear about the the most deprived and the working poor. Why is he provisional allocation, within the local authorities balancing the books on the backs of the poorest? comprising her constituency, of more than £3.5 million under the new homes bonus, which will also encourage Andrew Stunell: The hon. Gentleman’s original question greater affordability when used to build more homes. referred to localisation and changes in level. I hope that We are also considering allowing homes over shops, and he accepts that the localisation part of the proposal is many other changes coming from the Portas review. absolutely right and fully consistent with what this Government are doing. The changes in level are necessary Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): Will the to tackle the deficit; they are part of the Government’s Minister explain how dismantling the powers available deficit reduction programme. I would remind him that to local authorities to deal with empty homes above the bill for council tax benefit has gone from £2 billion shops—for example, the management orders have increased a year, in 1997, to £4 billion a year. That is largely a from six months to two years, and properties have to be product of the rampant rises in council tax during the substantially dilapidated before action can be taken—will 13 years of Labour Government, so it seems absolutely help to deal with the problem? right that we should tackle the deficit in this way. 537 Oral Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Oral Answers 538

Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): Those Andrew Stunell: I should like to remind the hon. on low incomes in Cirencester are suffering a double Member for Warrington North (Helen Jones) that the whammy. Their town council is increasing its precept by proposals in the Bill will give local authorities the 4.7% and the police are increasing their precept by capacity to vary the discounts on second homes and 2.9%, at a time when the district and county councils empty homes, and that there will be extra income for are making the tough decision to freeze council tax. local authorities in that regard. There will be scope for Will my hon. Friend see what can be done to ensure that efficiency and for the authorities to tailor their schemes all precepting authorities keep their increases to a minimum? to their local circumstances. I do not accept the point that she has made. Andrew Stunell: The Secretary of State has made the Government’s point of view clear. He believes—and I Business Rates believe—that local authorities and precepting authorities should behave with responsibility in these difficult times. I am sure that his words will have been heard, and I am 10. Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): happy to underline them from the Dispatch Box. What assessment he has made of the possible effects on local authorities in deprived areas of his planned Mr Clive Betts (Sheffield South East) (Lab): Will the localisation of national non-domestic rates. [92063] Minister confirm that localising council tax benefits in 2013 and cutting Government support by 10% will 12. Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): What mean that if authorities that are strapped for cash assessment he has made of the potential effect of his cannot put extra money into the benefits scheme, if proposals for the localisation of business rates on pensioners cannot have their benefits altered, and regional inequality. [92065] if councils have to take account of the tapers for people in work, those on council tax benefit who are out of TheParliamentaryUnder-Secretaryof StateforCommunities work will see those benefits effectively cut by over 20%? and Local Government (Robert Neill): Currently, local Andrew Stunell: First, may I thank the hon. Gentleman authorities see no financial benefit from delivering for his support for our localising the council tax benefit? growth. Our proposals will create a strong incentive for Secondly, I do not recognise or accept that figure. If he all local authorities, wherever they are in the country, looks at the impact assessment, he will see that he has to promote growth, local enterprise and jobs. We will grossly overstated the facts. In fact, the average weekly ensure that no council will lose out as a result of its reduction in support will be £2.64 per household. I business rates base at the outset of the scheme. believe that is the right figure to be quoting in the House, not the one that he chose to use. Diana Johnson: Recent estimates show that, after year 1 of the business rates reforms, Hull council could Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con): Council lose up to £45.5 million, on top of the cuts that it has tax more than doubled under Labour, whereas the already targeted. With richer areas such as the City of coalition has funded a council tax freeze for two years London and Westminster benefiting at the expense of in a row. I support this Government’s localism agenda. places such as Hull, how will this policy help to rebalance Does the Minister agree that it will be fairer for the the economy between the poorest areas in the north and general population as a whole under the current the richest in the south? Government’s scheme? Robert Neill: The hon. Lady neglects to mention that, Andrew Stunell: Yes I do. I would make the point that throughout the period of the Labour Government, the with the localism comes the capacity of local authorities economic position of the north deteriorated by 2%, to fine-tune the schemes in their areas to suit their local while that of Greater London improved by 15%. Moreover, circumstances, and I would encourage local authorities her city of Hull grew in excess of the national average to start to do that. over the past business rate period, as did Manchester, Leeds, Durham and Stockton-on-Tees. All those places Helen Jones (Warrington North) (Lab): The Minister will gain under our proposals; they did not do so under needs to accept that the scheme he is proposing is the system that her Government operated. arbitrary and unfair, and hits the working poor most. How can he possibly justify cuts of between 13% and Tony Lloyd: It is astonishing that the Minister has 25% in benefit for people of working age, and a switch just completely failed to address my hon. Friend’s question. from annually managed expenditure to grant, which The poorer areas, which have already done badly under means that any increase in claims will be paid for by this Government in regard to their funding from central cuts in benefit for the poorest people? Is it not time that Government, are going to be even worse off unless they the Government, who were prepared to accept a million- can guarantee to generate increased economic activity. pound bonus for a banker, realise that they do not have Not every area can give that guarantee, however. Are the moral authority to inflict such cuts on the poorest these measures not simply going to make the poor people in our communities? poorer, and is that not morally unacceptable? Andrew Stunell: I think that that was yesterday’s soundbite—[Interruption.] Robert Neill: I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman is not pleased that his Manchester constituency grew at Mr Speaker: Order. The hon. Member for Northampton about 6.9%, as opposed to a national average of 5%. He North (Michael Ellis) must exercise the kind of restraint might also like to take on board the fact that a baseline that I am sure has characterised his distinguished will be set for all local authorities that takes into account performances in the law courts over many years. their needs and resources at the beginning of the scheme, 539 Oral Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Oral Answers 540 and that they will thereafter be protected by the top-ups put us on a level playing field with out-of-town stores and tariffs that flow from the baseline being uprated in and therefore start to rejuvenate our town centres and line with the retail prices index. high streets?

John Stevenson (Carlisle) (Con): Does the Minister Grant Shapps: My hon. Friend is right. Key is ensuring agree that the localisation of business rates will result that local and sensible plans are in place to ensure that not only in local councils taking a greater interest in the people can arrive at a town centre, shop and not be activities of local businesses, but in local business people exposed to unreasonable charges. I encourage all local taking an interest in the activities and performance of authorities to think about their local economy—something their councils? Does he agree that that will help deprived that should be much easier to do when they know that areas as well as others? they are going to be keeping the business rates in future.

Robert Neill: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend. National Planning Policy Framework The proposal has been welcomed by the Local Government Association, and—the hon. Member for Manchester Central (Tony Lloyd) might be interested to know—by 13. Angela Smith (Penistone and Stocksbridge) (Lab): the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities. It When he plans to publish information on transitional was of course one of the recommendations of the Lyons arrangements in respect of his national planning policy inquiry, which was set up by the previous Government, framework. [92066] and then ignored by them. The Minister of State, Department for Communities Parking and Local Government (Greg Clark): We are committed to publishing the national planning policy framework 11. Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): If he will undertake by the end of March, having taken into account of the a comparative assessment of parking schemes in town consultation responses, and the framework will include transitional arrangements. centres. [92064]

The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant Angela Smith: I am glad to hear the Minister say that, Shapps): The Mary Portas review on the future of our as there have been reports that the Government are high streets recommended the establishment of a new minded to introduce a transitional period of 18 months. league table for parking charges. We welcome the review Will he confirm what the transitional period will be—how and will publish our response to it in the spring. much time will be allowed? Will he also explain why Members and local authorities have had to learn some Ian Lucas: Why do so many parking schemes across of the details from the media? the country involve the use of parking machines that do not give change? When the Government make their Greg Clark: I would be keen to understand that assessment of the Portas review, will the Minister check myself. We made a commitment that we would consult to see what proportion of local authorities have parking and listen to the responses, and the transitional machines that give back change to the hard-pressed arrangements were included. I gave a commitment to people who are suffering in these Tory times? work closely with the Local Government Association on the transitional arrangements, and we are having Grant Shapps: First of all, I should point out that those conversations. planning—and therefore many of the changes to parking regimes—is devolved in Wales and Scotland. Furthermore, Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): one of the first things this Government did was to Will the Minister confirm that the transitional arrangements remove Labour’s incredible instructions to have only will cover the application of PPS25 to properties at risk upward increases in parking charges and deliberately to of flooding, and that all the reassurances given under build too few parking spaces in both residential areas PPS25 will continue into the permanent arrangements and high streets throughout the county. afterwards?

Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con) rose— Greg Clark: Clearly, the protection of properties against flooding is important to the whole country, and Ian Lucas: Answer! The Minister did not answer my not least in my hon. Friend’s constituency. We are question. working on the transitional arrangements to ensure that there is no gap between the current regime and the Mr Speaker: Order. We must have order, however new regime. angry and irate is the hon. Member for Wrexham (Ian Lucas). He is shouting out that he has not had an Roberta Blackman-Woods (City of Durham) (Lab): answer to his question, but if that were to legitimise that In connection with the transitional arrangements to the sort of ranting, there were would have been permanent national planning policy framework, will the Minister ranting in the House of Commons under successive update us on village greens? Last year, in his speech to Governments over the last 100 years. We cannot tolerate it. the Conservative party conference, the Secretary of State spoke glowingly about his determination to protect Mr Jones: Excessive car parking charges are a tax on village greens, so why does he now have plans to charge our town centres and high streets. Does my right hon. local communities £1,000 just to start the process of Friend believe that the implementation of free control protecting them? Is the policy of a grand for a green parking schemes in many of our town centres would going to continue? 541 Oral Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Oral Answers 542

Greg Clark: I had not spotted the hon. Lady at our new homes bonus scheme delivering what it is supposed party conference, but she would be a welcome visitor at to deliver, or is it simply encouraging the reclassification any time. The consultation on village greens is being of existing multi-occupied houses? taken forward by DEFRA. What we have consulted on in the national planning policy framework is a new Grant Shapps: I know that the architect of the previous designation of local green space, which will make it system does not like the new homes bonus, but I have to open to every authority for the first time to protect say that he is very mistaken about its impact. Nearly locally valued green space in the same way as the green 160,000 new homes have been built—[Interruption.] belt. We shall respond to that consultation shortly. Twenty-two thousand were brought back into use in the past year. I also know that the right hon. Gentleman is New Homes Bonus convinced that the new homes bonus does not benefit the right kind of homes, but I can tell him that two 14. Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con): What thirds of all new homes have been between bands A and his timetable is for the next allocations of the new C, which is exactly in line with the normal averages. The new homes bonus is rewarding homes throughout the homes bonus. [92067] country, and he should welcome the increase in house building. 16. Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): What his timetable is for the next allocations of the new homes bonus. [92069] Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab): The Minister will be aware that east Lancashire has received some of the lowest new homes bonus payments for the second year The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant running. He will also be aware that there are more Shapps): The Government will shortly announce the properties than people in the region, and that given final new homes bonus payments for 2012-13. These such a market it is very difficult to build new properties. were provisionally estimated in December at £430 million. What is he going to do about the problem? It is not possible for us to receive the necessary amount of Iain Stewart: Will my right hon. Friend congratulate money in Hyndburn, yet we are paying into the pot year Conservative-run Milton Keynes council on its innovative after year and losing out. Is this not just another plans to use part of a new homes bonus to acquire land example of “Take from the north and give to the assets from the Homes and Communities Agency, which south”? will help to stimulate both more housing regeneration and economic growth? Grant Shapps: The hon. Gentleman and I have had many discussions about the issue, and he will know that Grant Shapps: Yes, absolutely. My hon. Friend’s council his local authority is being paid for homes that are in Milton Keynes is a shining beacon of housing growth returned to use when they have been empty for a long and delivery, which puts many other councils to shame. time. I should have thought that the new homes bonus money would be welcome and useful to him in that Amber Rudd: Towns such as Hastings have almost no regard. Moreover, his area has just received all the new land for the building of new homes, but we are housing market renewal money for which it asked, but I encouraged by the new homes bonus to tackle derelict did not hear him say thank you. buildings and are doing it well, despite—if I may say so—being controlled by a Labour council. Does my European Regional Development Fund right hon. Friend agree that that social bonus is as welcome to communities as the additional financial bonus? 15. Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): What steps his Department is taking to ensure the efficient Grant Shapps: I entirely agree. In the last year 85 homes approval of applications to the European regional in Hastings have been brought back into use, which is development fund. [92068] indeed welcome. It is essential for us to reverse the catastrophic policies which, under the last Government, The Minister of State, Department for Communities led to the lowest level of house building since the 1920s. and Local Government (Greg Clark): The Government have improved the management of the ERDF. We have Mr Nick Raynsford (Greenwich and Woolwich) (Lab): already saved the taxpayer £100 million on the last May I draw the House’s attention to my interests contained programme, and two thirds of the way through the in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests? current programme, two thirds of the funds have been allocated. According to the Minister’s answer to a written question that I submitted on this subject recently, more than 70% of all homes qualifying for the new homes bonus in Julian Smith: I thank the Secretary of State for using Kensington—one of the richest and most expensive his weight to sort out the recent problems involving parts of the country—are in council tax band A, which broadband and ERDF funding. Will he confirm that means that in 1991 their rateable value was less than the North Yorkshire project and pilot can proceed to £40,000. No developer or housing association director the next stage of the ERDF funding application? to whom I have spoken believes that it is possible to build a one-bedroom flat with that value, and some do Greg Clark: The Secretary of State has indeed been not think that it is possible even to build a broom helping in the negotiations with the European Commission cupboard with that value. Is the Minister’s much-vaunted to ensure that there is more flexibility on broadband 543 Oral Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Oral Answers 544 projects, which is absolutely right. I understand that Damian Hinds: Some 55,000 of the 120,000 most- Connecting North Yorkshire will proceed with those troubled families have children with behavioural problems. plans forthwith. How will the work being done to deal with problems such as serial truancy dovetail with other initiatives John Healey (Wentworth and Dearne) (Lab): Does dealing with parenting and early intervention? the Minister accept that the big block on the approval of applications is the failure to provide the match Mr Pickles: Probably about 65% of those 55,000 cases funding that is needed for many investments to boost involve truancy issues, while others involve criminal jobs and growth? There is £245 million going begging convictions and special educational needs. The purpose which is earmarked for Yorkshire. What is the Minister of this initiative is to pull all the various interventions going to do about match funding? and programmes together so that we can, at last, tackle these issues. I have found from talking to council leaders Greg Clark: The right hon. Gentleman is incorrect. of all political parties that we all recognise that we must The allocations that have been made are on track, and solve these problems, and this is our big chance to work the correct proportion have been made for this point in together to do so. the programme. Many match-funding opportunities are Housing (Affordability) available, and they are being taken up, not least in Yorkshire. The chaos caused by the previous administration of the programme lost £100 million of taxpayers’ money 18. Dr Alan Whitehead (Southampton, Test) (Lab): that could have been invested, but by making the changes What assessment he has made of recent trends in that we have made, we have saved that money for the housing affordability. [92071] taxpayer. TheParliamentaryUnder-Secretaryof StateforCommunities and Local Government (Andrew Stunell): The housing Troubled Families strategy recognised that affordability has significantly deteriorated in recent decades. Under-supply of housing 17. Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): What is a major factor. The strategy announced an ambitious progress the Troubled Families Team based in his package of measures to boost house building, including Department has made in its work. [92070] the £420 million get Britain building fund, the release of public sector land and a new-build mortgage indemnity 19. Damian Hinds (East Hampshire) (Con): What scheme. steps he plans to take to tackle the problems of the most troubled families. [92072] Dr Whitehead: Is the Minister aware that the average family in Southampton would have to spend nine times its salary in order to purchase an average house in the The Secretary of State for Communities and Local city, and that, based on rent as a proportion of median Government (Mr Eric Pickles): In December, the Prime income, Southampton’s private sector rents are also Minister announced a £448 million programme to turn deemed very unaffordable? How does he intend to take around the lives of 120,000 troubled families. So far, people out of this trap, given that even if the Government’s more than 95% of upper-tier local authorities have affordable housing programme works it will produce engaged with the programme. Local authorities have only 70% of what the Labour programme produced in begun to recruit a local troubled families co-ordinator, its last five years? and to pull together their own list of local troubled families. We have also been able to offer each area Andrew Stunell: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his £20,000 to help it to prepare for the programme. question. I should perhaps point out to him that we have a programme for 170,000 social and affordable Heidi Alexander: The funding for the troubled families homes by the end of this Parliament, which will leave initiative involves councils covering 60% of their costs the country with a net addition to the amount of social up front and central Government picking up the tab for and affordable housing, unlike the 220,000 fall in such the remaining 40%, albeit on a yet-to-be-defined payment- housing during Labour’s period in office. by-results basis. Merrick Cockell, Conservative chairman I should also point out that the most important thing of the Local Government Association, describes this we are doing is stabilising the financial situation of this model as “doomed to failure”. Does the Secretary of country and keeping interest rates low. The combination State agree with him? of policies the coalition Government are following will produce the results that the hon. Gentleman and I both Mr Pickles: The hon. Lady has, I am sure accidentally, want. given a partial quote. Sir Merrick is, of course, completely behind our approach, and was laying out a theoretical Housing (Veterans) example that we are not adopting. We do not expect the entire 60% to come from local authorities’ moneys; we 20. Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) expect some of it to come from other agencies, and (Con): What steps he has taken to support former indications so far suggest that that will be successful. members of the armed forces in relation to housing. I listened carefully to the hon. Lady’s questions to the [92073] Select Committee, and should she want to be actively involved, let me say that it is my intention that things The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant will be handled on an all-party basis and that she will be Shapps): I am determined to help current and former most welcome to make a contribution. members of the armed forces gain the housing they 545 Oral Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Oral Answers 546 deserve. Among the several measures I am taking, I providing £20,000 for each of the front-runner projects have given service personnel priority for the Government’s so that they can get on to the front foot. Should my affordable home ownership schemes, including Firstbuy, hon. Friend wish to be involved and to meet me or my and I am consulting on proposals to change the law to right hon. Friend the Minister of State, she would be make it easier for service personnel to access social more than welcome. housing. Hilary Benn (Leeds Central) (Lab): The Secretary of Gordon Henderson: I welcome the Minister’s reply. State is on record as saying that he is determined to help Will he join me in congratulating UK Homes 4 Heroes, those facing the “frightening prospect of repossession”, which supports homeless ex-service personnel? In order yet the Government are making that prospect more to see the great work that that charity is doing for our likely for many hard-pressed families. The number of brave ex-servicemen and women, will he consider visiting forced repossessions, in which the bailiffs come in, has a base for the charity’s outreach programme that is risen by 27% since he took up his job. What is he going opening in my constituency in March? to do about it? The Minister for Housing and Local Government (Grant Grant Shapps: I congratulate UK Homes 4 Heroes, Shapps): Any recession or downturn has a very long which does a tremendous job. I know that 16 very tail. When there are pressures such as those we see in the dedicated people work with that charity.I also congratulate world economy, one can understand how household all the other charities across the country that do such budgets are under pressure. That affects repossessions. great work for homeless and returning personnel. Last It must be said that had interest rates not stayed at year I held a housing summit as part of the military 0.5%—something that has been possible only because covenant to try to ensure that we do everything possible we have cut the deficit, because we have been working to to ensure that housing for people who return from cut the deficit and because we have had a credible plan having fought for this country is a No. 1 priority. to do so—and had the previous Government remained in power, we would surely have seen great numbers of Simon Kirby (Brighton, Kemptown) (Con): Does the people facing repossession. Minister agree that it is vital to consult all organisations that represent ex-service personnel when framing housing Hilary Benn: I am sorry that the Secretary of State policy that affects them? was not able to answer for himself. People want not excuses but help. The Secretary of State knew that there Grant Shapps: Yes; my hon. Friend is absolutely would be a problem, because he sent a letter to No. 10 right. I mentioned the housing summit a moment ago, last year to say that there would be an increase in the and I invited a range of service organisations to represent number of people who would lose their homes. However those personnel. It is important to get their ideas. I have much he tries to disown that letter, is it not the case, also recently written to two service organisations to whether it is because of benefit cuts that threaten more invite further contributions and all ideas are welcome, people with the loss of their home, the collapse in so I extend that invitation across the House. affordable housing starts or a Housing Minister who seems to believe that council housing is a “stagnant Topical Questions option for life”, that the only thing families can look forward to is more and more insecurity? T1. [92079] Charlotte Leslie (Bristol North West) (Con): Grant Shapps: First, the Council of Mortgage Lenders If he will make a statement on his departmental said that there would be 40,000 repossessions last year, responsibilities. but there were fewer than that; they came in at 36,000 or 37,000. I should have thought that that would be welcomed, The Secretary of State for Communities and Local even by Opposition Members. I understand that the Government (Mr Eric Pickles): I congratulate the 150 local right hon. Gentleman is tempted to go back to old authorities that have already signed up and intend to letters, but that letter has already been proved wrong in take the council tax freeze. I expect those numbers to several different ways, including the fact that its main grow as the weeks progress. On a more sombre note, I concern was the number of affordable homes that would thank Members of the House for their contributions to be built. We now know that rather than 150,000, 170,000 the commemoration of Holocaust memorial day. It is will be built. I should have thought that he would very clear to me, looking at the various events that have welcome those moves rather than going back to old taken place around the country, that Members of letters that have already been discredited. Parliament have been very heavily involved. It is important for us, at all times, to speak up and speak out against T3. [92082] Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): Will my extremism and hate. right hon. Friend instruct the Planning Inspectorate that in considering whether a local authority has made Charlotte Leslie: Will the Minister outline the measures adequate provision for housing over a five-year period he is taking to ensure that front-runner schemes, such as it should take into account all the extant granted the Lockleaze front runner project in my constituency, permissions for housing that a local authority has have sufficient expertise, resources and actual power to given, irrespective of whether construction work on do what they are remitted to do? Will he meet representatives such housing has started? of the project in my constituency? The Minister of State, Department for Communities Mr Pickles: Obviously, neighbourhood planning is a and Local Government (Greg Clark): My hon. Friend radical new right that gives communities and businesses makes an excellent point. We want to strengthen the real power in deciding the shape of the place. We will be sovereignty of local plans and it seems to me that if 547 Oral Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Oral Answers 548 councils have done their bit by granting planning your local market” fortnight, working with the sector, permission, that ought to be taken into account by the and I know that there are many excellent markets across Planning Inspectorate. I will certainly make sure that the north of England, including in his own patch. that point is reflected in the new framework on which we are consulting. T7. [92086] Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): I met the chief executive of Dale and Valley Homes in T2. [92080] Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): my constituency on Friday, when he told me that nearly What briefing does the Minister plan to give to the a quarter of his tenants will be hit by the bedroom tax. Prime Minister to ensure that he knows that, contrary He said that many of those people are not on benefit to what he has repeatedly suggested in statements, rents but are working and are on a low-income or minimum are, apart from the odd small drop, continuing to rise wage, and that he has no smaller houses to move them across the country, hitting hard-pressed families? The on to. What does the Minister say to my constituents Prime Minister needs to know. who risk losing their home or being driven out of minimum-wage jobs on to benefits as a result of the Grant Shapps: It is absolutely true that rent rises are reforms? of concern and put a lot of pressure on people, but it is also true that private sector rents did not rise at the Grant Shapps: The hon. Lady points to an unnecessarily same pace as mortgage costs right up to 2007, so to miserable view of the changes being made, which have some extent the market has been catching up with the overwhelming support of this country. Things have house prices. However, the hon. Gentleman is wrong to to be the same for those on welfare as for those in work say that it is only one month of drops, because LSL has and, as Members will know, there are many people in reported a second month of drops in rent prices. their 20s and 30s who share properties—not rooms but properties—and the same should be the case for those T5. [92084] Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con): Given that on benefits. the Fylde borough council local plan will not come into force for a couple of years, what assurances can my T8.[92087] Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) right hon. Friend give me and my constituents that we (Con): Last week, Thames Steel in my constituency will not see a stampede of planning applications in the went into administration with 350 workers being made meantime? redundant. That is another employment blow for the Isle of Sheppey, which already has above-average Greg Clark: I certainly encourage my hon. Friend’s unemployment. Will my right hon. Friend consider council to make all speed in producing its plan, as it is designating Sheppey as an enterprise zone so that we desirable that there should be a plan in place. However, encourage more firms into the area? the transitional arrangements that we will put in place will make sure that councils that are doing the right thing by planning for the future of their area will not be Mr Pickles: It is relatively easy to create an enterprise disadvantaged. zone without the Government’s help. All that is required is a local development order, which the council can T4. [92083] Mr Adrian Bailey (West Bromwich West) provide, and deals on superfast broadband, which the (Lab/Co-op): The Minister’s Department estimates that council can put together. Councils now have the ability neighbourhood plans could cost each council up to to discount business rates. If my hon. Friend would like £63,000, but each council could receive only £20,000 at to come to see us, I shall put my Department at his best. Given that both council planning and planning disposal to take him through the process to help his aid budgets are being cut, can the Minister explain just local council. how these will be implemented without diverting scarce resources from other much-needed services? Mr Jack Straw (Blackburn) (Lab): Is the Secretary of State aware that some developers, including Peel Holdings, Greg Clark: We have put funds aside to make sure which has a small retail park in Whitebirk, between that there is support for communities in preparing Accrington and Blackburn, appear to have aggregated a neighbourhood plans. In fact, we have another round of series of minor planning permissions gained over the front-runners. We have been deluged with applications years for minor modifications to existing planning to get on with neighbourhood planning and we have permissions to claim that they are entitled to a lawful heard examples of that from across the House today. development certificate justifying a major change of We will make sure that there is support for all these use? Does he also accept that that practice appears to communities. run contrary to, and potentially undermines, his entirely commendable approach to strengthening high streets? T6. [92085] Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Cleveleys) (Con): I am sure that my right hon. Friend will join me Mr Pickles: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman in praising the contribution that many indoor markets for giving me notice of his question. The whole process across the north of England make to our local of securing small plots of land within a larger plot communities, including Cleveleys and Bispham in my under change of use and making minor modifications is constituency. Will he update the House on the progress normal and, by and large, that works reasonably well. he is making on implementing the recommendations of However, a local authority can take into consideration the Mary Portas review? the cumulative effect on the larger plot in looking at those individual applications. If it appears to the local Grant Shapps: I am pleased to tell my hon. Friend authority that the developer has abused the system or that we will have a Government response to the Mary has taken a number of measures that will affect the Portas review by spring. We have also backed the “Love whole, it is perfectly possible to take that into consideration. 549 Oral Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Oral Answers 550

T9. [92088] Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) Greg Clark: An announcement will be made about (LD): Under planned housing benefit changes, more than the Sustainable Communities Act regulations very shortly. 2,000 of my constituents in social housing are expected Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): I thank the to move to accommodation outside the social rented Minister for that answer and note that a quarter of the sector. They will be forced to move to smaller, more recommendations in the Portas review were suggestions expensive accommodation in the private rented sector, that had been put forward under the Sustainable thereby increasing the housing benefit bill. Is it not about Communities Act. When bringing forward those regulations, time that the Minister for Housing and Local Government, will he ensure that town and parish councils have the along with the Department for Work and Pensions, right to make suggestions directly to the Government scrapped those ludicrous plans for existing tenants? under the Act, rather than having to depend on county Grant Shapps: The context of the housing benefit councils to act as unnecessary gatekeepers? changes in particular need to be taken into account. Greg Clark: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. We have The housing benefit bill was only £14 billion 10 years opened up the Government to receive representations ago. It is now £21 billion, and left unchecked, it would directly from all members of the community, whether be £25 billion by the end of this Parliament. We propose communitygroupsorindividuals,ratherthanthemneeding to ensure that it does not increase to more than £23 billion. togothroughafilterbeforearrivingwiththeGovernment. That is the scale of the changes—not £25 billion but £23 billion. Opposition Members seem to be disagreeing Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): I would like today. In the past week, they have agreed, then disagreed, to give the Housing Minister a third opportunity to give then agreed, then disagreed. The House has a right to a straight answer on the bedroom tax. The real reason know where they stand on this matter as well. why housing benefit has risen so much is the growth of the private rented sector, so why are council and housing Alison Seabeck (Plymouth, Moor View) (Lab): I draw association tenants being told to either leave their homes the attention of the House to my indirect interest in or take a benefit cut? those registered by my right hon. Friend the Member for Greenwich and Woolwich (Mr Raynsford). Grant Shapps: A whole range of protections is in place, May I take the Minister back to his answer to my including the fact that people can choose to bridge the right hon. Friend the Member for Leeds Central (Hilary gap themselves. If they cannot do that, a discretionary Benn)? Will he give a straight yes or no—very simple—as fund of £190 million is available. If that does not work, to whether he expects the number of forced evictions in by definition a third of properties within the local the private rented sector to increase in the coming year? housing area are available. There are just some decisions that cannot be delayed, and it must be right that people Grant Shapps: The answer is that I very much I hope who are in receipt of different types of benefits, whether that the number does not increase, and there is a very social housing or housing benefit, have to make the large sum of money—something like £200 million— same decisions as people who rent or own privately. available for the mortgage rescue scheme. We are doing everything that we can to ensure that people stay in Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) (Con): Many of my their home, including encouraging people to seek early constituents are wondering what the point is of local help and advice. In fact, I held a meeting of the home elections when so many decisions taken by the elected finance forum only last week in conjunction with the local authority, and supported by the majority of people, Treasury and the sector. The single greatest thing that are simply overruled by remote authorities. Given that we can do to keep people in their home in this country is the referendum clause has been deleted from the Localism to cut the deficit. Bill, what hope can my constituents have that we will see a genuine shift in favour of local democracy? James Morris (Halesowen and Rowley Regis) (Con): TheParliamentaryUnder-Secretaryof StateforCommunities I think it is fair to say that there has been a healthy and Local Government (Andrew Stunell): I draw my hon. debate about the contents of the national policy planning Friend’s attention to the referendum carried out in Salford framework, but does the Minister agree that there is an last Thursday. Local residents convened a referendum urgent need to press ahead with simplification of the on whether the local authority’s system of governance framework so that we can secure the sustainable should be changed and got a positive result. It is entirely development and economic growth that we desperately possible for local residents to take control of the governance need in this country? of their local authorities should they wish to do so. Greg Clark: I do agree with that. My hon. Friend is a Mr Andy Slaughter (Hammersmith) (Lab): The chief member of the Select Committee on Communities and executive of Hammersmith and Fulham borough council Local Government, which considered the matter, and it recently retired. Thanks to a pay rise of £11,000 last year, concurred that it was necessary and desirable to simplify which took his salary to £281,000, the Library calculates the planning system that has grown to such an extent that he will receive a pension of £100,000 and a tax-free that it holds back growth and gets in the way of local lump sum of £250,000. When the council is cutting Sure people participating in the future of their neighbourhood. Start by 50%, is this a good use of public money? Steve Rotheram (Liverpool, Walton) (Lab): It is nearly Mr Pickles: I am sure that the answer is no. I am two years since this nightmare coalition was thrown pleased that the level of chief executive remuneration together, yet we are still waiting for it to implement the has dropped by 14% and that 25% of chief executives regulations stemming from the Sustainable Communities have taken a voluntary pay cut. I am also pleased that Act 2007. To quote a twice delivered speech in the Hammersmith and Fulham is reducing its council tax Chamber, if not now, when? for the fourth year running. 551 30 JANUARY 2012 Victims and Witnesses Strategy 552

Victims and Witnesses Strategy practical help to people in the aftermath of the crime, whereby we sort out compensation so that it is targeted at the most serious cases, and whereby criminals contribute 3.32 pm to the costs of victims’ services, instead of being able to The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice make claims as if they were blameless, law-abiding (Mr Kenneth Clarke): Today I have laid before Parliament victims of crime themselves. a consultation on far-reaching plans to improve the way I propose therefore that we will introduce a new our criminal justice system deals with victims of crime. victims code, so that victims know what to expect Proper protection and support for those who have during the investigation and trial process, and know suffered at the hands of criminals is a fundamental part where to turn when things go wrong; we will set out of a civilised justice system, yet ours is falling short in plans to make improvements to the practical and emotional some respects. Victims of crime should be able to rely support available to victims, raising up to £50 million on justice that is not only swift and sure, punishing from the perpetrators of crime through the victims offenders properly, but intelligent and effective. That surcharge and financial penalties; we will move decisions means, among other things, a system that promotes about local priorities for most victims’ services away reparation, requiring criminals to make amends to victims from Whitehall, so that the vast majority of funding is and society for the wrongs that have been done, and a in the hands of democratically accountable police and system in which compensation is focused on serious crime commissioners; and we will reform the criminal cases and is not available to those who have themselves injuries compensation scheme, so that it is sustainable committed crime. Current arrangements do not always in the long term. measure up well against those ideals. Compensation should be focused on those with serious There has been a good deal of criticism recently injuries that have long-term or permanent consequences. about the experiences of victims in the aftermath of a We propose therefore that the top 13 bands—more than crime. For one reason or another, a consistently high half the tariff bands—covering the most serious injuries standard of victims’ services is not available all over the continue to be compensated at the current level. We will country. The Government have a responsibility to ensure also protect tariff awards at lower levels, if necessary, that practical and emotional support to help victims for the families of homicide victims, and awards for recover from the consequences of crime is provided sexual crimes or persistent physical abuse. when required. Of course, high-quality counselling and In order to offer that protection, and to fund the practical support costs money and perpetrators of crime scheme sustainably, we propose to reduce or remove should, wherever possible, contribute to the costs instead awards for those with less grave injuries. Injuries such as of taxpayers having to pick up the entire bill. sprained ankles, broken toes or bruised ribs, from which The process of justice, as experienced by the victim, people tend to recover fairly quickly, will no longer be also needs to improve. Investigation and trial involve covered at all. In a further step, those who have committed inevitable stresses, but it is unacceptable that victims crimes against others and have unspent criminal convictions still frequently report being told too little, too late about will, in most cases, no longer be eligible to seek taxpayer the progress of their case, or being expected in court to compensation when others commit crimes against them. sit next to the families of offenders. It adds insult The overall ambition of the changes is that total to injury that, if something goes wrong in the process, spending levels on victims—compensation, counselling victims have to choose between 14 different routes of and support—should remain the same. However, I believe complaint. Victims have already been badly hurt by that the proposals we are consulting on today will mean crime. The system should not be rubbing salt into the that finite funding is used more wisely. Instead of wounds. compensation going to those with less serious injuries Finally, in this list of matters that we are addressing, and to those who have broken the law, it will be targeted there is compensation. In my view, no amount of money where it counts most—on the most serious injuries. The can make up for the injury or emotional trauma that support services, which many victims need as much as often results from a crime. The criminal injuries or more than compensation, will be available when compensation scheme, since it was set up in 1964 and required, paid for as far as possible by offenders and then reformed in 1996, has offered a measure of support not by the taxpayer. from the taxpayer to victims of crime. Successive previous For families bereaved by homicide and those affected Governments, almost from the first, have never been by serious violent and sexual crimes, the reforms will able to ensure that the scheme has been properly funded, move compensation on to a sustainable footing and at and this has had the wholly undesirable consequence the same time improve the quality and availability of whereby claimants can wait months and, in some cases, practical support and advice. This constitutes intelligent, years for the process to run its course and payments to radical reform to sort out a system that is not working arrive. Meanwhile, millions of pounds have been spent well and it will give a better deal to victims. compensating people for minor injuries such as sprained I wish to make good on the previous Government’s ankles and broken fingers. Even more perverse is the commitment—on which we agreed—to compensate victims fact that over the past decade more than £75 million has of overseas terrorism. I believe that it is important that been paid in compensation to 20,000 claimants who are British victims of terrorist attacks abroad should in themselves convicted criminals. It is no surprise that the future qualify for compensation on a similar basis to scheme, in its current form, is not sustainable. victims of domestic terrorism. From April, we will The consultation published today seeks views on a set make ex gratia payments to victims of past incidents, of reforms to deliver a more proportionate, speedy and going back to 2002, on the basis of the current CICS effective system to provide for the needs of victims of tariff, as the previous Government proposed. I recognise crime. I want to see a system that prioritises high-quality the concern that was caused by the delay in confirming 553 Victims and Witnesses Strategy30 JANUARY 2012 Victims and Witnesses Strategy 554

[Mr Kenneth Clarke] just 3% of the total over the past 10 years. Will he confirm that there will be no further cuts to the CICA the details of these schemes and I thank all those who budget? waited patiently for the announcement while the detail I put it on the record that we continue to support the was being worked out. victims surcharge, which was introduced by the previous Despite improvements introduced by successive Government and under which offenders work and pay Governments, victims still too often feel let down by the towards victims’ services and victims. Will the Justice criminal justice system, yet they are the people to whom Secretary assure the House that none of the services we have the greatest responsibility. Their needs should that are funded by the surcharge will face cuts because be dealt with sensitively, proportionately and promptly. of the additional surcharge that he referred to, which I believe that the proposals that we are setting out today will go to the CICA? will ensure that victims’ services are on a more sensible As well as presiding over a 43% reduction in crime, and sustainable footing, and will go a long way to Labour sought to improve the experience of victims in putting right the failings of the past. I commend the the justice system. To be fair, the 98-page White Paper statement to the House. lists some of the advances made over the 13 years of a Labour Government. I am already on record as saying that Labour would commit to working with victims 3.41 pm groups and the Government to introduce a victims law Sadiq Khan (Tooting) (Lab): First, I thank the Justice so that the rights of the bereaved families of homicide Secretary for his usual courtesy in giving me advance victims were honoured, and I am pleased that the right sight of the statement, albeit a much-delayed statement hon. and learned Gentleman has announced a victims that it has taken the Government 20 months to draft. code today. I am pleased also that he has taken on board the announcement that I made at the Labour Our attitude towards victims should always be at the party conference—I have no problems with his stealing top of our priority list. Quite simply, without victims our ideas, I just hope that he will go the whole distance and witnesses there would be no justice system. Without and ensure that the code is enshrined in statute and not victims having confidence that our justice system will just another unenforceable and ignored code of practice. effectively punish and reform offenders, fewer would report crimes or come forward with evidence as witnesses. We have a duty to support victims through all stages That is one reason why we have a basic duty to treat of the process, and today’s strategy will be judged victims of crime and witnesses with the dignity that against that duty.My fear is about whether the Government they deserve. will be able to deliver the justice that victims in this country deserve, bearing in mind their record over the Sometimes it is the little things that make a big past 20 months. I hope that I am wrong. difference, such as ensuring that victims and witnesses have court proceedings explained to them, so that they understand how the trial is progressing. However, sometimes Mr Clarke: The right hon. Gentleman first touched it is the bigger things that matter, such as giving them on the arguments that we have been having on a wide the support that they need to recover from the trauma range of other justice and sentencing issues, and on one of a crime, or ensuring that sentencing is transparent or two subjects on which I was not aware that we had and fair in delivering effective punishment. Many of any differences on policy. The fact that he started on those things do not cost anything. that basis rather led me to believe that he was not really very opposed to a great deal of what we have put As a result of Labour’s record on crime, there were forward in our consultation document. 7 million fewer crimes a year by the time we left government in 2010 than in 1997. There were therefore countless I shall deal with the right hon. Gentleman’s specific fewer victims of crime. That is the most sure-fire way in questions. We are able to go ahead with terrorism which we can help. We must have policies backed up by compensation. I quite accept that it has taken some adequate resources to ensure that people do not become time since it was announced, and supported by us, victims in the first place. during the time of the previous Government. We are putting it on exactly the same basis as the domestic This Government’s policy on law and order is all over CICS, and the time has been taken up getting the details the place. The way they treat victims of crime is a prime of that scheme right. The domestic compensation scheme example. Over the past 20 months, their policies on bail, was left to us with an enormous financial deficit, and sentencing, the chief coroner, domestic violence and we are striving to make it sustainable and financeable, I rape have shown them to be out of touch with victims hope without significant further change, in a way that it of crime in this country. has never really been since it was first introduced back I welcome the fact that, after nearly three years in in the 1960s. government, in April 2013 the Justice Secretary will The right hon. Gentleman asked whether I could finally honour the commitment to compensate innocent guarantee that there would be no further reductions in victims of overseas terrorism. However, the time that it criminal injuries compensation. As I have just said, I has taken to come to that decision, despite cross-party very much hope there will not be. The scheme was set support, is shameful. Will he confirm that the funds for up in 1964 and ran into financial difficulties almost that policy will not come from the resources destined straight away. It was altered in 1996, and the last for victims of crime in this country? Government kept consulting on it but not doing very On the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, much. By one measure, when I took over from my the Justice Secretary focused on the £75 million that has predecessor there was an unfunded deficit of £750 million. been paid to those with unspent convictions, which was We have had to find a lot of extra money from the 555 Victims and Witnesses Strategy30 JANUARY 2012 Victims and Witnesses Strategy 556

Treasury to deal with unfunded pre-tariff liabilities, and explained, we are hoping to get more from the victims we are trying to put the matter on a set footing for the surcharge to give more money to victim support services future. in general across the country, because there are still The victims surcharge will be raised in a fairer way, deficiencies in them. I think we are all agreed that it is a and I do not think there is any question of any cuts very good idea that courts should make compensation being made. At the moment the surcharge is levied only orders for the victims of crime. on those who pay fines. It is fair that it should be levied We hope that that will be done more often as a matter also on those who go to prison or serve community of course in court, but it depends on the defendant’s sentences, and that is how we are changing it. We hope means, so we must look at how the court gets better to get a substantially bigger contribution from those information on the assets available to pay for such who commit a crime, to compensate the people who things. That will come later as we work on the proposals. have suffered from it. We must also improve the recoverability of compensation As we move the detail of the current services to orders. We all believe that we should cover more by way local responsibility and to the new police and crime of fines, compensation orders and so on, and that that commissioners, we will still provide specialist services steadily improves. The difficulty is that a large number for bereaved families nationally. We have put extra of people before the court either do not have much money into that, and into specialist groups, on Louise money or will not co-operate in recovering it. As for all Casey’s recommendation, but we will not reduce the creditors recovering money from extremely reluctant support for Victim Support. Support will be provided and feckless debtors, it is difficult for us to raise that more locally and sensitively by the commissioners, who money, but we hope to have the assistance and advice of will have to build up partnerships with a lot of local the Home Affairs Committee from time to time on how agencies. We have of course done such things as putting we might improve that record. extra money into rape support centres to open some new ones and give the current ones long-term funding Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): Can I clarify security for the first time. with the Secretary of State whether a mass murderer in prison will be entitled to compensation if they are I concede that the last Government made considerable beaten up by another prisoner? improvements on victims and witnesses during their term of office. Awareness of the inadequacies of how Mr Clarke: There is a discretionary element in the the criminal justice system dealt with victims and witnesses current system so that a very bad criminal record can be began to grow in the ’80s and ’90s, and it has been a taken into account. At least one mass murderer did not fairly continuous process from the early 1990s onwards. get compensation for an injury in prison. My answer to However, we are making a significant step forward. As I the question is no, he certainly should not get compensation. said when I began my reply, I believe that the right hon. We are going much further; it is simply not right for Gentleman and his hon. Friends will find it quite difficult someone one week to commit a crime against another to find very much with which they disagree. member of the public, and the next week to say that the taxpayer must compensate him because somebody has Anna Soubry (Broxtowe) (Con): I agree with and committed a crime against him. There may be exceptions support today’s announcement of these reforms, but to that on the fringes, but we must go much further even does the Lord Chancellor agree that nothing in them in the straightforward case that my hon. Friend describes. will stop the victims of crime receiving compensation directly from the offender when sentence is passed? Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): I Some would say that that is at the very heart of the commend the Secretary of State for his statement, but Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders what does he propose to do in cases—including a recent Bill, which is currently going through the other place. one in my constituency, to which I drew his attention—when an offender commits a serious offence and receives a Mr Clarke: We are seeking to make it more of an community sentence, but then, via Facebook or other obligation on the court to consider making a compensation social media, claims to have got away with it, adding order for the victim when they appear for a crime. We insult to injury for the victim? Will he consider a power are also trying to address ways in which we can improve of recall to the court so that such offenders can be held the collection of that compensation so it can be paid to account? over. My hon. Friend touches on what ought to be a key feature of the justice system, and one that needs to be Mr Clarke: I will consider it. Such situations are improved. extremely irritating, and in extreme cases could be contempt of court, but as the right hon. Gentleman Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): Six months on from knows, no one has ever found a way to deal with them. the riots last August, only 42 people have received There always will be cases when some miscreant leaves compensation under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886. The court and celebrates too vigorously the fact that he has Home Affairs Committee report suggests that there not lost his liberty or in some other way. If he starts should be a review of the victims surcharge. Is that part adding insult to the court or his victims, something of the Lord Chancellor’s strategy? Does he agree that should be done to find a way of dealing with him under compensation should go directly to the victim rather the rules of contempt of court. than to a general fund? Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): I welcome Mr Clarke: The victims surcharge has always been the Secretary of State’s statement and the proposals, separate from orders for compensation for victims—or particularly on requiring offenders to pay more to at least it has for a long time. Either way, as I have compensate victims and on providing compensation to 557 Victims and Witnesses Strategy30 JANUARY 2012 Victims and Witnesses Strategy 558

[Tom Brake] inevitable delay in payments because they cannot be funded. Every year, the Home Office previously and UK victims of terrorism abroad. On UK victims of now the Ministry of Justice has had to find more money crimes abroad, will the Secretary of State agree to meet to put into the scheme to try to keep ahead of the a cross-party group of MPs to look at the issue of claims. A realistic attempt to concentrate the funding people who are victims of serious crimes of another on the most serious offences that have lasting or permanent nature, such as serious assault? consequences should enable us to pay those people more promptly, rather than paying quite as many people Mr Clarke: It would be very nice to do that, but that as we do at present for a wide range of injuries. is the history of this scheme from the start, which is why the aspirations of Parliament and Government have Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): There are always run rather ahead of the available funding. I many people who are victims of crime, but no prosecution would like to compensate people with broken fingers or follows because they are victims of racist harassment, sprained ankles, but that would get us into arrears and neighbourhood terrorism or domestic violence. There is months and years of delay before anyone could be paid. a problem of getting independent witnesses and therefore We have to concentrate on the most serious cases. As far getting a prosecution. Within the context of the reforms, as people abroad are concerned, all kinds of nasty is the Secretary of State prepared to consider enhanced things can happen abroad, although we hope that they funding and support for professional witness schemes usually do not. People can have all sorts of crimes so that we can bring about a greater sense of safety for committed against them or catch all sorts of peculiar those people who are suffering serious racist harassment diseases, but we have to bear in mind that British in our society? taxpayers’ obligation to compensate in such cases has to be limited to a certain extent. Mr Clarke: One of the things that we are consulting On terrorism, the case has always been that it cannot on—we have not mentioned it much, but anything we be insured against, and that is why everybody has can do would be valuable—is increased support for agreed that the taxpayer should compensate in such witnesses. It has got better in recent years, but support cases. I would be reluctant to accede more readily to to enable witnesses to find the experience a little less going further and adding yet more people whom the intimidating than they otherwise might, and to explain British taxpayer has to compensate for unfortunate to them the process through which they will go, is experiences in Africa. always valuable and needs to be improved. As far as people who are victims of crimes about which they do Mr Elfyn Llwyd (Dwyfor Meirionnydd) (PC): The not complain or which have not led to a prosecution, we victims code is most welcome, although not as novel as have considered that and are issuing a consultation one might think. I seem to have heard about it a few document. But the underlying rule of the scheme has times before. How will delivery of the service uniformly always been that, in order to get compensation, people across England, Wales and Scotland be affected by the must be prepared to co-operate with the police and the fact that the Lord Chancellor has closed down 40% of prosecutors to get the crime dealt with, and we have to the court venues, that police numbers are falling and keep that. We have dealt specially with repeated physical that thousands of court staff have been made redundant? violence, and that is meant to address domestic violence and some of the other cases to which the hon. Gentleman Mr Clarke: The victims code has been steadily improved referred. over the years—it is all very well for the right hon. Gentleman to be a little sarcastic about it; it has been renamed—and we intend to improve on that. The right Nick Boles (Grantham and Stamford) (Con): I welcome hon. Member for Tooting (Sadiq Khan) says that he the Lord Chancellor’s statement, but does he understand will make it a victims law, but it is the same thing. The that my constituent Trevor Lakin can never be compensated one reason for not putting it on a statutory footing is for the loss of his son Jeremy in the Sharm el Sheikh that we are waiting to see what comes out of the attack? He has been fighting for years for compensation European victims directive, which we have opted into, for the sake of such people as Will Pike, who survived so that we can clarify the legal obligations. We will an attack in Mumbai. Will Pike is trying to rebuild his improve the service, and it has nothing to do with the life and needs help from the Government to do so. closure of under-used courts in various parts of the country. Mr Clarke: I agree with my hon. Friend, who has campaigned consistently on the issue since arriving in Mr Robert Buckland (South Swindon) (Con): One of the House. Nothing can ever compensate people who the problems that my right hon. and learned Friend suffer severe consequences or bereavement as the result referred to with the criminal injuries compensation of a serious crime, which is why the scheme has always scheme has been delay. The backlog reached a high of aimed only to make a contribution towards easing the 85,000 cases a few years ago under the previous financial problems that such victims suffer. In the case Government, although the figure is coming down. What of overseas terrorism, we are moving as we are and in effect will these proposals have on reducing the appalling future the direct victims of overseas terrorism will be delays that victims of crime are suffering? able to receive compensation on the same basis as on the domestic scene. We are still imposing some limitations Mr Clarke: I am glad to say that the figure is coming on claims by family and so on, but this is an enormous down, but delay is the most serious symptom of the advance on the previous situation in which nothing was underlying failing of the system. For as long as I can being done, as all parties agreed in the last Parliament remember, we have had deficits in the funding and an that it should. 559 Victims and Witnesses Strategy30 JANUARY 2012 Victims and Witnesses Strategy 560

Ann Coffey (Stockport) (Lab): It cannot be right that were absolutely terrified of giving evidence again. The children who have suffered sexual exploitation by multiple Secretary of State has said that there is no way to perpetrators then have to endure days of aggressive protect people giving evidence from cross-examination, questioning by defence lawyers in court. What does the but is there any system whereby these people, who are Secretary of State propose to do to support child victims often very frightened when attending court, could be giving evidence in court and make it a less distressing protected? experience for them? Mr Clarke: Nowadays, victim support officers will Mr Clarke: In the consultation document we address talk to witnesses before they attend court, and it is vulnerable witnesses, who often include children, particularly possible for witnesses to be shown the court beforehand— those whose evidence involves fairly traumatic events. certainly they will be taken through the process that There are arrangements now, of course: it is no longer they can expect to be followed. It is essential to the rules necessarily the case that such children are exposed to of justice, however, that evidence be properly tested. If open court. A certain amount of judicial discretion we are to deal severely with criminals, we have to ensure must be left, but in suitable cases video evidence and so that the person convicted actually committed the on are now obtained. I hope that the consultation offence. It is right, therefore, that he—or, better, his document will enable us to see what more can be done representatives—has the opportunity to test the evidence to ensure, first, that justice is done, but justice is best against him if he maintains his innocence. Judges have done when witnesses give evidence in the most suitable powers to intervene if the questioning becomes offensive and justifiable circumstances. One cannot shield an or irrelevant, but in the light of recent cases we are adult from cross-examination, but one can certainly considering how to strengthen those powers so that shield someone as vulnerable as a child of the kind that offenders do not gratuitously add insult to their offence. the hon. Lady described. It is difficult, however, because one can treat an offender with proper severity only once he has had every opportunity Philip Davies (Shipley) (Con): It is fair to say that the to maintain his innocence and the court has found that Secretary of State and I have not always seen eye to eye he is lying and guilty. on criminal justice matters, so it is a rare treat to be able to congratulate my right hon. and learned Friend on his Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): Following the question proposals for preventing criminals from accessing the from the hon. Member for Shipley (Philip Davies), may criminal injuries compensation scheme. What assessment I ask whether the Government have specifically considered has he made of whether the proposal will meet the whether convicted criminals excluded from an application requirement of the Human Rights Act 1998, or indeed under the scheme could take their case to the European his beloved European convention on human rights? If it Court of Human Rights? This is a legitimate point. falls foul of them, what does he propose to do at that stage? Mr Clarke: We must ensure that the approach is proportionate and the circumstances appropriate. The Mr Clarke: It is a rare treat for me as well to find hon. Gentleman, who raises a perfectly serious point, myself agreeing with my hon. Friend. Who knows will see his question canvassed in the consultation document. where it might lead? It might not lead to instant agreement It is not for me to suggest circumstances in which on the Human Rights Act, but I see no jeopardy to the difficulties might arise. However, if someone was convicted proposals in the consultation paper from any claims for shop lifting and then, a year or two later, was the under the Act. I look forward to continuing to have victim of an extremely serious assault in unrelated interesting debates with him about the subject on other circumstances, that might be an exceptional case. If occasions. someone with a previous conviction has got themselves injured intervening to protect another victim from another Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): The Secretary of crime, that, too, might be an exceptional case. I do not State used the example of millions of pounds being want to sketch out all the exceptional cases, however, spent on compensation for sprained ankles and broken because there would not be many of them. Nevertheless, fingers, but he did not use the example that he used in I think that we can protect ourselves against challenge the press of someone gaining compensation for being as long as it is possible to consider those cases. However, hit over the head with a bunch of flowers and the the bulk of criminals should not be entitled to payment psychological damage caused. Will he outline to the from the taxpayer when they are victims of crime themselves. House the details of that case, in the same way that he required the Home Secretary to outline the details of Mr David Nuttall (Bury North) (Con): The current the cat in the immigration case? maximum award available under the criminal injuries compensation scheme to the most seriously injured Mr Clarke: The hon. Gentleman will notice that I did victims of crime is much less than they would receive not use that example. [Interruption.] No, I have not. I from a civil law claim for damages. Do the plans contain might be quoted as having used that example, but I have any proposals to remedy this problem? not. He asked why I did not. I would like to make careful inquiries about exactly where that well-known Mr Clarke: That was the problem when the scheme case actually occurred, and what the precise circumstances was first set up—I remember wrestling with it 20 years were. ago. At that point, we had slipped into a situation in which a compensation claim was assessed as though it Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): On Friday, I was was a personal injuries claim in a civil court, which told by a constituent whose family were about to go to meant that every case took ages to litigate, lots of appeal court—they were victims, of course—that they lawyers would turn up to make representations on the 561 Victims and Witnesses Strategy30 JANUARY 2012 Victims and Witnesses Strategy 562

[Mr Kenneth Clarke] while we consult on it: it is a non-consultative part of the document. We are going to implement the scheme in basis of large numbers of medical reports, and the costs April, and I hope that will lead to prompt payment. It soared. Everybody accepted that this was completely has taken far too long, and we will certainly do everything unsustainable. The compensation scheme for criminal we can to make the payments as promptly as possible, injuries is not meant to be full compensation; it is meant though some will have to be assessed, in order to get the to be a contribution towards covering the financial figure right in each case. consequences of the injury. As I said earlier, it would be nice if the taxpayer could pay everybody full compensation Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): One of the as if it were a civil award, but frankly that was never concerns in family law cases is that the victims of practicable from the moment it started, and it certainly domestic violence can, in subsequent proceedings—perhaps is not affordable now. on issues of custody or other things to do with children—be faced with a party litigant against them. Is it not the Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): May I return case that the changes to legal aid will make that sort of to the question about delays? Certainly for victims of thing more likely to happen, and that that is extremely serious crime—either threats of violence or violence oppressive to victims? itself—delays in the investigation and delays by the Crown Prosecution Service and in the court process Mr Clarke: The hon. Lady has ingeniously raised a simply add to the menace that victims suffer. The Secretary point that is wholly relevant to the legal aid provisions of State has made some suggestions on how to proceed, in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders but will he assure us that this matter will be a key Bill, which is in another place, and not to this statement. consideration when drawing conclusions from the In family law it is by no means unusual for the parties to consultation? Of all the matters I have dealt with, face each other, and if one starts behaving badly towards perhaps the most harrowing involve those who live in the other, the judges just have to use the powers available fear, suffering a sentence while those awaiting trial are to them to stop that happening. It is simply not possible free on the outside. to make every aspect of a dispute in court free of any stress or problem for both sides, because usually the Mr Clarke: Most of the delays that I have been parties in such cases are arguing about very stressful talking about are delays in payment of criminal injuries and emotional things about which both parties are compensation, but I agree with the hon. Gentleman considerably overwrought. that it is just as important that we do something about delays in the criminal justice system. We must improve Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): I the efficiencies of the court, avoid wasting as much time welcome this statement, and in particular the commitment as is wasted currently, and so on. Together with the to support British victims of terrorism overseas. As the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice, my right Secretary of State implies, this is long overdue. As hon. Friend the Member for Arundel and South Downs compensation goes, I think terrorism falls into a different (Nick Herbert), we are working on ways of improving category from a broken finger, which he mentioned, or the efficiencies of the court so that the more straightforward a robbery. It is a brutal message from the state. Terrorists cases can be dealt with more promptly and those that do not recognise borders, but our compensation system are contested are handled more efficiently, to everybody’s does. Will he confirm that Britons affected by terrorist advantage, including in terms of court costs, police attacks, such as those in Bali, Sharm el Sheikh or costs, and everything else. Our system does not have as Mumbai, will be supported in the same way as those many delays as some of the worst in western Europe, affected by 7/7, including for loss of earnings? but if someone is staying in custody for too long before they can get a trial, it is bad for justice. However, I agree Mr Clarke: My hon. Friend has campaigned strongly that the biggest complaint we usually get from laymen on this subject—again, ever since he has been in the in criminal cases that have gone slightly wrong is that it House—and I am very much aware of his views. What I has taken too long to get to court and that there have have announced for the ex gratia arrangement—that is, been several abortive appearances that wasted their the one that is paid under no legal obligation, but which time before the case finally got dealt with. we have agreed to pay for those whose claims will predate the new scheme’s coming into effect—is in Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) exactly the same terms as what was announced under (LD): The Justice Secretary has generously recognised the previous Government, which was agreed to by both the concern felt by the families of Jeremy Lakin, a my party and the Liberal Democrat party. That constituent of mine, and others who were either killed arrangement does not include loss of earnings, and we or injured in serious incidents such as those in Sharm el are not going back to try to revalue it. However, in Sheikh or Mumbai, given that the original commitment future claims will be eligible for compensation on exactly was made by the last Government, before the last the same basis that they would have been eligible for election. Given the delay so far, can the Justice Secretary compensation for a similar crime in the United Kingdom. assure them and others in their position that the announcement of April payments will mean that it will Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): Will the be possible to make payments soon after the beginning Secretary of State confirm that the consultation will of the next financial year? What they need is certainty. also look into the issue of prison officers who are assaulted by lifers? In such cases, the CPS routinely Mr Clarke: Yes, I can assure my right hon. Friend on takes the view that it is not in the public interest to that. We are not consulting on this because it has been prosecute as the perpetrators are already in prison. around for so long. We are not having further delay Compensation matters, but so does justice, to prison 563 Victims and Witnesses Strategy30 JANUARY 2012 Victims and Witnesses Strategy 564 officers such as my constituent Neil Walker, who, along each case accurately, to ensure that it is the serious, with colleagues, was seriously assaulted by Kevan Thakrar. lasting problems that are compensated, as they quite Some of those prison officers will never work again. properly are now. They need compensation, but they also need justice. Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con): I commend Mr Clarke: Prison officers do an extremely important the Lord Chancellor for his statement, which any right- and sometimes dangerous job, so I entirely share the minded person would regard as sensible and forward hon. Lady’s views on the need to look after and protect thinking. Does he agree that support services are as them. They are entitled to, and should receive, criminal important as compensation for many victims? Does he injuries compensation on exactly the same basis as any think it right and proper that the taxpayer should not other citizen. I would expect the CPS to take allegations be asked to pay for those support services when the of assault or violence against prison officers just as offender can do so? seriously as they would take such allegations relating to any other citizen, and I think that it usually does. I Mr Clarke: Support services are sometimes more cannot intervene in individual cases, and there is always important. The trauma suffered by a victim is not some discretion, but I agree that our prison officers always proportionate to the seriousness of a crime. deserve the fullest possible protection that we, as a Some people, for example, are hardy and can get over a society, can give them. nasty experience fairly rapidly, while some frail, vulnerable people can be severely affected for many years by a Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): Will the consultation comparatively minor incident. We are trying to ensure document cover the possibility of curbing payments of that the support services are better targeted so that we compensation to people who have been convicted abroad can concentrate on those who really need the help, and but now reside in this country? that local priorities are determined more locally. It is obviously sensible to say—no one has disagreed with Mr Clarke: I think it certainly should, but I will have the view today—that those who commit crimes, including to examine further how effective the administrative those who go to prison and those who receive a community arrangements for detecting such cases will prove to be. sentence, should contribute to the cost of the support We are always trying to improve the exchanges of given to the victims of crime in general. criminal records, so that people bear the proper consequences of any criminal records that they have Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): As a result of built up. funding from the Ministry of Justice, women who have been victims of sexual crimes in my constituency can Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): I now benefit from help and support from Devon Rape welcome the Lord Chancellor’s statement. Will he confirm Crisis. As a patron of Devon Rape Crisis, I ask the that the money raised by the increase in fixed penalties Secretary of State to ensure that a sufficient amount of for motoring offences will also be used to support the £50 million that is going to be taken from convicted victim services? criminals will go towards long-term secure funding for rape crisis centres around the country. Mr Clarke: Yes. The reason that we are raising more money from offenders through the surcharge is precisely Mr Clarke: The Government will continue to look at to improve the services offered to the victims of crime. rape crisis centres as a national responsibility and consider Whatever the source of the money, it will all be directed funding them from the centre. We have been able to towards improving those services across the country. open, I think, four new ones since we came to office, but for all existing ones we have for the first time pledged Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con): I funding for three years, providing them with more very much welcome my right hon. and learned Friend’s sustainable security than under the previous year-by-year statement. He is right to direct the services of the changes. I can assure my hon. Friend that we will criminal injuries compensation scheme towards those continue to give very high priority to improving support victims who have suffered the most. People who develop for such valuable centres as much as we possibly can. I mental health problems as a result of a crime often find think she agrees and is prepared to say that our record that their conditions are difficult to quantify or are not so far is pretty good. My right hon. Friend the Home readily apparent. What can be done to ensure that such Secretary certainly helps me to ensure that we keep people are not disadvantaged? concentrating resources in this area.

Mr Clarke: As my hon. Friend says, the problem is Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): I recently visited often one of obtaining a proper diagnosis, in order that Cambridge victim support, which does an excellent job, the consequences of crime can be recognised. In order but there is no doubt that greater help is needed for to concentrate on the most serious offences that have victims and witnesses. I welcome that much of the lasting and sometimes permanent consequences, we statement, but will the Justice Secretary clarify his comments had to draw the line somewhere. Below that line, the about those who have been convicted? I accept that we amount of compensation starts steadily to be reduced need to stop those who simply take advantage of the under the tariffs, with the very lowest tariffs receiving scheme, but he will be aware that some convictions are no compensation at all. Mental illness occurs at various never spent. Is he arguing that someone who was convicted levels in the tariffs, according to the lasting consequences for such an offence 50 years ago should still not be that are being suffered, and to their severity. We will eligible for any compensation, irrespective of what happens therefore still have the problem of assessing and diagnosing to them? 565 Victims and Witnesses Strategy 30 JANUARY 2012 566

Mr Clarke: As the hon. Gentleman will know, the Civil Aviation Bill Government are committed to introducing amendments to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders [Relevant document: The Thirteenth Report from the Bill, currently in the other place, in order to amend the Transport Committee, Draft Civil Aviation Bill: pre-legislative Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This is very much scrutiny, HC 1694] a Liberal Democrat initiative, and it will make the Second Reading difference between spent and unspent sentences a little less rigorous. We are consulting on exceptions to an 4.22 pm absolute bar. It is right that someone injured in their 60s does not necessarily lose all right to compensation on The Secretary of State for Transport (Justine Greening): the basis that he had quite a serious conviction when he I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. was 19. Without opening the gates too wide, we are, as it A successful aviation sector goes hand in hand with a were, canvassing views on how to accommodate such growing economy; they are two sides of the same coin. exceptional cases—so long as they are rare and exceptional. That is why we need to ensure that the regulatory framework for civil aviation in the UK enables the sector to make a full contribution to economic growth, without compromising the high standards consumers rightly expect from the industry. Passengers are the lifeblood of successful aviation, so, above all, the Bill puts the interests of the consumer first, enabling the regulator to address the things that passengers care about most. The aviation industry in the UK is vital and dynamic, and it has changed dramatically since the current regulatory framework was introduced in the 1980s. In many areas, competition has flourished and passengers have benefited, but while the industry has innovated and diversified, much of its regulatory framework has remained fixed and inflexible. There is compelling evidence that the current regulatory regime is distorting competition between airlines and needs to be reformed. When competition is distorted, the people who suffer are the consumers and customers—the 211 million passengers who travel by air each year and the freight customers who rely on aviation to transport their goods quickly and efficiently and make reliable connections with global markets. We need only recall the scenes at airports closed by bad weather last winter to be reminded just how much people can suffer when air travel lets them down. The current regulatory regime proved itself a blunt and ineffective tool when it came to dealing with the issues that arose last winter—and we need to put that right. With our independent Civil Aviation Authority we already have a world-class expert regulator with a first-class track record on safety, so the aim of this Bill is to give more responsibility to the CAA and to provide a better regulatory framework that would enable it to introduce more flexible and proportionate regulation and to take timely action on the issues that matter to passengers. The Bill will devolve more responsibility to the specialist regulator for aviation, and will remove regulatory functions and unnecessary intervention by Government. It will also ensure that the CAA operates in a transparent and accountable manner, so that when appropriate it can carefully weigh up the costs and benefits of regulation as an integral part of the decision-making process. As a result, future regulatory intervention will be directed only at areas in which it is strictly necessary. For the first time, the regulator will be allowed to give the public reliable information about the sector’s performance and its environmental impacts, and about measures taken to address them. Moreover—this will be important as we work to reduce the deficit—the Bill will substantially reduce taxpayer funding for the regulation of aviation. It surely makes sense for the costs of regulation to be met by the sector itself. 567 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 568

The Bill focuses on three key areas: reform of the there is no political interference, which is why it is such economic regulation of airports, a range of measures a common feature of modern economic regulatory regimes. giving the CAA a role in aviation security and in the The Bill will remove the Secretary of State’s role in reform of its own regulatory framework, and reform deciding which airports are regulated and will give that of the air travel organisers’ licensing scheme to improve responsibility to the independent CAA, which will need the protection of passengers. I will explain each of those to make decisions based solely on the need to regulate in turn. and to protect the interests of consumers. Let me begin with the importance of competition and the economic regulation of airports, a vital area Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): The Secretary that accounts for two thirds of the clauses in the Bill. of State has said that the CAA will have additional Most airports up and down this country are subject to powers and responsibilities. Will she say a little more effective competition and do not need economic regulation, about that? I find it odd, for instance, that it is excluded but for the small number with substantial market power, from the remit of the National Audit Office. economic regulation is vital to defend consumers’ interests. The case for reforming airport economic regulation is Justine Greening: The hon. Gentleman correctly points compelling. Few people would claim that the current out that exclusion and I will address his point shortly. regime, which, after all, was designed 25 years ago, is When Sir Joseph Pilling reviewed that matter in 2008 he giving passengers the quality of service that they deserve. concluded that the current approach was appropriate. The industry and the regulator have urged change as Importantly, the CAA’s decisions will become more well, and three years ago the Competition Commission accountable because the Bill will provide greater access concluded that the legislative framework distorted to challenge regulatory decisions. As the CAA discharges competition between airlines by adversely affecting the its responsibilities, it is essential that its decisions are level, specification and timing of investment at airports guided by the needs of customers. Therefore, clause 1 and the service that passengers receive. establishes for the first time a single, clear, primary duty on the CAA to further the interests of consumers—all Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): passengers and owners of air freight both now and in Does the Secretary of State think that the takeover of the future—and, wherever possible, to do that by promoting British Midland International by the British Airports competition. Authority will increase competition in the provision of Some airlines have argued that the CAA’s duty should air services to Scotland? What will the Government do be extended to airlines as users of airports, alongside to ensure that slots at Heathrow will be protected for passengers. The airlines are important of course, but I the purpose of transport between Scotland and the rest am in no doubt that if conflicts of interest arise between of the United Kingdom? airlines and passengers, the regulator must be squarely on the consumer’s side. To protect consumers at all Justine Greening: The hon. Gentleman is right to airports, the Bill gives the CAA powers to enforce raise an issue that we also consider important. BAA competition law concurrently with the Office of Fair also wants to ensure that it remains competitive, with Trading in the airport services sector. connections to new markets, and that is the balance that we want to be struck. I know that the subject was raised Mr Tom Harris (Glasgow South) (Lab): The Secretary last week at Prime Minister’s Question Time, and I of State makes a valid point about what should happen know that the Prime Minister takes careful note of such if a conflict of interests were to arise between passengers matters. The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the work and airlines. However, can we not address this issue by that the Government did to help ensure that we kept the stating in the Bill that the CAA’s prime obligation is to connection between Northern Ireland and Newark airport passengers and that the airlines are specifically a secondary in New York. We are strongly committed to ensuring priority? that we have the connections between airports and across the country that our economy needs to be successful. Justine Greening: I do not think we need to go that Part 1 of the Bill replaces the current framework for far. As I have said, the Bill’s key purpose is to provide the economic regulation of airports with a flexible, clarity on what the CAA must focus on primarily, which modern regime designed to put consumers first. The is consumers. It is important to provide that clarity. current “one size fits all” system of economic regulation is rigidly focused on a five-year price control regime. Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ The Bill replaces that with a flexible licensing regime Co-op): The Secretary of State rightly points out that which can be directed at areas where regulation adds consumers’ interests can be protected by promoting real value, and which will allow the CAA to reduce or competition and thereby giving passengers greater choice, remove unnecessary regulation. The CAA will have the but how does the Bill address situations that cannot be power to incentivise and improve airport resilience, and dealt with by more competition, such as passengers to take more speedy action to tackle poor performance. facing long queues to get on and off planes? In the short When competition in the market grows, airports will be term, that will not be addressed by competition, so how removed from regulation when that is in passengers’ might the Bill help in such respects? interests. I understand the importance of clear and certain Justine Greening: The Bill cannot deliver absolutely decision-making to the ability of businesses to make everything in respect of the aviation industry. It will, long-term investments in our transport infrastructure, however, deliver a key element of the regulatory framework particularly when billons of pounds of investment are that will sit alongside how the industry operates. at stake. Independent economic regulation ensures that Competition is working. We need only consider the 569 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 570

[Justine Greening] efficient systems. That is why I believe there would be real benefits to bringing the CAA’s impressive specialist investment that both Heathrow and Gatwick are putting expertise to the regulation of aviation security. into winter resilience to see that passengers will make a In the past, security regulation has been criticised for choice between those two airports based on which one being too process-driven, too often relying on a tick-box they believe they can rely on. As a result, we are seeing approach. Although those arrangements have kept people competition lead to far more investment on that side of safe, too often their inflexibility has caused frustration airport operations. I have seen that development for on the ground at airports. There would be attractive myself, and I greatly welcome it. Providing the CAA benefits for passengers if we could empower the experts with these new powers will promote effective competition to find the best and most efficient way of maintaining by enabling the CAA to make use of its specialist the highest levels of security for air travel. That means knowledge and to co-ordinate its use of economic regulation more involvement from the experts in aviation operations, and general competition powers. which can bring real benefits. Of course, it is essential Turning to modernising the regulators’ wider role, that the Secretary of State should stay responsible for part 2 of the Bill includes changes to how the CAA aviation security policy and for giving security directions, operates by improving transparency and accountability, although it also makes sense for the specialist expert removing unnecessary Government funding and regulator to have a role in maintaining and improving involvement and cutting red tape. Transparent information aviation security.Consequently, the Bill includes provisions is of huge benefit to the public. It gives all of us as for the CAA to keep under review security directions consumers the means, if we want to use them, to made by the Secretary of State and for it to provide compare different services on offer to us and to judge advice and assistance to the industry and Government. for ourselves which we want to buy. In keeping with this With its track record in handling safety, I believe the approach, clauses 83 and 84 introduce two new information CAA will approach those new responsibilities with the duties for the aviation regulator, to serve the interests rigour they deserve. both of consumers and those affected by air travel. The CAA would arrange for consumer information Mr John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD): Can to be published to help passengers and freight users we be assured that the transfer of staff from the Department make more informed choices about what is on offer, to the CAA will not result in a loss of expertise in the while having regard to the principle that the benefits of security sector within the Department for Transport? information should outweigh the cost. Similarly, the CAA would publish information for the public about Justine Greening: We have considered that very closely the environmental effects of civil aviation in the UK, and it is one reason why these changes will not happen and the measures taken to limit environmental harm. overnight. They will take place over the next two to What is more, it would be able to use both those powers three years so that we can ensure we get the right staff to issue advice and guidance to the industry so that it transferred over with the right expertise. As my hon. can improve standards of service and operate more Friend points out, we have a wealth of security expertise sustainably. As we modernise the legislative framework, within the Department and across Government and we are taking the opportunity to give the CAA new that will still be there for us to draw on within the freedoms to appoint its own executive directors and to Department for Transport. I am assured of that. carry out criminal proceedings without recourse to Government. As criminal proceedings can be both slow Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab): Is the and costly, the Bill would also enable the Secretary of right hon. Lady at all concerned that the division of State to give the CAA powers to enforce existing offences responsibilities will create new interfaces that might through civil sanctions where they are more proportionate. cause delay and problems in the swift implementation of policy? The Bill also includes some other measures enabling the disclosure of anonymised medical data about aviation workers who are subject to health checks by the CAA. Justine Greening: That is a very fair question and it is That would pave the way for valuable medical research one that I have considered carefully, too. I do not into the particular health risks for specialist workers believe that it will cause a problem at all; in fact, it will such as flight crew and air traffic controllers. enhance the security approach that we are able to take. It will mean a far more ongoing and rigorous approach Let me move on to our proposals to improve the to security that will manage to combine the highest regulation of aviation security. This section of the Bill standards of security and safety at airports while delivering is relatively short, amounting to just 5 clauses and a more streamlined approach for passengers on the 2 schedules, but I know the House will rightly consider ground. That is better for everybody. it carefully. Above everything else, passengers expect the highest levels of safety and security. Clause 82 makes provision for the transfer to the Civil Aviation Authority of rights, powers, duties and For me, keeping people safe and secure when they liabilities as the Secretary of State considers appropriate. travel is and will continue to be of key importance. At That will allow us to transfer to the CAA the experienced present, aviation safety is regulated by the CAA while staff who carry out the regulatory compliance and security regulation is carried out by officials in the vetting functions currently carried out by civil servants Department. The CAA has an excellent track record as in my Department. That will not only devolve more a safety regulator, as good as any in the world, and it responsibility to the CAA but will have the further has empowered our airlines and airports to develop advantage of bringing the “user pays” principle to safety management systems that keep safety at the heart aviation security. It is not right or fair that the taxpayer of their operations, striving for ever safer and more currently subsidises the cost of aviation by paying for its 571 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 572 regulation. At a time when our overriding priority is to allow the CAA to modernise the way it regulates, bring reduce the inherited debt and when difficult choices are a stronger consumer focus to its activities and improve being made about funding priorities it is right that the transparency and accountability. It will also create a cost of regulatory compliance should be met by the stable environment for investment in airports and will industry that benefits from it and not by the taxpayer. allow the UK aviation sector to continue to thrive and develop. I commend the Bill to the House. Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con): Has my right hon. Friend considered the impact of the 4.43 pm transfer of powers from the Department’s Transport Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab): Let me Security and Contingencies Directorate to the CAA on begin by wishing the aviation Minister, the right hon. TRANSEC’s residual functions, particularly in relation Member for Chipping Barnet (Mrs Villiers), well. to maritime safety and elements of rail safety? Opposition Members were very sorry to hear of her accident and we wish her a speedy recovery from her Justine Greening: Yes, we have considered that and injuries and from the surgery she is undergoing. we are very happy that we will continue to strike the The Civil Aviation Bill started its life under the previous appropriate balance in our internal departmental expertise Administration and we were pleased, as was the industry, on security in all those areas. That is absolutely vital to see it included in the Queen’s Speech after the election. and we will not compromise on it in any way. We seek to We will vote for the Bill’s Second Reading today and the have a more proportionate and smart approach to Government will, in principle, have our continued support, ensuring that we maintain the very highest standards of subject to the scrutiny that this legislation should rightly security and safety in our airports. receive as it progresses through its parliamentary stages The final area of the regulatory framework that the and subject to the making of appropriate reassurances Bill seeks to reform is the regulations covering the air and necessary amendments. travel organisers’ licensing scheme, or ATOL as it is The proposals that the Government inherited to reform known to millions of people each year. Those people the framework for airport economic regulation and have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that modernise the CAA’s governance and operations are their package holiday is financially protected and that broadly correct. In a number of areas, we share the view they will not be left stranded if a travel company of the Select Committee on Transport that the legislation becomes insolvent. Since the scheme was set up the could be improved, particularly in relation to passengers’ holiday market has diversified, partly due to the innovations welfare and the sector’s environmental obligations. Should that internet booking has allowed. As a result, the the Government not introduce their own proposals to holiday industry has told us that it is no longer clear to do so we shall seek to improve the Bill in Committee. consumers whether their holiday has the protection of ATOL. Clause 94 will allow us to make regulations to We support the Government’s decision to use the improve clarity for the consumer by adding more flight- legislation as a vehicle to reform and extend the ATOL based holidays into the ATOL scheme, including holidays scheme to provide greater protection for consumers, sold by airlines. That will mean that businesses selling reflecting changes to the way in which holidays are sold holidays that include a flight should have a more coherent today, as the Secretary of State set out. The Government and consistent regulatory framework in which to operate. have also decided to use the legislation to go beyond the economic regulatory purpose that was originally envisaged in the transfer of responsibilities relating to aviation Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): I refer hon. security, which has emerged since the election or, more Members to my declaration in the Register of Members’ specifically, since the Government spending review.However, Financial Interests. This area is very important because there are serious concerns about whether it is a desire to it is not clear to consumers at the moment whether they cut costs, rather than improve security, that is driving are protected or not, with some people on a flight being the changes. The Opposition will therefore require much covered while others on the same flight are not. I do not greater assurance from the Government about how the think the Government are going far enough in that they changes will work in practice if we are not to seek to are not going to say that all people on all flights are make amendments to the provisions or even to remove covered, but why not? them during the Bill’s passage through the House.

Justine Greening: No doubt my hon. Friend will want Steve Baker (Wycombe) (Con): Does the hon. Lady to return to this issue in Committee, but I think that our share my concern that passengers, as well as needing proposals are measured and will mean a real step forward security, are worried about convenience and, indeed, in the number of consumers that ATOL can protect, their dignity? while also making ATOL more financially sustainable in the longer term, which is important. The clauses that Maria Eagle: The hon. Gentleman is correct, and relate to the reform of ATOL are long overdue and are proper security is always a balance between managing welcome. I appreciate that he might want them to go to make sure that the efforts of those who wish to further and I look forward to having that debate in commit terrorist offences on planes are foiled while, at Committee because this is an incredibly important aspect the same time, not wishing to subject consumers and of the Bill for people up and down the country who passengers to indignity or extensive delay. It is correct want to be able to book their holiday knowing that it that the Department should have a full understanding has the protection they want behind it. of the extent of any threats so that it can make appropriate In conclusion, the Bill brings together the Government’s policy. It is just in those areas that we want to probe a commitment to having a successful and sustainable little more in Committee precisely to assess the practical aviation sector with our agenda on regulation. It will impact of the proposals. 573 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 574

[Maria Eagle] It is also right that the regulatory regime governing airports be reformed to put passengers at its core. The It is unfortunate that the introduction of the Bill CAA’s primary duty should be to promote the interests and its Second Reading should come so soon after the of passengers. That was our intention in developing the publication of the draft Bill. Considering that this reforms, and we are pleased that that approach has been package of reforms has been in preparation for many accepted and adopted by the Government. We hope years, and given that it was widely believed that its that in Committee the Minister will look carefully at the introduction had slipped to the next Session, it is unfortunate arguments that have been made and be clearer about that there has been a sudden rush of last-minute enthusiasm how the CAA is to weigh the often differing interests to bring it before the House. Consequently, the planned of current versus future air transport users and, as the pre-legislative scrutiny, which we supported, has been Select Committee has urged, explain in more convincing curtailed. The Transport Committee has done its usual detail how the proposed aviation consumer advocacy impressive job, but it had just three weeks to take panel will work in practice and, in particular, how it will evidence and produce recommendations on the proposals, identify, represent and promote the interests of passengers many of which have been in gestation for six years or and relate to the regulatory process. more. That meant that the Government have not been The lack of a specific requirement to publish passenger able to consider those recommendations in detail and welfare plans is a major omission and should be addressed. improve the Bill before its introduction. Consequently, It was a key recommendation from the Select Committee we are debating a Bill—and I hope that this is the following its inquiry into the failure of both Government case—that will doubtless be amended by the Government and industry to prepare and respond adequately to the in Committee, which is a remarkable state of affairs for severe winter weather in December 2010. The appalling a measure so long in preparation. experience faced by many passengers, particularly at The industry itself has rightly expressed concern Heathrow, demonstrated the need for the sector significantly about the limited opportunity it was given to engage to up its game in relation to passenger welfare. I welcome with officials before the Bill’s introduction in Parliament. the new powers that the legislation will give the CAA BAA, it is fair to say, may be affected more than other and the Government and hope that the Secretary of player in the industry by the legislation, yet it says that State will issue clear and robust guidance to airport it could only secure a single one-hour meeting with the operators on winter resilience. However, we would like Department for Transport in the past three months, to see a specific obligation on the CAA to include in any which falls short of what might be expected for a licence issued a requirement that airports provide support regulatory Bill of this nature. There will be, at the very to stranded passengers. least, a suspicion that the hasty introduction of the Bill The Government must also ensure that each has less to do with the industry’s needs and more to do recommendation of the Quarmby report on the resilience with the needs of business managers, who doubtless of England’s transport systems in winter is implemented, begged the Secretary of State to let them have something particularly those relating to the need for early decisive for the Commons to do, because the Government’s action on whether to cancel services; the supply of legislative programme is bogged down in chaos in the de-icing and anti-icing products or road salt; better other place. liaison between airports and local highway authorities over the treatment of appropriate public road networks; Justine Greening: I have met BAA on a number of and improved access to performance statistics on the occasions since taking on my present role, so I can assure management of disruption by airlines and airports. the hon. Lady that there has been plenty of opportunity The former Transport Secretary, the right hon. Member for BAA to raise any concerns with me. for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), stood in the snow at Heathrow just over a year ago and Maria Eagle: I am grateful for the right hon. Lady’s pledged to learn the lessons of the chaos passengers intervention. I was just quoting what BAA said, and faced. I know that because I was standing in the snow I hear what she says about her own efforts, which I freezing alongside him and, more importantly, alongside commend. thousands of stranded passengers. At the time he blamed There are three key reforms in the Bill—to economic Heathrow for seriously underestimating the amount of regulation, to the Civil Aviation Authority itself, and to de-icer required and raised the prospect of establishing the transfer of security functions. I want to turn briefly a central reserve for emergencies, much as exists for to the wider aviation context within which the reforms road salt. The Government should provide an update will sit. We agree that the current framework for airport on this—they have gone quiet lately—and on the other economic regulation is outdated and needs reform. It promises made at the time. As well as the powers that has been clear for some time that the CAA does not this legislation rightly gives the CAA, the current Secretary have the powers to apply the regulatory regime in a way of State must ensure that the Government do not take that best benefits passengers and reduces costs for the the view that this is all the responsibility of the industry. industry. We are also dealing with a very different There is a strategic and economic need, as well as a UK aviation landscape since the introduction of the existing reputational requirement, for the Government to get a regime, not least because of a major increase in passenger grip on winter preparedness. I recall the Minister responsible numbers, low-cost airlines, growth in regional airports for aviation telling the media on Boxing day 2010 that and changes to ownership required by the Competition the Bill would do just that, but it is not obvious to me Commission. The proposed licensing regime, together that it does it sufficiently well, so we will explore that with a more flexible and targeted set of regulatory tools, further. will better enable the CAA to carry out its work, while The CAA should also be required to focus licences on making its decisions more accountable, and reduce the specific experience of passengers in airports. That unnecessary regulation. means, as the Transport Committee has urged, specifically 575 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 576 structuring licences to address key areas of passenger obligation to be a clear omission—and a late one: it was satisfaction, including immigration and baggage handling. included in the press release accompanying the publication We all know that the failures that most give rise to of the Bill, just not in the Bill. The CAA will be obliged frustration and anger, not to mention ruining business “to ensure that licence holders can finance the activities which are trips and holidays, are delays caused by inadequate subject to the relevant licence obligations; to secure that all management of immigration and poor baggage handling. reasonable demands for airport services are met; to promote Of course, although airports should rightly have obligations economy and efficiency on the part of licence holders in its in this respect, the Government must also recognise that provisions of airport services at regulated airports; to have regard their decisions have an impact that is out of the hands to guidance issued by the Secretary of State; to have regard to any international obligation of the UK; to have regard to principles of of airport operators, not least the way they resource better regulation.” and manage the UK Border Agency. The speed and scale of the Government’s cuts is putting pressure on All those obligations are of course right, and we the agency. People across the country fear that corners support them, but there seems to be no justifiable are being cut and border security is being put at risk by reason for removing the proposed additional requirement the scale of the Government’s border cuts. Some 6,500 staff on the CAA in terms of economic regulation: to have are going from the agency, with 1,500 going from the regard to the airport operators’ compliance with UK border force, including more than 800 this year environmental and planning law. Without that, airports alone. In the past year, we have already had the situation may be reluctant to invest in improving environmental whereby the Home Secretary did not know what changes performance, be it noise, vibration, visual disturbance to border controls she had agreed to, how they were or emissions. being implemented or how great the security risks were, It is not good enough for the Government to say it is and relaxing controls was a direct consequence of those obvious that airports must comply with statutory obligations staffing reductions. and it does not need re-stating in the Bill. The issue is whether airports feel that they can recover the cost in It is incredible that the Government have overseen a charges to airlines. The consequence, as the Transport reduction in checks at border control. The public expect Committee has warned, is: proper immigration controls, and passengers expect there to be sufficient staff to prevent massive delays at “Without giving the CAA a supplementary duty on the airports which damage our image and can impact on environment in relation to its economic regulation role, there is some risk that airports may be reluctant to invest in improving investment and business competitiveness. We agree that environmental performance.” the passenger must be placed at the heart of the regulatory regime, but the Government must do the same as they Mark Lazarowicz: Is the situation not worse than carry out their responsibilities. that? Is there not a danger that specifically removing the The Government should also consider the airlines’ reference to environmental planning concern might be case that, in the context of airport regulation, they too taken by some airport operators as a coded message are customers. Although we agree with the Government that the Government do not take such issues seriously that the law should be absolutely clear that the CAA’s now? primary duty is to passengers, we agree also that there is a case for a secondary duty to airlines, so the Minister Maria Eagle: My hon. Friend makes a good point. should look again at the decision not to include such a There are plenty of people who seek to read coded duty. messages in what the Government do, or do not do, and Although it is right that we set out a primary duty on in how they change their proposals, so in that respect passengers to send a clear signal to the CAA about how there is a concern that the Government need to address. it should manage competing interests, it is right also If the Government’s green credentials had not already that we set out further duties. In doing so, however, the worn so thin, no ulterior motive might have been seen in Government have chosen to omit the reference to their decision, but there will be considerable suspicion environmental obligations which we intended the legislation that it is yet another example of giving into vested to include. That is a mistake, so I very much hope that interests, coming on top of the Government’s failure the Minister will reflect on it and think again. to reassert the aviation emissions targets that we set in Back in March 2009, the consultation document on government, let alone to listen to the calls to look economic regulation which the then Secretary of State seriously at the UK’s share of international emissions published proposed that and to include both in the UK’s carbon budgets. When “the CAA should have an environmental duty with respect to its the obligation on other sectors is to reduce carbon economic regulatory functions.” emissions by at least 80% by 2050 compared with 1990 levels, the aviation industry has agreed to work towards The final report of the Cave review recommended achieving the lower target of the same reduction but “a duty on the CAA to protect the environment, subject to compared with 2005 levels. However, the industry believes guidance on specified environmental matters by the Secretary of that it can achieve the same reduction compared with State.” 2000 levels. On that basis, we believe that the Committee In December 2009, the previous Government published on Climate Change should advise on the case for a their decision document on economic regulation and tougher target. It is clear that the Bill sends out completely concluded that one of the supplementary statutory the wrong signal to industry. duties should be The CAA, airport operators, airlines and National “to have regard to the airport operator’s legal obligations to Air Traffic Services have a shared responsibility to comply with applicable environmental and planning law.” achieve those goals. In addition to the original proposed When one considers the secondary duties that have duty on environmental and planning law, which has been set out, one finds the absence of any environmental been deleted, there is surely a case for considering the 577 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 578

[Maria Eagle] Maria Eagle: I thank the hon. Lady for her intervention. There are precedents within the EU of a single company practicality of using this legislation to reaffirm the controlling a larger percentage of slots at one airport, shared responsibility on meeting emissions targets that but I am sure that the Secretary of State will appreciate have been agreed. That should be explored during the that the situation at Heathrow is different because of passage of the legislation. the capacity issues that significantly restrict the potential The public should certainly be better informed about for competition. I fully understand and respect BA’s the environmental effects, including through emissions wish to expand its operations, not least to pursue the and noise, of civil aviation in the UK and about the new long-haul markets from Heathrow that are needed measures that are being taken to limit the adverse for our economic competitiveness. However, many years environmental effects. I want to take this opportunity to before a high-speed rail service becomes a reality between welcome the CAA’s decision to open a three-month Scotland and London, and Heathrow in particular, we consultation on its environmental role and performance. must balance that with the need to maintain the domestic The chief executive, Andrew Haines, has said that he is air links on which the Scottish economy depends. determined to work with the sector to help it manage its I have two final points on the economic regulatory environmental footprint and realise its potential growth. aspects of the Bill. First, there are concerns that there He is clear that is no requirement on the CAA to consult on how it “unless the sector faces its environmental impact head-on, it will intends to prioritise and balance its new duties and not be allowed to grow.” discretion. Secondly, the Government must clarify who He is right to have set the goals to does and does not have a right of appeal on a decision “contribute to a cleaner and quieter aviation industry, improve by the CAA in respect of licence conditions, and how airspace design through new operational measures, influence they intend to prevent repeated and unfounded appeals. the environment debate and enhance consumer understanding of On the second major purpose of the legislation, the environmental impact of flying.” which is to modernise the CAA’s governance, we agree that reform is needed and we support most of the Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): Will the hon. Lady not proposed changes. Of course, there are changes that concede that airport operators, such as the operator of have been made without the need for legislation, such as Gatwick airport in my constituency, have for many the creation of a separate chair and chief executive. We years done an awful lot to ensure that there are do, however, question the decision to remove the environmental enhancements, such as through the Gatwick requirement for the Treasury to approve the levels of area conservation committee, which has made a positive remuneration for non-executive members of the board. difference locally? Are we not seeing right now the need for greater, not less oversight of remuneration? I suppose that the experience Maria Eagle: I do concede that. I do not think that of the past few days has shown that it is doubtful the aviation industry has anything to fear from closer whether the Government would exercise their powers scrutiny of the way in which it deals with these issues. over excessive bonuses even if they retained them, but it I just want to ensure that this legislation does not send might be a good idea to hang on to them. the wrong signals to industry and make it more difficult It is also wrong that the CAA remains outside the to do what many operators are starting to do in any remit of the National Audit Office, unlike all other event. industry regulators. That should be addressed, and In addition to the revision of the statutory purpose of there should be an explicit efficiency duty as recommended the CAA and its secondary duties, it is right that the Bill by the Transport Committee. I hope the Government aligns the powers of the CAA with those of the Office will agree that it should be relatively straightforward of Fair Trading. That provides consistency with the to reach agreement on those issues in Committee. We approach taken for other regulated industries, including agree on the outcomes that we want to see achieved energy, water, telecoms and rail. The Secretary of State through the modernisation, and I look forward to working will be aware that there are concerns about the impact with Ministers to improve the Bill further in the areas on competition of the sale of airlines and the slots that that I have mentioned. transfer ownership as a result. The recently agreed sale We have much greater concern about the third major of British Midland International by Lufthansa to area with which the Bill deals, which is the Government’s International Airlines Group has raised considerable proposals for a major change in how aviation security in worries, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland, ensured. They have not made the case for the change. It about the impact on short-haul domestic routes and the was included in the draft Bill at the last minute and has price implications for passengers. The Government have not been subjected to adequate scrutiny, and enough to date refused to take those concerns seriously. My people across the industry have concerns about the hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow East (Margaret proposals to require the Government to look again at Curran), the shadow Secretary of State for Scotland, whether they have got them right. We are open to being and I have referred the sale of BMI to the OFT. persuaded, but Ministers have more to do if they wish us to support the proposed changes. Dr Eilidh Whiteford (Banff and Buchan) (SNP): I am I appreciate that under the Government’s proposals, grateful to the hon. Lady for raising this issue again, the Secretary of State will remain responsible for aviation because it is extremely serious. I have concerns not only security policy and for making aviation security directions about the flights into Heathrow but about the onward under the Aviation Security Act 1982. That is well and connectivity of those flights to the rest of the world. good and correct, but by enabling the transfer of a Aberdeenshire has a big energy sector and people are potentially very wide range of security functions to the travelling onwards. She is right to highlight this issue. CAA, the Government risk fragmenting an approach 579 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 580 that has served us well. Let us not forget that the current secured without putting at risk high levels of aviation arrangements, including the now abolished specialist security or imposing a burden that will ultimately fall unit Transec, arose from the tragedy of Lockerbie. We on passengers. should not move lightly away from an approach that The Regulatory Policy Committee also identified had such a tragic loss of life as its reason for existing, transitional costs of transferring the security function particularly not when the clearly stated purpose of the of approximately £1.5 million, as well as ongoing costs proposals is, to quote the Department’s impact assessment, beyond the transition, not least because to “the CAA will be responsible for upgrading systems in perpetuity”. “Reduce the costs to the taxpayer in line with SR”— It is therefore spending review— “likely that the CAA may borrow from the National Loans Fund “commitments by introducing the user pays principle.” to fund IT improvements.” The changes that the Government propose are not I appreciate that the Secretary of State inherited her minor. For example, they want to pass to the CAA the predecessor’s plans to meet the 15% cut in the Department obligation to make arrangements for carrying out vetting, for Transport budget. She has shown a willingness to including those for renewing and withdrawing clearance. look again at some of his rasher decisions, and I hope that The CAA, rather than the Secretary of State, will she does so in respect of that major change to aviation maintain the list of persons approved for the provision security, for which the case has not yet been made. of a particular aviation security service. I urge the Government to think again about one There are also concerns about the ability to retain staff. other aspect of their aviation policy. An announcement The Bill will allow for the transfer from the Department is expected in the Budget—if not before—on the sale of for Transport to the CAA of about 85 aviation security their remaining stake in NATS. Recent media reports posts currently responsible for the review and upkeep of have suggested that DFS, Germany’s state-owned air aviation security regulations, and for the monitoring traffic service, has been in talks with the Government. and enforcement of the industry’s compliance with Yet again, just as with our rail industry, the Government’s security requirements. The Transport Committee’s ideological obsession turns out to be not so much opposition recommendations on that matter should be considered to a public stake in delivering transport services as an carefully, including the permitting of secondments rather opposition to a British public stake in doing so. Just than transfers to avoid the loss of experienced staff and as the Dutch national railway will this week begin to expertise. operate the East Anglia franchise, with Deutsche Bahn and SNCF snapping at its heals on other parts of the The Committee’s recommendation to delay the change, network, our airspace might be controlled, in effect, by to bring it in line with the introduction of the outcomes- the German Government. focused risk-based security regime, also makes sense. The airlines are concerned about the lack of transparency There are several very serious reasons why the of the likely costs of the changes, and therefore about Government would be wrong to withdraw completely the impact on passengers, on to whom costs will be from NATS. The current shared-ownership model between passed. There is real concern that although the costs of Government and airlines works well. The airline group the transfer will materialise, the supposed reduction in has opposed an outright sale of the Government’s stake obligations as a result of the move to the outcomes-focused and raised the prospect of the industry walking away. regime will not. The airlines are best placed to ensure the success that NATS has become, not least because of their healthy Those concerns are particularly acute for smaller self-interest in safety and industrial relations. There are regional airports, which play a vital role in their local concerns about the impact of a foreign power taking a economies and will not easily sustain major additional stake in NATS on the integration of civilian and military cost burdens. The Government need to reassure the operations, which would put at risk the operational benefits sector that they will retain an active engagement in of that integrated approach. There are also questions operational matters, enabling airports to take the lead about the Government’s ability to play a leading role in in the knowledge that they will have ministerial backing. air traffic policy at EU level if they become the only It is clear that there are growing tensions between the Government to have given up their stake in their air UK Government and the EU over security issues such traffic service. as the permitting of full-body scanners without a right to select an alternative form of search. We have strongly Justine Greening: It is probably wise for me to remind supported the Government’s stance on that, although it the hon. Lady that the Labour Government part-privatised is now important that Ministers work closely with their NATS in the first place. European partners to ensure a common, and preferably similarly robust, approach to security across the EU. Maria Eagle: I am well aware that the Labour The approach taken in the Bill risks leaving the industry Government sold a stake in NATS. I am talking about without a clear lead or protection from Government on the Secretary of State’s predecessor’s proposal to sell all the decisions that it takes, be they on trials of new forms of it. It is a question of the Government retaining a of security screening or other matters. stake. If she is willing to stand up and confirm that the According to the explanatory notes, the Government’s Government will retain a stake, I would be happy to Regulatory Policy Committee estimates that give way to her. She shakes her head. “the impact on public expenditure gives expected savings in the Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Central Ayrshire) (Lab): order of £5.4m per annum.” Ownership is currently entirely within British hands. It It is far from clear how the cost savings to the Department is possible that that would no longer be the case if from the abolition of the security function can be privatisation goes ahead. 581 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 582

Maria Eagle: That is indeed the worry. NATS does last week’s BBC “Question Time”, in response to my not cost the taxpayer a penny to run—in fact, it pays a hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, West Derby dividend to the Government. In June last year, NATS (Stephen Twigg). She said: paid a dividend of £42.5 million, and in November “Some serious discussions—cross-party discussions—have to announced a further £8.2 million. The Government take place, because I don’t think anyone in this country wants us received a significant share of that as the majority to be a republic which is left behind and really nobody wants to shareholder. Their decision to sell all of NATS would trade with.” therefore be a short-term, quick-buck decision. Like Leaving aside why the chair of the Conservative party their approach to aviation security in the Bill, they are believes that we are a republic, she is right to agree with placing a narrow focus on deficit reduction ahead of the us that we need a cross-party approach, and about the wider economic and security impact. I hope the Secretary consequences of not agreeing a way forward. If the of State ensures that she puts proper pressure on the Transport Secretary would like to confirm that she does Chancellor, whom she knows very well, to make a good accept our offer and is willing to begin talks on how we decision and to retain a stake in NATS. can move forward on this issue together, then I am Finally, although the measures in the Bill are important happy to give way. —they are all concerns for the aviation industry—there is an elephant in the room, because the Bill does not Justine Greening: Part of the challenge is that the and cannot address the capacity issues facing the industry, hon. Lady’s party has so many different policies on so particularly in the south-east and the future of our hub many different days, it is difficult to know whom we status. The Government’s failure to set out a strategy would be talking with. for aviation and the lack of any plan to do so until late in this Parliament is putting jobs and growth at risk. Maria Eagle: Coming from a party that last week Their call for airports to be “better not bigger” has had a different policy every day, none of which was in always been a slogan, not a policy, but even they seem accordance with the majority party’s manifesto or the to be waking up to the fact that a blanket ban on growth coalition agreement, it is a bit of a cheek for the Secretary and new capacity in the south-east makes no sense. of State to put that point to us. In government, Labour supported the industry’s proposal A successful, thriving aviation sector is crucial for for a third runway at Heathrow—as the UK’s only hub our economic competitiveness. It is vital that industry airport—as the best way to add additional capacity. can plan for the future with certainty, not least to However, the Opposition have accepted the Government’s deliver the investment needed to provide the additional decision to cancel the third runway, and it is time to capacity required if we are not to fall further behind our move on and seek an alternative way forward. Our EU competitors. I welcome the Government’s decision decision can ensure that we do not waste another five to bring forward this Bill and take forward the reforms years wrangling over that proposal while the industry that we began— risks falling behind our EU competitors, and while major airlines simply move more of their operations Dr Huppert: Will the hon. Lady give way? abroad, where there are no capacity constraints. Maria Eagle: I am coming to a conclusion now, so Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): I am delighted the hon. Gentleman should wait for his own speech—[HON. that the hon. Lady’s party has come to its senses and MEMBERS: “Ah!”] I have given way to him once. ruled out the third runway. I hope that she will tell us The regulatory regime governing the aviation sector what her suggestion is, because she has a long track is outdated and inflexible and this Bill will be an important record—such as on high-speed rail—of suggesting things modernisation, enabling the CAA to fulfil its functions but never quite pinning down an actual idea. in a way that better reflects the industry today, and in a way that can respond to the individual circumstances Maria Eagle: If the hon. Gentleman would wait just of our major airports. Putting the passenger at the a moment, he might hear my suggestion. heart of aviation economic regulation is overdue. I urge Two weeks ago, the Prime Minister was apparently the Government to look again at those areas where persuaded of the case for a new airport in the Thames there is considerable consensus that the Bill could be estuary, a position that lasted a full 24 hours before the improved to provide even greater protection to passengers Under-Secretary of State for Transport, the hon. Member through clearer obligations on airports in respect of for Lewes (Norman Baker) slapped him down. Then their welfare, not least during severe weather. the papers were briefed that new runways at Gatwick or The Government should also live up to their increasingly Stansted were back on the agenda, despite the coalition hollow claim to be the “greenest Government ever” and agreement seemingly ruling that out. British business place an environmental duty back on the face of the cannot afford this chaos and confusion continuing until Bill, and give a much clearer steer to the industry by or even beyond the next election. That is why I have giving their firm backing to—at the very least—the made a clear offer to the Secretary of State for us to emissions targets we set in government. In addition, work together and put aside our differences for the Ministers should reflect very carefully on the concerns good of the country to see whether we can agree a joint that have been raised over the proposed transfer of position on how we can meet the capacity issues in light security functions from the Department and ministerial of the decision on Heathrow. We have been disappointed control. that, three months on, the Government have not responded It is one thing for us to agree on a credible regulatory to that offer. regime for the aviation industry—and I believe that over I was, however, encouraged by the constructive response the course of the passage of this Bill we will be able to from the Conservative party chair, Baroness Warsi, on agree these issues—but what the industry desperately 583 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 584 needs is for us all to agree a credible long-term strategy the station at Gatwick. Again, that involves not just the for the sector, which will last across Parliaments and fabric but increased signalling and platform capacity, will not become a political football again at the next so that more direct trains can run from the airport to general election as it was at the last. So let us work central London, and through London to Bedford and together on the right way, consistent with the need to down to the south coast. A lot has happened in the tackle emissions and the threat of climate change, to aviation and airport sectors over the past quarter of a provide the capacity that the industry needs. century. That has been the experience particularly at my local airport, Gatwick. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. To In the limited time that I have, I will refer to a few accommodate as many Members as possible, a 10-minute questions and clarifications on some of the Bill’s clauses. limit on Back-Bench contributions has been introduced, Clause 5 discusses competition between different parts but the usual rules apply to interventions, in that injury of an airport. The Bill makes it possible for an airport time will be added on. However, the usual rules will terminal to be operated by a different company from also apply to any maiden speeches that might be made the one that operates the runway and taxiway—something during this Second Reading, which means that no that we are more familiar with in countries such as the interventions should be allowed. United States. I welcome the possibility of increased competition, which could improve the passenger experience, 5.19 pm but I would be grateful if Ministers could clarify whether the CAA will have a power to force the sale or lease of Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con): I am grateful for the parts of an airport, or whether that will remain subject opportunity to take part in this important Second Reading. to the competition authorities under the Enterprise I commend the Government on introducing this much Act 2002. needed piece of legislation in the first Session of this Parliament. I waited with bated breath to find out As my right hon. Friend said, clause 6, on the so-called Labour party policy on the future of aviation in this “market power test”, outlines a series of tests that must country. I thought that the hon. Member for Garston be met if an airport is to be regulated. To determine and Halewood (Maria Eagle) was about to announce whether an airport should be regulated, the substantial an Eagle island airport, but it seems we will have to wait market power test is to be applied. If an airport is to be a little longer for that. As my right hon. Friend the so regulated, what would the dominance test be, and Secretary of State said in her introductory remarks, it would it come under competition law or be decided by has been more than a quarter of a century since legislation the CAA? I would be grateful for clarification. in the area has been properly reviewed. During that Clause 12, on the regulation of possible future market quarter of a century, the airline and airport industries power, gives the CAA the power to decide whether have changed massively. regulation is needed in the light of possible future In 1986, when the then British Airports Authority developments at an airport. Again, that power is fine, was privatised and became BAA plc, BAA nearly but will there be any possibility of a review if those dominated the market in airports—certainly in London, events do not take place? It would be strange to regulate the south-east and Scotland. At the time, the mix of for something that does not happen. airlines was different. At Gatwick, we now see the I welcome clause 25, on the scope of the right of orange tailfins of easyJet, the largest operator from that appeal, because it is important for the airlines that use airport and indeed the country’s largest airline. The new Gatwick airport and other airports around the country, terminal 5 at Heathrow airport—I say “new”; it is some but I would be interested to know whether there will be years old now—is a hub for British Airways. Virgin any way of preventing vexatious appeals. Furthermore, Atlantic, headquartered in my constituency, has developed how rigorous, transparent and fair will the appeals significantly and is now a successful British brand process be? representing the country abroad. Clauses 83 and 84, in chapter 2, part 2 of the Bill, Our airport sector has developed considerably. In deal with information on performance of services at 2008, the competition authorities said—rightly, in my airports. Again, the provision is welcome and will help view—that BAA needed to divest itself of one of its to enhance the passenger experience as much as possible, airports. Gatwick was sold to Global Infrastructure but I wonder whether the power of that performance Partners in December 2009. Already, in that short period, test should be extended to other organisations and there has been significant development at Gatwick airport. agencies operating within an airport. Mention was made I pay tribute to the chief executive of Gatwick airport, earlier of agencies such as the UK Border Agency and Stewart Wingate, and his management team, and to the of the transparency and efficiency of the UKBA. That many thousands of my constituents employed by Gatwick point could be applied to other agencies, such as Her airport and the ancillary industries in the aviation sector Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. locally, for the significant contribution that they have In what little time I have left, I would like to highlight made to transforming the airport over those two short one concern. I broadly welcome the CAA being given years. these powers—it is the agency best suited to have them—but More than £1 billion-worth of investment goes into being an important public body it, too, should be subject Gatwick airport. I know that my right hon. Friend the to the rigour of the National Audit Office. We are asking Secretary of State went there recently to witness some the CAA to regulate the performance of others, and it is of the works. They involve not only upgrades to the important that, as a regulator itself, it should face the fabric of the north and south terminals but the introduction rigour of scrutiny as well. of state-of-the-art security facilities that make passenger I warmly welcome the Bill. It is overdue, and I am travel through the airport more efficient and secure. The grateful to the Government for introducing it so early investment also includes more than £50 million to upgrade on. Most importantly, it will improve the passenger 585 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 586

[Henry Smith] about an omission in relation to passenger welfare—in particular, in relation to plans to deal with disruption, experience, but it will also provide for a fair and transparent such as when adverse weather caused major disruption system for our airport operators and airlines. As was at Heathrow. Although the CAA has spoken about the rightly said earlier, as a trading nation we rely on a need to insist on plans to deal with passenger disruption strong aviation sector, and the Bill does a lot to enhance and look after passengers when disruption occurs, there that. does not seem to be a requirement for that in the Bill. It is important that that, too, should be looked at. We also 5.29 pm questioned witnesses about the aviation consumer advocacy panel, which is due to replace the Air Transport Users Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): Council. It was unclear how that panel, representing the This is an important Bill. Civil aviation is a vital part of interests of passengers, would work or whether its interests our economy. Regulation must support the industry to would cover cargo as well as passengers. We need much operate in the public interest. The call for a new look at more clarification on that. regulation has been long standing. Indeed, the Select Committee on Transport in the last Parliament called There are two areas where powers were introduced for a review of the Civil Aviation Authority in November after we were able to consider the Bill in draft form. We 2006. It has taken a long time to bring this Bill forward. have questions about both. First, the ATOL––air travel I am pleased that the Committee had the opportunity organiser’s licence—scheme, first introduced in the 1970s, for pre-legislative scrutiny, but it was disappointing that deals with financial protection for consumers who have the time for consultation was so severely curtailed. purchased air package holidays in the event of a company Indeed, our response to the draft Bill was published on going into insolvency. The Transport Committee has the morning of the publication of the Bill itself. It is looked at the operation of ATOL, and at its inadequacies, important that the Government should give an assurance and we have called for greater clarity in the information that they will consider the points of concern that our available to travellers, so that they can be sure whether report identifies. Our consideration was helped by the they are covered by such insurance, and in the extent evidence of the Minister of State, the right hon. Member of the scheme, so that it is clear which passengers are for Chipping Barnet (Mrs Villiers). I regret that she is covered. A power to address this is included in the Bill, not able to be here today and wish her a speedy recovery. but we have not yet looked in detail at the Government’s proposals. We hope to remedy that tomorrow, when the I should make it clear at the outset that there was Committee will look specifically at the Government’s general support for the regulatory aspects of the Bill, in plans for ATOL and at the industry’s view of them. particular the flexible licensing system and the focus on passengers. However, we have concerns, including in Mr Donohoe: I commend the work of the Transport areas where there was little or no consultation before Committee on the Bill. One area of concern is the effect the Bill was published. First, there is a need for clarity that the changes will have on the industry and on the on the definition of the key part of the Bill, the focus economy. Will the Committee investigate that element on the passenger’s interest. There needs to be a clearer of the proposals? It seems that only the Minister has definition of “users of air transport services”. We shown any optimism about economic growth, and I recommend that this be clarified to read: “passengers hope that the Select Committee will look again at that and shippers of cargo, both present and future”. We subject when it revisits the Bill. considered the representations made by airlines, and recommend that the position of airlines should be recognised as a secondary duty. Mrs Ellman: Economic growth is indeed an important area and, while the Minister stated that it was an There was support for light-touch regulation. Licensing objective, it was not made clear how the changes would conditions and their associated costs must be proportionate actually operate. So, yes, we would certainly like to look to the benefits gained, which means that impact assessments into that matter further. are required. We were told in evidence from the aviation industry that the impact of the Bill on an airport Another area of concern relates to the proposed handling 10 million passengers a year could be £200,000 changes to responsibility for security in aviation. Transec a year, a significant amount in these difficult economic was set up in 1991, following the Lockerbie disaster. times. The emphasis in the Bill on the needs of passengers Aviation security is a matter of prime importance, and is welcome. This requirement must be reflected in the aviation terrorism remains a magnet for terrorists who licences and the conditions imposed by the CAA. It is wish to inflict mass loss of life as well as economic important that the requirement for information on the disruption. It is a matter of concern that changes are passenger experience, together with the environmental being proposed in the area of responsibility for aviation implications, should be clear, relevant and useable. Costs security without a full consultation on how they will should relate to benefits. work. There are two areas of concern and possible omission. It is proposed that the Secretary of State remain First, passport control and immigration are identified responsible for aviation security policy, with the CAA by passengers as areas of key concern, yet they are adopting new responsibilities that would include conducting handled by the UK Border Agency, not the Department a review of the aviation security directive, giving advice for Transport. A way must be found to include those and assistance to the industry on security measures, aspects when considering the passenger experience under monitoring and enforcing compliance with EU and the Bill. Baggage handling was another area of concern domestic requirements, and carrying out national security identified by passengers, yet it is often provided by vetting on individuals. The changes are linked with a private companies on behalf of airlines. A way must be change of approach from “direct and inspect” to an found to include that, too. We were also concerned outcome-focused, risk-based approach. 587 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 588

These are major, substantial issues. The changes will Passenger experience is key, but one aspect of it that involve a £5 million a year transfer of payments from the Bill does not address is the experience of inbound the taxpayer to the aviation industry and passengers. Of passengers at immigration operated by the UK Border greater importance, however, is the fact that they will Agency. I do not believe that any Bill dealing with result in divided responsibilities for aviation security. passenger experience can choose to ignore that part of That is a matter of prime concern, and we call on the the welcome to the UK—for British or external citizens. Department to be more explicit about exactly how the I appreciate that the UK Border Agency is a Home new system will operate, and to reassure passengers that Office responsibility, while airport regulation is a their safety will still be a matter of supreme importance. Department for Transport function, but we need to ensure that customer experience during one section of Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): I am grateful the journey is not destroyed by poor service at the end to my hon. Friend for giving way, and I apologise for of the journey. As the Bill proceeds, it should be possible missing the first part of her speech. Airport security has to ensure that there is no departmental turf war. It is suffered from an ongoing problem of a division of time for the UK Border Agency to become more funding, with local authorities having to fund their transparent on behalf of customers and the airlines. security. Does she accept that airport security should be The current UKBA target is to clear 95% of non- funded not only adequately but nationally, as it is a European economic area passengers within 45 minutes. national concern? It should not place a burden on local The measurement of this target is based on sampling, police forces. with queues sampled at various times of the day. The latest figures I saw for the first half of 2011 showed that Mrs Ellman: As the bill for security mounts, it is 95% cleared in 45 minutes, but that is completely misleading important to give full consideration to how it is to be for the customer experience. In fact, terminal 4 is by far footed. Passenger security is a matter of prime importance, the worst, with queues averaging more than 45 minutes and it needs to be assessed in an international context as 17 times a week—about three times a day. If we are to well as in national and regional contexts. talk about civil aviation and UK passenger experience, The Transport Committee gives its general support it is important that UKBA immigration is brought into to the Bill, but the areas of concern that we have the picture. identified are important ones, and I seek an assurance Transparency must be dealt with as the Bill proceeds. that the Minister will consider them as the Bill proceeds, It must be possible to force the UKBA and the unions so that civil aviation can be promoted to benefit the to address rostering flexibility and the redeployment of economy and to enhance the passenger experience. staff across terminals to match the passenger volume information provided by the airlines. Airlines provide 5.39 pm passenger loading information 48 or 24 hours—sometimes Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Green) (Con): I even two weeks—before a landing, yet the UKBA seems welcome the Bill, which puts the passenger at the heart incapable of rostering and redeploying people across of airport regulation and operations. Previously, the the terminals appropriately. airlines were the customer, so the new responsibility to Let me move on to deal with the issue of regulated make consideration of the needs of passengers the and unregulated airports. The decision rests with the primary duty is an important step, but it remains important, CAA, but the danger is that Heathrow will end up as too, to look at how the Civil Aviation Authority will the only regulated airport, which could place it at a balance the competing demands of the passengers. Indeed, disadvantage, especially if there continue to be more which passengers carry the most clout? Leisure passengers flights to the BRIC economies—Brazil, Russia, India are by far the biggest users of our airports, so are they and China—from Frankfurt and Schiphol than from the most important because of their volume? Business Heathrow. The list of regulated airports needs continuously passengers are lucrative and economically vital to our to reflect competitive forces between airports—not just airports, but they lack the clout of volume, so which market influence and not just within the UK markets. passengers will have the most pull? Let me deal with one particular example of customer Business and leisure passengers have competing needs experience that needs to be looked at as the Bill proceeds. at the airport. One may want a quick and slick process; I refer to the impact on security. I think it right for the the other may want more services while waiting to proposed regime to involve risk-based outcomes, and if depart. More retail and more seating means less space risk-based outcomes lead to different screening regimes, for security screening: one generates income, one incurs we must accept that. The risk profile of a pensioner expenditure, so how will the regulator balance those from East Finchley returning from a package holiday competing demands? on the Costa Brava is very different from that of someone What about the airlines? The passenger may be the returning from a terrorist hotspot elsewhere in the end-user of the airport, but the airlines have the operational world, and that person will need to be screened differently. interface with the airport infrastructure, so a secondary We need to work with our European partners to duty to have regard to the airlines is important—indeed, establish a Europe-wide procedure that reflects risk. For crucial. It remains unclear how the regulator would example, a passenger leaving New York is heavily screened, balance those needs against those of the passenger. For and is virtually strip-searched before entering a plane instance, a budget airline might choose to use steps and departing from the United States. When that passenger buses because it is cheaper than using air bridges, but in lands at Heathrow, an equally strict security regime terms of passenger experience air bridges are far more applies. We force him virtually to leave the airport and popular, so which wins out—the passenger or the airline? check in again, undergoing all the necessary security These competing demands will, I hope, become clearer procedures. That not only worsens the customer experience as the Bill proceeds. of the transit passenger, but lengthens the queues of 589 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 590

[Mike Freer] expanding airline industry is essential to any successful nation, and if the Bill contributes to that end, I welcome people seeking to undergo the normal security checks. I it. realise that there are Schengen rules that need to be dealt with, but I do not believe that it is beyond the wit Mark Lazarowicz: Does my hon. Friend agree that it of the Department for Transport to deal with them. is also important for the aircraft industry to try to produce more environmentally friendly and environmentally Kelvin Hopkins: I have travelled through Heathrow efficient aeroplanes, and that the absence of measures many times, and have often seen queues unstaffed. to encourage that is regrettable? More staff could mean more queues and a more rapid experience for passengers. It would be helpful to spend Mr Harris: I entirely agree, and that is precisely what a little more on the UK Border Agency, would it not? is happening in the airline industry. It is acutely aware of its responsibilities in this respect, which is why I do Mike Freer: That is a good point. However, this is not see it as the enemy of the environment. about not just staffing but the use of technology and the I note that my party’s Front-Bench team has accepted deployment of staff. Airline representatives tell me that the Government’s decision not to go ahead with the there can be a quiet arrival hall in one terminal and a third runway at Heathrow; indeed, the shadow Secretary packed arrival hall in another, but that it is impossible of State said that in today’s debate. I trust that that to redeploy staff from one terminal to the other quickly. acceptance is based on the parliamentary arithmetic—on It is not merely a question of the number of people the fact that the Members who support the third runway manning the desks; it is a question of how the UKBA are outnumbered by those who do not—rather than on and the unions choose to deploy them. agreement with the Government’s arguments. The real We must work with our European partners to dovetail reason why the Conservative party opposed the third changes to Schengen in at least the major European runway when in opposition was votes. It was concerned airports, so that those who have already passed through about seats to the west of London, not the health of the highly screened areas are not forced to be screened UK economy and the airline industry on which we depend. again, and we can improve customer service and relieve It was seats that were uppermost in the Conservative the pressure on domestic passengers. The customer party’s mind when it chose to oppose the previous must be an integral part of civil aviation, and penalties Government’s support for Heathrow. for poor performance are crucial. The Bill takes a significant step to protect airline-based Fiona Mactaggart: My hon. Friend refers to seats to holidays for the customer, and I welcome it. the west of London. Does he accept that many of those seats depend hugely on Heathrow for local employment? 5.47 pm Mr Harris: I entirely agree. In 2009, I spoke twice in Mr Tom Harris (Glasgow South) (Lab): Thank you support of the Government’s plans to build a third for giving me an opportunity to contribute to the debate, runway, and I did so with jobs and the economy in Mr Deputy Speaker. Let me begin by offering my best mind, along with the conviction that the Conservative wishes for the speedy recovery of the Minister of State, party’s stance at that time was based on cynical electoral Department for Transport, the right hon. Member for calculation rather than any concern for the environment. Chipping Barnet (Mrs Villiers). I trust that when she returns to her duties after that speedy recovery, she will I look forward to hearing the contribution of the use her ministerial car rather more often and her push hon. Member for Spelthorne (Kwasi Kwarteng). I believe bike rather less often. that, like me, he supports the third runway—although he might wish to correct that. His predecessor in this Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): Why? House also supported it; he courageously stood against his party’s line, and it is a pity that he chose to retire at Mr Harris: I would never suggest that any Minister the last election—although I am, of course, delighted should do anything other than what I did when I was a that the current hon. Member for Spelthorne is now a Minister. Member of this House. Too often in these environmentally conscious days, The hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire those in the airline industry are seen as the bad guys. I (Pete Wishart) referred to the sale of British Midland see a parallel with the car industry and car ownership. International and the impact on Scottish air services. Although I do not consider myself to be a class warrior, Those of us who supported—and still support—Heathrow’s I observe some class consciousness in the debate. Car third runway pointed out the blindingly obvious fact ownership was initially seen as a good thing that improved that a continued squeeze on capacity at Heathrow would the quality of the lives of those who could afford it, but inevitably lead to the withdrawal of domestic slots in as cars became cheaper and more ordinary working favour of more profitable international slots. Earlier people could afford to own one, they suddenly became a this month, BAA chief executive Colin Matthews warned: threat to the environment. I see the same happening “Capacity constraints are damaging the UK economy today with air travel. It was a wonderful thing that made every when the country can least afford it.” corner of the globe accessible; but then ordinary people The Conservatives may have won the vote on the third had the damned cheek to afford to use it regularly. runway, but they have certainly not won the argument. Fares were reduced, and suddenly it too was a threat to the environment—what a surprise—rather than the Kelvin Hopkins: May I point out both that our party opportunity that it used to be. My own view, which I has also accepted that there will be no third runway at hope is shared throughout the House, is that a healthy, Heathrow and that one way of relieving capacity at 591 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 592

Heathrow would be by shifting some medium-haul and the airlines. Some might say that the airlines are very short-haul flights to Luton? good at looking after themselves as they are quite well financed and have good lobbyists. When addressing Mr Harris: My hon. Friend makes a perfectly aviation issues, however, we must consider all the understandable constituency point, which I am sure will participants, including airports and airlines as well as not have gone unnoticed by the Luton Observer,or passengers. It is a commonly held belief that in the field whatever his local paper is called. of competitive air transport the needs of the airlines The provision of security is of great concern to all are closely aligned with those of the passengers, and I our constituents. The Government’s policy paper that agree. As their interests are generally aligned rather was published at the same time as the Bill in November than in conflict, we must consider including this secondary claimed that the transfer of aviation security regulations duty in the Bill. As this is to a considerable extent a functions would save the taxpayer £24.6 million over co-operative industry, with airlines, airports and passengers 10 years. However, it also stated that the CAA would all part of the mix, I strongly support the Bill’s providing incur costs of £5 million each year, more than double for symmetrical rights of appeal, allowing airlines as the level of savings to the Department for Transport. well as airports to appeal to the Competition Commission. Will the Minister explain either in summing up or in The Bill’s provisions granting publication duties to Committee why this transfer of powers appears to the CAA in respect of all airports is also welcome. result in a net annual cost increase of £2.5 million? If These days, transparency is essential; customers rightly that is because we can expect a more secure airport want it, and airlines should welcome it too. The CAA experience, I welcome the move, but if there are to be must promote better information on customer service higher costs but no improvement in security, I will be and environmental effects. No one disputes that the concerned, particularly if that extra cost is to be passed airline industry stands on the front line in the war on to the travelling public, which I understand is the against carbon emissions, but we must recognise the case. achievements of the industry in our country: the airline I welcome this Bill, however, and, without wishing to industry in Britain is at the forefront of addressing second-guess the great wisdom of the Labour Whips climate change and environmental protection. In that Office, may I say that I look forward to scrutinising it in regard, it is better than any airline industry in any other Committee in the weeks ahead? country. Before we burden our industry with yet more regulation, we must pause to acknowledge its achievements 5.54 pm in this field. Naturally, the information about airlines should be comparable and fair, but the move to transparency Kwasi Kwarteng (Spelthorne) (Con): I had prepared is certainly a step in the right direction. some introductory remarks, but in view of the kind comments of the hon. Member for Glasgow South (Mr I think that the transference of security regulation Harris), I should perhaps clarify my view on the third from the Department for Transport to the CAA is a runway. In the course of my brief parliamentary career, good thing. Obviously, details will have to be refined I have never explicitly come out in favour of the third and clarified and in many cases things will have to evolve, runway, but those who know me know that I am very such as how the structure will work, but it is quite right partial to it, even though I am not necessarily saying it that a Government who have made decentralisation one is the only solution to the aviation capacity problem the of their guiding principles should delegate responsibility country faces. It is, however, vital for the economic in this regard. There is a view that such a move is simply future of our country that we solve this problem, especially a way of reducing Government costs, but in my view it given the stagnant growth here and in the eurozone. Too is quite right so to empower the CAA, although more often in our post-war history we have adopted short-term details will have to be supplied. policies that have impeded our long-term growth. I Clearly, this is only Second Reading, so I am happy hope that our future aviation policies will not impede to support the Bill at this stage, but there are wider our future growth, however. The question of aviation issues of concern. The CAA is the only major economic capacity in the south-east is very important. We have regulator for which the National Audit Office has no debated it in the House before, and I have written real remit, as has been mentioned, so there should be an about it. explicit duty for the CAA to act in an efficient manner. I turn now to the Bill itself, which is a slightly That, indeed, was what the Transport Committee found. different subject. The Bill is to be welcomed for a More broadly, we must be very careful as regulation number of reasons. Most notably, our current civil in civil aviation throws up the important issue of regulatory aviation rules were framed almost three decades ago in costs. If Britain’s aviation industry is to thrive, it is clear the 1980s, and the Bill makes laudable attempts to that we should not impose too many or too onerous modernise the regulation of this important industry. burdens on our businesses that operate in the field. Not The broad thrust of the Bill is to place the customer at only are financial burdens onerous, but a more complex the centre of any considerations, and that should be regulatory environment can pose its own problems. The supported. Its measures will establish as the Civil Aviation CAA already charges airports a small levy for every Authority’s primary focus the promotion of the interests arriving passenger, from which source of finance the of the passenger, and the entire industry accepts that CAA seeks to undertake its functions. Those charges that should be the case. are set to increase by a third in April 2012 and it is There is, however, a wider question, which was raised apparent that the provisions in the Bill might add to the by the Select Committee, of which I am privileged to be costs for airports. Given the increase in air passenger a member. We found in our pre-legislative scrutiny duty, we are in danger of burdening the industry with report that the CAA should have as a secondary duty ever more costs, impeding its ability to drive the economic the need to take account of the reasonable interests of growth we all keenly anticipate. 593 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 594

[Kwasi Kwarteng] As the bmi slots into Heathrow have yet to be filled, I want the Government to consider some kind of public This is Second Reading, however, and I am quite service obligation so that the slots remain reserved for happy to support the Government at this stage. I only flights from Durham Tees Valley into Heathrow. I have hope that more details can be thrashed out and considered been pressing for that for several years, even before in Committee and on Report. 2010, when Labour was in power. I would like to have the opportunity to discuss the matter with the Minister, 6.2 pm in a meeting if possible, to see whether we can make progress. At the moment, there are about three PSOs in Phil Wilson (Sedgefield) (Lab): Aviation makes a the UK: two in Scotland and one in Wales. In Europe, major contribution to the UK economy: the industry however, there are about 250, and they keep regional makes up £19 billion to £20 billion a year of our gross airports connected to international hubs. domestic product and employs 600,000 to 700,000 people. My concern tonight, in the context of this Bill, is the That proposal is important for Durham Tees Valley future of regional airports and the connectivity they airport, especially today. As we know in the north-east, offer between the regions they serve and the rest of the the airport is being put up for sale by Vancouver world. Airport Services and Peel Airports Ltd. In 1995, Heathrow served 21 domestic destinations and today it serves only six, only two of which are in Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): My hon. England. Durham Tees Valley airport in County Durham, Friend and neighbour has proved to be a great champion which is in my constituency and has part of its runway for our local airport, which, as he said, is up for sale. in the Stockton North and Stockton South constituencies, Does he agree that when considering the future of was once connected to Heathrow, but in February 2009 Durham Tees Valley airport, as well as taking into British Midland International—bmi—withdrew its service. account all the points he has made, the directors must Durham Tees Valley still has a twice daily flight to seriously consider all offers to secure an expert company Schiphol airport in Amsterdam, and Schiphol and Charles that is interested in providing the widest range of services de Gaulle airport in Paris now serve more regional at the airport rather than potential owners who are airports in the UK than does Heathrow. I understand simply interested in serving the interests of shareholders that bmi withdrew its slots from Durham Tees Valley to and are not committed to a long-term viable future for Heathrow as it wanted to use them for more lucrative the airport? long-haul flights into the capital, but those slots have yet to be filled. Although it might make sense to have Phil Wilson: My hon. Friend makes a very important the long-haul flights, there is a problem for connectivity point. Transparency is very important when it comes to between the regions, economic development and the the sale and I know that the board is meeting every global economy. week at the moment to ensure that everything is out in BAA bills Heathrow as our global gateway, but that the open. It is vital that whoever takes over the airport cannot be true if only two regional airports in England ensures it is there for the benefit of all the region, not have access to the international links through that airport just the shareholders. to the rest of the world. The route to Schiphol from Five or six years ago, approximately 900,000 passengers Durham Tees Valley is excellent and serves the Tees a year used the airport, but that figure is now down to valley well. 180,000 or 190,000. The largest part of those passenger Let me tell hon. Members something about the Tees numbers comes from the KLM flights between Durham valley and why it is so important that we maintain Tees Valley and Schiphol. It is important that in the sale the connectivity between the airport and the rest of the of the airport we ensure we get someone who will invest world. It has to do with the size of the industry in in the facility. the area. The economy of the Tees valley is based on the The airport has a proud history. It was originally largest integrated process industrial complex in the UK. known as Goosepool airport and then as RAF Middleton It contains industries specialising in petrochemicals, St George, and it was an RAF Bomber Command energy, renewable energy, biofuel and steel making. It station during world war two. The airfield began its life has the third largest port in the UK and there is also a as Royal Air Force Station Goosepool and in 1941 world-class advanced engineering industry based on the became RAF Middleton St George. The aerodrome design, construction and maintenance of petrochemical opened as a Bomber Command station in that same plants, power stations and major infrastructure such as year and, after the war, it served various squadrons. In bridges. In addition, the region has the Wilton centre, 1964 it was sold and became Teesside International which is Europe’s largest non-military private sector airport and, in 2004, it became Durham Tees Valley research centre. The petrochemical industry alone airport. contributes £3.5 billion to the UK economy and 70,000 I understand that there are several prospective buyers UK jobs depend on it. On top of that, Hitachi Rail for the facility at Durham Tees Valley, and I want to Europe is coming to Newton Aycliffe, which is in my make sure that, whatever happens, it remains a commercial constituency and about 12 miles to the west of the airport. If that is not to be the case, I want to make sure airport. Again, a worldwide industry has been attracted that it still has an aviation purpose for the north-east, to the region. whether as a general aviation facility, a cargo facility or Although we have the link to Schiphol, I understand a commercial operation. It is vital that there is a future that it does not provide a connection with Australia and for some kind of aviation in the Tees valley in whatever that the number of flights that connect to the middle guise, because the business is needed—as I have said, it east and north America have reduced in recent years. is a massive industrial complex—the tourism is needed, That is why the routes into Heathrow are so important. and investment in the facility by whoever buys it is needed. 595 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 596

I want to see an aviation future for Durham Tees I welcome the reforms to the air travel organisers’ Valley because connectivity is very important to an area licensing regime, which was put in place back in 1982. with such a huge and internationally important industrial Since then, the way in which we buy holidays, and what base. It is important to keep a commercial airport, but those holidays involve, has changed dramatically. It is there is also a great need for the wider aviation facility. entirely appropriate for the Secretary of State to have There has been criticism of the airport in the local the power to extend the scope of ATOL to give passengers press, but now is not the time for criticising Durham the assurances they deserve, and it is clearly absurd that Tees Valley—we should be supporting its sale. I want only a small proportion of holidays are covered currently the airport to have a viable aviation future that will and that many consumers are simply unaware whether benefit the whole region, as it is an important economic they are protected or not. However, I am concerned that asset. The time for criticism, celebration or both is after some organisations might still be excluded under the the sale period, which I understand will be in the next proposed changes, and I hope that it might be possible week or so. In the spirit of the cross-party consensus to consider going somewhat further. I believe that the this Bill has secured, I hope that the cross-party consensus Transport Committee is talking to ATOL tomorrow— among Tees valley MPs will also continue. Finally, I should like to ask a question about the Bill. Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con) indicated I understand that some of the inspections that the CAA assent. currently undertakes will continue but that their cost Dr Huppert: I am grateful to see the hon. Gentleman will be transferred to regional airports and ultimately, I nodding, and I hope that some of the information should think, to the customer. To avoid placing unnecessary the Committee produces can be taken into account in burdens on regional airports and customers, will the the Bill. Minister look at this issue again and let us know in There are some welcome provisions in the Bill that will today’s debate whether that is case? In an age in which open up Government data concerning airports. Having greater connectivity and globalisation are bringing the open public data is a key aim of the Liberal Democrats world closer together, regional airports and the regions and of the coalition’s programme for Government. The they serve deserve to be part of that economic growth, CAA will be given the power to enable airports to connectivity and globalisation and the economic wealth publish data to assist passengers or potential passengers they can bring. in making informed choices. The best way in which the 6.12 pm Government can drive up standards is by empowering individuals to make informed choices, and that is what Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): I do not want these measures will achieve. The new power for the to disappoint the House but I am not going to speak in CAA to publish information about the environmental great detail about Cambridge international airport and impact of aviation is also welcome. The real costs of the wonderful services it provides. Hon. Members can airplane emissions are often hidden, and the Government come on some other occasion to hear about that. have a duty to make them known as a first step towards Changes to the regulatory framework of civil aviation making sure that something can be done to reduce them. are long overdue and the changes in the Bill are broadly welcome. The Bill builds on the findings of the 2008 Most of the changes in the Bill have been subject to Pilling review, which noted in particular the need to extensive consultation over the many years of its gestation. bring the legislative framework up to date. Work on the Papers from the previous Administration and the coalition proposals began under the previous Administration Government have generally had positive feedback and and is being carried forward by the coalition, so the the recent draft Bill was broadly welcomed by the measures clearly have cross-party support, which I welcome. industry. However, there are some aspects of the Bill We in the Liberal Democrats particularly welcome the that I hope will be considered in more detail in Committee. Government’s aspiration to put passengers at the heart First, it seems slightly odd that there are new powers for of airport operations and the sections of the Bill that information regarding the environmental impact of aviation help to accomplish that. For too long, transport policy to be published but that there is no commensurate duty has been based on the top-down, central control of for the CAA to do anything about the issue after large systems. An effective transport system, whether publishing that information. The CAA will have a new for airports, trains or anything else, should be passenger- power to publish information to benefit passengers and focused and should be viewed from the bottom up, so a duty to work in their interests. I therefore think that the new duty on the CAA to focus on end users is the power to publish information about the environment extremely welcome. Having said that, I would like to see should be matched by a duty to act on that information. more in the Bill about environmental considerations Mark Lazarowicz: Is it not more serious than that? and I would be interested to hear whether a duty to The Bill will allow licensed conditions to be imposed, consider such issues could be put into clauses 1 and 2, based on certain criteria, but those conditions will not because the environmental performance of the aviation include environmental ones, so it seems that the CAA industry matters. will not be able to include environmental considerations I should also like to know a bit more from Ministers in the licences it grants. about the measure that puts a duty on the CAA regarding “the need to secure that all reasonable demands for airport Dr Huppert: The hon. Gentleman makes a fair point operation services are met”. and I am sure that this issue will form a significant part I should particularly like to know what is reasonable. Is of our discussions in Committee. it reasonable for me to expect there to be flights from Clause 84(2) says that the CAA Cambridge international airport to any destination I “may publish guidance and advice with a view to reducing, choose? I presume not, but what would be a reasonable controlling or mitigating the adverse environmental effects of expectation? civil aviation in the UK.” 597 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 598

[Dr Huppert] that were about to be released by the Ministry of Justice. A group was challenged with trying to de-anonymise I think the wording could be stronger and say that it information from anonymised data and it turned out to “must” do so and, hopefully, take that further. Aviation be worryingly easy to do in a number of cases. I hope accounts for a significant and growing proportion of that Ministers will look at that issue. our carbon emissions and it also has a significant noise impact, which we must take into account. The body Mark Lazarowicz: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? that regulates aviation must have regard to these facts and bear some responsibility. Dr Huppert: A number of people still wish to speak, so I shall not give way again. Mr Donohoe (Central Ayrshire) (Lab): Will the hon. The Select Committee on Transport made some sensible Gentleman at least concede that the airline business has recommendations to the Government, which I am sure improved its environmental impact greatly in the past will be given due consideration. For example, it noted 10 or 20 years? that the aviation industry has concerns about the way in which the CAA will implement the new provisions, Dr Huppert: Indeed, it has, and I have had discussions given the difficult business conditions that many regional with Rolls-Royce, which makes a number of new engines airports face. It also noted, as have many hon. Members that perform significantly better in that regard, but today, that the CAA is the only economic regulator that there is still a long way to go. It is certainly true that does not fall under the remit of the National Audit emissions per passenger have declined, but the number Office, and it recommended that an explicit efficiency of passengers has gone up and there is a complex factor duty for the CAA be inserted in the Bill or, indeed, we relating the two. We need to go further in making sure could make the NAO responsible for supervising the that planes are fully utilised. We have had discussions in operation of the CAA. The Government have not yet the Chamber about trying to change from a per passenger provided a full response to the Committee’srecommendations, duty to a per plane duty, and I hope we will be able to but I hope that they will do so as soon as possible and go further and resolve the anomalies regarding the look at those sensible ideas. Chicago convention that prevent that change. Overall, the Bill offers crucial modernisation for civil The Bill provides the Secretary of State with the aviation regulation, and it will help to promote success power to ensure that information is published but does and competition in aviation. The Liberal Democrats not go as far as requiring the CAA and airports to do welcome the focus on passengers, the reform of ATOL, so. It could go slightly further in that direction to ensure the sensible framework for economic regulation and the that passengers are provided with the information to opening up of public data. I hope that in Committee we which they are entitled rather than leaving it to the can ensure that the Bill properly delivers the Government’s whim of whichever Secretary of State happens to be in aims and creates a sustainable future for civil aviation in charge. I am not suggesting that any Secretary of State this country based on open data, proper regulation, in the current Government would be so foolish as not to sustainable transport and passenger-led reforms. go the full way in that regard, but one can never know what a future Government or Secretary of State might do. Of course, environmental information should be 6.20 pm provided as a matter of course, and I hope, for clarity, Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): I am extremely that clause 84(2) will explicitly include carbon dioxide grateful for the opportunity to speak in this important emissions and other greenhouse gases. debate, and to follow the hon. Member for Cambridge I should also like to understand a little more about (Dr Huppert). I am disappointed that he did not spend how the penalties in the Bill were arrived at. Obviously, more time discussing his airport, of which I am a great we hope never to have to use any of the penalties for fan, as I flew from there when I was in the Air Training failure to comply or to provide information, but they Corps. However, there is an airport slightly closer to my are somewhat complex. Clauses 44 and 45 have a complex heart now, given that I represent Luton South. formula based on turnover, clause 51 has fixed amounts, Many hon. Members have said that aviation is crucial clause 52 has unlimited ones, clause 86 has very low if we are to achieve economic growth and change—a penalties and clause 87 goes back to unlimited ones. I green economy—in future. I do not dissent from that hope that the Minister can give us some clarity as to view, as aviation has an important role to play. There exactly how those penalties were decided. are pressures on capacity in the south-east, for example, Clause 104 deals with the disclosure of medical that I should like to discuss, but first I shall turn to the information, which requires proper scrutiny and some Bill. I was a member of the Select Committee on clarification. The clause allows the CAA to disclose Transport when it examined the woeful performance of medical information relating to flight crew and air BAA in the winter weather of 2010. It was clear that traffic controllers in an anonymised form for the purposes there were major, extensive problems at Heathrow, and of medical research. I can absolutely see how that our report, which was quite authoritative, if I say so would be beneficial and why we should want to introduce myself, underlined the way in which regulatory issues it, but I am concerned that in a small airline it might be ended up affecting BAA’s performance. possible to identify an individual using a combination I shall give an anecdote that stuck out for me when of the information provided and data that are publicly we took evidence on the inquiry.When Heathrow published available on the internet. That could pose a serious its monthly performance figures in December 2010, it threat to privacy. This clause requires close scrutiny to passed 56 of the 60-odd measures proposed at the time, ensure that de-anonymisation of data is not possible. I because they did not measure what was important to am aware of academic work that has been done on data passengers: the ability to leave the gate on time, and the 599 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 600 conditions in which they were looked after. It is crazy, not an option. The capacity challenge in the south-east given the fact that there were delays of up to 72 hours can be tackled if Luton airport increased its capacity for many passengers—we saw the scenes on our screens— from 10 million passengers to 18 million over a period. that the performance measures that were taken into That is part of the answer, but it does not answer the account did not show the problems at the airport. broader question of how we establish a serious hub It is not just Heathrow that is a problem, as the issue airport that can compete with other airports, particularly is on everyone’s mind. It is also about how the wider in Europe, on level ground. industry relates to the CAA, and how we hold the CAA In Luton, we can achieve 18 million passengers without to account. In that regard, the Bill is extremely welcome. significant ground works, and without extending the The role of the CAA in taking on security is a welcome runway or building a second runway, which is welcome. measure, as is the CAA having more flexibility and We are 25 minutes from St Pancras—practically zone 3 setting the licensing scheme for UK airports. However, on the London underground. We are one of the big four airlines too are customers of airports; it is not just the airports that, I believe, we are seeking to expand. Luton end passenger who is buying a ticket. Indeed, as a user ultimately can absorb only a small amount of the of airlines, I put my primary faith and expectation that additional capacity that is required, and we have heard everything will work in the airline’s hands: whether it is different suggestions from different people in recent easyJet, BA, Virgin Atlantic or Ryanair, I would want weeks. The expansion of Heathrow is not on the table, to hold them to account. Sadly, when there are failings and we understand why the Secretary of State holds her in airport operation, customers and passengers go to personal convictions. An additional runway at Stansted the airline in question, and the Bill could do more. I has been ruled out. We have heard about the plans for therefore support the introduction of a secondary duty “Heathwick”, linking Heathrow and Gatwick, although for the CAA. The primary duty to the 210 million or so I am not sure exactly what those proposals would achieve. passengers is important, but there should be a secondary In the past fortnight, we have heard about “Boris island”, duty to ensure that airlines are served effectively by but whatever option we choose, we must find a long-term the CAA. solution to the problem of capacity. If the Government The CAA believes that its adoption of security functions are unwilling to do so while they are in power, we will will impose an additional £5 million charge on the have to face up to those problems when we are in industry, but there is little in the Bill about how scrutiny government. will be enhanced for the CAA. As my hon. Friend the Member for Poplar and Limehouse (Jim Fitzpatrick) Mark Lazarowicz: Does my hon. Friend not agree pointed out, we will seek to be helpful in Committee that one of the drawbacks of “Boris island” or, indeed, and amend the Bill. The NAO has a role to play in any other plan for the Thames estuary is that it would holding that major economic regulator to account. set at naught all the ideas about linking high-speed rail to Heathrow airport if, at the end of the day, that On the wider issue of aviation, the Bill is extremely airport moved somewhere 30 miles east? welcome, as it does many sensible things in a sensible way. However, it does not serve to fill the vacuum of aviation policy in this Parliament. We face a major Gavin Shuker: My hon. Friend makes a good point capacity issue in the south-east, and there are broader about high-speed rail, which is not a substitute for environmental and economic concerns—we all accept additional air passenger transport movements. It may that. However, the policy vacuum on capacity, particularly be excellent at linking, for example, Birmingham and in the south-east, is not answered by the measures. In Heathrow, and our Front-Bench team has suggested my own patch, London Luton airport can do much to proposals about how better to do so. This is a real issue assist with the solution to those problems. of capacity that affects our economy. We cannot leave it to future generations to solve the long-term problems that we must face up to ourselves. Mr Donohoe: Given that it is rumoured that the Ministry of Defence is proposing to sell off RAF Several hon. Members rose— Northolt, does my hon. Friend believe that it is feasible that that could be part of the equation in overcoming Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Order. Members the problem of congestion in the south-east? have shown amazing self-discipline in the length of their speeches, so I am able to increase the time limit to Gavin Shuker: My hon. Friend makes an extremely 12 minutes. strong case. I have looked at those proposals, and that airport is only a few miles from Heathrow. 6.29 pm Mr Donohoe: Four miles. Fiona Bruce (Congleton) (Con): I welcome the Bill and propose to speak chiefly to clause 94, which amends Gavin Shuker: Indeed, but I am not qualified to make section 71 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982 and improves that assessment. ATOL protection for consumers, as I believe that these My hon. Friend does, however, make the point that are the provisions that are of most interest to my no options should be off the table. We have said, despite constituents. To clarify why the proposals are so welcome, the fact that we made a manifesto commitment to a I will briefly outline the current ATOL scheme’s third runway at Heathrow, that we are willing to take inadequacies that require remedying in order to meet that off the table if it enables us to enter into cross-party the requirements of passengers in the 21st century. talks. These are long-term decisions taken for the country’s The ATOL scheme, which was introduced in the ’70s, future, and that is a statesmanlike approach by our provides financial protection for consumers who purchase Front-Bench transport team. Failure to do anything is air package holidays in the event of a travel company 601 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 602

[Fiona Bruce] In addition, holidays purchased on an “agent for the consumer” basis are also in many respects outside the going into insolvency. Affected passengers are entitled current ATOL scheme. Traditionally, travel agents act to a full refund if they are yet to travel or repatriation as agents for the supplier and sell holidays to customers after completing their holiday if they have already on behalf of travel trade suppliers, but they can also reached their destination. However, the current ATOL sometimes act as agents for the customer and technically scheme does not apply to airlines that are specifically buy the holiday on their behalf. This is an important excluded under legislation or to airline agents where distinction. Agents for the consumer are not legally airline tickets or a similar airline booking confirmation making flight accommodation available and so are currently has been issued, which means that a booking made not required to have an ATOL licence or to provide any directly with an airline just for a flight on an aircraft other form of financial protection for holidays. they operate, for example by using their website, is not However, it can be difficult, if not impossible, for covered by ATOL. Airlines can sell flights and flight consumers to know in what capacity a travel agent is plus without providing financial protection, flight plus acting, which can create considerable detriment and being a booking for a flight that is sold together with uncertainty.In practical terms, the distinction is completely accommodation and/or car hire at the same time or irrelevant for a consumer until they need to claim for within a day of each other. Many consumers are totally cover and might find cover non-existent. Then it becomes unaware that they have no financial protection for such very relevant indeed. Even some travel companies are bookings. not fully aware of what acting as “agent for the consumer” However, confusingly for consumers, under the 1990 entails or their obligations to explain to consumers the EU package travel directive airlines are now required to implications for ATOL protection. In short, the current provide financial protection for the sale of package ATOL scheme no longer fulfils its intended purpose. holidays. In practice, some airlines sell package holidays Clause 94, by greatly broadening consumer protection with ATOL protection, but other airlines sell only flight and bringing airlines and “agent for the consumer” plus without any statutory financial protection at all. transactions into the scope of the ATOL scheme, effectively Even more confusingly for the consumer, although the brings the scheme into the 21st century. Following ATOL logo on websites and in brochures signifies that appropriate consultation, the Bill will enable the Secretary the business in question holds an ATOL licence and of State to make regulations requiring airlines to hold thus meets the CAA’s financial fitness criteria, that does and act in accordance with an ATOL licence when not mean that every holiday the business sells is ATOL making available flight accommodation, except where protected. The ATOL licence holder may sell holidays they are doing so on a flight-only basis on aircraft that and travel arrangements that are not ATOL protected they operate. For the purposes of the clause, flight since they fall outside the legal scope of the current accommodation is taken to mean accommodation for scheme. In effect, it is left to the consumer to check the transport of persons on flights in any part of the whether their holiday arrangements are covered by ATOL, world. In effect, all airline package holiday and flight-plus but how many would know how to do that? sales are to be ATOL protected. Having said that, some The last decade has seen important changes in the exceptions remain, and I welcome the discussions, which UK market for holidays and flights, particularly a move have been referred to, between ATOL and representatives away from traditional package holidays in favour of from the Transport Committee on opening up the possibility independent travel. This has been facilitated by the of ATOL cover being widened even further. I very emergence of low-cost, no-frills airlines and the use of much welcome the Bill and the effect it will have in the internet. Holidays are often created by consumers providing additional consumer protection. buying the various components from a range of flight, Before concluding my remarks, I want to touch on accommodation and other options. This might involve another point relating to passenger protection: pilot purchasing from a single provider or, in many instances, fatigue. Although perhaps peripheral to the Bill’s main from linked websites. For instance, an airline website aims, this issue is vital to the many pilots in my constituency might contain a link to an accommodation provider’s who work out of Manchester airport and, in turn, to site. Holidays created and sold in this way are often their passengers’ welfare. I have spoken with a number referred to as dynamic packaging, mix-and-match holidays, of pilots about the matter and attended briefings, in the DIY packages or tailor-made holidays. This development House and elsewhere, where it has been raised with could not have been foreseen when the ATOL scheme great concern. Pilots in my constituency are extremely was introduced 40 years ago or when the package travel concerned that any relaxation of this country’s current directive was agreed more than 20 years ago. Indeed, restrictions on permitted crew flight hours could push the proportion of ATOL protected holidays has dropped pilot fatigue to intolerable levels and seriously affect from 97% of all leisure flights in 1997 to less than 50% passenger safety. The issue was raised in the other place in 2010 and, if action is not taken, will undoubtedly only last week by the noble Lord Monks, who is president decrease further. of the British Airline Pilots Association. There is therefore a strong case for reforming the Pressure on crew and aircraft for turnarounds is ATOL scheme to reflect better today’s holiday market increasing as demand for air travel rises, and this is and so that consumers can be clear when their holiday is reflected in the requirements that airlines are putting on protected. The CAA agrees and has stated that pilots. The European Aviation Safety Agency has made “ATOL needs reform… to remove the risk of increasing financial proposals that would reduce the current UK standards detriment to consumers.” on flight time limitations. The Government spokesperson This is particularly so in the current economic climate, in the other place replied to the noble Lord Monks when significant sums from a household’s annual budget that the Government would support the proposed are spent on such transactions. requirements only if the CAA determines that they 603 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 604 provide an appropriate level of protection against crew should pay, but why is the charge being levied only fatigue. That was a welcome comment pointing in the against the airport? Why cannot part of it be levied right direction. directly against airlines, and why can it not be phased in to give airports a chance to build it into their budgets? Mark Lazarowicz: I have been contacted by many of The Bill also allows an airport to be compelled to my constituents who work in the aviation industry, hand over a terminal to another operator, but there is including pilots, and who are extremely concerned about no industry demand for that, and it has been said that it the proposals. I am sure that the whole House is with is an “idea without merit”. I have been told that the the hon. Lady in wanting to see the Government and the measure has been included just in case in future someone, European authorities ensure that no danger to safety is somewhere decides that it is a good idea, but it would brought about by the proposed changes. only ever be a good idea if we wanted to increase the employment opportunities for accountants and solicitors. Fiona Bruce: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that intervention. Currently, the airport operator plans for the whole In responding to the debate, will the Minister clarify airport. It has to deal with its neighbours, take account how in practice such an important determination will of environmental concerns, work out how to get people be made in light of the delegated powers that are going to and from the airport, invest in transport infrastructure, to be passed to the CAA under the revised regulatory invest in improvements to the terminal and so on. What regime and the fact that when introducing the debate will happen to all that if there is more than one operator? the Secretary of State said that CAA decisions should Manchester airport is investing £50 million to bring the be “guided by the needs of customers” and that the Metrolink system to the airport, and it has recently safety of customers was of “key importance”, and, made a large investment in the airport’s railway station. finally, bearing in mind that the Secretary of State Would that have happened if there were two or more remains ultimately responsible for aviation safety and operators at the airport? What if one operator does not security? want to invest in infrastructure? We have only to look at what happened with rail privatisation: a huge increase I welcome the Bill. in transactional costs and the use of accountants and solicitors, hours and money wasted on deciding who is 6.40 pm to blame for any incident and who owes whom money, and a waste of taxpayers’ valuable money. Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): First, I add my voice to those who have expressed concerns about the Transferring an airport terminal to another operator Bill having been rushed. As a member of the Transport would hugely increase transactional costs, and a great Committee, I was part of the pre-legislative scrutiny deal of time and money would be wasted on commercial process, but as has been said on several occasions, only negotiations and agreements. The cost-benefits of one tomorrow will we have our session on ATOL. The efficient operator would diminish, and one contract Government therefore have not had the chance to take and, therefore, good deals with Smiths Group, SSP and on our concerns; even more than that, airports have the Compass Group and with brands such as Costa expressed huge concern that they have not had time to Coffee and Burger King would disappear. Bean counters consider the proposals and to make recommendations. would have to spend time working out how they split Secondly, the Government have missed an opportunity things such as car park fees, and each operator would to include environmental measures in the Bill. People have to have headroom, thereby diminishing overall living near airports had been hoping for stronger regulation capacity. The proposal makes no sense, it will not on noise and pollution controls, and I appreciate that improve the passenger experience and it should be the Bill’s purpose is primarily economic regulation, but removed from the Bill—or, at the very least, apply only it has already been widened to include ATOL and to regulated airports. security. Aviation Bills do not arrive every day, so this I have some concerns about security transferring to one should have included environmental duties, and I the CAA and regulations now being based on an outcome- really hope that it will be amended in Committee to focused security regime. I accept that it is unnecessary include them. to insist on screening by a certain machine at every The industry has generally welcomed the legislation, airport, but as we know, terrorists only have to be lucky but some proposals have created much consternation. once, and we must ensure that we have no weak links in The cost of regulation is certainly a problem for airports our airport security. It was also worrying when the such as Manchester. Currently, the regulation charge is trade unions reported to the Transport Committee that 95p for every arriving passenger, but with no consultation many people would not want to transfer from the civil the charge is going up in April to £1.26 per passenger. service to the CAA and, therefore, that expertise would The airport expects that the additional charges for be lost. security and enforcement will be another 4p, and, although A major issue was pensions. The Transport Minister that does not sound a great deal, it estimates that it will of State told the Committee that the CAA and civil have to find an additional £274,000. service pensions are under review, but will transferring Airports are not in a position to pass on those staff be given an equivalent pension? Have Ministers charges to airlines. The only way of doing so would be also considered other employment models, such as staff to increase landing charges, but because of competition remaining employed as civil servants but seconded to between regional airports, airlines would simply go the CAA? Security is not an area where we can take elsewhere. Airports cannot agree to fix landing charges, risks, and we must not lose the expertise of current staff, as they would fall foul of competition rules. I can so do the Government have any proposals for retaining understand why the Government believe that the user them? 605 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 606

[Julie Hilling] because there is no legislation—because many Bills from this Session are at the other end of the corridor, in ATOL reforms are badly needed, as the hon. Member the other place. for Congleton (Fiona Bruce) said just a moment ago, but I am frustrated that the Transport Committee is Christopher Pincher: I am grateful for that intervention. going to look at the details of such reform only after The hon. Gentleman clearly intends to carry on for Second Reading. Most people believe that they are Luton South where Lorraine Chase left off; we have already ATOL-protected when they book a holiday, brought forward this Bill, and we have heard what the and that if the operator goes bust someone will get Secretary of State had to say. them home or, if they have not yet travelled, refund the I welcome the Bill, which is timely, because we all cost of their holiday. It is ludicrous that a holiday know that aviation is an industry that is as important to booked through an airline—a holiday that looks and Britain as it is maligned. It is important because it feels like a package holiday—is not treated as one. I employs 1 million people throughout the country, sustains welcome the inclusion of such holidays in the ATOL a tourist industry employing 2.6 million people and scheme, and the removal of the distinction between generates about £9 billion of Treasury receipts every travel agents acting as agents for suppliers and as agents year, plus all the Treasury receipts that it generates by for consumers—a definition so unclear that even travel making our economy work more effectively and better. companies are confused about the distinction. I welcome also the proposal that customers be issued with a certificate There is no doubt in the minds of operators that they to inform them that they are ATOL-protected, but as want better regulation. We want regulation that puts the legislation will not protect everyone, customers should passengers first. We want regulation that ensures that be issued with a certificate that makes it clear when they security in the age of the terrorist with trainers is are not protected, just as they are issued with one when sharpened and honed. We want to ensure that transparency they are protected. at the Department for Transport, at the CAA, among operators and at airlines is the best that it can be. The time frame for buying components of a holiday However, we do not want regulation that loads unnecessary in order to qualify for protection is too short, as customers bureaucracy on to airport operators or that drives up will be protected only if they buy the components costs that are of no benefit to the travelling public or to within 24 hours. There are situations in which people operators that simply want to make a fair buck by doing book flights immediately to ensure that they reserve a better and more efficient business. seat but agree the rest of the package only later, when Birmingham is the airport in my neck of the woods. the travel agent has sorted out their itinerary. A package It has one runway and carries 8.6 million people a year. is still a package, and therefore the time limit should be It could double its capacity without changing its longer than 24 hours. In 1997, 97% of all leisure flights infrastructure in any way. It has a plan to extend its were ATOL-protected; now it is less than 50%. This new runway so that it can carry bigger planes with more legislation is timely, but let us use this opportunity to passengers, more fuel and more baggage for further ensure that it protects the maximum number of people. distances, as far as the far east. That could extend its I look forward to further discussion on the Bill and carriage capacity by up to 27 million passengers a year. hope that this time the Government will be open to At that point, it would begin to compete with airports amendments to improve it. such as Gatwick.

6.47 pm Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Presumably, the high-speed link from London will work in reverse and Christopher Pincher (Tamworth) (Con): I am pleased people will be able to get up to Birmingham and increase to speak after the hon. Member for Bolton West (Julie the airport’s capacity, making it a south-east England Hilling), some of whose points I agree with, but I am airport. also intrigued and somewhat amused by her introductory remarks and by those of the hon. Member for Garston Christopher Pincher: My hon. Friend is trying to and Halewood (Maria Eagle), who said that there was draw me into the trap of discussing High Speed 2. an elephant in the room and that the Bill has been in Birmingham airport carries only 40% of the passengers gestation for six years. Such gestation would bring tears in its catchment area, so it could extend capacity without to the eyes of the biggest elephant, and if the Opposition picking up passengers from the south-east or elsewhere. believe that this Bill is being rushed they would do well The operators are concerned—the hon. Member for to remember that they had six years in which to bring a Bolton West touched on this—about changes that might Bill forward and to make it an Act. Clearly, however, allow the CAA to increase costs by a third on undesignated they had other things on their mind at the time. airports such as Birmingham. In designated airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick, those costs can easily Gavin Shuker: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? be passed on to airlines. In undesignated airports, they cannot. That places a burden on those airports as they Christopher Pincher: I am prepared to give way to the develop their plans of expansion and as they try to build doughty defender of Luton South. the regional economy, such as that of the west midlands. It is striking that Britain, with a population of 60 million, Gavin Shuker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, has only one formal hub airport, whereas Germany, but I fear that he is being slightly disingenuous in with a population of more than 80 million, has five hub mixing up what Opposition Members have said. The airports and plans to expand that to six. It seems that Bill was clearly designed to be introduced in the next the Germans recognise the importance of aviation in Session, but it has been brought forward in this Session, building their regional economies. I hope that we will 607 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 608 do the same. As we take the Bill through Parliament, as A lot has happened in that area—I recognise and welcome the Secretary of State and Ministers consider it and as it that. Without those measures in place, we will not get goes through the Public Bill Committee, we must ensure the changes that we want. That is why, as the shadow that the clauses do not disadvantage regional airports, Secretary of State said, we need to put environmental which can be so important in building our regional and planning considerations in the Bill. economies. I made the point in my intervention on the hon. I will make two more points, thanks to the injury Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) that the Bill allows time that has been granted to me. The first relates to the CAA to put conditions in licences on a number of environmental protections and reports. We all agree grounds, but only if they come within the specifications about the importance of demonstrating the effects that in clause 1. Clause 1 does not allow environmental and aviation can have on carbon emissions and about ensuring planning considerations to be taken into account, so that proper environmental reporting is built into the the CAA will not be able to put conditions on such Bill. I ask those on the Treasury Bench to ensure that matters in the licences of particular airports. I hope that the information that they wish airports to develop and the Bill is improved in Committee so that it takes deliver is not already available through the Department account of environmental and planning concerns over of Energy and Climate Change or reports that are airport developments and aviation more generally. produced by the Department for Transport. We do not want to overburden airports or demand that they duplicate Bob Stewart: Environmental considerations include information that is produced already. noise pollution. As more and more aeroplanes circulate My final point relates to the levy, which has already around London, the noise gets greater, even in my leafy been touched on. Operators are worried that demanding constituency in Kent. I hope that environmental 10% in penalty clauses because of events that are outside considerations will be taken into account and that the their control can place a significant burden on the noise made by Rolls-Royce engines, for example, will be airport. They say, and I agree with them, that when reduced even more. there are extreme weather conditions or when planes are grounded, the decision on safety is also made by the Mark Lazarowicz: The hon. Gentleman makes an airlines. Should the airlines not, therefore, also be responsible important point. As I understand it, the Bill does not for carrying some of the penalty clause that is imposed? specifically encourage such measures, but it could be If that is not appropriate or possible because airlines changed to allow them. I hope that he will support such can choose whether to take slots and can go elsewhere—it a change. is much more difficult for airports to move—is it not possible to reduce or abolish the penalty, so that we do My second point is about the consumer interest. It not place undue burdens on our airports? can certainly be promoted by encouraging competition, which I welcome, but the Secretary of State referred to My hon. Friend the Member for Crawley (Henry the possibility of passengers choosing between Heathrow, Smith) said that we are a trading nation. Of course, we Gatwick and other airports. People in the south-east are an island trading nation. Aviation is therefore all the of England can do that, as they have four, five or six more important to our competitiveness in Europe. It airports to choose from, but in other parts of the UK provides the quickest and best connections to markets there is not that option. That is why it is important that for our goods and services. I hope that when the the Bill should put in place not just competition measures Government further consider the Bill and when it goes but other provisions to recognise the consumer interest. through the Public Bill Committee, we will place front If people have a long wait at an airport and are queuing and centre the importance of balancing and regionalising for a plane, they want something to be done pretty our economy, and ensure that aviation plays a part in quickly rather than having to wait until a new franchise that. We must protect and promote our regional airports. or licence is granted some years hence. The Bill needs to I look forward to the Minister, in winding up, saying be strengthened to provide for the consumer interest in that we will. that way as well. 6.56 pm I want to say something about the proposed sale of Mark Lazarowicz (Edinburgh North and Leith) (Lab/ British Midland International to International Airlines Co-op): Those of us who emphasise the importance of Group. Like every MP from Scotland, I am very concerned ensuring that the environmental consequences of aviation about the effect of that sale not just on competition on are at the heart of our policy are in no sense anti-aviation. routes between Scotland and Heathrow but, as my hon. We recognise the importance of the industry to the UK Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood (Maria and to our economy but simply want to emphasise the Eagle) said, on people’s ability to change flights at fact that unchecked and uncontrolled, the growth in Heathrow and access all parts of Scotland. That will aviation will lead to increasing CO2 emissions in the UK affect Scotland’s ability to attract tourism and business. and internationally. It is therefore important to encourage The sale of BMI would also have consequences for its the kind of measures that will ensure that that growth other routes—for example those to Brussels, Copenhagen, can be controlled. That means encouraging more Zurich and so on, which are important for business and environmentally friendly forms of travel where possible tourism in Scotland. Although that matter does not and encouraging the industry to be environmentally specifically fall within the terms of the Bill’s competition efficient in the development of new aircraft and in the provisions, it certainly concerns us now that the future way that airports operate. of BMI and its routes is up for grabs. The way to achieve that direction of policy is to put Another point that concerns many people in Scotland, in place measures that will encourage it. It is right to say and which my hon. Friend mentioned, is the cuts to the that there should be tough emissions controls at European UK Border Agency. They are concerned that delays in and international level to encourage more efficient aircraft. entry to the UK could be made worse. At Edinburgh 609 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 610

[Mark Lazarowicz] the benefit of passengers. I strongly support that and believe that it is vital, in the interests of competition, airport there are fairly regular complaints about the that the correct information is easily available to passengers. difficulties of passengers arriving late at night, who As well as weighing up the performance of airlines on have to queue to get through the border formalities and the convenience of flight times and on price, they should even to get into the terminal. They have to wait behind be able to weigh up the performance of airports when locked doors for the appropriate staff to arrive. That is they make their decision about which mode of transport not a criticism of the staff, who of course do an excellent to choose and which airport to use. job, but they are already under pressure and if there are I fully appreciate that not all air passengers have cuts to the UKBA there will no doubt be still further freedom of choice about which airport to use, because pressures on them and delays for passengers. It would their geographic location may restrict them to one certainly not be a good advert for people coming to particular airport or their destination may be served by Scotland or elsewhere in the UK if we had unnecessary only one realistically close airport. However, a large delays because of cuts to border authority staff. number of passengers have a choice of which airport At a time when some Members propose the idea of they go to. independence for Scotland and the separation of Scotland I offer the example of Milton Keynes to illustrate and England, today’s debate emphasises the fact that that point. It does not have a local airport as such, but if there are many areas in which co-operation between I choose to visit family in Scotland, I can either choose England, Scotland and the rest of the UK is by far the to drive up, get the train or fly from four or five airports best way of arranging things. I certainly cannot see how that are within easy travelling distance. I can use having a separate Scottish CAA, presumably with extra Birmingham, Luton, Heathrow or East Midlands, and costs and extra demands on its resources, would improve even London City is not a huge travelling time away. I the situation of airports and airlines in Scotland. have used all those airports to fly up to Scotland, and Earlier we had the somewhat amusing spectacle of their performance has varied enormously. I have had Scottish National party Members, who I am sorry are some very good experiences and some fairly hellish not in the Chamber at the moment, demanding that the ones, and I found out about the airports’ performance UK Government intervene to ensure that there is proper by trial and error. competition between the different airlines and other I will not name and shame the airport that was poor modes of transport in England and Scotland. Surely it —[HON.MEMBERS: “Go on!”] I shall resist the temptation, cannot escape most people’s notice that without a UK but let us just say that there was a song about it a few Government to operate in such a way, there would be years ago. I do not know whether the bad experience I no reason for such competition to be encouraged. In the had was just on an off-day for the airport or whether it absence of SNP Members, I will not pursue that point. was part of a longer-term performance issue. Proper Clearly we may be able to do so at a later stage. information should be available about the performance My final point is that the airline industry is important of an airport over time—for instance the time it takes to to many of our constituents and requires people to be get through security and the time it takes passengers confident in its safety. That was why I was glad to be flying in to get through passport control. Scottish National able to intervene on the hon. Member for Congleton party Members are not in their place, but I very much (Fiona Bruce) to mention concerns about extra pressure hope that flights from Scotland will not require passport on pilots due to the proposed changes to regulations. control as they wish. There should also be information Once again, I hope that the Government will ensure on other issues, such as airport charges that contribute that no such changes are made, as they would jeopardise to the cost of a ticket and charges affecting passengers both the perception and, I fear, the reality of passenger using the airport. Some airports levy a charge on those safety. I am glad that there has so far been unanimity simply dropping travellers off at the front gate, and throughout the House about that, and I hope that the some charge for the little plastic bag we must put our Minister will say something about it in his closing liquids in, whereas others give them out for free. Information remarks as it is concerning people who work in the on such things is valuable for passengers when they are industry and the passengers. evaluating which airport to use. 7.5 pm Other information that should be included are airports’ Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con): I draw records on dealing with things going wrong, be that bad the House’s attention to my entry in the Register of weather or strikes. Airports perform differently, and Members’ Financial Interests. passengers booking some time in advance wish for I welcome the chance to contribute to the debate. As some reassurance that their interests will be looked a member of the Transport Committee, I was involved after if things go wrong. in the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill. I warmly The requirement to publish environmental information welcome it and agree with the overall objective of is important, and I am glad to see it in the Bill. I am overhauling and modernising the system of economic open-minded about whether there should be a specific regulation, which is too rigid and in need of reform. duty on environmental performance, but it is important Other Members have spoken about that in detail, and that information on environmental performance is published I will not repeat the points that have been made, but I so that people can choose to weigh it up when deciding particularly welcome the fact that the interests of passengers how they will travel and from which airport. Transparency will be the top priority of the CAA. It is very important is the best guarantor of the objectives we want, and it is to stress that point. incredibly healthy to promote competition. I wish to focus my comments on part 2 of the Bill, I am aware that different organisations have responsibility and specifically the clauses that will give the CAA the for delivering the different aspects I have described. power to require all airports to publish information for Some aspects are the responsibility of the airports 611 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 612 and some are the responsibility of the airlines. Different He was a scout for his favourite club, Middlesbrough, Government Departments have different duties: immigration for almost 20 years, where, working with Jack Charlton, and passport control is the duty not of the Department he spotted footballers including Graeme Souness. He for Transport but of the Home Office. Due weight remained friends with both throughout his life. An active should be given in the published information to which football player and manager of the House of Commons part of the airline industry is responsible for providing football team, even at age of 73, he was an inspiration the different services. I support the Transport Committee to all, so much so that the House of Commons chefs recommendations on those points. and catering staff have dedicated an annual football As valuable as that information is, it should not be tournament in his name. over-bureaucratic and it should not impose too great a Many will be aware of how he bravely fought cancer. burden on airlines or airports. I would make one suggestion: Members will remember how he carried on his duties as the new aviation consumer advocate panel, the role and long as he could. Our thoughts go out to his family and remit of which are a little unclear at the minute, could to his wife Ann, whom many of us in this House know decide what information was relevant to the interests of and know well, and who nursed Alan through his illness. the passenger and what imposed too much bureaucracy Before and during my campaign, I heard many personal and cost on airlines and airports. stories from people Alan helped—stories that are still I shall share one further concern: the balance of being shared in mail I receive I every week. It is an needs between current and future passengers. For all the honour to continue his work for the people of Feltham reasons I have explained, it is important that information and Heston. He was without doubt a committed is available to passengers. However, it is clearly in the constituency MP. Alan was loved, and on more than interests of passengers in the long term for an airport to one side of this House. invest heavily in new infrastructure, even if there is a I want to share a little about Feltham and Heston. short-term cost in disruption. Any information that is My constituency is the gateway from Heathrow to published should be value added in some way to show London, and a powerful symbol of our nation’s diversity performance over a long period, not just as a snapshot. and of hope for the future. Hounslow has rivers, canals, The Bill is a good one and I welcome it. I hope the nature reserves and open spaces including an urban Government reflect on my suggestions as it progresses farm near the hamlet of Hatton, by Heathrow, and the through the House, but I am happy today to give it my award winning Bedfont Lakes country park. full support. More than 140 languages are spoken in the borough of Hounslow, with a third of the population being from 7.13 pm ethnic minorities. With our strong faith communities Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): and inter-faith work, it is truly an example of where the I should like to begin by thanking hon. and right hon. global meets the local. Our multi-faith community has Members on both sides of the House for their warm many active churches, temples, mosques and gurdwaras, welcome since my election in December. Little can but they are not just places of worship: the community prepare people for stepping into the Chamber for the work that volunteers lead on education, information first time, and for the overwhelming sense of history and advice, and health and well-being, often in partnership that has unfolded on these green Benches. with public agencies, is a major service to the whole I am proud to be able to represent an area where I community. grew up. Before moving to Bedfont, we lived above my My constituency is supported by strong local media. parents’ shop in Osterley—a community shop that sold The Hounslow Chronicle leads the way as the local school uniforms along with imported crafts and jewellery newspaper, with ethnic minority media including Des from India. I attended Heston infants and junior school, Pardes newspaper, Maya News, Jang News, Janomot, where my mother was a teacher for nearly 20 years. The Asian Voice, Eastern Eye—you have probably heard of school has transformed now, being one of the 4,000 schools them all, Mr Speaker—Sangat TV,ARYDigital, Midlands built or refurbished by Labour since 1997—investment Asian Television, Channel S— that is still making a difference to the education of young people across the country. Stephen Pound (Ealing North) (Lab): The Irish Post? I am the first member of my family to be active in politics. I remember taking part in my school elections Seema Malhotra: Yes—and the Irish Post, plus radio at Heston junior school in 1983, when, as a 10-year-old, stations such as Sunrise, Desi radio, Panjab radio and I pretended to be Michael Foot and argued for better Kismat. All play their vital part in ensuring that we pensions for the elderly. It would not surprise the House— reach our diverse communities. with children often voting as their parents might—that An overwhelming message from the election was that in 1983, Labour came second in our school elections. my constituents are concerned about their jobs, their However, we remained ambitious for our future. cost of living and their public services. The youth My predecessor, Alan Keen, is a great loss to this claimant count last year in my constituency rose 25.2%. House and to my constituency, where prior to becoming The long-term claimant count for the over-50s saw a an MP he served as a councillor in Hounslow West. He rise of 48%. Both statistics are more than twice the UK was one of the first MPs I ever knew. The Guardian average. Increased investment in Feltham and Heston described him as “charming, amiable” and “kindly”. and support for local businesses will be vital for the His passion and forte was sport, music, arts and leisure. parents I met last week who are worried about the The House will remember him as a long-standing member future for their children. of the Select Committee on Culture, Media and Sport Like Alan in his maiden speech, and our predecessors and chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on as Feltham and Heston MPs, Russell Kerr and Patrick football. Ground, I want to talk about the vital contribution of 613 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 614

[Seema Malhotra] Feltham skills centre training to become mechanics and engineers, want the chance to prove what they can do Heathrow to my constituency and to the nation. My and create a better life for themselves and their families; constituency borders Heathrow and has a long history where the woman I met on Feltham high street wants of contributing to aviation. London’s first airport was the help to set up her own business; and where the in my constituency, in what is now Hanworth air park. graduate I met in Cranford wants a chance to do more The world’s first air passenger terminal was at Heston than just short-term temporary contracts. It is a place aerodrome in Heston West ward—it is where Prime where mums and dads such as those I met at Southville Minister Neville Chamberlain arrived with his famous community and children’s centre want to know that “Peace in our time” agreement from Hitler in 1938. streets are safe for their children to play on, and that Today, Heathrow is the third busiest airport in the they and their daughters can walk home safely at night. world, but it is more than just an airport. It is a hub for It is a place where older people want to play their part in manufacturing for Britain and for the whole of Europe. the community too, as mentors and support for the new Its success has been its proximity to London, to our generation coming through, but with the confidence motorway and rail networks and to the support that that their needs too will be supported. successive Governments have given to its development, My constituency is also a place where the community acknowledging its continuing, core importance to our spirit is strong. I am proud to carry on Alan’s Co-operative economy. and union relationships and to join the group of Labour The operation of Heathrow airport supports well and Co-operative Members of Parliament, especially in over 110,000 local jobs—approximately 22% of total local the UN international year of the co-operative. employment, and adds a gross value added of £5.3 billion. After a 15-year career in professional services, working As the world’s entrance to the Olympics, it is set to be with industry and Government Departments, it is indeed even busier this summer, with 13 August predicted to be a privilege and an honour to be elected as the new the busiest day in its 66-year history. My constituents Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston, and to fly the planes, run the air traffic control, drive the trains follow my predecessor Alan Keen in fighting for fairness and buses, feed the passengers, shift the air freight, and progress for a place that has so long been my home, police the UK border and produce and deliver British and that has given me so much. manufactured products all over the world, all from Heathrow airport. We have a huge and diverse skills 7.25 pm base that has developed to serve the needs of the Damian Collins (Folkestone and Hythe) (Con): It is a aviation industry. great pleasure to follow the maiden speech from the Recently, there has been increasing talk of a new hon. Member for Feltham and Heston (Seema Malhotra), airport near the Thames estuary, with the vision as it who gave such an eloquent, thoughtful and intelligent stands threatening the future of Heathrow. Heathrow speech, much of which I could agree with. I shall come needs to continue to be an integral part of our future on to the substance of her remarks about airports national transport strategy. A successful, thriving aviation and Heathrow in a moment. I am also grateful for the sector is crucial for our economic competitiveness. I opportunity to echo her remarks of tribute to Alan Keen. support the call to work together on a cross-party basis I had the privilege of serving for just over a year on to agree a long-term strategy for aviation. Confusion the Culture, Media and Sport Committee with Alan about our aviation future will put jobs and growth at Keen. He was a great colleague on the Committee and risk, with investors being unclear about whether to continued its work as best he could, right through last invest for the long term in Heathrow. Any strategy summer, including taking part in our questioning of the going forward must make the best use of existing runways Murdochs and the phone hacking inquiry. He was, of and airports. course, present for the launch of the Committee’s report I look forward to the development of the High Speed 2 on football governance, a topic that was a lifelong line to Heathrow. A direct link would transform accessibility passion of his. He is sorely missed, not only by hon. from the midlands and the north, bringing Leeds and Members on both sides of the House, but by members Manchester within 75 and 70 minutes respectively of of the Committee. Heathrow. The hon. Lady demonstrated in her speech that The Civil Aviation Bill we are debating today is communities that live alongside and around airports designed to modernise the regulatory framework for are vibrant and have a strong affinity to those airports civil aviation, which there is a pressing need to do. The as a great source of wealth, jobs, income, skills and Bill is welcome as it brings greater flexibility in how training for the local economy. Communities that live airports are regulated. However, there also needs to be alongside airports are by no means blighted, but can greater clarity about how environmental impacts will be benefit an awful lot from them. My constituency has a regulated. This is a key concern for my constituents and somewhat smaller—in fact, much smaller—airport than the wider west London population who are the most Heathrow at Lydd, which works under the name London impacted by noise and emissions. It is important to Ashford airport. It is applying for an extended runway ensure that the aviation industry is fully involved as so that it can offer more local and regional services. But plans for the new Civil Aviation Authority develop, to the arguments that people in Romney Marsh in my help provide greater understanding and certainty about constituency would make about why they support the how new regulations may be implemented. expansion of that airport are very similar to the hon. My constituency is a place that is brimming with Lady’s remarks about Heathrow. The economic benefits ambition—of families for themselves and the next of that investment in aviation and having a vibrant generation, and of businesses for growth. It is a place airport in the locality are good for the local economy where young people, such as the young men I met at and create jobs, rather than turning people away. That is 615 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 616 appreciated by many of the hon. Members who have direct flight connections to the UK and London. That spoken in this debate so far, whose constituencies either must be cause for concern, and extra runway capacity contain an airport or are within the economic hinterland would help manage it better. It would also help us to of one. deal with some issues that hon. Members raised earlier, I welcome the thrust of the Bill, in particular the such as the fact that domestic flights are priced out of remit of the Civil Aviation Authority to focus on the the major hub airports when more attractive international consumer experience and passengers as its primary options become available. That reduces the number of motivation. That is something that will help the regulation options available to domestic aviation customers. The and support of airports. I am especially drawn to clause CAA should give particular consideration to that under 1 of the Bill, which sets the CAA’s general duty. Subsection the terms of the Bill. 1 provides that it Indeed, the CAA’s own report on aviation, published “must carry out its functions…in a manner which it considers will earlier this month, highlighted that the need for extra further the interests of users of air transport services”. runway and aviation capacity, particularly in the south-east Subsection 2 adds a duty to promote competition. I am of England, was of primary concern. It should be a sure that people will have amendments and ideas that concern for all of us considering the future of aviation will be discussed in Committee, but I wonder whether in this country and the need to connect our economy to those two points may be combined into one, so that the the economies of the world. CAA should consider promoting competition as part of As has also been discussed, some major European supporting and furthering the interests of air transport regional airports and hub airports have more connecting services, rather than as a separate point. Many of us flights to UK airports than does Heathrow. We are all would see that those two things can be combined, aware of the number of UK regional airports that now because competition helps to improve the level of quality have direct flights to Amsterdam and Frankfurt, and and service. from there to the rest of the world. Indeed, the people who own Lydd airport in my constituency might see I have in mind especially issues of capacity, which may that as a model for sustaining the business case of be at the heart of the concerns that many air transport smaller regional airports like theirs, which could offer users face. It was mentioned earlier in the debate that flights to other hubs with connecting flights to the rest one of the particular issues that air transport passengers of the world. might face is the time delays caused by flights being required to stack because they do not have a landing We cannot ignore the fact that well-connected hubs slot. In my constituency in Kent, that is a particular are at the heart of a thriving aviation system. Our major cause of noise and environmental pollution. One of the hub, which will always be near London, will need to be best ways to clean up the aviation industry and reduce connected to major points around the world. We must its carbon footprint would be to reduce the amount of also ensure that there is extra capacity that our regional time planes spend in the air unnecessarily. Much of that airports can use as well. That is of primary importance. happens simply waiting for a landing slot. The Government have said that they want to consider where future aviation capacity might come from. I welcome that step, and I think that we should consider Bob Stewart: Stacking causes a lot of noise in my it wherever it might be, but it means that the UK will constituency and I just want to endorse what my hon. have to plan for a major, substantial hub airport that Friend says. There is increasing stacking over Beckenham will serve us and our economy well for many years to and we are getting fed up with it. come. Planning and environmental concerns have been raised, Damian Collins: My hon. Friend’s constituency is particularly their impact on small regional airports. I 30 miles or so from mine. I am sure that his constituents have been frustrated by the process that Lydd airport in and mine share that concern. my constituency has gone through. I appreciate that the Extra runway capacity in the south-east of England expansion of airports is always controversial, particularly is a way to manage aviation much more effectively for local communities, and often divides opinion. I and reduce planes’ stacking time. Although some might know that some people feel strongly against it. I believe say that increasing aviation capacity might lead to that it would be good for the local economy, as do many environmental pollution, much better management of people who live in proximity to the airport. After the planes in the air would significantly reduce it. It is a decision is taken—in the case of Lydd airport, the serious point, and the CAA should think of it when district council has voted clearly to approve expansion—it considering the air passenger experience. is frustrating when that decision is called in and there is a further time delay of some years so that a public Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside) (Lab): The hon. inquiry can consider the application. It is certainly Gentleman is making a powerful case. Does he accept frustrating when that happens at the end of a process that the argument made by some that we should just that involved a previous public inquiry and public debates. manage things differently, rather than having more runways, In the planning system, if we believe that we need does not make sense? We need more runway capacity. extra runway capacity, particularly in the south-east of England where demand is very high, and if communities Damian Collins: The hon. Gentleman has anticipated and the Civil Aviation Authority are prepared to support my next point. Extra runway capacity helps deal with it, we should consider how such projects can be delivered issues such as stacking. It is also increasingly important efficiently and in a timely fashion, to support not only to ensure that the UK economy is connected to the the greater needs of the aviation industry in our country world. I am concerned by the fact that numerous economic but the needs of local economies. It is of fundamental centres in emerging economies around the world, such importance if the community are on board and want as India, Brazil and particularly China, do not have the decision to be taken. 617 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 618

[Damian Collins] our party and the Government have now accepted that it will not be built. I have always argued that we should I support the thrust of the Bill. I believe that its make maximum use of existing capacity in the south-east objectives are to give this country a more efficient in the first instance, and that we should ensure that we aviation network and improve and streamline the system make greater use of regional airports. of regulation. However, I will make one final point. In Germany was mentioned, and it has several major considering the role of Heathrow airport, which, as airports in different parts of the country. We have other hon. Members have said, might be the only airport focused too much on the south-east, and we have a facing a price cap given its dominance of the UK lopsided geography; too much of our population and market, we should ensure that it competes and will economy are in the south-east, and not enough are continue to compete not only with airports in the UK spread out into other areas. Although I represent the but with major hubs in Europe. In many ways, Heathrow’s south-east, I appreciate that we need to do much more natural competitors are not Gatwick, Birmingham and to develop the regions economically. That means serving Manchester but Amsterdam and Frankfurt. As a trading those regions with long-haul flights so that they can be economy, we must ensure that our major hub airport is developed better. at the centre of the aviation world, not in the siding. Luton airport can make a significantly greater contribution to capacity in the south-east. We heard 7.34 pm from my hon. Friend the Member for Luton South that Kelvin Hopkins (Luton North) (Lab): It is my privilege we could take at least 7 million more passengers a year. and great pleasure to be the first member of my party to At the moment, the airport cannot take the longest-haul congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Feltham flights, but new generations of aircraft are coming and Heston (Seema Malhotra) on her maiden speech. It through, such as the Boeing Dreamliner, a composite-bodied was a superb speech of which she can be rightly proud. aircraft that can fly longer distance with a higher payload I am sure that members of her family who heard it will and more efficient fuel usage. If the Dreamliner flew be equally proud. She mentioned Russell Kerr as one of from Luton, it could serve the south Asian subcontinent, her predecessors. In the 1960s, when I was a student, which would be significant for Luton, and the western Russell Kerr came to speak to our university Labour seaboard of the USA. That generation of aircraft is club, of which I was then president. I knew him well, coming, and I look forward to them flying from Luton. and I know that were he alive today, he would be In the meantime, however, we must maximise Luton equally delighted to have such a wonderful successor. for the use of medium and short-haul flights. Much of She spoke very well and has a strong speaking voice. the traffic that goes to Heathrow could come to Luton. I am sure that she has a great future in the House. I have even argued that Luton could become a satellite I will speak briefly about aviation matters. It is nice to airport for Heathrow—part of the south-eastern hub, follow the hon. Member for Folkestone and Hythe in a sense—but we would need a rapid transit link (Damian Collins), because my first ever holiday flight between the two airports, which is possible. There is a was taken from Lydd airport in a Bristol 170, too many railway track that diverges at Cricklewood on to the years ago to remember now. It was an interesting experience. western region, so we could have a fast shuttle service I support some of the previous speeches. My hon. from Luton Airport Parkway station direct to Heathrow, Friend the Member for Luton South (Gavin Shuker) and it could act as a satellite to Heathrow in the longer spoke for the town, as I hope to. My hon. Friend the term. Imaginative measures could be taken to enhance Member for Bolton West (Julie Hilling) made a particularly airport capacity in the south-east. strong speech, on which I commend her. I listened with I will not say much more, as others wish to speak. I great interest. The hon. Member for Tamworth (Christopher hope, however, that the Bill will be improved as it passes Pincher) made a point about developing the regions and through the House, and that the important points made, building regional airports. in particular by my hon. Friend the Member for Bolton My first point involves security and immigration. We West, will be taken into account and acted on. must ensure that the UK Border Agency and all security staff at our airports are sufficient to do the job, that all 7.40 pm our airports are properly staffed, that staff are properly paid and that the whole system of immigration control Nigel Mills (Amber Valley) (Con): It is a pleasure to and security at airports is adequately funded. We cannot follow the hon. Member for Luton North (Kelvin Hopkins) cut corners in such matters. and to have witnessed the maiden speech of the hon. I know from experience that we have not funded Member for Feltham and Heston (Seema Malhotra). Luton airport as well as we should have done. I visited Having visited her constituency several times a couple immigration staff there some 10 years ago, and they of months ago, I can understand why she chose to complained bitterly that there were not enough of them speak in this debate—I have never seen planes fly so to do the job properly. They wanted to stop drugs low, except at an airport, and at one point I could coming in—from Amsterdam, for example—but they almost see what passengers were eating for their lunch. could not do a proper check on all passengers. We must It is obviously an important part of her area’s local ensure that airports are properly staffed and that, in economy. these times when the Government have chosen to cut I cannot claim to live in or represent a constituency spending, those important matters are not underfunded. quite so close to an airport, my nearest one being East Another important point was made about airport Midlands airport, which is about 20 miles away—I capacity, particularly in the south-east. I was one of know that number well because I use East Midlands those in our party who did not support building the Parkway station to travel down to London. It is one of third runway at Heathrow, and I am pleased that both those deceptive airport parkway stations in that it is not 619 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 620 possible to get to East Midlands airport from it without accept that we do not want multiple regulators regulating catching a bus—except that the bus has been cancelled the same things, and I recognise that those noise issues because no one used it. It is a bit confusing, therefore, are best addressed elsewhere. for someone arriving from abroad at East Midlands The one issue in the Bill that will get the attention of airport, thinking that they can catch a train but finding consumers and passengers is the welcome extension of that they need to get a taxi or some other form of the ATOL rules. I speak as someone who keenly looks transport to get there. Perhaps, in the long run, HS2 at the price of flights and holidays—I check out the might rectify that, and we might actually get a rail various travel agents and airlines, and pick the cheapest station on the site of the airport. one—but it is always difficult to find out whether something I join other Members in recognising the Bill as a is covered by ATOL. That problem is not helped by the sensible way of improving the regulation of airports. It reality of how people book holidays. Everyone knows is right to start by acknowledging how important airports that package holidays are covered. Twenty years ago, are to the economic growth of their local areas and of 97% of holidays were package holidays, but it is now the country as a whole. Many Members will know that less than 50% and falling. The concern is that people do East Midlands airport has the distinction of being one not realise that they do not have ATOL protection. of the biggest freight hubs in the country, employing a Some might say, “Well, we should all have travel insurance, substantial number of people. Not everyone living under and surely airline failure is covered in my travel insurance the flight path and who gets to experience night-time policy,” but actually people have to check their travel freight planes, which sadly do not tend to be the most insurance carefully to find out whether they are covered— modern or quietest of planes, will share that enthusiasm, many do cover it but some do not or put a limit on how but the effects of the serious number of jobs created much can be claimed. ripple out to nearby constituencies, including mine, If I book a flight with a cheap airline—let us take which is home to the UPS depot in Somercotes. Ryanair as an example, although they are all much the There are issues, however, with changing any regulatory same—I will probably appreciate that it is a point-to-point regime and the possibility of introducing an economic flight and that the airline does not take responsibility regulator. When I saw the Bill, I feared that these for delays or anything else that might impact on me. regulators might decide that only regulating three airports When I get my ticket confirmation, however, I might get was not enough and that they might want to expand an advert reading, “Do you want cheap car hire?”—through their remit to cover a few more, including, for example, a separate car hire company—or, “Do you want one of Birmingham or Manchester—two airports that my these cheap hotels we’ve found?” To what extent does constituents would use regularly, being only about 55 to that become a package that would come under the 60 miles apart—so I welcome the fact that the Bill flight-plus rules, or are those completely separate bookings introduces no real change to how new airports can be that I choose to make through the hotel and car hire brought under that regulatory regime. I do not see the providers? It is not entirely clear whether that would be need for economic regulation, given the amount of a package in the way that I might understand a Virgin airport competition in the wider midlands area. I carried Holidays package, with a flight and hotel, to be. out some research to see how many airports I could get It is important to tease this out and ensure that when to in a 60-mile drive. In addition to East Midlands we make this change we make things clearer for the airport, there were Birmingham, Coventry, Doncaster, consumer, and that we do not lead more people to Sheffield and Manchester. That is a lot of choice for think, “I’m definitely safe and covered now,” when, people booking a holiday, and the number of destinations actually, they have bought the flight separate from the available from all those airports provides plenty of car hire company or hotel. One option would be to choice for both scheduled and packaged flights. make everything covered by ATOL. That would ensure My hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth (Christopher complete clarity and freedom of competition between Pincher) said that even with so many airports in the travel agents and airliners. I accept that there is the risk area, many people still have to use Heathrow for long-haul that if I book my flight through the Dutch KLM website, flights. Those of us who, to our shame, do not always rather than the UK one, I might get it for £2.50 less holiday in the UK know, from comparing flights and because I would not have to pay for the ATOL cover, prices, how often we can only fly from Heathrow—unless but we are not talking about a huge material amount on we fancy a couple of changes at Paris or Amsterdam, the price of the flight. It would, however, get us the for example. We need to spread out to the rest of the clarity that we are rightly seeking. country some of that capacity and some of those direct Overall, I strongly welcome the Bill as a simplification flights to the most important trading countries and of the regulatory regime for airports. Everyone wants holiday destinations. all our airports to offer the biggest range of destinations I have touched on the environmental impacts of and airlines, and to be as cheap as possible so that we airports. It is strange that we are producing a Bill setting can get the cheapest flights. The Bill will take us some out how airports can be licensed under an economic way in that direction. I welcome the clauses requiring regulatory regime, because most of our constituents airports to publish full passenger service information, would think that, when looking to license an airport or and I agree that it should include the whole passenger impose conditions, the possible environmental damage experience, from arriving at the airport to the annoying would be taken into account. The main consideration behaviour of some airports that prevent us from dropping that people raise is probably the noise for surrounding people off without paying for parking or make us drop houses. There must be some link between that and them off so far from the airport that they have to lug regulation, because it would be strange if a licence suitcases around—not to mention those trolley charges could not be removed from a company that was blatantly that result in us carrying three suitcases around the and flagrantly flouting those regulations—although I airport just to save £1. All those costs should be clearly 621 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 622

[Nigel Mills] James Wharton: My hon. Friend, who is a member of the Transport Committee, has, in true expert fashion, published, so that I can compare what my full journey predicted much of what I want to say. Later I will touch costs will be and ensure that I do not need a taxi from on some of the points that he eloquently raises. somewhere or have to pay all those little hidden costs, The regional issue, which is so important for those of and so that I can also understand and fully appreciate us in the north, as well as those in the south-west—indeed, what the cost and quality of my full airport experience it is important for those in any part of the country that will be. is that much further from the capital—should not and Otherwise, this Bill will be a great step forward, and I will not go away. My constituency is served by Teesside strongly welcome it. airport, which covers three constituencies: Sedgefield—I see the hon. Member for Sedgefield (Phil Wilson) in the Chamber—Stockton North and my constituency of 7.49 pm Stockton South. Teesside airport has quite a long and interesting history, which I will not dwell on, although James Wharton (Stockton South) (Con): It is a pleasure the recent history, which is relevant to what I want to to follow my hon. Friend the Member for Amber Valley say, sadly shows a certain level of decline. In 2006, (Nigel Mills), who spoke eloquently about a range of around 1 million passengers went through the airport; subjects and touched on the licensing issues arising in 2011, the figure was fewer than 200,000. from this Bill, which I, too, hope to speak about. It is also a pleasure and an honour to follow the hon. When I say Teesside airport, some hon. Members Member for Feltham and Heston (Seema Malhotra), look at me with a little confusion, because they will have who spoke so clearly and persuasively about her heard it referred to as Durham Tees Valley airport. A constituency. Having visited Feltham and Heston only few years ago the name was changed, against much quite recently, and given its close proximity to Heathrow, local opposition and with much local concern. As far as I have no doubt that she will take a long-standing I can tell, whether by looking at maps or historical interest in aviation matters. records, Tees valley as a geographical area does not exist, and Durham is rather a long way away from the I welcome this Bill, which is a long overdue piece of airport. None the less, Teesside international airport legislation to tackle some of the problems arising from was officially renamed Durham Tees Valley airport. As outdated regulation that our aviation industry faces. a local MP, I raised the issue over the summer. Indeed, I There are a number of good measures in the Bill. In was involved in a campaign to change the name back to such a monopolistic market, it is important that the Teesside airport, because I know that the issue concerns Government should set out a clear set of regulations to many of my constituents and those in surrounding ensure that passengers get the best deal. This Bill goes a areas. Indeed, the Evening Gazette, an excellent local long way towards delivering that, notwithstanding the daily newspaper, ran the campaign quite prominently range of comments made by Members from across the and, certainly recently, it was the second most subscribed House this evening. to and commented on campaign that it had run. The For me, one of the most interesting parts of the Bill is campaign sparked off a great deal of comment and the commentary on, and the rules set out for, the role of contributions from local people, because it goes to the the Civil Aviation Authority. Clause 1, chapter 1—one heart of some of the challenges we face in that sub-region of the first things in the legislation—says: of the north-east, the strength of identity in Teesside “The CAA must carry out its functions under this Chapter in a and the value that local people place on it. However, a manner which it considers will further the interests of users of air name alone would not change the future trajectory of transport services regarding the range, availability, continuity, an airport or its business or economic success. cost and quality of airport operation services.” We are presented in this Bill with an opportunity to Nigel Mills: I rise to give my hon. Friend some hope look at how we deliver aviation services right across the for his campaign. A few years ago, East Midlands country and, in particular, what might be done to secure airport changed its name to Nottingham East Midlands the future of some of our regional airports. In their airport, in the face of huge opposition in Derbyshire comments on the legislation and the draft legislation, and Leicestershire, which jointly fund the airport. The members of the Transport Committee have raised their name was eventually changed back to East Midlands concern that regional airports do not always feature as airport, so such campaigns can be successful. highly or prominently as they perhaps should. They are a vital part of our economy. They produce an extremely James Wharton: I thank my hon. Friend, and I hope important economic boost for the areas in which they that in the fullness of time that is exactly what will are based, but they are also important for transport happen. However, there is a more pressing issue, which right across the UK. is relevant to today, than simply the name of the airport, important as that is: the airport has recently been put Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): My hon. Friend is up for sale. making some powerful points about regional airports. Again, I will not go through too much of the detail of He is absolutely right that we need to encourage investment how the airport got into that position—the hon. Member in regional airports to get our economy growing. Does for Sedgefield recounted much of the recent history he not also think that investment in regional airports in earlier—but I can say with absolute certainty that the the north is probably more important than investment fact that it has been put up for sale is a cause of great in regional airports in the south-east, in moving us away concern for many of my constituents. We know—I from the north-south divide, which is having an impact know, as a local person and a local MP,and my constituents on our economy in the north? know—that only recently Teesside airport was vibrant 623 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 624 and successful. It was a highly successful sub-regional HS2 therefore provides an opportunity for the Secretary transport hub that provided not only international flights, of State to consider whether provision should be made but quick and easy domestic flights down to London for Teesside airport to be given particular weighting to Heathrow. Those flights were provided by BMI—British ensure that it has a slot at Heathrow. Teesside will feel Midland International—and when that service was the benefits that HS2 will bring to the north, but not withdrawn, that had a serious detrimental impact on quite as acutely as those living in Leeds, for example, or what has proved to be the airport’s long-term future. in places from which they can travel to the stations that The issue was raised, at some length and on a number it will serve directly. Those benefits have been recognised of occasions, by the right hon. Member for Newcastle by the Government, and the Bill provides the Secretary upon Tyne East (Mr Brown) when he was Regional of State with the opportunity to set criteria that would Minister, under the last Government. He campaigned allow the CAA to take into account the need for faster diligently to have Heathrow slots reinstated for Teesside, travel times from Teesside airport and from that part of on the basis that it was an important domestic route the north-east that I represent. that would put passenger flow through the airport and This is both my appeal and my question to the play an important part in providing an economic transport Minister. My appeal is that the Department consider times boost to that part of the north-east. He campaigned whether the guidance that will be issued under the Bill hard, although sadly unsuccessfully. This is a cross-party should take special account of Teesside’s unique position, issue, with, I believe, cross-party support. just outside the envelope of HS2, so that it could benefit That brings me to some of the specific parts of the from regular, high-speed connectivity with the capital. Bill before us today. Subsection (1)(b) of clause 18, My question is whether that interpretation of the Bill is which deals with what the CAA has to take into account accurate, and whether that option would be open to the in putting conditions on an airport’s licence, refers to Secretary of State if the proposals should become law. If it is not, I urge the Government to consider amending “such other conditions as the CAA considers necessary or expedient the Bill. If it is accurate, I am sure that colleagues across having regard to the CAA’s duties under section 1,” Teesside and the north-east will join me in urging the which I have already mentioned, and which include Secretary of State to ensure that the provisions are used those relating to the continuity and range of airport to maximum effect to take into account the needs and services that passengers must be able to enjoy. In addition, views of individuals and businesses in my constituency clause 1(3) says: and in the surrounding communities. They have used “In performing its duties under subsections (1)…the CAA Teesside airport over many years and they have been must have regard to…(d) any guidance issued to the CAA by the well served by an excellent, local, well-managed service Secretary of State for the purposes of this Chapter”. on their doorstep and offered a range of flights. Sadly, It is my contention that this Bill opens the door for the however, that service has gone into what I hope is a Secretary of State to instruct the CAA, through the short-term decline in recent years. I ask for action to be guidance issued, that it must give proper attention and taken, and for the Government to deliver the Heathrow pay heed to the overall economic needs of the sub-region route that would bring great benefit to the people whom in the north-east. I am proud to represent. I accept that this issue has been visited before. As I 8.1 pm have mentioned, the right hon. Member for Newcastle Jackie Doyle-Price (Thurrock) (Con): I should like to upon Tyne East raised it a number of times when he associate myself with the comments made by colleagues was Regional Minister on behalf of the region as a following the maiden speech of the hon. Member for whole. However, there is a new factor that should now Feltham and Heston (Seema Malhotra). She gave the be taken into account: the Government’s recent most powerful exposition of Heathrow’s economic announcement—a welcome announcement for the economy contribution that I have ever heard. When so many in the north—that High Speed 2 is to go ahead. At the people are calling for a brand new hub in the Thames moment, HS2 goes up as far as Leeds. It will provide estuary, it is worth bearing in mind that for every person some travel time benefits for those travelling down from who finds that overhead air traffic disturbs the ambience the north-east, but it does not yet reach stations in the when they are enjoying a gin and tonic, there are many north-east of England. I am sure that in the fullness of others, including her constituents, who depend on Heathrow time it will do so. Indeed, I and other hon. Members—on for their livelihood. I hope that as we consider the a cross-party basis and across the north-east—will no future capacity of aviation, we will be able to have a doubt be making the case for investment to bring high-speed mature debate on the economic consequences of moving rail as far north as is necessary for our constituents an airport and of airport expansion, as well as on the to benefit from the economic opportunities that it environmental consequences. provides. The Bill has been a long time coming, and I was None the less, in the foreseeable future, high-speed slightly amused by Opposition Members’ complaints will not come up as far as Teesside, Newcastle or the about the so-called lack of scrutiny, given that it has north-east region at all. Therefore, although the Government had a gestation period of some six years. It contains have recognised, through their investment in HS2, the some new measures, but we shall have plenty of time to value of cutting journey times to the capital and ensuring consider them in detail during its passage through the that our country—and our nation—is as interconnected House. They lend themselves to being added to the Bill, as possible, with high quality, high-speed journeys from and many have already been fully considered by the north to south, they have not yet come up with a previous Government as well as this one. It is also worth proposal that would help to bridge the gap that little bit noting that although a number of airlines have raised further north, in the areas and communities that I and concerns about the Bill, the industry generally supports so many colleagues across the House represent. this package of reforms. 625 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 626

[Jackie Doyle-Price] us the whole story. The most obvious example of that is Ryanair, but of course we all know that we are going to The Bill will put the regulation of civil aviation on a get screwed over when we fly with Ryanair. The reality modern footing. A great deal of effort is often put into is, however, that we need to bear in mind the cost of drawing up systems of regulation that are fit for purpose parking the car, the cost of dropping off and the cost of at the time, but they generally get parked and are not travelling to the airport. When we do a straightforward looked at again until something goes wrong. In this search to book our airline tickets, we are never going to case, nothing has gone wrong, but it has become patently get the whole picture. obvious that this system of regulation is not fit for We need as much information as possible to be presented purpose, as it is the best part of 30 years old. It was to us in a user-friendly way, although it will be a drawn up at a time when the aviation industry was challenge for the CAA to provide it in as user-friendly rather different from the one we have now. In the and easily navigable a form as possible. A similar example intervening period, we have witnessed massive growth is the Financial Services Authority, which draws up in the number of airlines, a greater propensity to fly massive amounts of consumer information. It provides among business travellers and consumers alike, and the comparative tables allowing us to compare 400 types of emergence of an industry characterised by much more mortgage or 1,000 insurance products, but almost no aggressive competition. Those changes in the marketplace one knows that they exist, and very few people access have created a need for a different kind of regulator them. The new duty on the regulator is welcome and from the one provided by the current regime. will be valuable to consumers, but it will be of use only A key aspect of the existing system is the duty to if consumers know how to access it and navigate their secure adequate provision of services, but that task is way round it. clearly redundant, given the amount of competition Shifting the focus on to consumers will make the that now exists in the industry. Better and more efficient experience of passing through an airport much more regulation means removing those responsibilities, which enjoyable. The speed with which consumers can disembark, will not deliver the efficient marketplace that we need, collect their baggage and get through passport control and ensuring that the regulator focuses instead on those makes a great deal of difference, and I hope that that duties that will do so. Putting the interests of the air kind of information will also be properly communicated passenger first will achieve that, as it will ensure that the by the regulator. It goes without saying that if someone market works effectively and not to the disadvantage of knows that their experience in a particular airport or consumers. with a particular airline will be easy, they are much I welcome the fact that at the heart of the Bill are more likely to choose that option. As the hon. Member reforms of the duties of the Civil Aviation Authority to for Poplar and Limehouse (Jim Fitzpatrick) will know, ensure that protecting the interests of the air passenger using London City airport is a delightful experience. will become its primary purpose. This amounts to a People can turn up within 10 minutes of their flight, get simplification of the previous regulatory structure, which through the airport, get on the plane and take their was much more about economic regulation. At the core baggage with them. It is a much more user-friendly of the new regulator’s functions is the need to ensure experience than at any other airport. People will pay that the market works effectively and to the benefit of more for that advantage, even though they might not get all passengers. the best quality aeroplanes. Information is very important By focusing on outcomes for passengers, rather than for helping people to make an informed choice. on the provision of services, the Bill provides a framework As for the tools and penalties the regulator will need that is more likely to deliver a better customer experience. to perform the job, we have already talked about I speak as someone with a background in regulation information, but that will get us only so far. When the from a consumer perspective. Many other methods of regulator has to intervene because the service is not regulation could learn from this model. It has always good, it needs to have appropriate tools and penalties. been my view that if we get the focus on the consumer I see that the Bill will mean the transfer of some powers right, many other benefits will follow. That is not to say from the Secretary of State and from the Competition that we should throw away all models of economic Commission. That is welcome, but in this new system of regulation, because the structure of the market must regulation it is important that all players understand obviously be taken into account, and regulatory action their own obligations. is still required to ensure that providers do not act as As we have seen elsewhere, when multiple bodies are cartels. However, we need to look at the consumer’s involved in regulation, there is often some overlap and, experience from start to finish. indeed, some underlap, as it is not quite clear where the Central to the Civil Aviation Authority’s new consumer buck stops. We saw that happen with catastrophic focus will be its duty to promote better public information. consequences in the financial services industry and in I reiterate the point made by other colleagues that health. I hope that the Department for Transport will information is all, and that transparency is the best way provide much more clarity on who should act, when, to empower consumers to look after their own interests. why and how so that it is absolutely clear where the The provisions will give consumers a one-stop shop buck stops for each part of the responsibility under the where they can find information and compare airlines new system. and airport providers, enabling them to make a more Serving the customer is central, and I have already informed choice. mentioned information issues. I welcome the provisions My hon. Friend the Member for Amber Valley (Nigel for the CAA to produce more information about the Mills) talked about booking his holidays, and I have to environmental consequences of aviation. As I said, this say that I have had similar experiences. People tend to will become more important as we look at the options look at the headline price, but that does not always tell for future airport capacity. It is clear that there is a need 627 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 628 for expansion to serve London and the south-east. Priti Patel: I welcome my hon. Friend’s intervention, When so much noise is being made about the potential and make the observation that that is indeed very true; for a new hub airport in the Thames, I hope that the it really is! CAA will pay due regard to the environmental consequences I welcome the Bill and the emphasis it places on of such a development, as well as to the economic furthering the interests of passengers and the modernisation consequences for airports such as Heathrow. I am glad of the Civil Aviation Authority. I suspect that many of to see the hon. Member for Feltham and Heston back my remarks will already have been made, but there is no in her place. doubt that reforming the existing framework to slash On behalf of colleagues in north Kent and south back the rigid regulation and the burdensome bureaucracy Essex, I have to say that the case made so far for a currently in place is a positive step. Granting the CAA Thames estuary airport is weak. The only strong argument greater independence from the Government will take I have heard is that it is beyond the boundary of important aspects of aviation regulation—the designation Greater London. For me, that is not sufficient justification of airports for price capping, for example—out of the for the creation of a new airport hub. political sphere, while enabling the CAA to take on the I am pleased that the new CAA will have to consider responsibility to enforce competition law will help empower the health and safety impacts, as well as measures taken passengers and cargo owners. with a view to reducing, controlling and mitigating the The future of aviation in this country and the economic adverse environmental effects of civil aviation across benefits derived from air travel that we have heard the UK. Once it takes forward these responsibilities, we about in the debate will no doubt depend heavily on this may end up being able to have a much more mature legislation and subsequent actions from the CAA. I debate about these issues than the present one, which hope that the CAA will utilise its new powers wisely and frankly tends to bring out the worst nimbyish tendencies act in a way that promotes competition to make our in all of us. airports competitive and strong. Finally, I would like to say something about the We should remember that our airports are not just provisions that will transfer the security regulation powers places where passengers and cargo are transported across from the Government to the CAA. I strongly believe the world, as they are vital economic hubs essential to that the CAA is better placed than the Department to jobs and growth in our economy across the country—not ensure that airlines and airports are discharging their just in London and the south-east. As we have heard responsibilities effectively, although it is of course important from many colleagues, regional significance is key.Ministers that Ministers retain responsibility for overall policy. and the CAA must be mindful that while this Bill will This move clearly makes financial sense, as I believe it support competition between airports in the UK, our will save the taxpayer some £25 million. That cost will airports need a regulatory framework that, importantly, ultimately be borne by consumers, but as it works out at lets them attract investment so that they can compete 2p per user, I think it is one that the consumer can with their global rivals. afford to absorb. Anyone who has travelled regularly overseas on business Tosummarise and conclude, aviation policy and provision will recognise and acknowledge the improvements that are essential ingredients in the competitiveness of a many other countries have made to their airports. As we 21st century economy, and it is clear that some of our have heard, whether it be Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Hong competitors are making more progress than the UK in Kong, Shanghai, Dubai and the Gulf or India, amazing this regard. If we get our aviation policy right, there will things are being done with their airports. This brings us be clear advantages for jobs and growth. An appropriate back to the point about consumer experience, but also system of regulation fit for the 21st century is central, the experience of business travellers. This is not about so I am pleased to support the Bill. convenience alone, but about making sure that these are vital economic and competitive hubs. 8.14 pm Many of the airports are impressive. They have expanded Priti Patel (Witham) (Con): I start as others have their capacity. Dubai, for example, built another airport done by paying tribute to the hon. Member for Feltham in next to no time. Such developments make these cities and Heston (Seema Malhotra) for her maiden speech. and countries much more attractive for business and All Members who visited her constituency during the leisure purposes. Passengers who travel to various by-election campaign recognised and appreciated the destinations are stopping off at these airports, which economic significance of Heathrow airport to her have incredible facilities—new runways and terminals, constituents. For me, it was a complete reality check to for example. This frees up capacity and enables our recognise how closely her constituents experience the economic rivals to develop airport hubs. We need to airport through the flight paths and the low-flying wake up to this and learn from their experiences. We aeroplanes that travel down in proximity to the runway. need to look at what has worked and what has not That was a real eye-opener for many of us, but we worked. It is amazing that some countries seem capable recognised at the same time that many of her constituents of building these airports overnight. We talk about were employed by the airport. I for one maintain that being open for business, but if we want to be an economic Heathrow is a massive economic hub, not just for powerhouse, we have to get some insights from these London and the south-east but for our country. I have other countries. been a frequent traveller through Heathrow. These rival airports offer ever-increasing numbers of destinations to fly to, so we have to face the challenges Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): I am listening of capacity—not just at Heathrow, as the regional airports to my hon. Friend’s comments. I had assumed that are also important. I do not want to see our airports when people were coming in to land, they normally becoming the end-point for global aviation travel rather wanted to be in close proximity to a runway. than being an important hub. We must facilitate this 629 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 630

[Priti Patel] that 99% its of aircraft stick to their flight paths. Half the number of passengers travelling to Stansted use hub issue and link up to worldwide destinations. I public transport. certainly do not want to see the UK losing out to other I have mentioned Stansted for economic reasons. It is hubs, including European hubs. At a time when we need a vital catalyst for regional and national growth, it is a to ensure that Britain is open for business, if we do not cargo hub, and it employs more than 10,000 people. act swiftly enough to come up with the right kind of One in six of those jobs is filled from my constituency aviation approach and strategy, we will lose out on and the wider district of Braintree. Such airports— international competitiveness. I hope the Minister will Heathrow was mentioned in this context by the hon. assure me that, observing their duties as set out in Member for Feltham and Heston—are vital in providing clauses 1 and 2, the CAA and the Secretary of State will our constituencies and regions with employment and further the interests of users of air transport services, investment. will take all necessary steps to ensure that our airports It is essential for Ministers and the CAA to bear in are the most attractive places for passengers to visit, mind that increasing airport capacity is not an unreasonable and will offer passengers more choice. objective. Environmental concerns have been mentioned, As consumers, passengers want not just the best but above all we should consider the interests of passengers possible price but a good travelling experience. Over the and the need to demonstrate to the world that the years terminal 5 has overcome its initial major teething United Kingdom is open for business. This is not just troubles, but I remember what it used to be like there for about airports in the south-east; it is about UK plc. I people travelling with families. Nothing can be worse touched on the role of enterprise zones earlier. They than a dreadful airport experience, particularly for those will be central to the facilitation of inward investment, travelling with young children. Such experiences can and I think that they should be complemented by a be really off-putting, especially when airlines are not great and robust aviation strategy for the United Kingdom. co-operative in informing people about what they can and cannot take on board, and I hope that there will be some improvement in that regard. 8.25 pm Innovation and investment are also key issues. I think Chris Heaton-Harris (Daventry) (Con): It is a pleasure that we can do more to increase business travel, and to to take part in a debate that has featured a sparkling help our regional airports. We in Essex have Stansted maiden speech from the hon. Member for Feltham and airport, which is not far from my constituency: it is Heston (Seema Malhotra). I spent a great deal of time 15 minutes’ drive up the A120. Stansted has had an in what is now her constituency, trying to ensure that interesting time over the past few years, partly because she did not get the job. My wife lived there when we it has expanded to become a hub for new airlines were courting, and I know it reasonably well. I know, servicing the United States and Asia. That initially too, how important the biggest airport in the country is represented something of a trial for the airport. It to the constituency, and how many people work there. I started at what was a bad time for the global economy, know that she will be a very good champion of all her when there was a lack of business passengers. I believe constituents, and I congratulate her again on her maiden that the Bill can help to empower Stansted and other speech. regional airports, so that they can innovate and invest in It is also a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for accordance with their own regional growth strategies at Witham (Priti Patel), who reminded us of the importance a time when enterprise zones are coming on stream. of runways in the context of aviation. There was an incident not so along ago when a jet coming into Mark Reckless (Rochester and Strood) (Con): My Heathrow did not quite make it, and that proved that hon. Friend has mentioned regional airports, airports runways are all-important. in Essex, and innovation and investment. Is she aware Let me record my sympathy for the Minister of State, of the work that has been done at Southend airport, Department for Transport, my right hon. Friend the which has received considerable support to enable it Member for Chipping Barnet (Mrs Villiers), who was to to expand and provide the area with a real economic have responded to the debate. I hope that I am correct boon? in describing her as a right hon. Member. If she is not one, she should be, for she is excellent. Unfortunately, in Priti Patel: I know about that work. I also know how a bid to become road safety Minister, she was injured in hard organisations such as Essex chamber of commerce a cycling accident and is undergoing surgery. and other business partners and stakeholders are working As we have heard from Members on both sides of the to assess viability and sustainability and attract investment House, including the hon. Member for Feltham and to Essex and the south-east. Heston and my hon. Friend the Member for Tamworth Stansted serves more than 18 million passengers each (Christopher Pincher), aviation plays a critical role in year, and is the third busiest airport in the United UK plc. My constituency, which is in the heart of the Kingdom in terms of passenger numbers. In that respect, midlands, near junctions 15 to 19 of the M1—anyone it ranks only slightly below Heathrow and Gatwick. Its who remembers seeing the old Rugby radio mast while planes fly to 150 destinations, and it offers many scheduled driving up the M1 will know where it is—is now typified flights to European airports as well as flights on low-cost by a number of jobs that rely on the aviation industry. airlines. My hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock It is a hub for all the cargo that is shipped up from (Jackie Doyle-Price) mentioned one of those. Members Heathrow, down from East Midlands airport and across have also mentioned the environment. Stansted has a from Birmingham. It is because so many jobs in my great record of mitigating environmental problems, constituency rely on the aviation industry that I wanted minimising the disruption caused by noise by ensuring to speak in the debate. 631 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 632

However, aviation is important to the economy in The Bill also gives the CAA a role in promoting many other ways. I was recently lucky enough to travel better public information about airline and airport to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Georgia. All the people performance. I support the clauses that provide that. whom I met in those growing economies had this in Transparency and greater information are essential. As common: they were desperate to come to the city of a consumer, I like to be able to look at relevant information London, and, if they had any money, they wanted to and choose my airport and carrier. In that regard, the spend it here. We need a gateway that can accept all more transparency, the better. those fantastic consumers of the future, and can welcome those who wish to do business with us and invest in us. Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): I agree The experience at Heathrow airport is very different, about the need to reform regulation. Does my hon. however; it is a shopping centre with a couple of runways Friend agree that we also need a proportionate approach? attached. For the Heaton-Harris family, getting to a Newquay airport is in a neighbouring constituency to gate at Heathrow airport involves an awkward shopping mine, and it serves all of west Cornwall. It is vital for experience. The last flight I caught out of there cost me connecting Cornwall with the rest of the UK and only a couple of hundred pounds, but the shopping beyond for business and other purposes. We must bear experience almost trebled that. I know only too well, in mind the importance of such small and remote therefore, how much business comes from airport shops. airports that may not— I have an airport in my constituency. The wonderful airport of Sywell has a rich history and an interesting and controversial present, which is why that is the only Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. Members comment I shall make about it. must make brief interventions, not speeches. I have been very lenient. I also ask Members to face the Chair Turning to our country’s larger airports, much of our when intervening. aviation regulation is governed by 1980s-style legislation, which is one of the reasons why this Bill has been introduced. This Government and the last Government Chris Heaton-Harris: I agree with my hon. Friend. I both realised it needed to be updated. used Newquay airport once, and it is small but perfectly formed. The small airports around our country serve as Mark Reckless: My hon. Friend talks of 1980s-style important regional hubs. Because they serve the regions legislation as if it were a bad thing. Does he not so well, they become very important to the local business remember who our Prime Minister was at that time, and community, such as in respect of inward investment. might he therefore like to reconsider that remark? My hon. Friend is right to stress the need for a proportionate approach. Chris Heaton-Harris: I am suddenly enamoured by The environmental impact of aviation gets the juices 1980s-style legislation. Indeed, I had the haircut to go of the hon. Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) flowing; with the music of that era—I had some follicles back indeed, the bulk of his speech was about that subject. then. Measures to be taken to mitigate adverse effects are relatively well addressed in this Bill, and I am sure they The Bill offers a package of reforms to make regulation will be fleshed out in Committee. and the sanctions that support it flexible, proportionate, targeted and effective. It proposes removing unnecessary The Transport Committee raised a handful of concerns regulation and intervention by central Government and during its pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill. It agreed devolving more responsibility to the independent specialist with just about every Member in the Chamber that the regulator, the CAA. It also seeks to make the CAA UK needs a healthy, competitive and sustainable aviation accountable and to ensure that it weighs both the costs industry that includes the very important regional airports, and benefits of its decisions. Further, it proposes that as we have heard, and air services. There are some some of the costs of regulating aviation should be questions, however, that have yet to be completely answered moved from general taxation to the aviation industry, about the transfer of safety and security to the CAA. so that the people who use it, pay for it. That is the right There are concerns that the Government are proposing way forward. to transfer that important area without proper planning and consultation just to reduce costs. I do not believe Above all, the Bill puts the consumer first, and I am for one second that that is the case, but it would be very all in favour of that. I am a regular customer of the useful if the Minister could outline exactly what consultation aviation industry—although I would like to be a more and planning went into the decision. Indeed, there regular customer—and when booked on a Ryanair flight might be some reason to return to these matters in I become the Michelin man, as I will wear all my clothes Committee. It also remains unclear how far the Department because I do not want to pay the excess sum for booking for Transport will go towards a more efficient outcome- in a suitcase. I am also the man who has to repack his based approach to such regulation. This is an important “smalls” in front of the waiting British Airways passenger area of regulation, as the security and safety of aviation queue because my baggage weight has exceeded the is possibly the most emotive part of security and safety. limit and the lady at the check-in desk has said, “23 kilos and a few extra grams is too much.” I am all for more The Bill also proposes to permit the Secretary of deregulation and common sense in the aviation industry, State to change the CAA’s remit through secondary therefore. It is very important that the consumer is put legislation, which, in itself, creates a certain amount of first in respect of the regulation of airports, which have uncertainty. One never knows what will come around substantial market power. The CAA’s primary duty the corner next. The Select Committee also found that should be to consumers. Passengers and, importantly, the division of responsibilities between the Government the owners of cargo must have a greater say. and the CAA was slightly unclear. I would like to think 633 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 634

[Chris Heaton-Harris] we will have the consumer fully in our minds, because we certainly see no transparency in the fares that the that the Government will ensure that all uncertainties in aviation industry sticks out there when we try to find a that area are completely cleared up as we go through flight at the advertised fare without any extra costs. Committee. There should probably be a call at some point for The main themes of the Bill are very important: proper transparency to mean that the fare advertised growth and competition, consumer benefits, better should be the full, final fare and not much else. regulation, the “user pays” principle and the need to reduce the role of central Government. Very few people 8.40 pm could argue with those main themes. Indeed, under the Mark Reckless (Rochester and Strood) (Con): It is a “user pays” principle, the savings for the taxpayer as pleasure to follow my hon. Friend the Member for regards aviation security should be about £4 million a Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris), who told us about his year. It is important, obviously, that we get this exactly courting days under the Heathrow flight path. I am sure right. that colleagues were delighted to hear that he still I broadly support the Bill—and the industry supports regularly returns to Heathrow with his now wife. It is many of its measures—but it is important to secure not clear whether they do this on their anniversary or buy-in for all the measures and ensure that they are all not, but it seems that a certain amount of shopping at properly implemented. It is also important to listen to Heathrow is involved. the industry when making the laws that relate directly to I am also pleased to follow my hon. Friend the it. When we give power to its regulator in such a way, it Member for Witham (Priti Patel), who put the case for is vital that there is, as I said, complete buy-in. Indeed, I Essex very well and looked strongly after the interests of know a number of Members received numerous pieces her constituency and Essex more widely in her remarks of correspondence from different airlines. The latest to about Stansted, the strong progress on expansion and hit my inbox was from British Airways—not that I hope the strong economic role being seen at Southend. I that by mentioning it I will get the black card for the know that the councils for Southend, Thurrock, Medway, invitation-only lounge, although I know that the other Kent and Essex are working together as a local economic Deputy Speaker was very keen to receive that— partnership on sensible proposals on aviation and alternative [Interruption.] And, of course, he would have declared options to the Thames estuary option, which was so it, in any event. I mention that company because it is ably dismissed by my hon. Friend the Member for vital that the views of the big players in the industry are Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price). The Secretary of State taken into account. I do not think I will ever be called to was not in her place at that time, but I have every make another speech, so I am going to enjoy the next confidence that the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, two minutes and fifty five seconds. the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman Baker) will pass Too often, laws have been made and those directly on those very strong arguments in private as strongly as affected by them have not had their views taken into he does in public. Let me also take this opportunity to account. Who is directly affected in this case? The thank the Secretary of State for the very strong support airlines and, most importantly, the consumers. That is she has shown for our area by holding back the increase why I welcome the emphasis. in the Dartford tolls and in what she has done on train I am also wary about the cost of regulation. Using regulation and fares. the “polluter pays” principle, we are passing a huge The debate has been largely non-partisan. Indeed, amount of cost away from the taxpayer, which is a very the regulation of aviation has been a non-partisan and good thing, to the people who use the businesses. technical area on which both parties have worked closely I welcome the theme that runs through the Bill of with Whitehall going back all the way to 1967 when the reducing Government intervention in the regulation of Edwards committee first looked at aviation regulation. industry. I listened with great interest to the hon. Member It took a full two years to report, in 1969, to the then for Bolton West (Julie Hilling), who was greatly concerned Secretary of State Anthony Crosland, and the report about the competitiveness of airports and passing down led to a White Paper from the then Labour Government. the costs. Past events show why it is important for the With the new Conservative Government in 1970 came CAA to be able to respond, which is not something that the Civil Aviation Bill, which followed through on that many Members have been able to talk about because preparatory work. There are clear parallels between the Bill is so important and so big. The industry and the that work and the way we are working together on these regulator must be able to respond in real time to emerging issues now. issues, such as the snow of last year and the ash cloud It is worth noting that when the CAA was set up it that we all remember from when we were campaigning was a pathbreaker for other regulators. The then Minister in the 2010 general election. That is when I realised that for Trade, Michael Noble, said, on introducing the Bill, the constituency I hoped to represent was relatively that the CAA would be a “constitutional innovation.” prosperous—when I went to villages in its northern part He went on: and found the people had all been stranded abroad “The key point perhaps is that we are in this Bill hiving off a because of the ash cloud. I am very pleased that the Bill regulatory function. Ministers remain responsible to Parliament emphasises the need to give the CAA the chance to for policy, but detailed decision rests with the Authority.”—[Official respond quickly to the kind of awkward situation that Report, 29 March 1971; Vol. 814, c. 1173.] we in the United Kingdom have not always been able to That was new then, but we have since seen the development respond to properly before. of regulators in many different contexts. The challenge I conclude by broadly welcoming the Bill. I hope between ministerial and parliamentary responsibility that, as my hon. Friend the Member for Thurrock and expert opinion remains with us today and is core to (Jackie Doyle-Price) said, when we talk about transparency this Bill. 635 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 636

A very positive development, in contrast with what extended to price cap anew or to remove a price cap, the we saw in the late 1960s and early 1970s, was the fact Secretary of State may have the right to appeal. It is not that the Pilling review of the Civil Aviation Authority clear from the explanatory notes whether that reflects was brought about by elected colleagues on the Transport the EU dimension or whether Ministers genuinely believe Committee rather than by ministerial decision. That that that is a positive measure. report was published in July 2008 and was followed up The cap application is significant. Manchester was by Labour Ministers in the previous Government in a de-designated, and Ministers made that decision—a statement to the House and then in a consultation statutory order was made—but the principles behind paper. The fact that that all came as a result of the that de-designation were not clear, making investment Select Committee is new and is very much to be welcomed. difficult in some circumstances for the aviation industry. When the previous Government engendered the proposals, If we have a clear parliamentary test of when a price the then Minister noted that cap is needed, that should provide greater clarity for “as now, the CAA will only be able to act where it is reasonable industry participants. and proportionate and where it has legal power to act.” It would be difficult to have an environmental objective However, the CAA responded: and a consumer objective, then look to an independent “The DfT’s proposals build on many activities already undertaken regulator to balance the two. The right approach for the by the CAA, but give them a clear statutory basis”. greenest Government ever is for Ministers to make The then Minister did not explicitly accept that the those decisions and to set a clear framework, whether in CAA had been operating beyond its statutory remit, taxation or planning, for industry. That is the best way but the Bill is long overdue, as it will bring clarity to to balance those objectives. what the CAA does, and make sure that that is Parliament’s A key issue is flexibility, and flexibility in the price intention. cap is particularly valuable. The CAA currently has an opportunity to set the price cap only once every five Steve Baker: Does my hon. Friend share my slight years, and when circumstances change the price regime concern that more flexible regulation may result in can be left looking inappropriate, but nothing can be greater uncertainty in major capital investments in airports? done about it. For example, the CAA’s decision notice, Has he considered whether the CAA will be able to published in March 2008, states that provide the stability that investors need? “at Heathrow, the CAA has built into the price caps contingent funding for the costs of developing further”— Mark Reckless: Our right hon. Friend the Prime during the five-year period— Minister set out three clear principles on quangos and cases in which they might be justified. Conservatives are “the option to expand the capacity of the airport.” strongly against unaccountable quangos, but the three The House of Commons Library has confirmed that scenarios that the Prime Minister set out were, first, a that was a reference to the potential third runway at precise technical function that needed to be performed Heathrow, which of course did not happen and—Ministers to fulfil a ministerial mandate; secondly, a requirement are very clear—will not happen. None the less, Heathrow for politically impartial decisions on public money in is still to be regulated on the basis of an RPI plus 7.5% a particular circumstances; and thirdly, cases in which the year increase in the overall landing charge revenue, but facts needed to be transparently determined. The CAA there is no opportunity to review that in the light of the fulfils the need for a precise technical function to be decision not to develop a third runway at Heathrow. performed to fulfil a ministerial mandate. The shadow Secretary of State, if I heard her correctly, I welcome the Bill. Although, as my hon. Friend the said that the Government have a blanket ban on expansion Member for Wycombe (Steve Baker) said, it provides at airports in the south-east. I believe that that is quite more flexibility, it engenders far greater clarity.To date—and wrong. Look at what Luton airport is doing through its we have given this to the CAA—the authority has had road show and expansion in capacity or, as my hon. four different objectives, but there is a lack of clarity Friend the Member for Witham explained, what Southend about their order, so, inevitably, it has great discretion in airport is doing. Last week I met representatives of how it chooses to balance those potentially competing Birmingham airport, who talked about expanding by objectives. 25 million passenger movements, the vast bulk of which In the Bill, under the single duty that the Government would relieve pressure in the south-east. At Gatwick a propose giving to the CAA for consumers and their significant increase in capacity is planned, even before interests, it is much clearer where the authority is going. the second runway restriction runs out in 2019. Regulation, while more flexible, should none the less be The key criterion is the benefit to consumers of the more predictable to people in the industry and to other regulation. However, there is something about aviation stakeholders. That is broadly welcome. The same applies regulation that makes it different from other regulation, to appeals. If anyone is dissatisfied with a CAA decision, because in the middle there are the airlines. Sometimes the only recourse is simply judicial review and the their interests are the same as the consumer’s, but other application of Wednesbury principles as to whether the times they are not. The landing charge at Heathrow is decision has been properly made. The appeal process in perhaps only £16 a passenger, compared with £50 to £80 the Bill is much improved, because a specialist competition for “Boris island”, and £16 or thereabouts is really not tribunal will be introduced, and it will look at the expensive. Given the economic benefits of using Heathrow, objectives that have been set for the CAA by Parliament. a huge amount of the benefit accrues to the airlines that It will assess in an expert yet judicial way whether or not happen to have slots there. The regulation in those slots they have been properly met. Ministers are not persuaded is imperfect and has developed over time, but were the that there should be a right of appeal for the Secretary regulator to increase charges at Heathrow, it is not of State on licence conditions, but when regulations are immediately obvious to me, as an economist, whether 637 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 638

[Mark Reckless] Justine Greening: I can report to the House that the Minister of State is watching the BBC Parliament channel that would be passed on to consumers in the usual way. in hospital at this very moment, so I am sure that she is To the extent that Heathrow is almost at capacity and following matters from afar. landing charges are so low, despite the high value of a slot, an economic analysis suggests that lower restrictions Jim Fitzpatrick: I am sure that the House is grateful on landing charges might lead to a lower slot price and for that update and good news from the Secretary of greater flexibility for the efficient allocation of slots, State. rather than that necessarily being passed on to the As I was about to say, we have a good idea about consumer. How the CAA will regulate this is therefore those aspects of the Bill which we will want to look at in an important area of principle to consider. particular, given all the background information, briefings The chairman, deputy chairman and non-executive and papers with which we have been supplied. directors of the CAA will be appointed by the Secretary There have obviously been numerous briefings from of State, which is very sensible. It is difficult to see industry stakeholders, community groups and others, why the Secretary of State would also want to appoint mostly welcoming the Bill in general but asking for all the executives, let alone determine their precise specific issues to be raised, and we will do our best to remuneration. We want to ensure proper accountability examine them. Some we will be able to support, but all to Parliament. Some colleagues have mentioned the we will wish to look at more closely. National Audit Office. I understand that the chief executive would be signed off by the Secretary of State as well, My hon. Friend spelt out several issues in some although the nomination would be made by the non- detail. There is a broad welcome for the general reform executive directors. I also hope that we would have of the CAA and its role, but questions will need to be appropriate parliamentary scrutiny of those appointments. addressed about security, environmental duty, passenger welfare and protection, NATS and the role of the I am grateful to colleagues on the Transport Committee National Audit Office. As she said, we have interests in for the work they have done on this. It is excellent that all those areas. She outlined our concern about security everyone is working together and I look forward to and the need for assurances that the proposed new hearing the Minister’s comments. It is certainly a strong arrangements will be able to respond quickly to events, positive for the regulation of the sector in this country. and on the quality and experience of the staff who will have to be either transferred or recruited. There are also 8.54 pm the questions of costs and ultimate decision making. Jim Fitzpatrick (Poplar and Limehouse) (Lab): It is a On the environment, there is a clear change of policy pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Rochester and from that of the previous Government. The Transport Strood (Mark Reckless) in what has been an interesting Committee explored the issue with the Minister of State, debate with many informative contributions. As my and we will wish to return to it because, notwithstanding hon. Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood the fact that many airports are good neighbours to (Maria Eagle) said in her opening remarks, however, the nearby residents, we want best practice to be adopted at Bill’s arrival is something of a surprise and seems to all airports. It appears to us that a duty would have been have more to do with the lack of Government business the best way forward. than with anything else. It is timely none the less, The passenger as customer needs to be assured that and we welcome it and look forward to it reaching their position as consumer is protected at the airport Committee. and against companies failing, so we, like many hon. The Select Committee on Transport has, with its Members, welcome the ATOL changes. As my hon. report published on 19 January, furnished us with a Friend graphically recalled, however, her experience in good start on the Bill, and the four proposed evidence the snow last year with the former Secretary of State sessions should mean that we are better informed when was not a happy one for her, for him or, most importantly, the Public Bill Committee begins its work in earnest. As for the passengers who were stranded, so we want we heard from its Chairman, my hon. Friend the Member safeguards against such situations. Passengers deserve for Liverpool, Riverside (Mrs Ellman), the Committee the best protection against failure, but we recognise that has made 12 different recommendations in its report airports are at the mercy of other forces outside their and several other important points, and I am sure that control. the Bill Committee will want to see all those addressed, The question about the role of airlines and secondary as well as the other points in the report which were not duties, which the Transport Committee raised, seems to recommendations. They will be combined with the Library be addressed in the Bill but warrants consideration, as paper, the Department for Transport’s impact assessment, do the various competition structures and appeal the explanatory notes, the Bill itself and the personal mechanisms outlined in the Bill and its schedules. briefing last week from the Transport Minister of State and her officials, for which we were grateful. As my hon. My hon. Friend raised several other issues, which the Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood and Bill Committee will I am sure be keen to discuss with others have said, we Opposition Members send our best Ministers, including how the aviation consumer advocacy wishes to the right hon. Member for Chipping Barnet panel will work, the lack of detail on the requirements (Mrs Villiers) for a successful operation and a speedy to publish passenger welfare plans, the performance of recovery. I am sure that the Under-Secretary of State the UK Border Agency and baggage handling, to mention for Transport, the hon. Member for Lewes (Norman just a few. Baker), also wishes to see her back in her place before The Secretary of State opened the debate and clearly Committee—otherwise he will be an aviation expert outlined the measures in the Bill: the greater accountability sooner than he might have suspected. in the CAA reforms, the transfer of security and the 639 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 640 extension of ATOL. I have mentioned the points that My hon. Friend the Member for Bolton West (Julie my hon. Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood Hilling) raised questions about timing, the level of made in reply. She welcomed the Bill but expressed scrutiny, the absence of an environmental duty in the the hope that we would improve it in Committee. She Bill and security. commended the Transport Committee, but expressed The hon. Member for Tamworth (Christopher Pincher) concern about the time that it had been given to do its did not seem to accept that the Bill has arrived earlier work. As I have mentioned, she covered comprehensively that expected. Perhaps his ministerial colleagues could our concerns, especially on the security provisions. clarify that for him and reassure him, as did my hon. The hon. Member for Crawley (Henry Smith), whose Friend the Member for Luton South. The hon. Gentleman constituency covers Gatwick, is knowledgeable on aviation raised European comparisons and the critical role that matters. He raised several relevant questions, including aviation plays in the economy. over the possible break-up of airports and the role of My hon. Friend the Member for Edinburgh North the CAA. and Leith (Mark Lazarowicz) raised the need for My hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Riverside, environmental progress. He spoke about the environmental the Chair of the Transport Committee, made a useful progress that has been made and about the absence of and insightful contribution, in which she referred to a such a duty in the Bill. He raised the BMI takeover, as number of concerns that the Select Committee had did a number of other colleagues. registered. As I and other hon. Members have said, we will consider those concerns in the Public Bill Committee. The hon. Member for Milton Keynes South (Iain Stewart), another member of the Transport Committee, The hon. Member for Finchley and Golders Green gave us the benefit of his examination of the key issues. (Mike Freer), who apologised that he would not be here He confirmed that Milton Keynes neither has nor needs for the winding-up speeches, spoke up for business its own airport. travellers. He and my hon. Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood raised important questions about My hon. Friend the Member for Feltham and Heston the UK Border Agency. He also spoke about regulation (Seema Malhotra) made her maiden speech. It was and security. warmly received on both sides of the House, as maiden speeches generally are. Her contribution demonstrated My former ministerial colleague at the Department a confidence and self-assurance that I am sure will serve for Transport, my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow her constituents well in the years ahead. Her description South (Mr Harris), made the case for ministerial cars of her constituency and of the significance of Heathrow strongly. He expanded on the need for a vibrant aviation underpinned the relevance of her contributing to this industry. He argued that aviation need not be and is not debate. I hope that her mention of various local media the enemy of the environment. He also made a powerful outlets will ensure that her speech is covered well. I case about the capacity constraints at Heathrow. would be very surprised if it was not. She undoubtedly The hon. Member for Spelthorne (Kwasi Kwarteng), has the prospect of a long and distinguished time in this who I do not think is in his place, confused the Chamber place. I look forward to watching her progress in the about his position on the third runway. He seemed to years ahead. make points both for and against it. I wish him well in The hon. Member for Folkestone and Hythe (Damian maintaining the ability to articulate opposite positions. Collins) was generous in his praise of my hon. Friend’s He is in good company in this place. Perhaps he could maiden speech and made a number of points, particularly send me a copy of his press release on his speech, as I about how to reduce the environmental impact of stacking am sure that it will be worth reading. He also made by increasing capacity rather than constraining it. I good points about the industry and the Bill. strongly recommend that he talks to his party’s Front My hon. Friend the Member for Sedgefield (Phil Benchers to suggest that they take up the offer of Wilson) and other hon. Members spoke about regional cross-party talks made by my hon. Friend the Member airports and asked about their role and capacity. He for Garston and Halewood. His contribution was very spoke specifically about the future of Durham Tees thoughtful and covered the role of his local airports, Valley airport and the impact of the value of Heathrow’s and I agreed with much of what he said. slots on UK aviation. He made a strong case for the In contrast, I disagreed with many of the points continuance of his local airport, as did others. He has made by my hon. Friend the Member for Luton North been lobbying on that issue for a considerable time. (Kelvin Hopkins), who is not in his place. He spoke The hon. Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert) raised briefly about security and his opposition to increased a number of issues that he wanted to be raised in capacity, and argued for more regional airport usage. Committee. I am sure that they will be. He apologised His local airport is already very successful, and he to the House and hoped that we would not be disappointed argued that it could do more. at his brevity. I assure him that we would never be disappointed at his brevity. I cannot imagine how he I have to report that, as the hon. Member for Amber arrived at that conclusion. Valley (Nigel Mills) rose, the batteries in my hearing aids ran out, and sadly the spare batteries were also flat. My hon. Friend the Member for Luton South (Gavin Some would say that that was good timing, but that Shuker) is another member of the Transport Committee would be very cruel. He is very softly spoken even with and also has an airport close to his constituency. He the amplification at the back of the Benches, but he drew on both aspects to raise some key points, including spoke of the need, or rather lack of it, for regulated capacity. competition and of the five airports within 50 or 60 miles The hon. Member for Congleton (Fiona Bruce) raised of his constituency. He raised questions about the ATOL a number of issues about the extension of the ATOL provisions which I am sure will be asked in Committee, scheme and its weaknesses at present. whether he is with us or not. 641 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 642

[Jim Fitzpatrick] Dr Huppert: The shadow Secretary of State promised me some ideas in her speech. Has the hon. Gentleman The hon. Member for Stockton South (James Wharton) had a chance to ask her what they are? If so, could he mentioned Durham Tees Valley airport and powerfully tell us, because she failed singularly to come up with any? supported my hon. Friend the Member for Sedgefield in the cross-party campaign for it to maintain its position. Jim Fitzpatrick: The hon. Gentleman was not listening. He was generous to my hon. Friend the Member for My hon. Friend held out the prospect of cross-party Feltham and Heston; in fact, I believe he was the first talks to see whether there is a way forward to develop a Conservative Back Bencher to own up to having been a national plan. Labour proposed a third runway at Heathrow recent visitor to Feltham and Heston. A number of but lost the election. We recognise that it would be colleagues repeated that afterwards. unrealistic to continue with that proposal. To demonstrate The hon. Member for Thurrock (Jackie Doyle-Price) that there were no preconditions to cross-party talks, argued for less regulation and more market influence, she said we are dropping the plan for the third runway, and consequently a better deal for the passenger, but so let us talk about options, and about how we increase she also called for clarity in decision making and for a capacity and whether we need to do so. As the treasurer more mature debate—something that Labour has been of the all-party group on road passenger transport, offering and would very much like to take place. my hon. Friend the Member for Central Ayrshire The hon. Member for Witham (Priti Patel), another (Mr Donohoe) suggested whether Northolt was the visitor to and admirer of Feltham and Heston and its answer. Is the answer the Thames estuary, which has new MP, accepted that she was making a number of been raised by a number of colleagues, including the points that had already been raised, but wanted to cover Mayor of London? Is it Gatwick? The Opposition, them again. She also raised the important point of supported by industry, say that there is a capacity issue investment in aviation across the globe and our falling in the south-east that needs to be addressed. It is all well behind our international competitors in developing our and good if we come up with a consensus, but let us sit infrastructure. down and talk about it. That is the invitation from my hon. Friend the Member for Garston and Halewood. The hon. Member for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris) explained how important aviation was to his constituency As I said, at least we have the Bill. We look forward in particular, and agreed that the regulations covering to the Public Bill Committee and engaging with the the industry needed updating. He made a strong pitch Government to improve the Bill. We are happy to for a British Airways business lounge pass, and I sure support it on Second Reading, and I look forward to The Daily Telegraph will be very keen to report his the Minister’s reply. progress. He might want to keep us all posted as to how he gets on with that one. 9.11 pm The hon. Member for Rochester and Strood (Mark The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport Reckless), who was the final Back-Bench speaker, raised (Norman Baker): I welcome the kind comments from the question of the fitness of the regulations for the Members on both sides of the House in respect of my 21st century. right hon. Friend the Minister for Transport—she is As many Members have mentioned, the aerospace indeed my friend. If she is watching, she ought not to and aviation sectors are vital elements of the UK economy. bother but get some rest. Collectively, the industry is a major earner, manufacturer and exporter. Aviation’s role in connecting us with the I congratulate the hon. Member for Feltham and rest of the world is key to growth, which has sadly been Heston (Seema Malhotra) on an excellent maiden speech, lacking in the Government’s economic performance which the House enjoyed. She will be a powerful addition since they came into office. to the House in the years ahead. Aviation has made huge strides in addressing its I welcome the many constructive comments in the environmental sustainability.At a recent aerospace reception debate, and I am particularly grateful to the Transport here in the House, it was stated that the new A380 was Committee for expediting the process of pre-legislative 25% cleaner and quieter than its predecessors. In fact, it scrutiny when this earlier slot became available for the was said to be more fuel-efficient than a Toyota Prius. If Bill. The Committee found that both airlines and airports someone drove it down the M4, they would not have to welcome the Bill. pay the London congestion charge. The Bill process has been going on a very long time, Aviation is worth £11 billion to UK gross domestic as Opposition Members will know only too well. I product and employs 200,000 people directly and 600,000 accept that it would have been ideal to have slightly indirectly. It is a critical industry, yet Government policy more time for scrutiny but, on the other hand, in the is in disarray.As my hon. Friend the Member for Garston aviation industry if a slot becomes available, we must and Halewood outlined, she offered cross-party talks to take it. It would not have served customers, passengers address the critical need for a national plan, and it is a or the industry well to have let that slip while a number very sad comment on the coalition that the Government of months went by, because there is a great deal of did not respond positively. The offer still stands. Government business to fit in. The CBI, London First, the British Chambers of My right hon. Friend and I welcome the Transport Commerce, the TUC and the industry stakeholders are Committee’s response and look forward to the comments seeking a plan—a strategy to map out how aviation will of members of the Public Bill Committee. We will listen develop and contribute to our economy recovery. They carefully to members on both sides of that Committee. will clearly have to wait for that, for as my hon. Friend Many hon. Members have made the case for the pointed out, “better not bigger” is a slogan, not a continuing importance of our aviation sector. We have a policy. At least we have the Bill. vital, dynamic aviation industry. The continuing success 643 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 644 of that industry is essential to our economic growth. He will be able to look at that and see whether it deals Our reforms have been designed to allow competition with the Northern Ireland situation in which he is to flourish and for our industry to innovate and thrive. clearly interested. I shall do my best to respond to the many points The shadow Secretary of State referred to the issue of made in the debate. A number of hon. Members spoke future passengers, as against present passengers. I recognise up for their local and regional airports, including Luton that that is an issue, and clause 1(5) empowers the CAA airport and Teesside—or is it Durham and Tees Valley?— to determine how to fulfil its primary duty to promote airport. The hon. Member for Sedgefield (Phil Wilson) the interests of users when conflicts arise. This is in line asked for a meeting about his particular situation. I am with affording requisite discretion to the regulator and sure my right hon. Friend will be very pleased to see him taking politics out of regulation. In other words, it and other hon. Members on a cross-party basis to would not be helpful for the case the hon. Lady makes discuss that situation when she is back in the saddle. to be more specific about the CAA’s powers than the Bill currently is. As the Secretary of State made clear in her opening remarks, most airports in this country are competitive One or two hon. Members asked why the airline and look after their passengers. Our reforms are designed consultation supplementary duty has been dropped. to protect the interests of passengers, particularly at the Stakeholders including airlines should be consulted by small number of airports such as Heathrow that have the CAA when it carries out its economic regulatory substantial market power. For all other airports, the functions. There is an obligation to consult bodies main change introduced by the Bill is that the CAA will representing airlines on licence conditions, licence be able to bring its expertise to the investigation and modifications and penalties. Any airline is free to make remedy of anti-competitive behaviour by having concurrent representations, and we do not believe that the CAA powers with the Office of Fair Trading. would ignore any relevant representation. Furthermore, whenever a conflict arises between passengers’ interest The Bill replaces an inflexible, one-size-fits-all approach and those of airlines, the CAA will be bound to act in based on five-year price controls with a flexible regime passengers’ interests, given the primary duty in the Bill. under which regulation can be tailored to individual A further secondary duty would not affect that position, airports’ circumstances so that the CAA can reduce the which is why we came to that conclusion. scope of economic regulation while retaining essential The shadow Secretary of State also asked about protection for passengers. resilience. The implication of her comments was that At the heart of the new proposals is a single, clear, since the former Secretary of State for Transport—with primary duty to further the interests of end users— her, it appears—was out at Heathrow, nothing has passengers and freight owners, now and in the future. happened, but nothing could be further from the truth. The passenger is centre stage. This will enable the CAA There have been extensive discussions between the to undertake enforcement action in real time when this Department and the owners and operators at Heathrow becomes necessary.The Chair of the Transport Committee, about winter resilience. This winter, I am happy to say and the Committee’s report, asks if we might have that the major airports in London are much better greater clarity in the Bill’s definition of users of air prepared than they were last year. But when the CAA transport services and suggested the phrase proposes full airport licences, it will of course be required “passengers and shippers of cargo, both present and future.” to consult on the content of those licences and any subsequent changes to the licences. It will have to take I would draw to her attention clause 69 which defines into account any representations during those consultations air transport service as when setting conditions, and we will require it to include “a service for the carriage by air of passengers or cargo to or from welfare plans if those are in current and future passengers’ an airport in the United Kingdom”. interests. I hope that that gives the hon. Lady the Users of air transport services are persons present and satisfaction she was seeking on that point. future who are or will be passengers carried by such Several hon. Members referred, rightly, to the welcome services, and persons with a right in property carried by proposals in the Bill on ATOL, especially my hon. such services. This will not cover shippers of cargo, Friend the Member for Cambridge (Dr Huppert). He unless they have a right in property in that cargo, wanted an assurance that consumers would know when because we think it is more important to protect the a holiday was ATOL-protected, and I can assure him interests of the owners of cargo, rather than the shippers— that that is a key objective of the Government in the again, putting the customer at centre stage. I hope that changes we are proposing. We are also interested, of the Chair of the Select Committee will recognise that course, in the Transport Committee’s deliberations on the clarification she seeks is in that clause in the Bill. this important issue. The hon. Member for Amber Valley (Nigel Mills) Dr William McCrea (South Antrim) (DUP): I have asked whether the Ryanair holiday model would be the Belfast International airport in my constituency. covered by the ATOL reforms. The intention is to Under this Bill, can the Minister assure me that Northern ensure as far as possible that any holiday booked with a Ireland will soon have a proper aviation strategy, as that flight is covered by the changes. The hon. Members for is essential for my constituency? Bolton West (Julie Hilling) and for Congleton (Fiona Bruce) also raised issues relating to ATOL reform. I confirm that we consulted over the summer on proposals Norman Baker: I am happy to advise the hon. Gentleman to improve clarity for consumers about the ATOL that the Department for Transport is producing a scheme’s coverage. I agree fully that the current situation comprehensive aviation strategy, which according to the can be unclear and misleading for consumers, which is Department’s business plan will be published in March. why action is needed as soon as possible. 645 Civil Aviation Bill30 JANUARY 2012 Civil Aviation Bill 646

[Norman Baker] not least because it enables the CAA to address only airports with substantial market power and only where We propose to expand the ATOL scheme to include regulatory intervention is warranted. That currently flight-plus holidays that work like packages but lie includes only three airports, but environmental externalities outside the narrow legal definition. We also propose are present at a wider range of airports and need to be that an ATOL certificate should be issued whenever factored in. That is why the Government decided to consumers purchase an ATOL-protected flight or holiday, proceed by placing on the CAA an information and as a further means of providing clarity. We aim to publication duty that is considered to be more concrete announce a decision shortly on the reforms, which can and of more practical benefit to the public than the be implemented by new regulations under existing powers. previously proposed environmental objective. The CAA We are taking steps forward on that. The holiday industry is under an obligation to publish such information and has made strong representations that it is no longer can also issue advice and guidance to airport operators. clear whether holidays are ATOL-protected. As I said, we think we can deal with that problem by allowing for Dr Huppert: I hear what my hon. Friend says. He is the addition of more flight-based holidays. correct that information is helpful and that all airports In her introductory comments, the Chair of the Select have a role to play, but will he consider more carefully Committee referred to impact assessments. The Transport whether it would be a good idea to put that environmental Committee stated that duty in the Bill so that as many steps as possible can be taken to protect the environment? “licence conditions, and their associated costs to airports, may not be proportionate to the benefits delivered”, Norman Baker: My hon. Friend makes a point that and that was the thrust of her point. Ultimately, where others have made. If he or others want to pursue it in costs are associated with licence conditions, users of air Committee, they will need to demonstrate that there is transport services will pay those costs. Where the costs information that needs to be provided or actions that of a proposed licence condition are seen to outweigh need to be taken that would not be provided or taken the benefits to passengers, it will not be in passengers’ under the regime in the Bill. If he can demonstrate that, interests to impose the condition, so the CAA’s primary I am sure that Ministers will have an open mind. duty would not be met if it did so. The hon. Member for Milton Keynes South (Iain The Bill requires the CAA to consult on proposed Stewart) made an interesting point about the CAA’s new licence conditions and states that a licence may not consumer panel, suggesting that it could help the CAA include conditions that differ significantly from those to decide how to use those powers and what information on which it has already consulted. It must set out the to collect. That sounds like a good idea, and we will reasons for conditions included in the licence, how it encourage the CAA to consider it. I am grateful to him has taken into account any representations made, and for his suggestion. the reasons for any differences from the conditions Members on both sides of the House mentioned the initially proposed. I think that that makes the case for National Audit Office. The NAO’s role is to scrutinise the approach that we are taking. The fact that putting public spending on behalf of Parliament, but the income the passenger centre stage is the CAA’s primary duty that the CAA derives from the industry is not public will we hope give the hon. Lady the reassurance that she spending, as Parliament recognised when it removed the rightly seeks. I will come to security issues in a moment. NAO’s role in 1984. The issue of the CAA’s auditors The shadow Secretary of State referred to vexatious was considered by Sir Joseph Pilling, as my right hon. appeals. I do not think that they are likely to occur. The Friend the Secretary of State mentioned, as part of his Government’s proposed regime has features to deter 2008 strategic review of the authority. He concluded frivolous or vexatious appeals. In particular, in most that there was no need for the NAO to be involved cases the appeal will not suspend the licence condition’s directly with the CAA. coming into effect, although the appeal body will have Many other points were raised in the debate, but I am the power to impose interim relief under circumstances. conscious that I have taken much longer than the shadow There is therefore limited incentive to appeal for the Minister. I therefore do not have time to deal with the purpose of delaying the decision. issue of the smalls raised by my hon. Friend the Member The shadow Secretary of State also referred to the for Daventry (Chris Heaton-Harris)—he went on at consumer panel. We believe that it is a useful innovation some length about that—but I can assure Members that in the Bill. As she might know, the successor body to the all comments will be taken onboard. If I have not Air Transport Users Council is being consulted on. It answered any questions, I will ensure that a letter is sent was announced on 18 January this year. The CAA will out from the Department. set up the CAA consumer panel as soon as possible and In conclusion, I think that this is a useful Bill. I am will immediately seek a suitable chair. grateful for the support of Members from across the Environmental issues were raised by several Members, House, and I commend the Bill to the House. including my hon. Friend the Member for Cambridge, Question put and agreed to. who was concerned, as were some Opposition Members, Bill accordingly read a Second time. about the absence from the Bill of an environmental duty. The matter has been considered carefully. One reason why the Bill does not include such a duty at the CIVIL AVIATION BILL (PROGRAMME) moment, although the Government fully accept the Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing need to take the environment into account in aviation, Order No. 83A(7)), as everywhere else, is that it is thought that economic That the following provisions shall apply to the Civil Aviation regulation is not the appropriate vehicle for doing so, Bill: 647 30 JANUARY 2012 648

Committal Lidice Massacre 1. The Bill shall be committed to a Public Bill Committee. Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House Proceedings in Public Bill Committee do now adjourn.—(James Duddridge.) 2. Proceedings in the Public Bill Committee shall (so far as not previously concluded) be brought to a conclusion on Thursday 15 March 2012. 9.28 pm 3. The Public Bill Committee shall have leave to sit twice on the Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): Thank first day on which it meets. you, Mr Deputy Speaker, for giving me the opportunity Consideration and Third Reading to speak this evening about the Lidice massacre and the 4. Proceedings on Consideration shall (so far as not previously events that followed, which demonstrate that amidst concluded) be brought to a conclusion one hour before the even the worst evil something good can flourish. No moment of interruption on the day on which those proceedings one in the House will need reminding that last Friday are commenced. was Holocaust memorial day, which marks the day 5. Proceedings on Third Reading shall (so far as not previously 67 years ago when Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated by concluded) be brought to a conclusion at the moment of interruption on that day. Soviet troops and reminds us all of the atrocities committed by the Nazis. 6. Standing Order No. 83B (Programming committees) shall not apply to proceedings on consideration and Third Reading. We will never fully understand or come to terms with Other proceedings extermination on such a scale just a few generations 7. Any other proceedings on the Bill (including any proceedings ago, but thanks to the Holocaust Educational Trust and on consideration of Lords Amendments or on any further messages the many other organisations that work to tackle hatred from the Lords) may be programmed.—(James Duddridge.) and discrimination, I hope that we might go some way Question agreed to. to prevent it from happening again, at least on such a scale. May I therefore take this opportunity to put on record my appreciation for those organisations and pay CIVIL AVIATION BILL (MONEY) tribute to the Holocaust Educational Trust and others Queen’s recommendation signified. for their work? Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Lidice is a village in the Czech republic about 20 km Order No. 52(1)(a)), west of Prague. The events that I will speak about in a That, for the purposes of any Act resulting from the Civil moment were triggered on 27 May 1942 by the assassination Aviation Bill, it is expedient to authorise— of the Nazi Lieutenant-General and Deputy Reich- (1) the payment out of money provided by Parliament of any Protector of Bohemia and Moravia, Reinhard Heydrich, increase attributable to the Act in the sums payable under any who is said to have been a close friend of Hitler. As other Act out of money so provided, and Heydrich travelled through Prague, two Czech parachute (2) the payment of sums into the Consolidated Fund.—(James agents carried out an attack on his transport vehicles. Duddridge.) Although he was not mortally wounded by the blast, Question agreed to. the attack led to an infection that killed him on 4 June 1942. Hitler is said to have been wild with rage, and wanted to make an example of the Czech people. He CIVIL AVIATION BILL (CARRY-OVER) ordered the arrest and execution of thousands of Czechs Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing and sanctioned the destruction of Lidice. Order No. 80A(1)(a)), On 10 June 1942, just six days after Heydrich’s death, That if, at the conclusion of this Session of Parliament, proceedings Nazi troops moved into the village of Lidice and rounded on the Civil Aviation Bill have not been completed, they shall be up all 173 of the men who were over 16 years of age. By resumed in the next Session.—(James Duddridge.) the afternoon, all of them had been executed. The Question agreed to. 203 women of the village were rounded up and, after the forced abortion of four pregnant women, were Business without Debate transported to various concentration camps. It is believed that three women died on the death march, and 49 women were subsequently tortured to death. A total of 105 children PRIVACY AND INJUNCTIONS (JOINT were separated from their mothers. On 2 July 1942, COMMITTEE) 82 of those children were gassed at Chelmno extermination Resolved, camp on the orders of Eichmann. Only 17 of those That this House concurs with the Lords Message of 25 January 105 children survived the war. The village of Lidice was 2012 and that, notwithstanding the Resolution of this House of set on fire and the remains destroyed, so that no evidence 14 July 2011, it be an instruction to the Joint Committee on of Lidice having ever existed could be found, albeit with Privacy and Injunctions that it should report by 15 March 2012.— the entire murderous attack being filmed by the SS. (Mr Heath.) Dr Hywel Francis (Aberavon) (Lab): I warmly FINANCE AND SERVICES congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this Adjournment debate so near to Holocaust memorial day. I visited Ordered, Lidice in 2007, along with my hon. Friend the Member That Jonathan Reynolds be discharged from the Finance and for Swansea East (Mrs James), where we saw, not only Services Committee and Mr George Howarth be added.—(Geoffrey at the memorial garden, but in the museum, a film Clifton-Brown, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.) called “The Silent Village”, which depicts what happened. It was made in 1943, as a result of the remarkable co-operation between the South Wales Miners Federation 649 Lidice Massacre30 JANUARY 2012 Lidice Massacre 650

[Dr Hywel Francis] in north Staffordshire. In 1955, Barnett Stross led an initiative to construct the world’s largest rose garden, and the Government’s Crown Film Unit. The film tells with 23,000 roses donated by numerous countries around the story that my hon. Friend is now outlining. I use it the world. The rose garden formed a bridge between the for teaching purposes, to tell the story of what happened site of the old Lidice and the new Lidice. In 1966, all over Europe in the 1930s and 1940s. Would my hon. Barnett Stross initiated the new Lidice art collection. Friend commend that film for educational purposes Stross made numerous visits to the rebuilt Lidice, today? ultimately being awarded the highest state award possible by the Czechoslovak Government, as well as a British Robert Flello: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his knighthood in 1964. Sadly, as we approach the 70th intervention, because “The Silent Village” is indeed an anniversary of the Lidice massacre, the events of June extremely powerful film and I would recommend that it 1942 and the links between Stoke-on-Trent and Lidice be viewed. have been largely forgotten. Unfortunately, few of my In all, only 170 of Lidice’s population of around constituents were aware of the “Lidice Shall Live” 510 people survived the war. Similar reprisals were campaign, or of the critical role that the people of their carried out across a large area of what was Czechoslovakia. city played in helping the surviving residents of Lidice It is estimated that in total around 1,300 people were to return to their newly rebuilt village. killed. However, unlike with other Nazi murders, there I am therefore delighted that, following initial work was no attempt to hide what had taken place. by Alan and Cheryl Gerard, a group of my constituents, Almost as soon as the news reached Britain, Barnett businesses and councillors have come together to ensure Stross, a doctor and city councillor in Stoke-on-Trent, that the tale of Lidice will live on. On Friday, the “Let enlisted the help of local coal miners. Together they set Lidice Live” campaign was launched in Stoke-on-Trent, to work on founding the “Lidice Shall Live” movement, involving a partnership between that group, Staffordshire a name created by Stross in response to Adolf Hitler’s university and Stoke-on-Trent city council. Through order that “Lidice shall die for ever”. Stross invited the the formalisation of links between Stoke-on-Trent and Czech President, the Soviet ambassador and the president Lidice, a series of events to mark the 70th anniversary of the miners federation to a launch event, which was in both countries, and the continuation of the highly attended by around 3,000 people. In the months ahead, successful international children’s exhibition of fine donations were collected from miners and other workers arts, the campaign seeks to ensure that the story of the to rebuild Lidice. In Barnett Stross’s words: massacre, and of the heroic response, will live on, not “The miner’s lamp dispels the shadows on the coalface. It can just this year, but for years to come. It is worth noting also send a ray of light across the sea to those who struggle in that the children’s exhibition of fine arts, which was darkness”. established in 1967 as a national event, became an The link between Lidice and Stoke-on-Trent carried on international one in 1973 and has gone on to become after the war ended, with Barnett Stross elected in 1945 well known among children and teachers, not only in as Member of Parliament for the area now largely the UK but all over the world. represented by my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke- on-Trent Central (Tristram Hunt), although parts are Dr Francis: On the theme of art, education and also in my constituency and that of my hon. Friend the internationalism, is my hon. Friend aware of the work Member for Stoke-on-Trent North (Joan Walley). of the Josef Herman Trust? The film, “The Silent Village”, was made in the village of Cwmgiedd, near Tristram Hunt (Stoke-on-Trent Central) (Lab): I Ystradgynlais in the Swansea valley. Josef Herman was congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this important a Polish artist who came to Ystradgynlais fleeing anti- debate and on representing the views of his constituents Semitism in the late 1930s. Today, the secretary of the in Fenton and elsewhere. I agree with him about the trust is one of the children who played a part in the film. heroic role played by Sir Barnett Stross. Does he agree I pay tribute to Betty Rae Watkins, who is now encouraging that it is hugely important that Stoke-on-Trent pupils children to become engaged in art and, through that, to understand the heroic part that the city played in world learn about the holocaust and about one of its survivors, war two, not only because of Sir Reginald Mitchell, the great Polish artist, Josef Herman. who designed the Spitfire, but because of this story of internationalism and solidarity in a city that has, unfortunately, in the past been plagued by fascism and Robert Flello: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for the British National party. This is a story of hope. putting on record the fantastic work that has been done there. Robert Flello: I agree with my hon. Friend. Stoke-on- In recent years, about 20,000 very good works of art Trent is a city that has much to offer and fantastic have come regularly from the Czech and Slovak Republics, potential. We need only to look back at its history and and from 50 or 60 other countries, to the Lidice children’s at the wonderful things that its people have achieved to exhibition of fine arts. see that its future is assured. It can rightly be proud of The 70th anniversary will be marked by a Lidice the positive things that it has done, although it needs to exhibition at the European Parliament in Brussels, and learn lessons about some of the negative things that there will be two new documentaries about the events have plagued it in recent years. in 1942 and the surviving children. There will be a In 1947, Lidice began to be rebuilt, with the help of commemoration on the anniversary of the day of the the £32,000 raised by people from the potteries. That is massacre, which will be attended by the Czech president. the equivalent of about £1 million in today’s money, The city of Stoke-on-Trent has a great programme of which is not a bad feat for an impoverished community events to mark the anniversary, with more being planned. 651 Lidice Massacre30 JANUARY 2012 Lidice Massacre 652

As time goes by and we lose first-hand accounts of students take part in seminars and hear first hand from Nazi atrocities, it becomes all the more important to a holocaust survivor. They not only deepen their knowledge educate future generations about the consequences of of the holocaust, but learn what can happen when intolerance and prejudice, and about the atrocities carried prejudice and racism gain a foothold in society. So far, out during the second world war and, sadly, since. more than 8,000 students and more than 2,000 teachers Events such as Holocaust memorial day provide a crucial have taken part in the project in England. Crucially, focal point, but at times it feels as though the sheer scale when those students return to school, they are expected of the slaughter in the second world war can be too to pass on what they have learned to their peers at horrifying to comprehend, and the individual stories school and to their communities. risk being lost. Lidice provides an illuminating light Effective teacher training is also fundamental to teaching amidst one of the darkest periods of human history, about the holocaust. The Government recognise this, with the generosity of the British people and the defiance which is why as part of our £1.8 million for holocaust of the residents of the village ensuring that Lidice did education funding we have allocated £250,000 for the indeed live. Institute of Education’s holocaust education development Sadly, as we have seen in Bosnia, Rwanda and Darfur programme. This programme helps to ensure that teachers in just the last 20 years, we have not seen the end to are equipped with the training and resources they need genocide or a limit to the suffering that we as humans to deliver effective holocaust education. The Lidice are willing to inflict on our fellow man. It is my belief massacre is included in the teaching materials for this therefore that it remains vital that we never forget what programme. happened in places like Lidice, and I hope that the To date, some 550 teachers have benefited from this Minister will join me in paying tribute to those who professional development programme, with two full days seek to ensure that Lidice shall live. of workshops and online activities. A further 2,000 teachers 9.40 pm have benefited from other forms of professional development on the holocaust, while a pilot group of The Minister of State, Department for Education 36 teachers has completed the country’s first taught (Mr Nick Gibb): I begin by congratulating the hon. master’s module in holocaust education. The level of Member for Stoke-on-Trent South (Robert Flello)on teaching expertise in England’s schools on the holocaust securing this debate, on doing the House a huge service is now higher than ever before—a welcome fact. by reminding us of the true horror of what happened in Lidice in 1942 and on illuminating for us the links with As the hon. Gentleman may know, the second world Stoke-on-Trent and the huge sum of money raised from war and the holocaust are compulsory parts of the miners to rebuild the village. We heard about the history curriculum at key stage 3. Schools can teach 3,000 miners who attended the public meeting called by pupils about the Lidice massacre as part of their history one of the hon. Gentleman’s predecessors, Sir Barnett curriculum, but they are free to design their own curriculums Stross. It is good to be reminded of these important that will best meet the needs of their pupils. I hope we parts of our history and European history, and he has can all agree about the fundamental need for a greater done that at an appropriate time, with last Friday being emphasis on knowledge and content in the current Holocaust memorial day. national school curriculum, which was our reason for Holocaust memorial day gives us the opportunity to launching a review of the curriculum. remember the victims of this most evil of periods in the world’s history, along with subsequent victims of Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): I thank the genocide—as the hon. Gentleman reminded us, such Minister for giving me an opportunity not only to evil does not go away—and atrocities during the war, express my admiration for the hon. Member for Stoke- such as the terrible massacre at Lidice. It also gives us on-Trent South (Robert Flello) for raising this subject, time to reflect on the lessons of the past: genocide does but to mention that I was at school myself when I read a not occur overnight; it is a gradual process and begins remarkable book called “Seven Men at Daybreak” by when the differences between us are used as a reason to Alan Burgess. It told the story of the seven Czech and exclude or marginalise, leading to prejudice and hate. Slovak parachutists who assassinated Heydrich, and, at We need to learn the lessons of the holocaust, so that the end, what happened to Lidice afterwards. I do not future generations do not repeat the mistakes of the know what the copyright position is now, given that the past. That is why it is important that young people are book was written so long ago, but I think that, in the taught about the holocaust—to ensure that prejudice context of the educational project that both the hon. and discrimination are not allowed to take root in our Gentleman and the Minister have in mind, a reprint of society. that book would probably have as profound an effect on The Government firmly support holocaust education, the schoolchildren of the 21st century as it had on me which is why we have allocated £1.8 million this year to some 40 or 50 years ago. promote young people’s understanding of this period of history. About £1.5 million of this funding is for the Mr Gibb: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for bringing Holocaust Educational Trust’s Lessons from Auschwitz his own personal history, and that book, to the attention project, in which I understand the hon. Gentleman has of the House. I shall look into what he has said. participated. I add my tribute to his for the work of the The new national curriculum will be based on a body trust. of essential knowledge that children should be expected The Lessons from Auschwitz project gives the to acquire in key subjects during their school careers. It opportunity for two sixth formers in every school in the will embody, for all children, their cultural and scientific country to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau to learn the lessons inheritance, will enhance their understanding of the of the holocaust, but the course is more than just a world around them, and will expose them to the best one-day visit to the former concentration camp, as that has been thought and written. 653 Lidice Massacre30 JANUARY 2012 Lidice Massacre 654

[Mr Gibb] level. If more children study history for longer, that can only be a good thing, as it will give them a good grasp of Our commitment to the importance of history is the narrative of history. clear from its inclusion in the English baccalaureate. The national curriculum review will consider the extent Mrs Louise Ellman (Liverpool, Riverside) (Lab/Co-op): to which history should be compulsory, and at which I, too, congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for key stages. We are considering the recommendations of Stoke-on-Trent South (Robert Flello) on securing the the expert panel, and will also listen to the views of debate. Does the Minister agree that it is all-important others before making final decisions. If we conclude for pupils to hear the personal testimony of holocaust that history should remain a national curriculum subject, survivors, and that everything possible should be done we will expect the programme of study to continue to to preserve that testimony even when survivors are no include teaching about the second world war and the longer with us in person? holocaust. Every young person needs to understand it, along with the lessons that it teaches and how it shaped Mr Gibb: Of course I agree with the hon. Lady. That the modern world. is why the visits to Auschwitz are so important. As part It is of concern that some subjects, such as history, of those visits, pupils will meet a survivor. As she points have been less popular choices at GCSE in recent years. out, however, as time passes fewer survivors will remain For example, in 1995 more than 223,000 students, alive, so we need to do all that we can to record their representing nearly 40% of pupils in schools, were taking experience. That is important, because it dispels and history GCSE. By 2010 the figure had dropped by over puts to rest the views of those who seek to say that these 25,000, and only 31% of pupils—just under a third—are things did not occur, and provides a helpful personal now taking the subject. The Government want to encourage history to record the events of the holocaust. more children to take up history beyond the age of 14. I hope that the hon. Member for Stoke-on-Trent We introduced the English baccalaureate—which recognises South, and indeed all Members, agree that the Government’s the work of pupils who achieve a GCSE grade between continued commitment to holocaust education will ensure A* and C GCSE in history or geography, as well as that future generations learn the important lessons of maths, English, science and a language—to encourage a the holocaust and that no one in the country, or indeed more widespread take-up of a core of subjects that the world, forgets the evil events of that awful period of provide a sound basis for academic progress. The world history. baccalaureate has already had a significant impact on Question put and agreed to. the take-up of history. According to an independent survey of nearly 700 schools, 39% of pupils sitting GCSEs in 2013 will be taking history. That represents a 9.49 pm rise of eight percentage points, and a return to the 1995 House adjourned. 29WS Written Ministerial Statements30 JANUARY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 30WS

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201212/ Written Ministerial cmhansrd/cm120124/debtext/120124- 0001.htm#12012451000004 Statements Burma EU Ministers agreed conclusions (see link above) recognising the recent progress in Burma and suspending Monday 30 January 2012 visa bans against the President, members of the Cabinet and speakers of the Houses of Parliament. Drawing from his recent visit, the Foreign Secretary highlighted the changes in Burma as justifying these FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE first steps towards enhancing the EU’s engagement with the country. He stressed that the EU should only make any further responses following progress against our Foreign Affairs Council benchmarks: the release of remaining political prisoners, free and fair by-elections on 1 April, and credible steps towards resolving ethnic conflict. The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): The Syria Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) was held on 23 January Ministers agreed an 11th round of restrictive measures in Brussels. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary against Syria, which listed a further 22 individuals and and I attended. eight entities. Ministers also agreed conclusions (see The FAC was chaired by the High Representative of link above) which included expressions of concern over the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security the Syrian Government’s brutal crackdown, and a welcome Policy, Baroness Ashton of Upholland. A provisional for the Arab League’s initiative to seek United Nations report of the meeting and all conclusions adopted can Security Council support for a political solution. be found at: Speaking after the meeting, the Foreign Secretary http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/ said: docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/127480.pdf “I welcome today’s EU agreement to an 11th round of EU The agenda items covered were as follows: sanctions on Syria, targeting 22 individuals and 8 entities supporting the Syrian regime’s appalling campaign of violence and repression Iran against its own people. Ministers agreed an extensive package of sanctions The UK has been a driving force behind these EU sanctions, and accompanying conclusions (see link above) focusing working closely with other EU states. The sanctions demonstrate on Iran’s nuclear programme. The measures adopted that the international community will identify and hold to account include a phased embargo on Iranian oil; freezing the those responsible for abuses. Anyone involved in supporting the Central Bank of Iran’s assets; and sanctions on the regime’s repression should carefully consider their actions. petrochemical sector, gold and precious metal and dual-use The UK supports the Arab League’s leadership in seeking to goods. resolve the current crisis. We welcome its call for President Assad to leave power and allow a political transition. Assad’s brutal Following the meeting, the Foreign Secretary said: repression means he has lost all legitimacy and should step aside, “Today’s action demonstrates the EU’s growing concern about opening the way to the freedom demanded by the Syrian people. Iran’s nuclear programme, and our determination to increase We will continue to increase the pressure on the Syrian regime in peaceful, legitimate pressure on Iran to return to negotiations. support of this goal.” It is action made necessary by Iran’s defiance of six UN Serbia / Kosovo Security Council resolutions and its refusal to enter negotiations Discussion focused on a possible decision on Serbia’s over its nuclear programme. Iran’s recent decision to commence candidate status at the General Affairs Council on 20% enrichment at its underground site at Qom shows that it 27 February. I argued that the award of candidate status continues to choose a path of provocation. This is an enrichment programme that has no plausible civilian use, in a site that the should be based on progress against the conditions Iranian authorities hoped to keep secret. agreed by the December European Council, in particular on regional co-operation. We call again on Iran to answer the serious questions raised by the International Atomic Energy Agency, to adhere to UN Security Middle East Peace Process Council Resolutions and to suspend its enrichment programme in Conclusions were agreed (see link above) supporting accordance with them. Iran has it in its power to end sanctions by talks in Jordan, encouraging the parties to remain engaged changing course and addressing the concerns of the international community. We are ready to talk at any point if Iran puts aside its and pressing Israel on settlements. preconditions. Today’s sanctions show how serious EU member I briefed on President Abbas’s visit to London of states are about preventing nuclear proliferation and pressing 16-17 January, where he had meetings with the Prime Iran to return to the negotiating table. We will urge other nations Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary. across the world to implement similar measures and to increase the impact of the measures the EU has adopted”. Egypt The Prime Minister made a statement on the Iranian Ministers had a brief exchange on Egypt. On 22 January sanctions with President Sarkozy and Chancellor Merkel (the day before the FAC), the Foreign Secretary spoke on 23 January—see link below about the historic change and opportunity following the opening of the Egyptian Parliament: http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/iran-sanctions/ “2011 was a year of historic change and opportunity for The Foreign Secretary made a response to an urgent Egypt. The world was inspired by the courage of the Egyptian question on Iran in Parliament on 24 January—see link people in the revolution which began on 25 January, as they below. demonstrated for their dignity, their freedom and their rights. 31WS Written Ministerial Statements30 JANUARY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 32WS

What has followed has been a time of great hope and optimism, On 30 March 2011 I laid a statement to respond to but also anxiety and uncertainty. Much has been achieved, but Tom Winsor’s part 1 report of the review of remuneration challenges remain. The historic elections for the People’s Assembly, and conditions of service for police officers and staff. I now almost complete, are an important step in building a prosperous announced that I was directing the Police Negotiating and stable future for the new Egypt. Board and the Police Advisory Board for England and Britain will continue to be a close friend and strong partner to the Egyptian people as they consolidate the country’s transition Wales to consider proposals within their remits for to democracy.” police officers in England and Wales as a matter of Belarus urgency. Ministers agreed to broaden the criteria for subjecting The Police Negotiating Board was not able to reach persons and entities to targeted sanctions. This paves agreement on several important proposals, and these the way for the EU to impose travel bans and asset were referred to the Police Arbitration Tribunal. The freezes on those responsible for any serious human tribunal has now provided its recommendation and rights violations or the repression of civil society and reasons, which I received on 9 January. The tribunal the democratic opposition, and on those people or considered 18 recommendations from the Winsor part 1 entities supporting or benefiting from the current regime. report. The tribunal accepted 10 recommendations, Sudan and South Sudan modified five and made no award on three. I have today placed a copy of the Police Arbitration Tribunal report Ministers agreed conclusions (see link above) expressing in the House of Commons Library. concern about the deteriorating and unpredictable situation between both countries. I am grateful to the tribunal for its comprehensive Speaking on 22 January, the Foreign Secretary and balanced consideration of these important issues. I commented: have now considered its report thoroughly. I have decided “I am gravely concerned at reports that South Sudan intends to accept its recommendation and am minded to implement to shut down its oil production, and at Sudan’s earlier decision to the package of reforms it has put forward in full. seize South Sudanese oil and prevent oil tankers from leaving its ports. Unilateral actions do nothing to further the prospects of I have also decided to accept the recommendation of the people of either country. I remind both governments of the the Police Negotiating Board on those recommendations statesmanship they showed last year in allowing the people of that it agreed in principle, which were not referred to the South Sudan to determine their own future. I call on them to PAT. show that same statesmanship now, by refraining from dangerous and destabilising actions of this sort, and by continuing to work These reforms represent an important first step in with President Mbeki and the AU High Level Implementation modernising police pay and conditions so that they are Panel to negotiate a fair settlement.” fair to officers and to taxpayers. They include redistributing Somalia pay to officers who work unsocial hours, abolishing I updated Ministers on the forthcoming London ineffective post-related payments (SPPs), suspending conference on Somalia, and committed to follow up at a some elements of time-served pay and improving managers’ future FAC. ability to manage shift arrangements. However, as a Government we remain committed to further reform Religious Freedom and to the principles set out in the Winsor part 1 Italy initiated a short discussion about how the EU report. The PAT recommended that a small number of might update its approach to human rights and freedom recommendations should be deferred until part 2 has of religion and beliefs in the context the recent bombings made longer-term recommendations on pay structures. in Nigeria. We will consider these matters along with part 2, in light Common Security and Defence Policy of the review’s principles. In particular, the link between EU Ministers adopted without discussion conclusions pay and skills remains a key principle and will be an on the activation of the EU Operations Centre for the important part of our consideration. horn of Africa (see link above). We have the best police service in the world, and these I will continue to update Parliament on future Foreign reforms will support the police in maintaining and and General Affairs Councils. improving the service that they give the public. In particular, they will support the objectives I set out in the review’s terms of reference to: HOME DEPARTMENT use remuneration and conditions of service to maximise officer and staff deployment to front-line roles where their powers and skills are required; Police Remuneration and Conditions provide remuneration and conditions of service that are fair to, and reasonable for, both the public taxpayer and police The Secretary of State for the Home Department officers and staff; (Mrs Theresa May): This statement is about police pay enable modern management practices in line with practices and pensions. It provides the Government’s response elsewhere in the public sector and the wider economy. to the Police Arbitration Tribunal’s findings on the In reaching this decision, I have had regard to a recommendations in the part 1 report of Tom Winsor’s number of vital considerations, including: “Independent Review of Police Officer and Staff Remuneration and Conditions” and the consultation the review’s three key objectives as set out above; on the proposed increase in pension contributions for the absolute necessity to reduce the fiscal deficit inherited police officers. Both issues have the potential to affect from the previous Government and the part the police police officer remuneration and so the Government service must play in this and the role that changes to pay and have considered them in the round. conditions can play in protecting police jobs; 33WS Written Ministerial Statements30 JANUARY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 34WS

the need to maintain and improve the service provided to the INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT public, taking account of a strong desire from the public to see more police officers and operational staff out on the front line of local policing and also recognising that there are less visible front-line roles that require policing powers Turks and Caicos Islands (Progress Report) and skills in order to protect the public; the particular front-line role and nature of the Office of Constable, including the lack of a right to strike; The Minister of State, Department for International Development (Mr Alan Duncan): Further to the written the Government’s wider objectives for police reform, including statement of the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign the introduction of police and crime commissioners, the reduction of police bureaucracy and collaboration between and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member police forces and with other public services; for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham) of 9 December 2010, Official Report, columns 40-41WS, setting out the Government’s wider policy of pay and pensions in the public sector; milestones that Ministers judged would have to be met before elections could take place in the Turks and the review’s analysis of the value of officers’ remuneration Caicos Islands (TCI), my hon. Friend and I wish to and conditions, as compared to other work forces; update the House. parallel work by the police service to improve value for The Department for International Development and money, including collaboration with the private sector; the Foreign and Commonwealth Office currently jointly the impact of the recommendations on equality and diversity. assess progress towards achieving the milestones to be The service must be able to benefit from these reforms the following: as soon as possible. I will therefore begin the necessary Implementation of a new Turks and Caicos Islands action to amend the Police Regulations 2003 and issue constitution order, in support of recommendations of the determinations under them shortly. commission of inquiry, which underpins good governance These reforms will make short-term improvements to and sound public financial management. police remuneration and conditions. Part 2 of the review A new constitution order was laid before Parliament will look at longer-term reform and is due to be published in July 2011. In due course it will be brought into force shortly. by the Governor, after which elections must take place Increases to police officer pension contributions within 30 days. Introduction of a number of new ordinances, including Turning now to police officer pensions, the Government those making provision for: (i) the electoral process and want to ensure that public sector workers continue to regulation of political parties; (ii) integrity and accountability have access to pension schemes that are among the very in public life;(iii) public financial management. best available. However, reform is inevitable because people are living longer. Costs have risen by one third A legislative drafting team is working on numerous over the last 10 years to £32 billion. That is more than ordinances (locally enacted laws) relating to TCI we spend on police, prison and the courts. These costs Government business, including public accountability have generally fallen to the taxpayer. This is unfair and and financial management. Ordinances relating to elections, unaffordable, so it is also fair that we should ask public conduct of political parties and the Integrity Commission sector workers, including police officers, to contribute a are also all currently being drafted. It is expected that bit more towards their pension. drafting of a number of these should be completed by the end of March. That is why on 29 July 2011, I wrote to members of the Police Negotiating Board asking that they consider Establishment of robust and transparent public financial a proposal to increase police officer pension contribution management processes to provide a stable economic rates. I am grateful to members of the Police Negotiating environment and a strengthening of the Turks and Caicos Board for considering the proposal and for the responses Islands Government’s capacity to manage their public they provided. finances. Expenditure control has been largely re-established. Having considered the points raised alongside the Consolidated Government financial statements have recommendation from the recent Police Arbitration been produced and submitted for audit for three of the Tribunal, I have decided to implement the first year of past four years. Public reports on the state of the public increases in line with the proposal put to the Police finances are being issued quarterly. Rolling 13-week Negotiating Board. This proposal meets the Government’s cash-flow forecasts are being produced. The Finance objectives of protecting lower earners, asking higher Ministry is being restructured to be more effective in earners to pay more and, by reducing the burden on managing the finances and newly appointed permanent those in the first two years of their career, minimising secretaries will be firmly held to account for the sound the rate of opt out. management of finances in their Ministries. The Government are committed to securing in full Implementation of budget measures to put the Turks and the savings announced at spending review 2010 from Caicos Islands Government on track to achieve a fiscal increases in employee pension contributions for the surplus in the financial year ending March 2013. unfunded schemes for 2013-14 and 2014-15. I will ask New taxes and fee increases are expected to boost revenue the Police Negotiating Board to consider the proposed by 20% compared to 2010-11, reaching US$164 million increases for these years in line with other public service in 2011-12. But expenditure is expected to be higher schemes. than originally forecast leading to a budget deficit of Again, I will begin the necessary action to amend the US$26.8 million, which is considerably higher than the relevant regulations in order that the changes take effect budgeted deficit of US$3 million. Additional revenue in April of this year. measures, a reduction in the size of the public service 35WS Written Ministerial Statements30 JANUARY 2012 Written Ministerial Statements 36WS and revisions to the national health insurance plan have Substantial progress in the reform of the public service. been put in place designed to bring the budget into Plans have been drawn up to reduce the number of surplus in 2012-13. Ministries from nine to five by the end of March. Five Implementation of a transparent and fair process for new permanent secretaries have been recruited by rigorous acquisition of belongership. open competition and have been appointed on fixed-term, In November the TCI Consultative Forum launched performance-monitored contracts. Technical support a territory-wide consultation on the options for a new to ensure the effectiveness of the new Ministries is pathway to Turks and Caicos Islander status. The under consideration. A voluntary severance scheme, consultation process will finish in February.Initial reaction which will reduce numbers in the public sector by has been favourable. In the meantime, the backlog of 300-400, is due to be completed in February. permanent residence applications has been cleared. Summary Significant progress with the civil and criminal processes Much work has been done by the TCI Government recommended by the Commission of Inquiry, and and by the TCI public service, with the support of the implementation of measures to enable these to continue United Kingdom Government. Assistance has also been unimpeded. provided by the European Union and Canada. Good To date, over 900 acres of Crown land worth progress is being made thanks to the commitment and approximately US$150 million and US$2 million in hard work of the interim TCI Government and the cash has been recovered by the civil recovery team. In people of TCI. However, there is much still to be done. December 2011, 11 people, including four former Ministers, Finally, setbacks last year have adversely affected appeared in court to face criminal charges. They are due progress towards achieving a budget surplus. Our view to appear before the Supreme Court in TCI in early remains that the UK Government will only be able to February. set a date for the elections when the milestones have Implementation of a new Crown land policy. been reached. It is not yet certain when we will be able Key decisions have been taken on this sensitive issue. to say that all of the milestones have been met, but the A new policy to manage Crown land better in the future interim Government, with UK-financed technical assistance, was announced in 2011 after discussion in the Consultative is working hard to achieve them. We still hope that they Forum and Advisory Council. The Crown land ordinance will be met in time for elections to take place during will be ready soon. 2012. 3P Petitions30 JANUARY 2012 Petitions 4P

And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Petition Mr Gordon Marsden, Official Report, 19 December 2011; Vol. 537, c. 1168.] Monday 30 January 2012 [P000994] OBSERVATIONS Observations from the Secretary of State for the Health Department: HEALTH The Government remain committed to ensuring that NHS Services in Blackpool South the funding for NHS services grows in real terms in each year of this Parliament. The Government have The Petition of residents of Blackpool South, introduced the Health and Social Care Bill precisely to Declares that the Petitioners are concerned that the ensure that existing resources within the NHS are used Government’s Health and Social Care Bill, with its better, with decisions being made by clinicians and proposed changes to the NHS, will adversely affect their patients. NHS services for residents across Blackpool South. The Petitioners therefore request that the House of The decisions as to how resources are spent locally to Commons urges the Government to amend the Health provide services is, however, a matter for the local and Social Care Bill so as to secure existing levels NHS, and my Department will bring the concerns of funding and service provision for NHS patients in raised in this petition to the attention of the NHS in Blackpool South. Blackpool.

377W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 378W

This is in line with the guidance provided by the Information Written Answers to Commissioner’s Office (ICO). DCMS does not routinely publish the response to each request. However, where a Questions case is of wider public interest, the response is published on DCMS’s transparency website at the following link: http://www.transparency.culture.gov.uk/ Monday 30 January 2012 Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether his BBC: Birmingham Department publishes a breakdown of the types of work for which claims are made under the Listed Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Places of Worship Grant scheme. [92249] Olympics, Media and Sport whether he has had any discussions with the Secretary of State for Business, John Penrose: The Department does not publish a Innovation and Skills on the long-term effects on the breakdown of the types of work for which claims are (a) regional economy and (b) creative industries in the made under the Listed Places of Worship scheme. At West Midlands of the BBC’s plans to transfer work the end of each quarter, we publish the value of the away from Birmingham. [92560] applications received and the applicable payable rate on the scheme’s website. We also send reports to the Church Mr Vaizey: I have had no discussions with the Secretary of England, English Heritage, Cadw, Historic Scotland of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, the right and the Department of Environment Northern Ireland hon. Member for Twickenham (Vince Cable), on this each quarter which provides the following detail for matter. each places of worship relevant to each organisation The Government support regional television production that has claimed a grant: as it benefits regional economies and is good for the Name of listed place of worship UK’s cultural diversity. Local authority or council Within the framework of the BBC charter, however, Brief description of works the BBC is operationally and editorially independent of Government and there is no provision for Government Total grant paid. to intervene. The BBC is required to meet quotas for television production outside of London, but it is Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for for the BBC to determine how the quotas are achieved. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what proportion The BBC’s Delivering Quality First (DQF) review of claims made to the Listed Places of Worship Grant includes a proposal to move factual programming for Scheme concerned works made necessary by metal BBC television and Radio 4 out of Birmingham, but to theft in the latest period for which figures are available; increase television production investment with independent and if he will make a statement. [92250] producers in the Midlands. The Government await the conclusions of the DQF review with interest. John Penrose: This Department does not currently The creative arts benefit from licence fee funding in a analyse claims on the scheme for repairs carried out as a number of ways, for example, support for The Space, an result of metal theft. An analysis of claims from listed exciting digital arts media project being run by the BBC places of worship for roof repairs and leading, shows in partnership with the Arts Council. that there were 2,395 claims made between January 2011 and January 2012 (to date). From the beginning of Freedom of Information the next financial year, we will begin to keep records of claims for repairs as a result of theft where the listed place of worship has declared this on the application Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for form. Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport whether his Department publishes on its website its response to each request it receives under the Freedom of Information Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Act 2000; whether the response is published in the same Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what change there part of its website on each occasion; and what the wasinthe(a) number, (b) size and (c) nature of average time taken is between responding to a request claims made to the Listed Places of Worship Grant and the information being made available on the website. Scheme after the most recent changes to the scheme’s [92109] eligibility criteria. [92251]

John Penrose: The Department for Culture, Media John Penrose: In October 2010, this Department and Sport publishes a quarterly disclosure log of all announced that in line with the need to reduce public responses to requests made under the Freedom of expenditure, the Listed Places of Worship scheme would Information Act 2000 and the Environmental Information return to the original scope of the scheme in the final Regulations 2004, which can found on its website at the quarter of 2010-11 and claims for professional fees and following link: repairs to organs, pews, bells and clocks would be http://www.culture.gov.uk/about_us/freedom_of_information/ ineligible. These changes came into effect on 4 January 8489.aspx 2011. The difference in the number and size of claims 379W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 380W made on the scheme between January 2010 and December are the responsibility of the Greater London Authority 2010 and between January 2011 and December 2011 are (GLA). This Department does not collate information set out in the following table: on these statues but information about the square, January to December 2010 analysis including its statues, is available on the GLA website: Value of payments http://www.london.gov.uk/parliamentsquare/about/statues.jsp Value Number of claims (£) Section 5 of the Public Statues and (Metropolis) Act £1 to £10,000 3,840 9,599,198.50 1854 requires the consent of the Secretary of State to be obtained before a statue can be erected in a public place £10,000.01 to 289 3,869,553.57 £20,000 in the Metropolitan Police District of London (now, the £20,000.01 to 58 1,393,308.58 area of Greater London, excluding the City of London, £30,000 the inner Temple and the middle Temple). £30,000.01 to 17 580,226.34 Music: USA £40,000 £40,000.01 to 19 1,095,704.58 £100,000 Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for £100,000.01+ 1 136,975.45 Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent Total 4,224 16,674,967.02 discussions his Department has had with (a) the US embassy and (b) US Citizenship and Immigration January to December 2011 analysis Services on the ability of UK musicians to obtain visas Value of payments to tour or perform in the US. [92606] Value Number of claims (£)

£1 to £10,000 3,278 7,513,188.36 Mr Vaizey: This Department, together with the Foreign £10,000.01 to 205 2,843,506.03 and Commonwealth Office, is liaising closely with the £20,000 US Administration as a whole on a range of issues £20,000.01 to 40 994,074.67 around visas for UK musicians. The most recent meeting £30,000 was in December and further meetings are planned. I £30,000.01 to 16 557,052.27 am grateful to representatives from across the UK £40,000 music industry for their support in informing these £40,000.01 to 16 961,742.64 discussions. £100,000 £.100,000.01+ 5 842,283.69 Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 3,560 13,711,847.66 Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent Following the announcement in October 2010, the meetings (a) he and (b) his officials have had with scheme received a very high volume of claims as claimants music industry representatives on the ability of submitted their applications before the changes to the musicians who wish to perform in the US to obtain a scheme were introduced. There have been no notable visa. [92609] changes to the nature of claims made after January 2011 apart from the ineligible works no longer being Mr Vaizey: My officials hosted a meeting with claimed. representatives of the UK music industry to discuss US visa issues on 15 December. The issue was also discussed Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for at a meeting of the music industry’s International Strategy Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what recent Group on 18 January. We will continue to pursue the consideration he has given to undertaking a review of interests of UK musicians through dialogue with all the ways in which the Listed Places of Worship Grant interested parties. scheme has operated following the recent changes to its National Lottery eligibility criteria. [92253] John Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, John Penrose: The changes to the eligibility of claims Olympics, Media and Sport what the ratio of income in the Listed Places of Worship scheme were introduced from lottery ticket sales to funds dispensed from the in January 2011 as a result of the need to reduce public National Lottery in each region was in each of the last expenditure and make efficiency savings on the scheme. five years. [92381] A range of options were considered and stakeholders and faith groups were consulted ahead of this decision. John Penrose: The National Lottery operator, Camelot, There are no current plans to review this decision or its collects regional sales data based on their sales regions, implications. which do not map to formal geographic regions and Monuments: Parliament Square does not include a regional online sales breakdown. These regions are not comparable with those used for Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, the location of Lottery grants awarded on the Department Olympics, Media and Sport on what date each statue in for Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) Lottery Grants Parliament square was erected; what legislation Database, so this information is not available. governs the location of statues in Parliament square; Lottery funding is based on good causes and the what statues have been proposed for Parliament Square impact it can have, not the location of ticket sales. since May 2010; and if he will make a statement. [92221] Funding is awarded by the Lottery distributing bodies in response to competitive applications and taking account John Penrose: The care, control, management and of their policy directions. DCMS’s Lottery Grants regulation of the central garden of Parliament square Database, which uses information provided by the Lottery 381W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 382W distributing bodies, provides details of Lottery grants We have also welcomed the Select Committee’s decision that have been made, and is searchable online at: to hold an inquiry on racism in football and we will www.lottery.culture.gov.uk support it in any way we can. The findings from this inquiry should offer lessons that can be applied across http://www.lottery.culture.gov.uk all sport. Trade Promotion: China Olympic Games 2012: Mass Media Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what support his Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport pursuant to the Department is giving to the UK Now promotion of answer of 5 December 2011, Official Report, column UK culture in China. [92605] 10W, on Olympic Games 2012: mass media, what steps Mr Vaizey: The Department for Culture, Media and he is taking to ensure regional media outlets receive Sport (DCMS), together with the Foreign and accreditation to cover the London 2012 Olympics. Commonwealth Office, is working closely with the British [92227] Council and other public and private partners to ensure the success of the UK Now Festival in China. Many of Hugh Robertson: Further to the answer I gave to my the cultural organisations participating in UK Now hon. Friend on 5 December 2011, Official Report, column receive public funding either directly from DCMS or 10W, the International Olympic Committee has agreed through Arts Council England. I welcome the significant to award a small number of additional accreditations to contribution business sponsors will make to UK Now, the British Olympic Association specifically for a local in cash and in kind. I am confident that UK Now will media representative for the venue in their area. help to demonstrate the best of British culture to audiences across China, and further strengthen the export prospects Sport: Young People for our creative industries. Voluntary Organisations Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what studies his Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what contribution Department has conducted on the effect of his Department is making to implementation of the participation in sport on levels of youth crime. [92425] Compact with the voluntary sector; and if he will make a statement. [92288] Hugh Robertson: Sport England and UK Sport’s Mr Vaizey: The Department for Culture, Media and Value of Sport monitor includes a review of research Sport signed up to the renewed Compact, published in into the relationship between sport and crime reduction. December 2010. To ensure that the Compact is being Further information can be found at the following link: implemented, we have nominated a senior responsible http://www.sportengland.org/research/ officer, and a civil society liaison officer responsible for idoc.ashx?docid=462f0317-d81b-4ff2-936d- day to day oversight of this area of work. We also 4fee8d17ad5d&version=-1 monitor consultation lengths, to ensure they are 12 weeks DCMS have not conducted or commissioned studies where possible, and Compact compliance via the number focusing on this specifically although the Culture and of complaints we have received on this issue. We recently Sport Evidence Programme (CASE) has considered this participated in the National Audit Office’s review of the indirectly by looking at learning impacts of culture and National Compact implementation and will ensure that sport on young people. The Olympics meta-evaluation the findings of this review inform our departmental will assess the impact of the Olympics and associated business plan for 2012-13. legacy programmes on a range of social indicators in East London, including crime rates. In addition, individual legacy projects and programmes, where they have objectives ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE to reduce youth crime, will use that as a criteria in their Combined Heat and Power evaluations. Alun Cairns: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what assessment he has made of Sports: Racial Discrimination the findings of the economic modelling analysis by the Combined Heat and Power Association of the effects Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for of policy changes on the industry. [92263] Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what steps he is Gregory Barker: The Government are currently assessing taking to tackle racism in sport; and whether he has set the Combined Heat and Power Association’s analysis any targets. [92335] and are working closely with the Association and other stakeholders on this. I have recently established a Distributed Hugh Robertson: Sport England ensures that all national Energy Contact Group to look into these issues among governing bodies that receive public funding must sign others. up to the Equality Standard for Sport and they have Energy produced guidelines on how governing bodies of sport should deal with incidents of racial abuse in competitive Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for sport settings. Sport England also continues to invest in Energy and Climate Change what comparative assessment the work that Sporting Equals does to promote ethnic he has made of the cost (a) effectiveness and (b) efficiency diversity across all sport. of different sources of power generation. [91847] 383W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 384W

Charles Hendry: In recent years Government have A report by Arup/EY (2011) which focuses on renewable commissioned several studies of the costs of different technologies can to be found at: generation technologies to inform policy decisions. www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/consultation/ro-banding/ The most recent information about generation costs 3237-cons-ro-banding-arup-report.pdf can be found in the following two reports which are available on the DECC website: Annex A of the PB Power report and Annex D of the A report by PB Power (2011) which focuses on non- Arup report include tables (replicated here for selected renewables technologies can be found at: technologies) showing the levelised costs estimates of www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/about-us/economics-social- electricity generation for projects starting in 2011 and research/2127-electricity-generation-cost-model-2011.pdf 2017 for different generating technologies:

Table 1:10% discount rate, 2011 project start at today’s EPC2 prices, with mixed FOAK/NOAK3 PB Power (2011) Arup/EY(2011) CCGT CCGT ASC ASC with Nuclear Dedicated Offshore Onshore NOAK with CCS NOAK CCS FOAK Biomass >100MW 5MW> FOAK FOAK >50MW

Capital costs 9.0 35.0 22.2 59.6 55.5 40.6 83.0 70.9 Fixed operating costs 2.9 5.5 5.1 9.6 11.0 15.1 37.0 16.6 Variable operating costs 0.1 0.6 1.0 2.5 0.6 4.5 1.6 2.7 Carbon costs 18.1 2.4 47.8 5.7 — — — — Fuel costs 46.5 57.5 19.3 23.1 5.0 84.3 — — Decomm and waste fund ————2.0 ——

CO2 transport and — 3.8 — 7.8 — — — — storage Total 76.6 104.8 95.4 108.3 74.1 144.6 121.6 90.2 1 The discounted lifetime generation cost per megawatt-hour of electricity produced. 2 Engineering, Procurement and Construction. 3 First of a Kind and Nth of a Kind.

Table 2: 10% discount rate, 2017 start at projected EPC prices, all NOAK PB Power (2011) Arup/EY (2011) CCGT CCGT ASC ASC with Nuclear Dedicated Offshore Onshore with CCS CCS Biomass >100MW >5MW >50MW

Capital costs 9.0 22.9 22.2 45.7 48.0 39.6 72.6 68.2 Fixed operating costs 2.9 4.7 5.1 8.2 9.4 14.7 32.0 16.6 Variable operating costs 0.1 0.5 1.0 2.1 0.5 4.4 1.2 2.7 Carbon costs 27.8 4.1 69.3 8.6 — — — — Fuel costs 48.6 59.5 19.3 23.2 5.0 84.3 — — Decomm and waste fund ————2.0———

CO2 transport and — 3.1 — 6.3 — — — — storage Total 88.4 94.8 116.9 94.1 64.9 143.0 105.7 87.5

It should be noted that the estimates of levelised costs Percentage for different types of electricity generation are highly sensitive to the assumptions used for capital costs, fuel 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 and EU ETS allowance prices, operating costs, load factor, and other drivers and this means that there is Coal and 76 69 75 78 51 significant uncertainty around these estimates. Manufactured fuels Oil and 92 9 815 Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy petroleum and Climate Change what proportion of energy was products imported in each of the last five years; from what Natural gas 12 20 26 32 38 sources such imports were obtained; and what estimate Renewable 10 7 18 20 23 he has made of the likely levels of such imports in each and waste of the next five years. [92049] Electricity 2 1 3 1 1 Total import 21 21 26 27 28 Charles Hendry: The following tables sourced from DUKES 2011, show net imports to the UK as a share of supply by fuel type for each of the last five years. The following four tables, show the import shares by Data for 2011 are not yet available. country for the main fuels. 385W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 386W

Coal Gas 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

European 31234LNG—Qatar 0.3 1 — 14 28 Union (percentage) (percentage) LNG—Other 16 4 2 11 8 Australia 8109 812(percentage) (percentage) Colombia 8 9 12 14 24 Total import 234,251 323,740 395,371 448,491 581,284 (percentage) (gigawatt Republic of 25 18 10 8 3 hour) South Africa 1 Physical flows through the Bacton-Zeebrugge Interconnector. (percentage) 2 Via the Bacton-Balgzand (BBL) pipeline. Russia 45 47 49 49 37 The following table shows implied net import dependence (percentage) for fossil fuels based on the latest central UEP demand USA 4 6 10 12 17 and production projections; for oil and gas these are as (percentage) published at Other countries 78863http://og.decc.gov.uk/en/olgs/cms/data_maps/field_data/ (percentage) field_data.aspx Net import Total import 50,528 43,364 43,875 38,167 26,521 Percentage (thousand 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 tonnes) Coal6668676966 Crude oil Oil2427293235 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Gas4544454546 Norway 62 65 63 65 68 Total fossil 40 41 42 44 45 (percentage) fuels Russia 17 14 10 8 8- (percentage) Energy: Prices OPEC 11 14 18 16 15 (percentage) Mr Watts: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Others 10 7 8 11 10 and Climate Change pursuant to the answer of (percentage) 17 January 2012, Official Report, column 679W, on energy: prices, which energy companies he has met to Total import 51,447 49,893 51,466 47,104 47,497 discuss the cost of energy; when he met them; and what (thousand assurances he received from each company. [91836] tonnes)

Petroleum products Charles Hendry: Ministers and officials meet regularly 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 with the stakeholders mentioned above to discuss a range of issues. Quarterly lists of DECC Ministers’ Netherlands 16 15 19 16 28 meetings that involve outside interested parties are published (percentage) on the DECC website, available at: Belgium 6 10 7 10 9 (percentage) http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/accesstoinform/ registers/ministermtgs/ministermtgs.aspx France 10 11 7 6 3 (percentage) Feed-in Tariffs Sweden 581167 (percentage) Kuwait 6107 6 6Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for (percentage) Energy and Climate Change with reference to his Russian 45698Department’s Electricity Market Reform paper, what Federation assessment he has made of the merits of (a) demand (percentage) side reduction and (b) energy efficiency schemes Other 52 41 42 46 39 receiving support through the proposed feed-in tariff (percentage) with contract for difference. [91804]

Total import 26,828 25,093 24,186 22,407 24,210 Charles Hendry: In “Planning our electric future: a (thousand white paper for secure, affordable and low-carbon tonnes) electricity”, available at: Gas http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/legislation/ 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 white_papers/emr_wp_2011/emr_wp_2011.aspx DECC committed to assessing whether further steps 1 Belgium 132322are needed to improve the support and incentives for (percentage) efficient use of electricity.This assessment, to be completed Netherlands2 424231615 (percentage) by summer 2012, will include consideration of the use Norway (via 67 70 72 58 48 of proposed EMR instruments such as a feed-in tariff pipeline) with contract for difference to incentivise permanent (percentage) reductions in demand. 387W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 388W

Freedom of Information Gregory Barker: Over the last six months, the Department has engaged extensively with a large number of companies Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for and organisations across the supply chain, including Energy and Climate Change whether his Department insulation suppliers and installers represented on the publishes on its website its response to each request it Green Deal stakeholder forums. receives under the Freedom of Information Act 2000; In addition, organisations with an interest in the whether the response is published in the same part of Green Deal have had the opportunity to respond the its website on each occasion; and what the average time formal consultation, launched in November 2011. taken is between responding to a request and the information being made available on the website. We will continue the process of engagement in the [92120] run up to the launch of the Green Deal.

Gregory Barker: DECC does not currently publish Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy any responses to requests under the Freedom of Information and Climate Change what assessment he has made of Act 2000. the case for the introduction of a transition period to From March 2012 DECC will publish on its website allow more cavities and lofts to be insulated following responses to requests under the Freedom of Information the introduction of the Green Deal and Energy Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations Company Obligation. [92665] 2004 likely to stimulate public interest, including details of expenditure not routinely published as part of the Gregory Barker: The Green Deal consultation document Transparency agenda. Where possible, publication will considered the delivery of loft and cavity insulation be simultaneous with providing the response. DECC under our proposals for Green Deal and the Energy will also publish a list of all requests received with a Company Obligation, and was accompanied by a detailed brief description of the subject matter. impact assessment. We have received over 600 responses Fuels: Prices to the consultation, including a number which discuss transition arrangements. The Department is now analysing Mr Robin Walker: To ask the Secretary of State the responses. for Energy and Climate Change what recent We will set out our final position and supporting representations his Department has received about analysis in the Government response to the consultation variations in fuel prices within (a) Worcestershire and and the final impact assessment. (b) the West Midlands. [92161] Charles Hendry: The Department has received no Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy representations about variations in fuel prices within and Climate Change what recent discussions he has Worcestershire or the west midlands. had with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills on the Green Deal and Energy Company Green Deal Scheme Obligation. [92667]

Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Gregory Barker: I meet ministerial colleagues in the and Climate Change what assessment he has made of Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) the potential reduction in carbon dioxide emissions as regularly to discuss areas of mutual interest and my a result of the Green Deal. [92663] officials are in regular contact with policy and analytical Gregory Barker: The Green Deal and Energy Company colleagues. Obligation (ECO) consultation was published on In addition, BIS is represented on the Green Deal 23 November 2011. The Government’s assessment of Capacity and Innovation Forum, chaired by the Chief the impact of these policies was published in the Construction Adviser. accompanying draft impact assessment: http://www.decc.gov.uk/assets/decc/11/consultation/green- Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy deal/3603-green-deal-eco-ia.pdf and Climate Change how many people were questioned Under the central policy scenario in this assessment, on potential take-up of the Green Deal in order to the total CO2 savings over the lifetime of the installed produce scenarios set out in the impact assessment for measures was estimated at 114MtCO2 and 53 MtCO2 the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation. for non-traded and traded savings respectively. [92668] Traded carbon emissions are those covered by the EU emissions trading scheme, which covers electricity generation and some industrial processes. Energy savings Gregory Barker: A survey of a representative sample in properties with electric heating therefore lead to a of 2,023 owner occupiers and private tenants across Great Britain was conducted to understand the potential saving in traded CO2 emissions, while energy savings in properties with non-electric heating systems lead to response to the Green Deal. savings in non-traded CO2 emissions. Findings from a sub-sample of 1,395 people were the basis for the scenarios set out in the impact assessment Joan Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy for the Green Deal and Energy Company Obligation. and Climate Change what discussions he has had with The sample was smaller because it excluded people who insulation (a) providers and (b) installers in the last did not have any potential to install loft, solid or cavity six months on the implementation of the Green Deal. wall insulation, underfloor heating or a condensing [92664] boiler in their properties. 389W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 390W

Infrastructure Charles Hendry: On appointment, the Administrator PWC made it clear that its immediate priority is to Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for continue to operate the Coryton refinery and Teesside Energy and Climate Change for what reason demand- storage business while the financial position is clarified side management support from the proposed capacity and restructuring options explored. mechanism was not included in the National Ministers and officials are fully engaged with the Infrastructure Plan. [91850] Administrator and other interested parties. We are keen to secure a sustainable future for refinery operations at Charles Hendry: The “National Infrastructure Plan Coryton and other Petroplus sites in the UK. We continue 2011”, available at: to have close contact with the refinery, its major customers, http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ trade unions and local MPs. We are talking to the national_infrastructure_plan2011.htm Administrator to understand how best Government was published by HM Treasury in November 2011 and can support the identification of buyers for the sites. sets out a plan for the UK’s infrastructure. Electricity Supply companies have alternative arrangements to Market Reform, which includes proposals for the ensure adequate supplies of oil products are available. establishment of a capacity mechanism, was cited as The Administrator announced on 26 January that it one of the major dependencies for the UK’s energy had entered into agreements which will result in the systems. commencement of shipments of refined oil products Since publication of the National Infrastructure Plan, from the Coryton site with immediate effect. DECC has published a Technical Update, available at: Renewable Energy http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/legislation/ white_papers/emr_wp_2011/tech_update/tech_update.aspx Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for to the Electricity Market Reform White Paper. The Energy and Climate Change what steps his Technical Update stated that the capacity mechanism Department is taking to meet its targets for renewable will be market-wide, and based on ensuring a required energy generation. [92658] volume of capacity—a Capacity Market. It also reiterated that Government are keen that verifiable demand-side Gregory Barker: The Renewable Energy Roadmap response can play a fair and equivalent role to generation (published in July 2011) sets out a targeted plan of in the Capacity Market, and will determine how to actions for eight key technologies, in order to meet our achieve this in the detailed design phase. 15% renewable energy target. The Roadmap includes ″ ″ Members: Correspondence illustrative central ranges for these key technologies and while they do not represent technology specific Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for targets or the level of our ambition, they do show what Energy and Climate Change when he plans to respond could be deployed by 2020. to the letter from the hon. Member for Poplar and We are making progress on the actions in the Roadmap Limehouse of 28 November 2011 on the Renewables to remove non-financial barriers—including reform of Obligation Review. [92613] the planning system, taking steps to reduce grid barriers, and working with aviation and wind stakeholders to Charles Hendry: I replied to the hon. Member on develop and implement mitigation of wind farm interference 30 January 2012. with aviation radar. Meters Solar Power: Council Housing

Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for John Mann: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Energy and Climate Change what measures are in place and Climate Change what steps his Department is to monitor whether costs associated with the national taking to ensure individual council tenants are able to smart meter roll-out are passed on to consumers. benefit from the use of solar panels on their property. [92395] [92182]

Charles Hendry: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer Gregory Barker: How the benefits of FITs is shared I gave on 26 January 2012, Official Report, column by landlords and tenants in any circumstances is a 316W, to the hon. Member for Stockton North (Alex matter for agreement between them. We would expect Cunningham). that social landlords would allow tenants at least the benefit of the electricity generated and used on site. Petroplus: Insolvency Voluntary Organisations Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change (1) what assessment he has Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy made of the effects of Petroplus going into and Climate Change what contribution his Department administration on (a) refining capacity and (b) petrol is making to implementation of the Compact with the supply in the UK; and if he will make a statement; voluntary sector; and if he will make a statement. [92518] [92286] (2) what assessment he has made of the effects of Petroplus going into administration on (a) competitiveness Gregory Barker: The Department for Energy and and (b) research and development capability in the UK; Climate Change (DECC) signed up to the renewed and if he will make a statement. [92517] Compact published in December 2010. 391W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 392W

DECC has strong working relationships with many introduction of a Transmission Constraint Licence civil society organisations. These relationships respect Condition later this year which will help to tackle this. the Compact principle of a strong, diverse and independent In parallel, Ofgem is consulting on guidance as to how civil society.For example, the Department recently launched it will interpret and enforce the licence condition. Planned a new £10 million Local Energy Assessment Fund upgrades to the transmission network will take effect launched specifically to help local communities develop from 2013 onwards, and will also ease constraints. energy projects. Wind Power: Birds DECC has made it mandatory to advertise all procurement requirements above £10,000 on Contracts Finder ensuring that opportunities are available in the Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for public domain for SME’s and civil society groups. Energy and Climate Change what recent discussions he has had with countryside bodies on wind turbines and DECC has a nominated Civil Society champion, and their potential effect on the migration of birds. [92305] a civil society liaison officer and participated in the NAO’s review of the National Compact implementation. Charles Hendry: All DECC Ministers’ meetings with Wind Power external organisations are published on a quarterly basis on the DECC website: Dr Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/accesstoinform/ Energy and Climate Change what comparative registers/ministermtgs/ministermtgs.aspx assessment his Department has made of the permitted My officials meet regularly with countryside bodies distance between dwellings and onshore wind turbines and other organisations, such as the statutory nature in the UK and other EU member states. [92407] conservation agencies, to discuss the impacts of wind turbines on the environment, including potential effects Charles Hendry: The approach taken to wind turbine on migratory birds. development in the UK is to assess the potential impacts of proposals on a case by case basis. Such assessments will include, for example, possible impacts of noise and shadow flicker on dwellings in the vicinity of the proposed ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS development, and will be informed by Government Reed Beds guidance. An independent study commissioned by DECC and Brandon Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for published in March 2011 showed that the Government’s Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much reed current guidance on the ‘distance’ parameter used for is imported for thatching and panel fencing. [91275] the assessment of ‘shadow flicker’ is broadly consistent with that of different European countries. Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply on behalf of In addition, DECC published an independent report the Treasury. in July 2011 which found that current Government HM Revenue and Customs is responsible for the guidance are appropriate for assessing the noise impacts collection of data on imports of goods into the United from wind farms, and recommended that good practice Kingdom. It is not possible to identify the quantity of advice should be produced to confirm, and where necessary, reed imported into the UK from the data held. clarify the way the guidance should be implemented in practice. The Institute of Acoustics is taking forward work to develop such advice. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what guidance his Algeria: Christianity Department gives on payments to wind turbine owners when they are ordered to shut down by the National Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Grid during periods of high winds. [92618] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to address discrimination against Christians in Charles Hendry: Reducing or increasing output is a Algeria. [92352] normal part of National Grid’s role in balancing electricity supply and demand, and wind is treated like any other Alistair Burt: I met Algerian Church leaders on 26 generator in this respect. Less than 10% of all payments October in London to discuss their concerns and assessment made to generators to alter their output to resolve of the current situation. The British embassy in Algiers network constraints (’constraint payments’) in 2011 monitors the situation closely and maintains contact were made to wind farms. The Balancing and Settlement with Christian leaders. The EU raises the subject of Code (BSC) defines the rules for electricity balancing freedom of religion in their political dialogue with and settlement in GB. It is governed by the BSC Panel, Algeria. which comprises a Chairman appointed by Ofgem as The law in Algeria allows Christians living in Algeria well as industry, independent and consumer members. to practise their religion, including the freedom to worship Ofgem will take the final decision on any BSC modification in churches and to form associations, provided that proposals, having received a recommendation from the places of worship and preachers are registered with the BSC Panel. authorities. The laws on religious property apply to all The Government recognise that no generator of any religious groups. Since the laws came into effect they type should receive an excessive benefit from network have led to the closure of some unauthorised places of constraints, so we are currently consulting on the worship, including those of Christian groups and a 393W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 394W large number of mosques which had not achieved the Republic of Congo on the conduct of the recent correct approvals. We continue to monitor the enforcement presidential election in that country; and if he will of the religious laws, including variations between regions. make a statement. [92092]

Arrest Warrants Mr Lidington: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) has not had any Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the direct discussions with the Government of the Democratic Government has made inquiries with another sovereign Republic of Congo (DRC). The Minister for Africa, nation’s government on whether that government my hon. Friend the Member for North West Norfolk would comply with an International Criminal Court (Mr Bellingham), has called publicly for the DRC arrest warrant in the last 10 years. [92426] Government to address concerns over irregularities reported during the elections and the conduct of the security Mr Lidington: The British Government, together with forces during the elections. European Union partners, regularly raises the importance of states providing full co-operation with investigations Democratic Republic of Congo: Politics and being carried out by the International Criminal Court Government (ICC), including the issue of the enforcement of the Court’s arrest warrants. Our view is that all countries should co-operate with the ICC in its investigations in Paul Blomfield: To ask the Secretary of State for line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what and the particular legal obligations of States Party to representations he has made to the Government of the the Rome Statute. Most recently, we raised with the Democratic Republic of Congo on the repression of Government of Libya, our concerns about a visit on opposition parties; and what monitoring of the 7 January to Libya by Sudanese President al-Bashir political situation in that country since the elections in who is subject to an ICC arrest warrant. Another recent November 2011 has been undertaken by his Department. example is the statement made in October by the [91653] Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member Mr Lidington: Throughout the elections, the United for North West Norfolk (Mr Bellingham), expressing Kingdom, through our embassy in Kinshasa, lobbied similar concerns following a visit by President Bashir to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) authorities Malawi. to ensure that all candidates could campaign freely, and would receive fair access to the media. Following the Belarus: Political Prisoners elections, our ambassador in Kinshasa has met senior figures in the DRC security forces and pressed them to Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: To ask the Secretary of State conduct themselves professionally and proportionately for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports when dealing with Opposition demonstrators. He also he has received on the health of Andrei Sannikov; and met Government and Opposition figures to encourage what representations he has made to the government of dialogue and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Belarus on this issue. [91569] We are monitoring closely political developments in the DRC through our embassy in Kinshasa. Mr Lidington: I receive regular reports from our embassy in Minsk and from the sister of Mr Sannikov, whom I have met on several occasions—most recently Diplomatic Relations on 19 December. I am deeply concerned by the news of Mr Sannikov’s ill health and reports that he has been Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign isolated from external contact for long periods and only and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has recently granted access to his lawyer again. had with the Secretary of State for Defence on On 28 September, I made a statement about our improving co-ordination between defence diplomacy concerns and called on Belarus to reassure us that and the Government’s wider diplomatic efforts to Mr Sannikov and fellow political prisoner, Zmitser ensure national objectives are delivered. [92256] Dashkevich, were receiving adequate medical treatment, and being treated in accordance with the International Alistair Burt: The Secretary of State for Foreign and Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and of the Body Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), and the Secretary Any Form of Detention or Imprisonment, adopted by of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member the UN General Assembly in 1988. We have made a for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), meet number of direct representations to the Belarusian regularly in the National Security Council and other authorities both in Minsk and London about the fora to discuss how to use all the levers of government circumstances in which political prisoners are being to achieve our objectives. Last March, both Secretaries held in Belarus. of State agreed to produce jointly a Defence Engagement Strategy to ensure we exploit fully the opportunities Democratic Republic of Congo: Elections that our defence assets and activities provide for the adjustment of our wider international objectives. This Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for strategy is being reviewed by Ministers and an Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions announcement will be made in the House in the coming he has held with the Government of the Democratic weeks. 395W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 396W

EU Presidency Nigeria: British Nationals Abroad

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs with reference meetings (a) Ministers and (b) officials in his to his Department’s recent travel advice on the city of Department have had with the Government of Kano in Nigeria, what guidance he can give to UK Denmark to discuss the energy and climate change citizens currently in the region. [92626] priorities of the Danish presidency of the EU. [91670] Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mr Lidington: The UK Government have close and advises all UK citizens in Nigeria regularly to check our extensive contact with the Danish Government at all travel advice website at: levels on energy and climate change issues, including in www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by- the context of Denmark’s EU presidency. FCO officials country/sub-saharan-africa/nigeria visited Copenhagen in July and September 2011. Early Our travel advice is frequently updated in the light of thinking on energy and climate change issues for their our assessment of potential threats and dangers to EU presidency was part of those discussions. The Secretary British citizens. Following the series of attacks in Kano of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my city on 20 January, our Nigeria travel advice currently right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) states that: (Mr Hague), discussed energy and climate change issues with the Danish Foreign Minister in London in November, “we advise against all but essential travel to Kano city. Those as did I when I met the Danish Minister for Europe, in Kano city should remain vigilant and exercise caution.” Nicolai Wammen, in October 2011. Our embassy in We also advise British nationals to register with our Copenhagen maintains a close and regular dialogue LOCATE service when travelling abroad at: both with the Danish Government and with Danish https://www.locate.fco.gov.uk/locateportal/ businesses on these issues. There is also extensive contact between the Department for Energy and Climate Change and the Danish Ministry for Climate and Energy. Nigeria: Fossil Fuels

Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for European Court of Human Rights Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his Department has had with the Government of Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State Nigeria on fossil fuel subsidy reform. [91763] for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his answer of 23 January 2012, Official Report, column Mr Lidington: The removal of the fuel subsidy in 62W, on the European Court of Human Rights, if he Nigeria is an internal matter and the effects of removing will establish a protocol in respect of observations of or reducing it are for the Nigerian Government to cases affecting UK citizens to ensure that Ministers are manage. However, the British Government have encouraged consulted on the substance of observations before they the Nigerian Government to pursue sound and effective are presented to the Court; and if he will make a economic reform plans accompanied by fiscal transparency. statement. [92424] Removing the fuel subsidy is a valid economic objective which would allow the Nigerian Government to spend Mr Lidington: Decisions on consulting Ministers are more on infrastructure and development projects to the for the lead Government Department to take in each benefit of the Nigerian public. Overall, Britain has case. The need to do so will be assessed by the relevant strongly supported the G20 initiative to rationalise and Department in the light of all the circumstances of the phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. case.

Somalia: Press Freedom Gibraltar: Sovereignty Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on the death of Abdisalan discussions he has had with his Spanish counterpart on Sheik Hassan in Somalia. [91783] Gibraltar. [92014] Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mr Lidington: The Secretary of State for Foreign and is deeply concerned about the death of Abdisalan Sheik Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member Hassan, a journalist in Somalia. We unreservedly condemn for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague) has had no discussions the murder, intimidation or mistreatment of any journalist. with his newly elected Spanish counterpart on Gibraltar. The circumstances surrounding the murder of Abdisalan The UK will never enter into arrangements under Sheik Hassan in Somalia were particularly disturbing which the people of Gibraltar would pass under the and we have received a number of uncorroborated sovereignty of another state against their wishes. reports on his death. Furthermore, the UK will not enter into a process of The British Government continue to press for adherence sovereignty negotiations with which Gibraltar is not to basic principles of human rights in Somalia, including content. respect for freedom of the press. 397W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 398W

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for HOME DEPARTMENT Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the potential risks to journalists Civil Disorder working in Somalia. [91825] Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr Lidington: We are deeply concerned about the Home Department whether her Department plans to risks faced by journalists working in Somalia. We continue meet the costs of claims to police authorities of claims to consider Somalia one of the most dangerous countries by businesses and individuals under the provisions of for journalists to operate in. The British Government the Riot (Damages) Act 1886 arising from the public have expressed grave concern about the human rights disorder of 2011. [88712] situation in Somalia and are working with the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia and regional Nick Herbert: The Prime Minister’s comments following administrations to improve freedom of reporting in the August disorder indicated that the Government Somalia. We also continue to engage with Somali journalists were ready to support the police with the costs of the to better understand the difficulties they face and how riots. We have now confirmed that police authorities we might support them in their important work. will receive 100% of the payments made under the Riot (Damages) Act and 85% of operational policing costs. We will consider later in year, once final costs are Turkey: Foreign Relations known, if additional payments can be made in respect of operational costs incurred. We are working with affected police authorities to ensure they receive prompt Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for payment. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the aims and objectives are of the Government’s policy on Turkey. Crime: Arrests [92247] Yvette Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for the Mr Lidington: The Government’s Strategic Partnership Home Department (1) how many people were arrested with Turkey directly contributes to the UK’s and Turkey’s for possession of a knife in each police force area of security and prosperity. We are making good progress England and Wales in each quarter since January 2010; towards the Prime Minister’s goal of doubling trade [91165] within five years of his visit to Turkey in 2010—trade (2) how many people were arrested on suspicion of figures for 2011 show an increase of 40% since 2009. We robbery in each police force area of England Wales in will continue to develop our already close collaboration each quarter since January 2010; [91053] on security issues in those regions where the UK and Turkey share significant interests, including the middle (3) how many people were arrested for burglary in east, north Africa and Afghanistan-Pakistan. The UK each police force area of England and Wales in each and Turkey will also implement new defence agreements quarter since January 2010. [91051] on training and defence acquisition, signed during the State visit, and develop our active programme of Mrs May [holding answer 20 January 2012]: Available co-operation to counter irregular migration and organised data relate to the number of persons arrested for burglary crime. and robbery in each police force area of England and Wales between 1 January and 31 March 2010, and are provided in the following table. Turkey: Minority Groups Arrests data are provided to the Home Office at offence group level, for example, violence against the person and drug offences. As such, it is not possible to Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign identify separately arrests for the possession of knives. and Commonwealth Affairs whether his Department has made representations to the Government of Turkey Arrests data are published annually on a financial on the treatment of Kurdish minorities in that country year basis, and the latest arrests chapter can be found in since 28 December 2011. [91301] the Home Office Statistical Bulletin ‘Police Powers and Procedures, England and Wales, 2009/10’. This is available online: Mr Lidington: Her Majesty’s Government have not http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research- made any specific representations to the Government of statistics/research-statistics/police-research/hosb0711/ Turkey on the treatment of Kurds since 28 December 2011. We regret the tragic deaths of 35 civilians in an and in the Library of the House. Data for 2010-11 are airstrike in Uludere on 28 December. We welcome the scheduled to be published in April 2012. Turkish Government’s decision to launch an immediate Persons arrested for burglary and robbery between 1 January and 31 official inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding March 2010 by police force area, England and Wales the incident. Number While we support Turkey’s efforts to tackle terrorism, Police force area Robbery Burglary we have called on them to take all possible measures to Cleveland 97 613 avoid the potential for harm to civilians. Together with Durham 32 375 our EU partners, we encourage Turkey to make progress Northumbria 129 828 on respect for, and tolerance of, minority groups, including North East region 258 1,816 the Kurds. Current plans for a new constitution are an important opportunity to address these issues. 399W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 400W

Persons arrested for burglary and robbery between 1 January and 31 Persons arrested for burglary and robbery between 1 January and 31 March 2010 by police force area, England and Wales March 2010 by police force area, England and Wales Number Number Police force area Robbery Burglary Police force area Robbery Burglary

Cheshire 87 351 North Wales 43 281 Cumbria 18 166 South Wales 129 597 Greater Manchester 640 1,423 Wales total 213 1,334 Lancashire 92 716 Merseyside 224 723 England and Wales 8,242 22,064 North West region 1,061 3,379 Entry Clearances Humberside 92 448 North Yorkshire 106 415 Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for the South Yorkshire 158 600 Home Department when she expects the application West Yorkshire 523 1,681 for leave to remain Ref. K418847 of a constituent of Yorkshire and the 879 3,144 the hon. Member for Vauxhall to be resolved. [91842] Humber region Damian Green: The case of K418847 was resolved on Derbyshire 146 398 24 January 2012. The decision was dispatched to the Leicestershire 119 464 hon. Member’s constituent on the same day. Lincolnshire 24 157 Northamptonshire 127 313 Extradition Nottinghamshire 230 656 East Midlands region 646 1,988 Mr Slaughter: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration her Department Staffordshire 124 416 has given to the use of (a) Interpol red notices and (b) Warwickshire 43 141 other Interpol notices as a means of detaining people West Mercia 87 331 with a view to extraditing them from the UK. [91695] West Midlands 276 531 West Midlands 530 1,419 Damian Green: An Interpol Red Notice is not formally region recognised within the UK and carries no power of arrest. Where a Red Notice was from a state that was Bedfordshire 103 168 designated for the purposes of extradition under Part 1 Cambridgeshire 52 256 or 2 of the Extradition Act 2003, it would be open to Essex 158 565 the police to treat it, where appropriate, as a request for Hertfordshire 112 271 detention with a view to extradition from the UK. Any Norfolk 53 198 state that was not so designated would have to pursue a Suffolk 44 246 request for detention with a view to extradition through East of England 522 1,704 diplomatic channels. There are no other Interpol notices region that enable detention with a view to extradition.

London, City of 7 23 Freedom of Information Metropolitan police 2,907 2,874 London region 2,914 2,897 Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether her Department publishes on its website its response to each request it Hampshire 189 679 receives under the Freedom of Information Act 2000; Kent 142 683 whether the response is published in the same part of Surrey 88 214 its website on each occasion; and what the average time Sussex 129 385 taken is between responding to a request and the Thames Valley 294 816 information being made available on the website. South East region 842 2,777 [92117]

Avon and Somerset 170 613 Lynne Featherstone: The Home Office publishes, in a Devon and Cornwall 57 399 specific part of its website, information released in Dorset 32 252 response to freedom of information requests where the Gloucestershire 38 167 information is likely to be of wider interest to members Wiltshire 80 175 of the public. We do not publish responses in the many South West region 377 1,606 cases where the released information is of relevance only to the requester, or where the information requested England total 8,029 20,730 is either not held or is withheld under one or more of the exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act.

Dyfed-Powys 9 184 Responses to requests handled by the Identity and Passport Service and the Criminal Records Bureau are Gwent 32 272 published separately on the two agencies’ own sites. 401W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 402W

The average time between responding to a request Immigration Controls: Croatia and the information being made available on the website is not held and could be obtained only at disproportionate Graham Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for cost. the Home Department whether she has any plans to introduce transitional immigration controls for Immigration Croatian nationals in the event of Croatia joining the EU. [92099] Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Damian Green: It is the Government’s policy that the Home Department (1) how many spouses of the they will apply transitional controls as a matter of (a) sons and (b) daughters of applicants were allowed course for all new member states. entry into the UK in the most recent year for which information is available; [92264] Independent Police Complaints Commission (2) how many people entered the UK because they were the unmarried partner of an applicant in the most Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for the recent year for which information is available; [92265] Home Department (1) how many police officers have been reprimanded as a result of Independent Police (3) how many (a) fathers, (b) mothers, (c) brothers Complaints Commission investigations prompted by and (d) sisters of an applicant’s spouse were allowed complaints in respect of sudden deaths in the last five entry into the UK in the most recent year for which years; [90259] information is available; [92266] (2) what information her Department holds on the (4) how many (a) spouses, (b) fathers, (c) mothers, average cost of Independent Police Complaints (d)sons,(e)daughters,(f)grandfathers,(g)grandmothers, Commission investigations into deaths; [90260] (h) grandsons, (i) granddaughters, (j) brothers, (k) sisters, (l) uncles, (m) aunts, (n) nephews, (o) nieces and (3) how much the Independent Police Complaints (p) first cousins of applicants for entry into the UK Commission has spent on investigating complaints into were allowed entry in the most recent year for which the actions of police forces with regard to sudden deaths in the last five years. [90261] information is available; [92267] (5) how many (a) stepfathers (b) stepmothers, Nick Herbert: The Home Office does not hold this (c) stepsons, (d) stepdaughters, (e) stepbrothers and information. These matters are for the Independent (f) stepsisters of applicants were allowed entry into the Police Complaints Commission (IPCC). The IPCC has UK in the most recent year for which information is written to the hon. Member about the information available. [92268] sought. A copy has been placed in the House Library.

Damian Green: The data shown are available on the Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Office website. A breakdown of the specific Home Department if she will commission research into family categories asked for is not available beyond that the level of public confidence in the Independent Police in the following. The data provided are for entry clearance Complaints Commission. [91655] visas issued in the Family Route category (to settlement) Nick Herbert [holding answer 26 January 2012]: The in each of the four quarters from October 2010 to Government have no plans to commission research into September 2011. the level of public confidence in the Independent Police The data does not include figures for those dependants Complaints Commission (IPCC). The results of surveys issued with visas through other available entry clearance which measure levels of confidence in the police complaints routes to the UK. system are available on the IPCC’s website: The figures represent those granted entry clearance, www.ipcc.gov.uk not the number entering the UK. Police Arbitration Tribunal Figures for the last four quarters are as follows: Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Home Department whether she plans to refer the 2010 2011 2011 2011 Police Arbitration Tribunal decision to Parliament for Partner 10,831 8,562 7,036 9,856 debate. [86638] Partner for settlement 354 309 380 397 (ILE1) Nick Herbert: I refer the right hon. Member to the Child 25 21 33 26 written ministerial statement made by the Secretary of Child for settlement 1,318 1,340 1,081 1,214 State for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend (ILE1) the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), on 30 January Other 1,354 1,324 925 1,134 2012. Other for settlement 563 474 526 520 (ILE1) Police: Accountability 1 ILE: Indefinite Leave to Enter. Note: Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Other is defined as not children or the partners of the main applicant, the Home Department pursuant to the answer of but dependants of the main applicant. 10 October 2011, Official Report, column 86W, on Source: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/science-research- police: accountability, what the main categories of statistics/research-statistics/immigration-asylum-research/ costs are within the £25 million of additional costs for immigration-tabs-q3-2011/?view=Standard&publD=962325 police commissioners’ elections. [75274] 403W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 404W

Nick Herbert: The original cost estimate of £50 million Nick Herbert: Information about police service for the police and crime commissioners (PCC) elections expenditure, including overtime, is available on the website was the extra cost of these polls in addition to the local of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance Accountants: elections being held in May 2012. www.cipfastats.net Now that the PCC elections are being held in November Information on police officer strength is published in there will no longer be savings from combining the the Police Service Strength Statistical Bulletin: polls. We estimate this change will mean that the www.homeoffice.gov.uk elections will cost an additional £25 million. This includes the costs of staffing (approximately £16 million), accommodating polling stations (approximately £8 million), Police: Powers and the use of equipment for processing poll cards and postal ballots (around £30,000). Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what independent checks are Police: Court Orders required to monitor the use of force against members of the public who are the subject of a police John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for investigation. [92196] the Home Department how many production orders have been issued by each police force in each of the last Nick Herbert: Police Conduct Regulations (2008) five years; what the details were of each such order; govern the use of force by police officers. All officers are and whether each such order was granted by the courts. trained to exercise force responsibly in carrying out [91802] their duties. Police forces in England and Wales have a statutory duty to refer to the Independent Police Complaints Nick Herbert: The requested information is not collected Commission any serious incident that has arisen from centrally. police contact. Police: Dismissal Police: Standards David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to ensure David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for the the dismissal of police officers who are convicted of Home Department what steps she is taking to simplify criminal offences. [90984] the process for removing poorly performing police officers. [90982] Nick Herbert: The Police (Conduct) Regulations 2008 set out disciplinary procedures for police officers. The Nick Herbert: Tom Winsor made recommendations decision as to whether to dismiss when an officer has in respect of police officer performance in Part One of been convicted of a criminal offence is a matter for the his Independent Review of Police Officer and Staff relevant chief officer or police authority/Mayor’s Office Remuneration and Conditions. The Secretary of State for Policing and Crime. for the Home Department, my right hon. Friend the Member for Maidenhead (Mrs May), is currently David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for the considering the recommendation of the Police Advisory Home Department how many police officers were Board of England and Wales in relation to this. convicted of criminal offences in each of the last five years; and what proportion were dismissed for those convictions in each such year. [90985] Police: Unmanned Air Vehicles

Nick Herbert: The Home Office does not collect this Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the information centrally. Home Department how many unmanned aerial (a) Police: Lasers vehicles were in use by police forces in 2008, (b) 2009, (c) 2010, (d) 2011 and (e) 2012. [91365] Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans she has to (a) allow the Nick Herbert [holding answer 23 January 2012]: The use by the police of and (b) regulate the police’s use of information held centrally via the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Unmanned Aerial System Steering lasers intended to blind people temporarily. [91362] Group (UASSG) states that the number of unmanned Nick Herbert [holding answer 23 January 2012]: The aerial vehicles (UAVs)owned and in use by police forces Home Office has no plans to trial lasers for use by the are as follows: police service. (a) 2008—two UAVs (one operational) (b) 2009—three UAVs (two operational) Police: Pay (c) 2010—three UAVs (two operational) (d) 2011—three UAVs (two operational) Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the (a) total and (b) average (e) 2012 (to date)—two UAVs (one operational) overtime payments were for police officers in each As forces are not required to inform ACPO UASSG police force in England and Wales in (i) 2009-10, when they purchase or operate a UAV, additional units (ii) 2010-11 and (iii) the latest period for which figures may be in service, but data for these will not be held are available. [90881] centrally. 405W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 406W

NORTHERN IRELAND David Mundell: The Government acknowledge that there are real concerns about this type of lending. The Freedom of Information Secretary of State for Scotland, the right hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk (Michael Moore), Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for raised the issue of access to credit and the potential for Northern Ireland whether his Department publishes on credit unions to provide an alternative source of finance its website its response to each request it receives under during a recent meeting with the Minister for Employment the Freedom of Information Act 2000; whether the Relations, Consumer and Postal Affairs, the hon. Member response is published in the same part of its website on for Kingston and Surbiton (Mr Davey), this month. each occasion; and what the average time taken is between responding to a request and the information Payday lending is a key area of regulatory focus for being made available on the website. [92112] the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and it monitors the market for evidence of consumer detriment. The OFT Mr Paterson: My Department does not currently has taken enforcement action against a number of publish on its website responses to requests received companies in the payday loan market but as the market under the Freedom of Information Act. The Northern has increased in size it has seen an increase in reported Ireland Office is, however, committed to openness and consumer harm. In light of these concerns, the Government transparency and preparations are being made to publish welcome the recent announcement by the OFT that such information on the website at the earliest opportunity. they will be launching a comprehensive compliance review of its Irresponsible Lending Guidance that will Welfare State: Reform specifically target the payday lending market. The review will focus on identifying those practices that are the Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for cause of most harm to consumers and the findings will Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the be used to take further enforcement action and drive up potential effects of the provisions of the Welfare standards in this market. The OFT will also increase its Reform Bill on people living in Northern Ireland. scrutiny of applications for consumer credit licenses by [92415] those wishing to engage in this form of lending. Mr Paterson: The Government’s reforms to the welfare Sovereignty system will tackle the twin problems of poverty and welfare dependency. They will also end the something for nothing culture encouraged by the policies of the Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for previous administration. Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of registered voters who would be eligible to participate in The Government’s reforms will ensure that work a referendum on the constitutional future of Scotland pays and will always be seen to pay. Under our plans, under the (a) Westminster and (b) local authority for every hour a person works they will be better off. franchise on the latest date for which figures are Universal credit will lift 900,000 individuals including available. [92101] more than 350,000 children and 550,000 working-age adults across the UK, including Northern Ireland, out David Mundell: As at 1 December 2010, in Scotland of poverty. Our reforms will help significant numbers of there were 3.93 million registered voters for UK Parliament people in Northern Ireland who are either unemployed elections, and 3.99 million registered voters for local or working on low pay. government elections. The Personal Independence Payment will ensure that support is targeted to help those who face the greatest Voluntary Organisations barriers to leading full, active and independent lives. It is not fair that households on out-of-work benefits Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for should receive a greater income from benefits than the Scotland what contribution his Department is making average earnings of working households. To deal with to implementation of the Compact with the voluntary this unfairness our reforms will also cap the amount of sector; and if he will make a statement. [92279] benefits in line with average weekly earnings. We will also simplify the welfare system which under David Mundell: The Compact referred to applies to the previous administration had become hugely complex England only. The Secretary of State for Scotland, the and bureaucratic, our reforms will tackle the unsustainable right hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and rise in spending on benefits and tax credits as part of Selkirk (Michael Moore), and I are in contact with the Government’s continuing efforts to reduce the record voluntary and civil society organisations in Scotland on deficit that we inherited from the administration in a range of issues. which the hon. Gentleman was a member.

TRANSPORT SCOTLAND Credit High Speed 2 Railway Line

Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State for Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Transport how many properties not on the planned Secretary of State for Business, Skills and Innovation route of High Speed 2 have qualified for payments on the operation and regulation of payday loan shops under the HS2 exceptional hardship scheme to date. in Scotland. [92619] [91827] 407W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 408W

Justine Greening: At this time it is not possible to tell Motorways: Closures which properties purchased under the exceptional hardship scheme (EHS) would have been compulsorily purchased Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for as safeguarding directions are yet to be issued. Transport (1) how many motorway lanes were closed by the Highways Agency in each of the last three years Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for for which figures are available; [92139] Transport how many officials in her Department are (2) what proportion of lane closures on the working on the High Speed 2 project. [91919] motorway network were between the hours of 8.00 pm and 6.00 am in each of the last three years. [92140] Justine Greening: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Warwick and Mike Penning: The information requested is not currently Leamington (Chris White) on 19 January 2012, Official available, but will be placed in the Libraries of the Report, column 916W. House by Friday 3 February.

Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what recent estimate she has made of the Transport how many (a) deaths, (b) serious injuries total cost to her Department of work to prepare, draft and (c) slight injuries occurred on the motorway and support the passage of the proposed legislation for network in accidents or incidents at points of lane High Speed 2. [91920] closures in each of the last three years for which figures are available. [92141] Justine Greening: The total funding allocated as part of the spending review to HS2 was £773 million. It Mike Penning: Neither the Highways Agency nor the includes preparation for and passage of the Hybrid Bill central Department holds information on the number as well as preparatory work for phase 2 of the network. of deaths, serious or slight injuries which occurred at the point of lane closure on motorways. High Speed 2 Railway Line: Costs Dr McCrea: To ask the Secretary of State for Chris White: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the Highways Agency’s policy is on the Transport how much her Department has spent on use of traffic management methods using (a) one and planning and developing the High Speed Two project (b) two vehicles (i) with and (ii) without the use of in each of the last three years. [87874] impact protection; and what proportion of road closures have been implemented using each method in Justine Greening: The information requested is provided each of the last three years for which figures are in the following table: available. [92142]

1) Actual spend on HS2 (unless otherwise stated, see footnote Mike Penning: Highways Agency service providers £ million undertake urgent repairs and routine maintenance to Resource the strategic road network, plus renewal and improvement Administration and work, as part of their maintenance contracts. They Financial year Programme Capital Total determine the method of traffic management required in each case based on a wide range of factors e.g. nature 2009-10 9.4 — 9.4 of the issue requiring a road closure, type of road, 2010-11 14.6 9.6 24.2 speed limit and traffic flows. The full criteria for traffic 2011-12 1116.1 150 166.1 management carried out by its service providers, including 1 This reflects the budget allocation and is subject to review in light of the use of vehicles with and without impact protection actual spend to date. are set out in three documents: the Agency’s Network Management Manual; Routine and Winter Service Code; Large Goods Vehicles and Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual, which is the Department for Transport’s standard for signing and Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for management of traffic at static and mobile road works. Transport pursuant to the written ministerial statement For incident management and other exceptional of 11 October 2011, Official Report, columns 24-25WS, circumstances, in accordance with the Highways Agency on high-volume semi-trailers, on what type of roads the Traffic Officer Service Procedures Manual, Traffic Officers longer lorry trials will take place. [92952] use the Rolling Road Block procedure and technique to control traffic flow and speed as an emergency traffic Mike Penning: The high-volume semi-trailers will not management method. The procedure requires traffic be restricted to any type or types of roads. officers to perform a dynamic risk assessment considering factors such as traffic flows, weather conditions, general Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for visibility and the number of running lanes to determine Transport pursuant to the written ministerial statement whether the technique should be executed with the use of 11 October 2011, Official Report, columns 24-25WS, of one or two vehicles. At the scene, traffic officers use on high-volume semi-trailers, how many lorries will be traffic management equipment such as cones and signs involved in the longer lorry trials. [92953] if required. Information on the proportion of road closures Mike Penning: This information—1,800 lorries—is implemented, broken down by the number of vehicles contained in the written ministerial statement. used and whether or not they had impact protection is 409W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 410W not readily available and could be obtained only through Railways: Finance scrutiny of service provider individual traffic management provision records, at disproportionate cost to the Agency. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how much of the total cost to the public Motorways: Repairs and Maintenance purse of the east-west rail project falls beyond the comprehensive spending review period. [91585] Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport with reference to the Autumn Statement, Mrs Villiers [holding answer 24 January 2012]: As how much of the cost of completing the (a) M25 part of the Growth review, the Department for Transport junctions 23 to 27 and (b) M1 junctions 39 to committed to fund the east-west rail link, subject to 42 improvements will fall beyond the comprehensive finalising a detailed business case and a satisfactory spending review period. [92238] local contribution being made. Provided that these two conditions are satisfied, the Mike Penning: Following the spending review Department will fund the scheme for delivery in Control announcement on 26 October 2010, the Government Period 5 (CP5). The first year of CP5 is the final year of announced plans to invest £2.3 billion on major roads the current spending review period (i.e. 2014-15). improvements through to the end of 2014-15. This included £1.4 billion to start 14 new schemes, including (a) M25 J23-27 and (b) M1 39-42 in the next four Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for years. The Highways Agency has committed to reduce Transport how much of the total cost to the public the total cost of the 14 capital major schemes by 20% purse of electrification of the trans-Pennine Express against agreed baseline estimates. The autumn statement falls beyond the comprehensive spending review made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my right period. [91588] hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), on 29 November 2011, Official Report, columns 799-810, Mrs Villiers [holding answer 24 January 2012]: Following announced funding of £100 million to accelerate the the Department for Transport’s commitment to fund current major projects planned in the comprehensive the electrification of the north trans-Pennine Express spending review period, on the M25 (junctions 23-27) line as part of the Growth review, Network Rail have and the M1 (junctions 39-42). begun working up detailed plans for the delivery of this For these accelerated schemes around 17% of the scheme. This includes considering the delivery programme projects1 expenditure would fall into the next spending for this work. review period, dependent upon the total level of efficiencies Early works will be delivered in Control Period 4 realised for the Highways Agency’s SR10 Major Roads (i.e. by the end of 2013-14) in order to stimulate economic Programme, when all 14 projects have completed. growth. However, it is anticipated that work will continue The Highways Agency is working up detailed delivery into Control Period 5 (CP5). The profile and cost of time scales for the two accelerated schemes, to bring this work will be agreed as part of the CP5 settlement. forward construction up to a year earlier than planned. We wilt make announcements on such time scales in Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for due course. Transport how much of the total cost to the public purse of measures to reduce disruption on the rail Queen Elizabeth II Bridge: Closures network falls beyond the comprehensive spending review period. [91589] Jackie Doyle-Price: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment she has made of the effect Mrs Villiers [holding answer 24 January 2012]: As of the closure of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge on part of the Growth review, the Department for Transport traffic levels in Thurrock on 5 January 2012; and if she asked Network Rail to undertake a further £100 million will make a statement. [91786] investment via the Network Rail Discretionary Fund (NRDF) to reduce disruption on the rail network and Mike Penning: On 4 January the QEII Bridge was reduce the cost of running the railway. We anticipate closed from 21.43 and reopened at 17.09 on 5 January. that this expenditure will be completed by the end of There are no cameras or other equipment along the Control Period 4 (i.e. by the end of 2013-14). A13 or A1089 to monitor traffic levels in real time. This investment will be financed via Network Rail’s However, the Highways Agency was aware of morning regulated asset base. As with other regulated utilities, peak hour queuing on the A13 westbound in the Thurrock additions to the RAB are financed via a return paid to area due to reduced capacity at the Dartford-Thurrock Network Rail and an amortisation (i.e. depreciation) crossing as a result of the bridge closure. charge. These payments are made over the life of the Within Thurrock the Highways Agency are responsible asset (generally around 30 years). for the M25, A282, A13 and A1089 trunk roads on behalf of the Secretary of State for Transport as highway authority. Monitoring of traffic levels on other roads Railways: Franchises within Thurrock is undertaken by the local highway authority, Thurrock council. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for During each of the bridge closures traffic levels were Transport with reference to section 30 of the coalition monitored on the M25/A282 where CCTV cameras are agreement, what progress she has made in granting available. longer rail franchises. [87377] 411W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 412W

Mrs Villiers: The Intercity West Coast franchise that Mrs Villiers: The wording of passenger announcements is currently in the procurement stage will have a core is a matter for train and station operators. A small term of 13 years and four months. The previous number of information items are required by accessibility Government’s policy was that franchises should have a standards, in order to give persons with reduced mobility core term of up to seven years, with a potential three-year confidence when travelling. The Department consulted extension, but in practice many were shorter. OJEU with representatives of passengers and disabled people notices were published on 19 December 2011 in relation when deciding which items should be mandated. Other to new 15 year franchises for Essex Thameside and announcements may be appropriate for safety reasons. Great Western. John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Roads: Safety Transport whether her Department has a role in the formulation of guidance for passenger announcements on trains and in stations. [91250] Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport pursuant to the answer of 16 January 2012, Mrs Villiers: Passenger announcements are a matter Official Report, column 484W, on roads: safety, what for train and station operators. assessment she has made of the level of compliance The Department has previously provided guidance with the Specification for the Reinstatement of on the provision of information for persons of reduced Openings in Highways; and how many fines have been mobility and this is available on the Department’s website issued in respect of a failure to comply with (a) the at: current edition of the Specification and (b) previous http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20100406155128/ editions of the Specification since the commencement http://www.dft.gov.uk/transportforyou/access/rail/vehicles/pubs/ of section 71 of the New Roads and Street Works Act rva/rvareg1998/ 1991. [91787] and http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/accessible-train-station- Norman Baker: Inspection of works to monitor design/ compliance with the Specification is a matter for individual highway authorities, and accordingly the Secretary of State for Transport, the right hon. Member for Putney (Justine Greening), has made no central assessment of WALES the level of compliance. Where authorities identify instances Employment: Private Sector of non-compliance with the Specification, they normally exercise their powers under section 72 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 to require the responsible Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales person to carry out the necessary remedial works (at (1) what recent discussions she has had with HM their own expense), rather than seeking to pursue the Treasury on the effect of macro-economic policies on matter through the courts. It is in the interests of the employment levels in the private sector in Wales; local authorities themselves to identify below standard [91605] replacements works. (2) what recent discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the effects of Persons proceeded against for offences under the macroeconomic policy on employment levels in the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 cannot be private sector in Wales. [92642] separately identified on the Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database, as they form part of a miscellaneous Mr David Jones: The Secretary of State for Wales, my group. right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (Mrs Gillan), and I have regular discussions with ministerial Southern: Rolling Stock colleagues in HM Treasury on a wide range of subjects including raising levels of private sector employment in Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales. Transport what proportion of the cost of new carriages We recognise that it is the private sector who will lead for the Southern rail network will fall beyond the the economic recovery in Wales, which has relied on comprehensive spending review period. [90629] public sector employment for too long. That is why we have taken a range of measures to create an environment Mrs Villiers [holding answer 19 January 2012]: Southern where the private sector can grow and create much Railway will be conducting a financing competition for needed jobs in Wales. the new trains which is expected to complete in financial The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has forecast year 2012-13. Until this competition is concluded the that 1.7 million private sector jobs will be created across details of any further payments have not been agreed. the UK by 2017 and Wales needs to be well positioned I am happy to provide this information once the to create its share of these new jobs. competition has been concluded. Exploration

Travel: Trains Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions she has had with (a) the First John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Minister of the Welsh Government and (b) the Welsh Transport if her Department will seek suggestions from Local Government Association on the scale of members of the public on the wording of passenger planning applications for fracking in Wales; and if she announcements on trains and in stations. [91248] will make a statement. [91906] 413W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 414W

Mr David Jones: The responsibility for the planning The Welsh Government also provide funding in support applications for hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’ falls of research undertaken by higher education institutions to the local authorities in Wales and therefore is the in Wales. responsibility of the Welsh Government. The Welsh Government last week announced plans to hold a public inquiry in May into a test drilling WOMEN AND EQUALITIES application for shale gas in the Vale of Glamorgan; however, we are not aware of any planning applications Third Sector currently before any Welsh authority for fracking operations. Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for Women and Freedom of Information Equalities what contribution the Government Equalities Office is making to implementation of the Compact Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for with the voluntary sector; and if she will make a statement. Wales whether her Department publishes on its website [92294] its response to each request it receives under the Freedom of Information Act 2000; whether the Lynne Featherstone: On 1 April 2011, the Government response is published in the same part of its website on Equalities Office became part of the Home Office. The each occasion; and what the average time taken is information requested will be provided by the Minister between responding to a request and the information for Immigration, my hon. Friend the Member for Ashford being made available on the website. [92110] (Damian Green).

Mr David Jones: The Wales Office publishes the information it releases in response to Freedom of Information Act requests on a dedicated section of its ATTORNEY-GENERAL website, which can be accessed at: Euthanasia http://www.walesoffice.gov.uk/foi/ The average time taken between responding to a Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Attorney-General in how request and its publication on the website is not recorded many cases of assisted suicide for the terminally ill the and could be calculated only at disproportionate cost. Director of Public Prosecution has decided it is not in The Department does however aim to publish released the public interest to prosecute since December 2008. information as soon as possible after a formal reply is [91764] despatched to the requester. The Attorney-General: Crown Prosecution Service Higher Education (CPS) headquarters centrally records cases of assisted suicide. However, its central records do not show Dr Francis: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether cases were not proceeded with on evidential or (1) what recent discussions she has had with the public interest grounds, and it would not be possible to (a) First Minister of the Welsh Government, (b) Higher provide such information without incurring a Education Funding Council Wales and (c) Higher Education disproportionate cost. Wales on improving the overall levels of science and technology funding in Wales; and if she will make a Mr Bain: To ask the Attorney-General if he will encourage the Director of Public Prosecutions to make statement; [91904] available his decisions not to prosecute in cases of (2) what recent discussions she has had with the assisted suicide on request. [92183] (a) First Minister of the WelshGovernment, (b) Higher EducationFundingCouncilWalesand(c)HigherEducation The Attorney-General: The publication of case Wales on improving the overall levels of research and decisions by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) development funds in Wales; and if she will make a depends upon the circumstances of each individual statement. [91905] case. When it is appropriate to do so, the DPP ensures that the reasons for decisions in assisted suicide cases Mr David Jones: The Secretary of State for Wales, my are published on the Crown Prosecution Service’s right hon. Friend the Member for Chesham and Amersham (CPS) website. (Mrs Gillan), and I have regular discussions with Welsh Ministers and public bodies in Wales about a range of Newspaper Press: Telephone Tapping matters relevant to Wales. These discussions have included research funding. Mr Watson: To ask the Attorney-General when he The Government are committed to protecting funding expects the Crown Prosecution Service’s review of the for science and research programmes in cash terms phone hacking evidence by Alison Levitt QC to report during the current spending review period. This includes its findings; and if he will place a redacted copy of that over £2.5 billion per annum programme funding for the document in the Library. [92623] seven Research Councils which operate across the UK and demonstrates our commitment to promoting economic The Attorney-General: Given that there is a live growth through innovation. I am keen for Wales to be at investigation concerning these matters, it would be the heart of this and the issue will be discussed with inappropriate to comment at this time. Issues such as Welsh businesses at the next meeting of the Wales the publication of the review will be revisited at the Office Business Advisory Group. appropriate time. 415W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 416W

PRIME MINISTER The Prime Minister: The Iraq Inquiry, chaired by Sir John Chilcot, was established to identify lessons Christianity learned from the UK’s involvement in Iraq between 2001 and 2009. Jim Shannon: To ask the Prime Minister what steps he plans to take to promote Christian values in public life. [92031]

The Prime Minister: I refer the hon. Member to the DEFENCE speech I gave on 16 December 2011 commemorating the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. A copy of the speech can be found on the No. 10 website at: Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations http://www.number10.gov.uk/news/king-james-bible/ Freedom of Information Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether he plans to continue additional Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Prime Minister payments for daily rates for service personnel in whether his Office publishes on the 10 Downing street Afghanistan at the present level. [92333] website its response to each request it receives under the Freedom of Information Act 2000; whether the Mr Robathan: Yes. Our armed forces are currently response is published in the same part of its website on deployed to the most demanding areas of conflict. It is each occasion; and what the average time taken is right that they receive allowances, such as the tax free between responding to a request and the information operational allowance, for the day-to-day demands of a being made available on the website. [92129] deployment in Afghanistan.

Mr Maude: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Cabinet Office. Armed Forces: Death The Prime Minister’s Office is an integral part of the Cabinet Office. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for The Cabinet Office including the Prime Minister’s Defence how many service personnel were killed in Office publishes on its website responses to requests for action in each country in each calendar year since 2000. information where there is a substantial public, rather [90443] than private, interest. Details are published on the Freedom of Information pages of the website on each Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 17 January occasion. No information is available about the time 2012]: A breakdown of the 494 UK armed forces taken between responding to a request and the personnel killed as a result of hostile action between information becoming available on the website but the 2000 and 2012 is provided in the following table, broken aim is to do so as quickly as possible. down by year, operation and country. Hostile action includes deaths categorised as Killed in Action—a battle There is no change in practice from the previous casualty who is killed outright or who dies as a result of Administration. wounds or other injuries before reaching a medical Iraq Conflict treatment facility; and Died of Wounds—a battle casualty who dies of wounds or other injuries received in action Nicholas Soames: To ask the Prime Minister if he after having reached a medical facility. will commission a National Security Council paper on For information, in the same time period, 99 service the diplomatic and military lessons learnt from the Iraq personnel have died on operations from other causes campaigns. [92248] such as accidents and natural causes.

UK armed forces personnel hostile action deaths by year and operation between 2000 and 2012 Operation Country All 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Op Sierra 11000000000000 Barras Leone Kosovo10100000000000 Op Macedonia 10100000000000 Valero Afghanistan 334 00001120375010087380 Oman10000061000000 Op UK210000000007851 Herrick Iraq122000301020263420000 Germany1000000100000.0 Kuwait1000010000000000 Op Telic UK 20000000200000 Total 494 1 2 0 40 11 21 48 73 52 107 95 43 1 417W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 418W

Armed Forces: Redundancy Mr Robathan [holding answer 26 January 2012]: The Ministry of Defence is undertaking an in-depth review Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for of its estate and how it may be used to optimise usage Defence (1) how many (a) Yorkshire Regiment and and value for money. This will include the Reserves and (b) Gurkha (i) full-time soldiers and (ii) reservists were Cadets estate and is expected to conclude around mid-2012 based in (A) Yorkshire and the Humber, (B) North at which time the position will become clearer. Yorkshire and York and (C) City of York in (1) May 2010 and (2) December 2011; and how many such Challenger Tanks soldiers he expects to be based in each of these areas at the conclusion of Tranche 2 of the Armed Forces Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Redundancy Programme; [90958] pursuant to the answer of 10 January 2012, Official (2) how many (a) Royal Navy, (b) Army and Report, column 15W, on Challenger tanks, whether it is (c) RAF (i) full-time personnel and (ii) reservists were his policy that the CHARM3 weapon system could be based in (A) Yorkshire and the Humber, (B) North used before the outcome of the review under Article 36 Yorkshire and York and (C) City of York in (1) May of Additional Protocol 1 to the Geneva Conventions of 2010 and (2) December 2011; and how many such 1949. [91835] personnel he expects to be based in each of these areas at the conclusion of Tranche 2 of the Armed Forces Nick Harvey: Should the security situation demand Redundancy Programme. [90959] it, before the legal review is ready at the end of February 2012, then Challenger 2 tanks would be deployed in Mr Robathan: The information requested in respect combat operations with appropriate anti-armour capabilities of Regular armed forces personnel is shown in the that provide our service personnel with the best possible following tables. protection.

May 2010 December 2011 Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Yorkshire Yorkshire for what reasons his Department does not have Regiment Gurkha Regiment Gurkha contingency plans for the event that the outcome of the review of the legality of the CHARM3 weapon system Yorkshire and Humber under Article 36 of the Additional Protocol 1 to the (encompassing Geneva Conventions of 1949 concludes that its use north Yorkshire and could breach international humanitarian law. [91855] York) Regular 300 530 350 1360 Nick Harvey: CHARM3 provides our armed forces with a unique tank-based anti-armour capability which City of York cannot be provided by other munitions. Regular 30 130 30 130 1 The reduction in Gurkha numbers is due to the routine move of Gurkha Reinforcement Company 2 from Catterick to Shorncliffe. Cleaning Services

Naval Service Army Royal Air Force Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for May December May December May December 2010 2011 2010 2011 2010 2011 Defence how much his Department has spent on dry cleaning and laundry since May 2010; and what his Yorkshire and Department’s policy is on allowing its staff to claim for Humber [90949] (encompassing such expenditure. north Yorkshire and York) Peter Luff [holding answer 20 January 2012]: This Regular 180 160 12,670 12,900 2,000 2,160 information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. City of York The MOD’s military and civilian staff do not claim Regular 10 0 820 800 10 0 reimbursement for dry cleaning and laundry services, although they are permitted to use the flat-rate incidental Location information in respect of reserve forces is expenses allowance for this purpose when on official not held centrally and could be provided only at business involving an overnight stay. disproportionate cost. Where dry cleaning and laundry services are otherwise Tranche 2 of the Armed Forces Redundancy Programme a permissible charge to the public purse, they are provided was launched on 17 January 2012 and the outcome will under contract (mainly as part of multi-activity contract not be known until June of this year. It is therefore too arrangements), under local arrangements, through unit early to say at this stage how many people in each of laundry facilities or by operational hygiene troops under these regions will be affected. field conditions.

Cadets Defence: Expenditure

Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when the funding allocated by his Department Defence (1) how much the (a) Chief of the Defence for the Yardley Chase Cadet Centre will be made Staff, (b) Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, (c) Chief available. [91816] of the Air Staff, (d) Chief of the General Staff and 419W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 420W

(e) First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff have Residences (OSRs) were provided for senior officers in spent on (i) gardening, (ii) entertainment and (iii) renovation posts which required them to undertake official hospitality and decoration of their official residences in 2011; for defence purposes. As announced by the Under-Secretary [88309] of State for Defence, my right hon. Friend the Member (2) how many staff were employed in the official for South Leicestershire (Mr Robathan), on 12 December residences of the (a) Chief of the Defence Staff, 2011, Official Report, column 63WS, these arrangements (b) Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, (c) Chief of the have now been discontinued and a new Domestic Assistance Air Staff, (d) Chief of the General Staff and (e) First policy will realise savings of at least £3 million per year Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff in 2011; and from April 2012. what the cost to his Department was of such staff; Figures for expenditure on Official Service Residences [88316] in the financial year 2010-11 are currently being finalised. (3) how much his Department spent on For the financial year 2009-10, the costs associated with accommodation for the (a) Chief of the Defence Staff, the properties occupied by the senior officers specified (b) Vice Chief of the Defence Staff, (c) Chief of the are set out in the following table. It should be emphasised Air Staff, (d) Chief of the General Staff and (e) First that responsibility for decisions on expenditure relating Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff in 2011. [88338] to these properties lies with the Ministry of Defence, Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 10 January and not with the officers who occupied them at the time, 2012]: Under previous arrangements, Official Service or the current occupants.

Planned Accommodation maintenance (inc. Entertainment costs Number of Cost of household Post (£) gardening) (£) (£) household staff staff (£)

Chief of the Defence Staff 17,000 450 2,000 4 128,000 Vice Chief of the Defence 20,000 1,200 2,400 1 51,000 Staff First Sea Lord and Chief of 18,000 520 2,300 4 161,000 the Naval Staff Chief of the General Staff 1108,000 0 2,800 4 161,000 Chief of the Air Staff 49,000 250 6,600 4 97,000 1 This property is part of the Crown Estate and a grant-in-aid is payable.

Departmental Data Protection (6) for what reasons £2,004.80 was spent on cinema trips; and who was present on those trips; [91641] Mr David Davis: To ask the Secretary of State for (7) for what reasons £55,316.41 was spent on Defence how many incidents of data loss or breaches theatrical producers; [91642] of confidentiality occurred in his Department in 2011. (8) for what reasons £16,584 was spent on trailer [91723] parks; and who was present on those trips; [91643] Mr Robathan [holding answer 25 January 2012]: I (9) for what reasons £9,215.62 was spent at tourist refer my right hon. Friend to the answer I gave on attractions and exhibits; and who was present on those 24 November 2011, Official Report, columns 545-46W. trips. [91644] During 2011, in 13 cases which involved the loss of personal data, the information involved was assessed as Peter Luff: Ministry of Defence expenditure paid for protected personal data and so can be considered to by Government Procurement Card is, for security and involve a breach of confidentiality. administrative reasons, reported against merchant transaction categories of VISA’S own taxonomy. The Departmental Expenditure categories, which are designed to provide VISA with data on their customers’ business sectors, do not always Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for accurately explain the nature of goods or services procured Defence with reference to his Department’s finance by the Department, and do not in themselves represent transparency dataset, (1) for what reasons £1,260.95 the full audit trail. was spent on trips to bowling alleys by his Department; Expenditure listed as ‘trips to bowling alleys’ incurred and who was present on those trips; [91326] between 1 April and 30 September 2011 relates to (2) for what reasons £69,923.26 was spent on music leisure activities organised for Army new recruits as and piano stores by his Department; [91327] part of their induction into their training programme. (3) for what reasons £48,057 was spent on bars, pubs Expenditure listed as ‘music and piano stores’ (totalling and nightclubs by his Department; what the dates were £296,198.34) was incurred between 1 April and of such trips; who was present; and which venues were 30 September 2011 in support of the Royal School of visited on each occasion; [91328] Music’s training programme and on musical instruments (4) for what reasons £6,012.82 was spent on for military bands. shopping trips to cosmetic stores by his Department; Expenditure listed as ‘bars, pubs and nightclubs’, [91329] incurred between 1 April and 30 September 2011, represents (5) for what reasons £8,769.02 was spent on jewellery the costs of accommodation and meals provided for by his Department; [91330] military and civilian staff on detached duty, military 421W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 422W operations and training exercises. I am withholding Departmental Procurement information on venues to protect the safety of our staff and suppliers. Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Expenditure listed as ‘shopping trips to cosmetic what items with a monetary value of more than £100 stores’ incurred between 1 April and 30 September 2011 have been taken without authorisation from his relates to the purchases of demineralised water for a Department in each month since March 2011; and if he search radar in service with the Royal Navy and the will make a statement. [90989] purchase of air fresheners for waitng rooms and toilets in Careers Offices throughout the country. Peter Luff: The information requested will be placed Expenditure listed as ‘jewellery’ incurred between in the Library of the House. The MOD takes detecting 1 April and 30 September 2011 relates to the maintenance and deterring theft very seriously. Where a suspected of a clocking-in machine at an MOD establishment, the perpetrator is identified prosecution or internal disciplinary purchase of new signs at an MOD establishment and action will follow as appropriate. for the provision of infantry dog tags and MOD police warrant card holders. Departmental Theft Expenditure listed as ‘cinema trips’ incurred between 1 April and 30 September 2011 relates to the hire of Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence a local venue for the Army Presentation Team and a what thefts there have been from Ministry of Defence leisure activity for new junior soldiers. establishments since March 2011; and what the value was of the items taken. [89842] Expenditure listed as ‘theatrical producers’ incurred between 1 April and 31 October 2011 relates to: Mr Robathan: The information will be placed in the Car parking fees for Army and RAF Careers Offices in the Library of the House. west country. Cultural awareness training for Army Officers. Disclosure of Information Conference facilities for a staff awayday. Exhibition stands for the disposal of surplus military equipment. Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Local Education services for a Service School. Defence pursuant to his answer of 14 November 2011, Corporate hospitality for visiting VIPs from overseas. Official Report, column 526W,on disclosure of information, Ferry tickets for rwd Arrows’ support vehicles. if he will publish the findings of the inquiry into the RAF recruitment activities. unauthorised disclosure of the letter between the former Secretary of State and the Prime Minister which appeared Activity in support of new junior soldier training. in The Daily Telegraph on 28 September 2010. [90290] Expenditure listed as ‘trailer parks’ incurred between 1 April and 30 September 2011 relates to: Mr Philip Hammond [holding answer 17 January The use of a local swimming pool by an RAF station to 2012]: The investigation remains open. The person provide sports facilities for new trainees, sports afternoons and responsible for the leak has not been identified. rehabilitation therapy. Accommodation for an RAF adventure training course. Ex-servicemen: Mental Health Services Accommodation for a Joint Service Mountain Training Centre adventure training course. Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Duke of Edinburgh award scheme activities in support of new Defence what assistance his Department is providing to junior soldier training. veterans who are experiencing mental health disorders Expenditure listed as ‘tourist attractions and exhibits’ as a result of their service in the armed forces. [92418] incurred between 1 April and 30 September 2011 relates to: Mr Robathan: Medical care for our former armed Annual car parking for an armed forces careers office. forces personnel remains the responsibility of the national Army officer training. health service. However, the Ministry of Defence continues Acquaint visits to the Portsmouth Naval Base and Museum for to work closely with the Department of Health to potential recruits to the Royal Navy. implement all the recommendations contained in the The annual Navy Day. ‘Fighting Fit’ report produced by my hon. Friend the An RAF adventure training course. Member for South West Wiltshire (Dr Murrison). These include the launch of a 24-hour helpline, the introduction Leisure activities in support of new junior soldier training. of an enhanced mental health assessment in discharge Departmental Manpower medicals, the introduction of an online early intervention service, the Big White Wall, and the launch in April 2012 of a Veterans Information Service. Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many former employees of Alix Partners are We also greatly value the work being done by the employed by his Department; how many former mental health charities, such as Combat Stress, and employees of his Department are employed by Alix look forward to continuing to work with them. Partners; and if he will make a statement. [92008] Ex-servicemen: Military Decorations Mr Robathan: No former employees of AlixPartners are employed by the Ministry of Defence and, as far as Jason McCartney: To ask the Secretary of State for we are aware, no former Ministry of Defence employees Defence whether he has any plans to recognise the are employed by AlixPartners. service of military veterans through a medal. [92307] 423W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 424W

Mr Robathan: I refer the hon. Member to the answer The action plan was a product of the 2010 Lisbon I gave on 10 January 2012, Official Report, column 11W, summit, where the Heads of State tasked the North to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Martin Horwood). Atlantic Council to develop a revised NATO cyber defence policy. The policy itself was then developed and Falkland Islands: Defence approved by NATO Defence Ministers on 8 June 2011; the action plan is the implementation tool for the policy. Michael Ellis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how much funding he plans to allocate to Cyberspace must be regarded as an operating defence of the Falkland Islands in each of the next environment. Therefore, it is our current position that to deal with so called cybercrime, cyber-terrorism and three years. [91671] cyber-war, existing legal structures should be used rather Nick Harvey: The current, provisional, forecast for than cyber-specific legislation being introduced. provision of funding for British Forces South Atlantic Islands, through the Joint Forces Command Top Level Military Attachés: Pakistan Budget which will shortly assume this budgetary responsibility, is as follows: Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many service personnel are attached to Financial year £ million the British high commission in Islamabad; what the 2012-13 61 rank of such personnel is; and what duties they 2013-14 63 perform. [91849] 2014-15 65 Nick Harvey: There are five service personnel that From 2011-12, responsibility and funding for estates form the Defence Section in the British high commission management, including accommodation costs and utilities in Islamabad. Their current roles and ranks are shown such as electricity and fuel oil, transferred to the Defence in the following table: Infrastructure Organisation; this and funding in the other top level budgets is not shown in the table, to Defence section role Rank provide each top level budget’s expenditure in relation to the Falkland Islands would incur disproportionate Defence Adviser OF-6/1* (Brigadier) cost. Air and Naval Adviser OF-5 (Group Captain) Assistant Defence Adviser OF-4 (Lieutenant Colonel) Germany: Armed Forces Assistant Military Adviser OF-2 (Captain) Assistant Air and Naval OR-6 (Petty Officer) Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Adviser Defence what discussions his Department has had with mobile telephone companies on enabling UK service The Defence Attaché is appointed to the high personnel in Germany to obtain mobile telephone commissioner in Islamabad as the Chief of the Defence contracts although they have no credit rating in the Staff’s representative and Head of the Defence Section UK. [92332] representing the Ministry of Defence and UK armed forces. The Defence Section works closely with the Mr Robathan: We have had no such discussions with Government of Pakistan to pursue a close bilateral commercial mobile telephone organisations. However, defence relationship, build partnerships between our as part of our work on the Armed Forces Covenant we armed forces, and provide bespoke military support to continue to work with credit reference agencies on a Her Majesty’s Government’s policy priorities to protect proposed technical solution that will allow British Forces and promote the UK’s influence and interests. Post Office addresses to be recognised in the same way as a United Kingdom postcode. This will facilitate Nuclear Submarines financial services and online retail for those with such addresses overseas. Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for International Law: Cybercrime Defence (1) which locations are being considered as an alternative operating base for the Vanguard class SSBN Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for submarines; [90795] Defence what recent (a) multilateral and (b) bilateral (2) what criteria his Department plans to use to discussions he has had with his (i) international and (ii) evaluate future locations for the operating base of European counterparts on establishing international Vanguard class SSBN submarines; [90796] law in the area of cyber security; and if he will make a (3) which Royal Navy sites are equipped to become statement. [91880] the operating base of Vanguard class SSBN Nick Harvey [holding answer 26 January 2012]: The submarines; [90797] Ministry of Defence has been working closely with (4) if he will estimate the likely cost of developing a NATO allies at a number of multilateral discussions on new operating base for the Vanguard class SSBN the formulation of the NATO cyber defence action submarines. [90798] plan. The action plan is a living document that will be Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for continuously updated to ensure NATO is at the forefront Defence what estimate he has made of the cost of of developments in cyberspace and maintains the necessary moving (a) T class and (b) Astute class submarines to flexibility to meet the challenges posed by cyber-threats. Plymouth. [90637] 425W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 426W

Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for Territorial Army Defence whether his Department has made plans for the base porting of Royal Navy nuclear submarines in Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the case of future independence of Scotland and Defence when he expects to publish his plan for the [91819] Scotland becoming a nuclear-free zone. [90644] future of the Territorial Army. Nick Harvey [holding answer 26 January 2012]: As Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for part of Defence transformation it is envisaged that Defence with reference to the possibility of Scottish there will be an integrated Army of around 120,000 by independence, what assessment he has made of the 2020, comprising a trained strength of 82,000 regular feasibility of moving Vanguard class SSBN submarines and at least 30,000 reserves, with a training margin of from Faslane to Devonport. [91071] 8,000 reserves. Across Defence, the reserves will benefit from £1.5 billion investment over 10 years to reinvigorate Peter Luff [holding answers 19, 20 and 23 January their contribution to all three services. 2012]: The Ministry of Defence is not making plans to These changes will require the Army to review and change the base ports of those classes of submarines rebalance its structure, both in terms of its regular and currently base-ported at Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde. reserve forces, in order to identify when and how these The Department does not therefore hold cost estimates changes will take place. This detailed work is now under or other information that would relate to such changes. way as part of Army 2020 which I expect to receive for The Government are clear that Scotland benefits consideration in spring 2012. from being part of the UK and the UK benefits from having Scotland within it. The Government are not Trident Missiles making plans for independence as we are confident that Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence people in Scotland will continue to support the Union what annual service fees are paid to the US in any referendum. Administration for the storage and reprocessing of Trident missiles at the Strategic Weapons Facility Pakistan: Military Alliances Atlantic, Kings Bay, Georgia. [91253] Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Peter Luff: Under the Polaris Sales Agreement as Defence what the (a) nature and (b) extent of military amended for Trident, the UK pays the US Department links with the Government of Pakistan are; and if he of Defence an annual contribution towards the overall will make a statement. [91820] cost of the US Navy’s Strategic Weapons Facility at Kings Bay, Georgia. Nick Harvey [holding answer 26 January 2012]: The This contribution, which includes storage and reprocessing Defence Section in Islamabad works closely with the work, is based on the UK’s share of the overall missile Government of Pakistan, and the Pakistan military, to inventory, and amounts to around £12 million a year. pursue a close bilateral defence relationship, build partnerships between our armed forces and provide bespoke military support to Her Majesty’s Government’s EDUCATION policy priorities to protect and promote the UK’s influence Academies and interests. Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for We encourage senior UK officers to foster a good Education what information he holds on how schools working relationship with their Pakistan military which have converted to academies are fulfilling their counterparts, and there are a large number of regimental duty to assist less successful schools. [91476] affiliations between UK and Pakistani military units, which can include exchanges of officers. Mr Gibb: Schools that are performing well are in a strong position to help other schools raise standards by Restaurants sharing good practice and expertise. 1,194 converter academies are supporting over 1,600 named schools. Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for As part of the academy conversion process applicant Defence what expenditure his Department has incurred schools provide the Department with the name of the on restaurant meals for civil servants since May 2010; school or schools they will be supporting and what that and (a) on how many occasions and (b) in respect of support is likely to involve. We do not monitor how which restaurants his Department incurred such schools choose to work together following conversion. expenditure in that period; and if he will make a Adoption statement. [91068] Mr Timpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Peter Luff [holding answer 20 January 2012]: Expenditure Education how many sets of parents (a) began and on meals in restaurants reimbursed to civil servants on (b) completed the registration process for adoption in official duty away from their normal place of work is each year from 1997 to 2010. [91796] not recorded centrally and could be provided only at Tim Loughton: This information is not collected centrally. disproportionate cost. A robust spot audit process is in In December the Government set up a working group place to ensure that claims are legitimate and correct. of key partners from across the adoption sector to Moreover, information on venues and locations of redesign the recruitment, preparation, training and such expenditure would be withheld to protect the assessment process for prospective adopters including safety of our staff and suppliers. what, if any, new monitoring mechanisms might be Crown servants are not permitted to entertain each needed. We expect the group’s proposals to inform other at public expense. further reform in due course. 427W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 428W

Mr Timpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Tim Loughton: Of the children looked after at 31 March Education how many children were adopted by UK 2011, 67% (43,870) had only one placement during the couples from (a) the domestic care system and (b) year, and 11% had three or more placements. This overseas in each year from 1997 to 2011. [91797] compares to 65% and 13% respectively in 20071. But although placement stability is improving, we need to Tim Loughton: The information on the number of do more. looked after children who have been adopted from care The Prime Minister announced in October his intention can be found in table G1 of Statistical First Release to secure a new focus on improving services for looked “Children Looked After by Local Authorities in England after children. We are developing an extensive programme (including adoption and care leavers)—year ending of work to support improvements in the care system, 31 March 2011”, which is available on the Department’s and as part of this we will be assessing the take-up and website via the following link. This table can be found in impact of the Foster Carers’ Charter. We will set out the Excel file which is available via the link entitled further detail on our wider reform proposals in due ‘England Summary Tables’ course. http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s001026/ 1 index.shtml Department for Education: Children Looked After by Local Authorities in England (including adoption and care leavers)—year Adoption is a devolved function and the Department ending 31 March 2011. does not hold data on adoption in the devolved Administrations. Children: Adoption Data on the number of intercountry adoptions are only available for 2010 and 2011, and the figures are Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for estimates only: Education whether there are circumstances under which children adopted from overseas can be given Number priority under the School Admissions Code, in 2010 174 recognition that they may have suffered hardships 2011 154 similar to those who are accorded such priority. [91012] These figures include intercountry adoptions by Tim Loughton: Looked after children have, since February prospective adopters resident in Wales, Scotland, Northern 2006, had priority access under the School Admissions Ireland and the isle of Man who have made an inter-country Code. We have proposed a number of changes to the adoption from countries that have not implemented the Admissions Code, including that looked after children 1993 Hague Convention on Protection of Children and who leave care under an adoption order (or special Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. guardianship or residence order) retain the entitlement Children they previously had as a looked after child. The amendments to the code are intended to support the adoption of Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for children from care. Education whether he has assessed the effects of Children adopted from abroad do not have this downshifting on (a) family life and (b) children’s entitlement, although I do, of course, recognise that subjective well-being. [90899] some children adopted from overseas will also have difficult and challenging needs, as do many children Tim Loughton: No such assessment has been made by who live with their birth families. the Department. There are already provisions in place to support Children in Care children with special educational needs (SEN) identified at School Action or School Action Plus. School admission Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for processes must not discriminate against or disadvantage Education what steps he is taking to ensure that each disabled children or those with SEN. For all children young person in transition from the looked after whose statement of special educational needs names the system into adulthood has a dedicated key worker. school, the child must be admitted. For a child with a [92363] statement of SEN, parents have the right to express a preference for any maintained school, and the LA Tim Loughton: Local authorities have clearly defined must comply with the parental preference unless the duties and responsibilities for their care leavers. The school is unsuitable to the child’s age, ability, aptitude Care Leavers (England) Regulations 2010 and guidance or special educational needs, or the placement would be “Planning Transition for Adulthood for Care Leavers” incompatible with the efficient education of the other requires local authorities to provide young people reaching children with whom the child would be educated, or the age of 18 with appropriate leaving care support. with the efficient use of resources. This includes a regularly reviewed pathway plan and the allocation of a personal adviser who will provide advice Children: Day Care and support on a range of matters including accommodation. This help continues up until the young person reaches the age of 21, or beyond if the young Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for person is still in education. Education pursuant to the answer of 16 January 2012, Official Report, column 461-2W, on child care, whether Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for his Department has made an assessment of changes to Education what steps he is taking to ensure greater the availability and cost of out-of-school childcare; and stability of care placements in accordance with the what steps he plans to take to ensure that local Foster Carers’ Charter. [92364] authorities meet their statutory duties. [91517] 429W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 430W

Sarah Teather: Data on the availability and cost of Government are currently addressing many of the concerns out-of-school childcare is collected through two surveys: raised in the Action for Children report, shifting the the Childcare and Early Years Survey of Parents and focus onto earlier intervention. This is one reason why the Childcare and Early Years Providers Survey. These last year we asked Professor Munro to carry out an surveys provide the Department and the public with independent review of child protection. She identified information to help monitor the changes in the availability that services are often too reactive, and we are now and cost of child care. The 2010 Childcare and Early helping children’s services, police and the NHS to work Years Survey of Parents is due to be published in June together and focus on early identification before problems 2012. The 2010 Childcare and Early Years Providers escalate. We are also working with Ofsted to make sure Survey was published in September 2011. their inspections look at whether children are getting The 2009 Childcare and Early YearsSurvey of Parents the help they need. is available on the Department’s website at the following Through revisions to the Government’s statutory address: guidance “Working Together to Safeguard Children” https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/RSG/ (2010) we are planning to free social workers from Earlyyearsandchildcareworkforce/Page1/DFE-RRQ54 bureaucracy and reduce statutory guidance so they The 2010 Childcare and Early YearsProviders is available have more time and space for better quality assessments. from the Department’s website at the following address: The Department for Education through the children https://www.education.gov.uk/publications/standard/ in need (CIN) census collects data on individual children publicationDetail/Page1/OSR17/2011 assessed as being in need due to neglect and on those Local authorities have a statutory duty to secure who are the subject of a child protection plan because sufficient child care locally to meet the needs of working of neglect. On 23 January the Department launched a parents, particularly families with disabled children. We public consultation on the national children’s safeguarding want local authorities to do more to keep parents performance information recommended by Professor informed about how they are meeting this duty. We are Eileen Munro. This includes additional information on currently consulting on whether an annual report would neglect. Depending on the results of the consultation enable parents to hold their local authority to account some items collected in the CIN census may change for the availability of suitable child care, including prior to the children’s safeguarding performance provision for disabled children. The consultation is information framework being published in May 2012. available on the Department’s website and will remain We have also developed and agreed with the sector the open until 3 February. performance information that local areas should collect to monitor children’s safeguarding which includes a Children: Protection local understanding of the impact of services and the needs of the children and young people. Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many serious case reviews have been Departmental Debt Collection undertaken (a) in total and (b) in each English local authority area in each of the last five years. [91650] Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many times his Department has used Tim Loughton [holding answer 25 January 2012]: I the services of debt recovery companies since May refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 11 July 2010; which companies were used; and if he will make a 2011, Official Report, column 85W. statement. [88369] Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Tim Loughton: The Secretary of State for Education, Education what assessment he has made of the number my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath of serious case reviews undertaken by local authorities (Michael Gove), can confirm that his Department has where a child or family have moved between local not used the services of debt recovery companies prior authorities in the previous year. [91651] to or since May 2010. Departmental E-mail Tim Loughton [holding answer 25 January 2012]: Data about the number of Serious Case Reviews (SCRs) Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education where a child or family have moved between local with reference to the Information Commissioner’s guidance authorities in the previous year is not available centrally. on official information held in private email accounts, The Government’s statutory guidance, “Working how much his Department has spent on legal advice on Together to Safeguard Children (2010)”, is clear about the compliance of the practice of deleting private emails which Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) should concerning Government business sent or received by take lead responsibility for conducting a SCR when him or his special advisers with the provisions of the partner agencies from more than one LSCB area have Freedom of Information Act 2000. [91488] had contact with a child and their family. Tim Loughton [holding answer 24 January 2012]: Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for The Department has not incurred any expenditure on Education if he will assess the findings of the report this matter. entitled Child Neglect in 2011 published by Action for Departmental Public Expenditure Children in January 2012; and if he will make a statement. [92615] Austin Mitchell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether he receives any external funding for Tim Loughton: The earlier that help is given to vulnerable (a) his ministerial office and (b) his advisers; and what children and families, the more chance there is of turning the (i) source and (ii) amount is of any such funding. lives around and protecting children from harm. The [78018] 431W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 432W

Tim Loughton: The Secretary of State for Education, Nevertheless, in line with best practice, the Department my right hon. Friend the Member for Surrey Heath maintains a disclosure log on its website where it publishes (Michael Gove), does not receive any external funding anonymised FOI responses likely to be of wider interest for either his ministerial office or his advisers. to the general public. Departmental Recruitment There are currently some 234 responses to FOI requests on the disclosure log, sub-divided by category to aid navigation. The time taken to upload the response Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for varies, but the most recent example was a request made Education pursuant to the answer of 10 January 2012, on 16 November 2011; the information was published Official Report, column 227W, on departmental on the website on 20 January 2012. The disclosure log recruitment, how much of the £274,452.26 spent on can be accessed at: recruitment agencies was spent on agency (a) fees and http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/foi (b) staff. [92595] GCE A-Level Tim Loughton: The fees for both the Department’s agency worker providers are factored in to each of their Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for agreed set of rates. The rates for each provider vary Education pursuant to the answer of 20 December according to the grade of the agency worker and their 2011, Official Report, column 1219W on GCE A-level, location—currently five groups across four locations. what proportion of pupils from (a) comprehensive The agency rates are revised, as appropriate, to take schools and (b) independent mainstream schools account of any statutory changes in national insurance. achieved (i) three or more A Levels graded A or A* and The information requested is not held centrally because (ii) three or more A Level passes at any grade in (A) the the Department’s invoicing process does not separate furthest year back for which figures are available the fee from the amount paid direct to the agency without incurring disproportionate cost and (B) 2010. worker. [89094]

English Baccalaureate Mr Gibb: The information for the years 2006 and 2010 is given as follows (the A* grade was not awarded Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for in 2006): Education if he will consider including (a) music and Percentage of students1, 2, 3 achieving three or more A levels (b) other intellectually rigorous, creative and technical graded A or A* and three or more A level passes at comprehensive subjects within a sixth pillar of the English and independent mainstream schools Baccalaureate. [91701] Percentage (A) 2006 (B) 2010 Mr Gibb: The English Baccalaureate recognises schools’ Students Students Students and pupils’ GCSE achievements in a core set of academic Students achieving achieving achieving subjects. The subjects included in the English Baccalaureate achieving three or three or three or are those most commonly required at A level for entry three or more more more Admissions more Alevel A levels Alevel onto leading universities’ courses; some of these subjects— policy of A levels passes at graded A passes at languages, history and geography—have been in decline school4 graded A any grade or A* any grade and the Government want more pupils to have the opportunity to study them. Comprehensive5 6.8 74.1 8.2 74.6 We do not want schools to restrict pupils’ options to Independent 29.2 91.3 32.4 89.8 mainstream6 just this academic core. The composition of the English 1 Students entered for a GCE or Applied GCE A level or double Baccalaureate has been kept small to allow for additional award, not including equivalent qualifications. study including music and intellectually rigorous technical 2 Including attempts and achievements by these students in previous and creative subjects. We have no immediate plans to academic years. change the composition of the English Baccalaureate 3 16 to 18-year-old students entered for GCE/VCE A level qualifications. but will keep its composition under review, and continue 4 School type as recorded in Edubase. 5 Including city technology colleges and academies. to monitor its impact on GCSE subject choices, including 6 Excluding non-maintained and independent special schools. by reviewing GCSE entries in 2012. Source: Post 16 School Performance Tables (Final data). Freedom of Information GCSE: Assessments Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Education whether his Department publishes on its Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for website its response to each request it receives under Education how many entrants for GCSE examinations the Freedom of Information Act 2000; whether the were permitted additional time to complete the response is published in the same part of its website on examination in each of the last 15 years; and how many each occasion; and what the average time taken is children were recorded as having (a) specific learning between responding to a request and the information difficulties and (b) statements of special educational being made available on the website. [92122] needs in (i) Year 7 and (ii) Year 11 in each of those years. [91251] Tim Loughton: Disclosure logs for the publication of departmental responses to requests made under the Mr Gibb: The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) Freedom of Information Act 2000 are not mandatory and its predecessor the Joint Council for General for public authorities. Qualifications (JCGQ) have collected data on those 433W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 434W students awarded extra time in exams of up to 25% Table 1: Extra time in exams of up to 25% since the 2004/05 academic year. These arrangements Number of requests approved are for candidates with a range of disabilities and 2009/10 109,773 medical conditions. The figures are set out in Table 1 as follows and relate to both GCSE and GCE qualifications 2010/11 117,169 Notes: as data are not collected specifically for GCSEs. 1. In exceptional circumstances candidates can be entitled to extra Table 1: Extra time in exams of up to 25% time of more than 25%. 2. The way in which data have been collected has changed significantly Number of requests approved over this period. 3. Candidates may have had more than one agreed access arrangement 2004/05 35,319 in place such as extra time of up to 25% and a reader, or extra time of up to 25% and a scribe. 2005/06 56,900 The number of pupils recorded as having specific 2006/07 69,226 learning difficulties and statements of special education needs (SEN) in years 7 and 11 from 2004 onwards (the 2007/08 78,750 earliest period for which data are available) can be 2008/09 144,721 found in Table 2 as follows:

Table 2: State-funded primary, state-funded secondary and special schools1. Number of pupils2 with a statement of special educational need (SEN) or a specific learning difficulty (type of need)3 in national curriculum years 7 and 11. January 2004 to January 2011, England National curriculum year 7 National curriculum year 11 Specific learning difficulty3 Specific learning difficulty3 Pupils with a Pupils with a statement School Statement statement School Statement of SEN Action Plus of SEN Total of SEN Action Plus of SEN Total

20044 23,080 6,195 2,850 9,045 24,395 3,220 3,915 7,135 2005 22,345 6,350 2,280 8,630 24,095 3,725 3,540 7,260 2006 21,675 6,805 2,010 8,815 24,075 4,195 3,280 7,470 2007 20,685 6,935 1,825 8,760 23,895 4,640 2,895 7,535 2008 20,050 7,180 1,460 8,640 23,455 5,185 2,640 7,825 2009 20,720 8,075 1,450 9,525 22,800 5,635 2,270 7,905 2010 20,365 7,860 1,355 9,215 22,220 6,155 1,970 8,125 2011 20,120 7,625 1,290 8,915 21,695 6,105 1,865 7,965 1 Includes middle schools as deemed, primary academies, secondary academies, city technology colleges and maintained and non-maintained special schools. Excludes general hospital schools. 2 Includes pupils with sole or dual main registration. 3 Pupils at School Action Plus and those pupils with a statement of SEN provided information on their primary need and, if appropriate, their secondary need. Information on primary need only is given here. 4 In 2004, may include some pupils recorded at statutory assessment stage. Note: Totals may not appear to equal the sum of the component parts because numbers have been rounded to the nearest five. Source: School Census

Parental Responsibility Playgrounds: Hartlepool

Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he is taking to ensure that people Education what funding his Department has allocated have fair access to their grandchildren, nieces, nephews for provision of children’s and young people’s play or cousins following a bereavement or divorce. [91784] areas in Hartlepool constituency in (a) 2011-12 and (b) [87784] Tim Loughton: The vast majority of families make 2012-13; and if he will make a statement. their own arrangements to ensure that children keep in contact with their extended family following divorce or Sarah Teather: The Department has not allocated separation. Where families cannot reach their own funding for provision of children’s and young people’s agreements, family members may apply to the court for play areas to Hartlepool or any local area or authority a child contact order. in the financial years 2011-12 and 2012-13. The There may be cases where it is appropriate for Department’s play capital programme finished at the grandparents or other family members to assume some end of March 2011, as originally intended under the or all care responsibilities for children, for example previous Government’s Play Strategy. following the death of a child’s parents. Grandparents The Government recognise how important it is that and other family members may, with the permission of children have safe, local places to play, and the benefits the court, apply for a child residence order. these places bring to the wider community more generally. The Government will shortly publish its response to However, it is not for central Government to determine the Family Justice Review which considered, among what play facilities are available in local areas, or to tell other issues, how children can stay in contact with their the experts in the play sector how to deliver play provision. grandparents and other family members following family Children, parents, play professionals and local communities separation or divorce. best know what is most needed in their local areas. 435W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 436W

The Government are moving control over local decisions Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for and expenditure away from the centre, giving communities Education if he will place in the Library a copy of each more control over developments in their neighbourhoods, item of correspondence he has sent to companies and making it easier for volunteers and charities to get seeking funding for the King James Bible project in the involved. This approach should provide the freedom last 12 months. [92622] and flexibility for local areas to meet their own priorities for spending, which may include play, and make the Mr Gibb: To mark the 400th anniversary year of the most of the resources available. publication of the King James Bible, the Department for Education is sending a facsimile copy to each state Pupils: Disadvantaged primary and secondary school in England. This will enable all pupils to understand its place in our nation’s Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for identity and history. Education how many students have received pupil Ministers are in discussion with potential sponsors. premium funding in North Swindon constituency since its introduction. [90821] Schools: Capital Investment Sarah Teather: The pupil premium was introduced in April 2011 and allocations have so far been made for the 2011-12 financial year. Pupil premium funding is Gloria De Piero: To ask the Secretary of State for provided in respect of pupils known to be eligible for Education how much of the £1.2 billion increase in free school meals (FSM), children in care who have spending on school buildings will be allocated to schools been continuously looked after for at least six months in (a) Ashfield constituency and (b) Nottinghamshire. and children whose parents are serving in the armed [91591] forces. In the North Swindon constituency there were 2,140 pupils on the January 2011 school censuses recorded Mr Gibb [holding answer 24 January 2012]: As as known to be eligible for FSM or recorded as service announced in the Chancellor’s autumn statement, the children who have received the pupil premium to date. Department for Education has been allocated an additional The total number of pupils eligible for the pupil premium £600 million to support the provision of pupil places in the North Swindon constituency may be higher, but and £600 million to support the expansion of the free it is not possible to identify the number of pupils in schools programme. Departmental officials are considering each parliamentary constituency recorded as being in how best to allocate this funding and announcements care or recorded in the alternative provision census as, on specific allocations will be made in due course. in both cases, the returns are provided at local authority level rather than at establishment level. Schools: Information and Communications Technology Schools Damian Hinds: To ask the Secretary of State for Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much maintained schools in England Education whether it is his Department’s policy that spent on IT (a) in total, (b) hardware, (c) software, when an official from his Department attends a (d) consultancy fees and (e) other expenditure in each governing body or sub-committee meeting at a school of the last 10 years. [91352] the local authority is informed in advance. [87060] Mr Gibb: The Department does not collect expenditure Mr Gibb [holding answer 19 December 2011]: We are on hardware, software and consultancy fees specifically, keen to work in partnership with local authorities when but through the Consistent Financial Reporting (CFR) officials from the Department visit schools and make data collection we can identify the amount spent on every effort to notify the appropriate local authority in information and communication technology (ICT) resources advance of a visit. which includes expenditure on computer hardware, educational software and cost of maintenance contracts Schools: Bibles for ICT used for teaching. The following table shows the expenditure for local authority maintained schools’ respective levels of spend from 2002-03 to 2010-11. Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much has been spent on storage for the Total spend across maintained schools in England1,2 on ICT Learning King James Bible project; on what date the copies of Resource3 and ICT Hardware/Software4: 2002-03 to 2009-10 the Bible in storage were printed; and where they are ICT learning ICT Hardware/ resource Software located. [92621] 2002-03 291,237,598 67,070,792 Mr Gibb: To mark the 400th anniversary year of the 2003-04 355,594,967 128,901,591 publication of the King James Bible, the Department 2004-05 437,877,822 190,095,786 for Education is sending a facsimile copy to each state 2005-06 469,522,633 229,160,855 primary and secondary school in England. This will 2006-07 444,576,221 214,318,573 enable all pupils to understand its place in our nation’s 2007-08 473,398,978 172,336,284 identity and history. 2008-09 460,299,919 186,264,035 Printing will commence in the next few months, and 2009-10 431,779,766 243,564,433 therefore no storage costs have been incurred. 2010-11 441,373,065 187,280,693 437W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 438W

1 Figures contained in the table are taken from data supplied by By 23 January, over 80 responses had been received, maintained schools (nursery, primary, secondary and special), pupil but an analysis of these will not commence until the referral units (PRUs) and LAs in the Consistent Financial Reporting (CFR) collection. The figures for 2010-11 may differ from those week commencing 30 January when all the responses published in the CFR Statistical Release in December 2011 due to the have been processed. The intention is to publish the inclusion of PRU figures, who supply figures on a voluntary basis. results of the consultation and the Department’s response Traditionally questions of this kind have been answered using Section on the Department’s website, in the spring. This will 251 Outturn information which is collected and verified by LAs on a show data on the responses to the proposed standards similar academic year basis, and uses CFR data to feed into aggregate LA figures. For this request it was necessary to use the underlying for toilets and washing facilities and for water supplies, school level CFR information as the amount of spend on ‘ICT including a consolidation of the comments received Hardware/Software (CE04)’ that is collected in the CFR exercise is about them. not part of the data that feeds into Section 251 Outturn reports. 2 The 2002-03 financial year was the first year of collection and figures in this format are not available previous to that year. There are known data issues with this year and figures should be used with caution. Schools: Swindon 3 Included in ‘ICT Learning Resource (E20)’ is spend on educational software, including site or other licences, hardware including keyboards, monitors, printers etc. used for teaching purposes, purchase, lease, hire or maintenance, contracts of ICT used for teaching, costs of Broadband, ISDN, ASDL or other dedicated phone lines, and ICT in Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for schools revenue expenditure. Excluded from this field is spend on Education how many children in South Swindon resources that are used for specific administration purposes (See CFR constituency qualified for the pupil premium in the last field E22), where a resource is used for curriculum and administration year for which figures are available. [91140] purposes, and where costs are material, costs or estimates of the split should be coded separately at the time of purchase, and ICT expenditure that is over the de minimis level (See CFR field CE04). 4 Included in ‘ICT Hardware/Software (CE04)’ is spend on e-learning Sarah Teather: The pupil premium was introduced in credit expenditure, purchase of computer hardware and software where these are to be capitalised or are funded from capital grant, and April 2011 and allocations have so far been made for ICT in schools capital expenditure. Excluded from this field is spend the 2011-12 financial year. Pupil premium funding is on costs of consultancy that can be identified individually, which provided in respect of pupils known to be eligible for should be allocated under the specific expenditure groups within free school meals (FSM), children in care who have expenditure (See CFR fields E27, E28), and costs of training for staff been continuously looked after for at least six months in the use of ICT systems (See CFR field E09). and children whose parents are serving in the armed forces. In the South Swindon constituency there were The figures supplied cover spending on ICT learning 2,210 pupils on the January 2011 school censuses recorded resources (E20) and information and communication as known to be eligible for FSM or recorded as service technology (CE04) as outlined in the Consistent Financial children who qualified for the pupil premium. The total Reporting (CFR) guide and so include: number of pupils eligible for the pupil premium in the ICT learning resources South Swindon constituency may be higher, but it is not possible to identify the number of pupils in each educational software, including site or other licences, etc., used parliamentary constituency recorded as being in care or for teaching purposes recorded in the alternative provision census as, in both hardware, including keyboards, monitors, printers etc., used cases, the returns are provided at local authority level for teaching purposes rather than at establishment level. purchase, lease, hire or maintenance contracts of ICT used for teaching costs of broadband, ISDN, ASDL or other dedicated phone Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for lines. Education how many children in South Swindon constituency were excluded from school in each of the Information and communication technology last 10 years. [91141] purchase of computer hardware and software where these are to be capitalised and are funded from capital grant. Mr Gibb: Information for the years 2005/06 to 2009/10 is shown in the table.

Schools: Sanitation Data on fixed period exclusions was collected for the first time in 2003/04 via the Termly Exclusions Survey, and both fixed period and permanent exclusions were Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for collected via the School Census for the first time in Education what recent representations he has received 2005/06. Data has been provided for five years, covering regarding the standard of school (a) toilet and the period 2005/06 to 2009/10. To provide data for any (b) water facilities for pupils. [91664] further years would incur disproportionate cost. The latest information on exclusions at national and local authority level was published in the Statistical Mr Gibb: The Department is consulting on revised First Release “Permanent and Fixed Period Exclusions standards for school premises, which include regulations from Schools in England 2009/10”, available at: for toilet and washing facilities and for water supplies, including drinking water. This public consultation lasted http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s001016/ 12 weeks and will conclude on the 26 January 2012. index.shtml 439W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 440W

Maintained primary, state-funded secondary and special schools1, 2, 3, number and percentage of permanent exclusions and pupil enrolments with one or more fixed period exclusions4, 5, South Swindon parliamentary constituency, 2005/06 to 2009/10 Permanent Exclusions4 Primary1 State-funded secondary1, 2 Special3 Maintained primary, state- funded secondary and special schools Number of Percentage Number of Percentage Number of Percentage Number of Percentage permanent of the school permanent of the school permanent of the school permanent of the school exclusions population6 exclusions population6 exclusions population6 exclusions population6

2005/067 0 0.00 6 0.10 0 0.00 10 0.04 2006/07 0 0.00 15 0.21 0 0.00 20 0.10 2007/08 9— 9— 24 0.34 0 0.00 30 0.16 2008/09 9— 9— 10 0.14 0 0.00 10 0.07 2009/10 9— 9— 8 0.12 0 0.00 10 0.06

Pupil enrolments with one or more fixed period exclusions5 Primary1 State-funded secondary1, 2 Special3 Maintained primary, state- funded secondary and special schools Pupil Pupil Pupil Pupil enrolments enrolments enrolments enrolments with one or with one or with one or with one or more fixed Percentage more fixed Percentage more fixed Percentage more fixed Percentage period of the school period of the school period of the school period of the school exclusions5 population6 exclusions5 population6 exclusions5 population6 exclusions5 population6

2005/0678— 8— 480 7.86 8— 8— 8— 8— 2006/07 23 0.28 495 6.83 9— 9— 520 3.35 2007/08 59 0.73 414 5.83 0 0.00 470 3.12 2008/09 29 0.36 347 4.96 0 0.00 380 2.50 2009/10 42 0.53 330 4.80 0 0.00 370 2.51 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes city technology colleges and academies (including all-through academies). 3 Includes maintained and non-maintained special schools. Excludes general hospital schools. 4 Permanent exclusion figures at constituency level are as reported by schools. Published figures at national and local authority level were adjusted following an exercise to check the total number of exclusions with local authorities. 5 Pupils may be counted more than once if they moved schools during the year, or are registered at more than one school. 6 The number of exclusions expressed as a percentage of the number (headcount) of pupils (excluding dually registered pupils) as at January each year. 7 For the 2005/06 school year, only information on fixed period exclusions from secondary schools was available. 8 Not available—no exclusions collected for schools of this type. 9 Less than 5 or a percentage based on less than 5. Note: Totals may not appear to equal the sum of component parts because totals have been rounded to the nearest 10. Source: School Census

Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Note: Education how many children in the South Swindon National and regional totals have been rounded to the nearest five. Source: constituency have been placed in the category of school Schools Census. action plus in each of the last five years. [91143] Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many children in the South Swindon Mr Gibb: The available information on the number of constituency have been in receipt of a statement of pupils with special educational needs at school action special educational needs in each of the last five years. plus in the South Swindon constituency, in the south-west [91144] and in England is shown in the following table. All schools1: Number of pupils with special educational needs at school Mr Gibb: The available information on the number of action plus2, January 2007-11, England pupils with statements of special educational needs in 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 the South Swindon constituency, in the south-west and in England is shown in the following table. England 418,160 447,465 472,810 503,050 500,155 1 2 South-west 33,135 34,815 36,685 39,185 40,060 All schools : Pupils with statements of special educational needs ,as at January 2007-11, England South Swindon 730 787 792 787 785 parliamentary 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 constituency England 232,760 227,315 225,400 223,945 224,210 1 Includes nursery schools, middle schools as deemed, primary academies, secondary academies, city technology colleges, South- 20,820 20,620 20,565 20,580 20,470 maintained and special schools and pupil referral units. Excludes west general hospital schools and independent schools. South 281 280 299 332 317 2 Includes pupils with sole or dual main registration. Swindon 441W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 442W

1 Includes nursery schools, middle schools as deemed, primary academies, Sixth Form Education: Finance secondary academies, city technology colleges, maintained and special schools and pupil referral units. Excludes general hospital schools and independent schools. Julian Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for 2 Includes pupils with sole or dual main registration. Education what recent representations he has received Note: on changes to funding of sixth form education. [91609] National and regional totals have been rounded to the nearest five. Source: Schools Census. Mr Gibb: The Department has received 695 responses to its recent consultation on the 16-19 Funding Formula review. We are currently analysing these returns and plan to publish the outcomes from the consultation Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for later in the spring. Education how many children in the South Swindon constituency have received A*-C grades in their (a) mathematics and (b) English GCSE in each of the last Special Educational Needs five years. [91145] Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what funding he plans to make available for children with special educational needs who will not be Mr Gibb: The information requested is given in the eligible for an Education, Health and Care Plan and following table: are registered as School Action or School Action Plus. Numbers and percentages of pupils1,2 at the end of key stage 4 [90878] achieving A*-C grades in English and mathematics GCSEs3,4 in South 5 6 7 Swindon constituency , south-west region and England . Years: 2006- Sarah Teather: Currently over £2 billion is delegated 10. Coverage: England directly to schools to support children with SEN, with Number and percentage of KS4 an additional £306 million allocated to schools to support pupils achieving A*-C individual pupils with statements. Our plans for changes in 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 to the statement system do not anticipate any changes to the total amounts available. We are, however, planning English to ensure greater transparency about the support available South Swindon 656 862 783 833 899 for children with special educational needs with local (number) authorities setting out a local offer of the support South Swindon 55.6 60.0 57.2 61.1 68.1 available in their area. (percentage) Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of South-west (number) 34,618 35,006 35,547 35,964 38,087 State for Education what criteria were used to select the South-west 59.6 60.4 61.7 63.5 66.9 pathfinders to test the best ways of implementing the (percentage) reforms in the Special Educational Needs Green Paper; what objectives he set for the pathfinders; and what England (number) 338,325 349,086 357,983 358,136 382,870 mechanism the pathfinders will use to evaluate their England (percentage) 57.1 58.3 60.1 62.1 66.5 effectiveness. [91927]

Maths Sarah Teather [holding answer 26 January 2012]: The South Swindon 581 761 706 755 786 20 special educational needs and disability pathfinders (number) were selected according to the criteria published in the South Swindon 49.2 53.0 51.5 55.4 59.5 ‘Invitation to Tender’, which is available on the Department’s (percentage) website at: http://www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/sen/ South-west (number) 31,412 31,908 32,832 34,013 35,914 b00191706/send-green-paper-pathfinders South-west 54.1 55.0 57.0 60.1 63.1 Criteria included engagement of children, young people (percentage) and parents, partnership arrangements, capacity to innovate and role of the voluntary and community sector. All England (number) 307,025 323,044 335,453 339,196 360,532 pathfinders are working within existing statutory frameworks towards the following common objectives: England (percentage) 51.8 54.0 56.3 58.8 62.6 1 Figures do not include pupils recently arrived from overseas. to develop a new birth to 25 assessment process and a single 2 Figures include all maintained schools (including CTCs and plan which bring together the education, health and social care academies). services on which children and young people who are disabled or 3 Full GCSEs only have been included (full GCSEs, double awards, have SEN rely; accredited international certificates and their predecessor iGCSEs to explore how the voluntary and community sector could and AS levels). Figures from 2006-09 exclude iGCSEs, 2010 figures explore access to specialist expertise and introduce more independence include accredited iGCSEs. to the process; and 4 Including attempts and achievements by these pupils in previous academic years. to ensure the full engagement of children, young people and 5 Parliamentary constituency figures are based on the postcode of their parents and families. the school. The Department has appointed SQW to carry out an 6 Regional figures are based on the region of the local authority independent evaluation of the pathfinder programme. maintaining the school. 7 England figures are the sum of all local authority figures. The Mott MacDonald pathfinder support team is working Source: with pathfinders to help them develop their plans for National Pupil Database measuring outcomes for children and families locally. 443W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 444W

Special Educational Needs: Children Tim Loughton: Information on the number of looked after children with autism who access education beyond the age of 16 is not currently available. However the Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of Department does collect information on the number of State for Education how he plans to provide special former care leavers now aged 19 but who were looked educational needs assessments for young people who after when aged 16, who are in higher education. This develop needs in their teens. [91925] information is published in table F1 of the Department’s Statistical First Release, “Children Looked After by Sarah Teather [holding answer 26 January 2012]: Local Authorities in England (including adoption and Local pathfinders involving local authorities and their care leavers)—year ending 31 March 2011”. This publication health partners are testing the best ways of achieving can be found at: the reforms set out in the Green Paper, ‘Support and http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s001026/ aspiration: A new approach to special educational needs index.shtml and disability’. Those reforms include plans for a single, integrated assessment process and Education, Health and Care Plan for children and young people from birth Third Sector to 25 who would, under the current system have a statement of special educational needs or a learning difficulty assessment. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps his Department is taking to Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of measure progress on the implementation of policies State for Education what his policy is on early supporting the big society initiative; and if he will make intervention for children with special educational a statement. [91388] needs. [91926] Sarah Teather: Departmental business plans set out Sarah Teather [holding answer 26 January 2012]: A clear priorities across Government, including what we central theme of the recent Green Paper “Support and are putting in place to support the growth of big Aspiration: a new approach to special educational needs society, and we continue to report publicly on progress and disability” is to ensure that children’s support needs against these priorities at are recognised early and to enable professionals and http://transparency.number10.gov.uk/transparency/srp/ parents to put the right help in place quickly, leading to Within the Department for Education this includes the best possible outcomes for every child. reporting progress on initiatives such as Free Schools, To ensure that teachers are well equipped to identify Sure Start children’s centres, and joint work with the and meet young peoples’ needs, we have committed to Cabinet Office on the National Citizen Service, as well sharpen the focus on special educational needs within as work to reduce bureaucratic burdens and ensure the standards for qualified teacher status; increase the more and better information is available to service number of initial teacher training placements in special users. schools; and, provide for scholarships, continuing In addition to the routine monitoring of programmes professional development and training opportunities in to measure progress the Department for Education SEN, including in specific impairments. This should carries out evaluation of programmes. For example, we equip teachers with the skills and knowledge to improve have commissioned a major evaluation of Sure Start achievement for children with SEN and disabilities. children’s centres and we are managing the evaluation The proposed revision to the statement of special of the National Citizen Service with Cabinet Office educational needs, the new Education, Health and Care which will be published at plan, will bring together the range of support that a www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk child or young person needs from education, health or in due course. Other DFE evaluations are published at social care services, within one plan involving all relevant agencies as well as the child and family. This should www.education.gov.uk streamline the assessment process and help to ensure that the right package of support can be put in place as Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for soon as a child’s needs are identified. Education how much funding (a) Academy of York, In addition, there are a number of universal measures (b) Bolton Lads and Girls Clubs, (c) Changematters, that will also be particularly beneficial to children with (d) Connexions Cumbria, (e) Engage4Life, (f) Envision, SEN. The revised Early Years Foundation Stage will (g) Fylde Coast YMCA, (h) Jewish Lads and Girls include a new requirement for providing for earlier Brigade, (i) Lincolnshire and Rutland EBP, (j) New intervention for those children who need extra help, College Nottingham, (k) Petroc, (l) Safe in Tees Valley, through the introduction of a progress check when (m) Salford Foundation, (n) Sefton (CVS), (o) The children are age two. Challenge Network, (p) The National Youth Agency, (q) V, (r) Young Devon/NCS South West, (s) Your Special Educational Needs: Children in Care Consortium Ltd, (t) Catch 22, (u) Future Foundations, (v) Global Action Plan, (w) Groundwork, (x) Luton Culture, (y) Oxfordshire CC, (z) Partnership Network, Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for (aa) Transitions Plus, (bb) Football League Trust and Education how many looked-after children with autism (cc) Young Lives have received from his Department to access education beyond the age of 16 in each English run National Citizen Service pilots in 2012; and if he will local authority. [92552] make a statement. [92514] 445W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 446W

Tim Loughton: Funding for NCS pilots in 2012 is including more than 350,000 children and around 550,000 provided by the Cabinet Office and from a wide range working-age adults. The impact assessment also estimated of sources. 2012 pilot providers have secured funding that universal credit could reduce the number of workless from a range of sources in addition to the Cabinet households by as much as 300,000. Universal credit is Office investment that includes business donations, in-kind expected to improve work incentives by allowing individuals support from providers themselves, private philanthropic to keep more of their income as they move into work, donations, local fundraising and small contributions and by introducing a smoother and more transparent from participants and their families. This Department reduction of benefits when they increase their earnings. has not provided funding to support 2012 pilots. Crisis Loans

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work WORK AND PENSIONS and Pensions how many applications for social fund crisis loans there have been in each month since June Access to Work Programme 2010; and if he will make a statement. [91976]

Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Steve Webb: The following table shows the number of and Pensions what guidance is given to Access to Work crisis loan applications made each month since June assessors and advisers on ensuring that (a) Access to 2010. Work processes are accessible to deaf blind people and (b) the support needs of deaf blind people are met Number of crisis loan through Access to Work. [91916] applications

Maria Miller: Access to Work advisers will have June 2010 300,650 undergone disability awareness training to ensure that July 2010 292,630 they are able to identify the communication needs of August 2010 283,950 the customer. Assessors are contracted on the basis that September 2010 299,540 their services are accessible to disabled people under the October 2010 267,980 requirements of the Equalities Act. November 2010 278,670 Access to Work is a pan-disability programme which December 2010 240,770 includes deaf blind customers. It provides practical January 2011 302,540 advice and support to disabled people and their employers February 2011 288,400 to help them overcome work related obstacles resulting March 2011 301,100 from disability. Access to Work funds the support that April 2011 207,990 is beyond the reasonable adjustments that employers May 2011 240,670 make. It funds a variety of support for disabled people June 2011 230,760 in employment, including support workers, travel to July 2011 220,800 work, special aids and equipment and adaptations August 2011 221,300 to equipment. September 2011 221,740 The Department is currently considering how to update October 2011 197,400 the range of support it provides for disabled people in November 2011 196,400 the light of the Sayce review recommendations and December 2011 170,620 subsequent consultation. Notes: 1. The information provided is management information. Our preference is to answer all parliamentary questions using Official/National Statistics Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work but in this case we only have management information available. It is and Pensions what estimate he has made of the average not quality assured to the same extent as Official/National Statistics time elapsing between an initial application to Access and there are some issues with the data, for example, it does not to Work and the requested support being in place for include applications which were processed clerically and have not yet (a) disabled and (b) deafblind people. [91943] been entered on to the social fund computer system. 2. Figures are for applications received, not for the number of people who made an application as some people made more than one Maria Miller: The information requested is not routinely application collected and could be obtained only at disproportionate 3. The number of applications received has been rounded to the cost. nearest 10. Source: Children: Poverty DWP Social Fund Policy, Budget and Management Information System. Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Deloitte and Pensions what estimate he has made of the effect of the implementation of the provisions of the Welfare John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Reform Bill on levels of child poverty in each of the Work and Pensions what contracts his Department has five years following its implementation. [91985] awarded to Deloitte since May 2010; and what the (a) net and (b) individual monetary value was of each Maria Miller: A key component of the Welfare Reform such contract. [92444] Bill is universal credit. The impact assessment published in October 2011 estimates that, on reasonable assumptions, Chris Grayling: In 2008-09 the Department spent the combined impact of increased take-up and entitlements £72.8 million on business consultancy services. This will lift around 900,000 individuals out of poverty, figure reduced to £18.2 million in 2010-11. This represents 447W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 448W a total reduction of 76% compared to 2008-09 spending Employment Schemes levels and we continue to drive value for money for the taxpayer. Spending has continued to fall during calendar Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for year 2011 with the Department spending just £3.13 Work and Pensions what information his Department million on business consultancy. collects on the number of (a) job interviews Since May 2010 the following contracts have been undertaken and (b) work placements allocated under awarded to Deloitte: the sector based work academy scheme. [92102]

£ Chris Grayling: Information on the number of claimants participating in the sector-based work academy scheme CIT Organisation and Capability 1 will be published later in the year. Transformation Options Research into the Capacity of the Health 48,670 Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Care Professional Market Work and Pensions if his Department will develop Compensating People with Occupational 25,616 a costed contingency for replacing failed prime Mesothelioma contractors in the Work programme; and if he will Review of Transforming Letters Project 19,950 make a statement. [92103] Digital Customer Total Experience 16,667 Design Chris Grayling: The Department has developed robust DWP Shared Services Delivery Model 225,000 contingency arrangements to manage any prime contractor Options Appraisal failure, with performance being actively monitored to Total 335,904 ensure early warning of a provider facing difficulty. There is at least one alternative contractor in each contract package area (CPA) and providers are required Departmental Public Expenditure to provide full geographical coverage of each CPA so could quickly provide support to claimants of the other Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for provider. In addition, as the Work programme was Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of procured through the Framework for the Provision of the level of change in his Department’s spending on Employment Related Support Services there are additional (a) pensioners, (b) families with children, (c) people providers available at short notice. Therefore the Department with a disability and (d) all those living in Northern expects that any necessary alternative arrangements Ireland by 2015. [92416] would be implemented at minimal cost. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Maria Miller: These are devolved matters which are Work and Pensions from what date he expects to apply the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Minister for automatic checks on Work programme prime Social Development. providers’ claims for outcome payments. [92104] Chris Grayling: The Department plans to introduce Disability: Employment these checks from April 2012.

Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what support his Department Work and Pensions with reference to the commitment makes available for people with Duchenne muscular in the Open Services White Paper on provision of user dystrophy and their families. [91900] satisfaction data by public service providers, what plans he has for the publication of user satisfaction data in the Work programme. [92465] Maria Miller: Individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who are unable to work due to their condition Chris Grayling: Both the Jobcentre Plus and Pension, are able to claim employment and support allowance. Disability and Carers Service surveys (which the Open This benefit provides help to those capable of preparing Services White Paper refers to) are designed to elicit for work to enable them to do so, as well as unconditional customer feedback on the services JCP or PDCS provides, support to the most severely disabled. not experiences of work programme provision. This Employment support to help disabled people, including information is used to inform continual improvement of those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, is provided services provided by JCP and PDCS. through Jobcentre Plus and the Work programme. The Department has commissioned an independent Individuals may also qualify for specialist support through evaluation of the Work programme. This will include Work Choice, which helps individuals to move into in-depth research with participants to understand their supported employment, as well as Access to Work experiences of support and measure their progress into which provides support to individuals and their employers work. All the research will be published in the DWP to meet adjustments they may require in the workplace research report series; the first report will be published or to access a job. later this year. Those with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who have extra costs due to their disability may also qualify for Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for disability living allowance. Individuals with a caring Work and Pensions what maximum period is specified responsibility, such as family members of an individual for the interval between contacts with a programme with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, may qualify for participant in contracts with Work programme providers. carers allowance. [92467] 449W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 450W

Chris Grayling: The Department does not specify the The consultation closed on 17 October 2011 and the contact intervals between participants and their Work Government will publish a summary of responses received programme provider. and a statement on future policy as soon as practicably Work programme providers are free to design support possible. based on individual and local need and will be paid primarily for supporting claimants into employment Freedom of Information and helping them stay there for longer than ever before. It is therefore in the interest of providers to ensure the Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for frequency of contact is appropriate for the participant. Work and Pensions whether his Department publishes On attachment to the Work programme, participants on its website its response to each request it receives are given a summary of the service standards they can under the Freedom of Information Act 2000; whether expect to receive as well as the complaints process if the response is published in the same part of its website they are unhappy with the level of service and support on each occasion; and what the average time taken is the provider gives. between responding to a request and the information being made available on the website. [92119] Employment Schemes: Disability Steve Webb: The Department for Work and Pensions does not publish its response to every request it receives Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work under the Freedom of Information Act, not least because and Pensions what steps he is taking to help disabled the volumes are too large and in any event many are people into work. [92255] quite routine. However, the Department regularly publishes those Maria Miller: We are committed to ensuring that responses where the information released is of wider disabled people have the same employment opportunities public interest. Officials endeavour to publish such releases and chances as everyone else to find and stay in work, as soon as possible and they can be found at the regardless of their disability or benefit status. following address: As part of this commitment, the Department for http://www.dwp.gov.uk/freedom%2Dof%2Dinformation/ Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for a range of information%2Dreleased%2Dunder/ specialist employment provision specifically aimed at In addition, all the Department’s responses to the disabled people whose needs cannot be met through What Do They Know website are automatically published other DWP mainstream provision, such as the Work on that website. This constitutes around 20% of the programme: Department’s freedom of information responses. Work Choice, launched in October 2010, provides tailored support to help disabled people who face the most complex The What Do They Know website can be found at barriers to employment find and stay in work (including self- the following address: employment) and ultimately help them progress into unsupported http://www.whatdotheyknow.com/body/dwp employment, where it is appropriate for the individual. Work Choice is voluntary and available regardless of any benefits being Funeral Payments claimed. Access to Work provides practical advice and support to Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work disabled people and their employers to help them overcome work related obstacles resulting from disability. Access to Work funds and Pensions how many applications for grants to the support that is beyond the reasonable adjustments that employers cover funeral costs there have been in each month since make. Access to Work supported 35,840 disabled people to keep June 2010; and if he will make a statement. [91975] or get employment during 2010/11. Remploy Employment Services deliver employment support Steve Webb: The following table shows the number of for disabled people, including through the Work Choice programme funeral payment claims made each month since June and Remploy Enterprise Businesses—a network of 54 factories 2010. across the UK, providing supported employment to disabled people. Number of funeral Residential training, delivered through nine residential training payment claims colleges, provides vocational training to unemployed disabled adults. Support is not restricted to particular types of disability June 2010 5,760 although some colleges focus support on particular groups, for July 2010 5,400 example visually impaired and hearing impaired. August 2010 4,720 In December 2010, the Government asked for an September 2010 5,470 independent review to look at DWP employment support October 2010 4,880 available for disabled people, specifically Remploy, residential November 2010 6,140 training colleges and the Access to Work programme. December 2010 4,100 This was led by Liz Sayce, the chief executive of the January 2011 6,900 disability organisation RADAR. February 2011 6,850 Liz Sayce published her report, ‘Getting in, staying in March 2011 7,470 and getting on’, on 9 June 2011. The Government’s April 2011 5,220 response and a separate public consultation was launched May 2011 6,100 on 11 July 2011. I welcome the central theme of the June 2011 5,840 review, that resources for supporting disabled people July 2011 5,330 into employment should be focused on disabled August 2011 5,340 people themselves rather than on specific institutions. September 2011 5,850 451W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 452W

Steve Webb: The Pensions Regulator was set up in Number of funeral payment claims April 2005 with a new proactive and risk-based regulatory approach, placing greater emphasis on identifying and October 2011 5,350 tackling real risks to members’ benefits. The delivery of November 2011 5,730 the daily business is managed by the chief executive, December 2011 5,020 reporting to the Board of the Pensions Regulator. There Notes: is an ongoing assessment of the regulator’s performance 1. The information provided is Management Information. Our preference at both ministerial and official level. Following a request is to answer all parliamentary questions using Official/National Statistics from Ministers in line with DWPs other non-departmental but in this case we only have Management Information available. It is not quality assured to the same extent as Official/National statistics public bodies the Pensions Regulator have submitted and there are some issues with the data, for example, it does not proposals to reduce their operating costs over the spending include applications which were processed clerically and have not yet review period which will be achieved by a number of been entered on to the Social Fund Computer System. initiatives to increase efficiencies in the Pension’s Regulator’s 2. The number of claims received has been rounded to the nearest 10. business while maintaining or improving standards of Source: DWP Social Fund Policy, Budget and Management Information service delivery. The Pensions Regulator publishes a System business plan annually and submits an annual report on all its activities to the Secretary of State for Work and Health and Safety Regulation Review Pensions, which is then laid before Parliament. The Pensions Regulator recently reviewed its internal Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for complaints process and concluded that it could be Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of streamlined from a three stage to a two stage process. the finding of the Löfstedt Review of Health and The first stage is an investigation and response by the Safety Legislation that there is no case for radically Corporate Secretary and the second is a review by altering current health and safety legislation. [92464] the Chair if the complainant remains dissatisfied.

Chris Grayling: Professor Löfstedt’s independent review Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Work of health and safety legislation found that the existing and Pensions what assessment he has asked the regulatory framework was broadly right but recommended Pensions Regulator to make of the level of hidden revoking, amending or clarifying those regulations that charges associated with pension and savings funds; and place unnecessary burdens on business without contributing if he will make a statement. [92327] to a healthier and safer workplace. Steve Webb: I am strongly committed to clarity on The Government accepted Professor Löfstedt’s costs and charges so there is increased trust in pension recommendations and are committed to their timely provision and scheme members do not incur unnecessary implementation to ensure the health and safety system costs. In support of this, the Pensions Regulator encourages is consistent, proportionate, and easy to understand. the industry to be open and transparent about charges The Health and Safety Executive has launched a so that people can make informed choices about their consultation on the revocation of the first seven statutory pension provision. The Regulator has challenged the instruments that have been identified as obsolete or that pensions industry to develop a way to disclose charges have been overtaken by more recent regulations. The so that employers and advisors can be clear about value consultation, which closes on 12 March 2012, can be when selecting a scheme. This is part of the wider found on the HSE website at: approach, which aims to ensure that members of all http://www.hse.gov.uk/consult/live.htm workplace Defined Contribution schemes secure as good Regular progress updates on the implementation of the an outcome as possible. Löfstedt recommendations will be published on the DWP website. Poverty: Northern Ireland

Members: Correspondence Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work number of (a) pensioners, (b) families and (c) children and Pensions when he expects to reply to the letter who will be living in poverty in Northern Ireland in from Mark Gilbert on the treatment of his wife Susan 2015. [92413] Gilbert in her employment by Sainsbury plc. [90880] Maria Miller: These are devolved matters which are Chris Grayling: Mr Gilbert wrote to the Minister the responsibility of the Northern Ireland Minister for for Disabled People, my hon. Friend the Member for Social Development. Basingstoke (Maria Miller), on 10 August 2011. An Social Fund official replied to Mr Gilbert on 19 August 2011 on behalf of the Minister. John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many local authorities have Pensions Regulator committed themselves to setting up a replacement for his Department’s social fund. [92076] Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to increase the Steve Webb: Local authorities are not replacing the efficiency of (a) the Pensions Regulator and (b) the social fund. Payments for maternity, heating and funeral Pensions Regulator complaints procedure. [92254] expenses will continue while some discretionary payments 453W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 454W will be replaced by better targeted local provision in If child benefit was excluded, then the gross earnings England and help provided under arrangements made of someone in work would need to be much higher in by the Scottish and Welsh Governments. order to have the equivalent net income from work as When funding is distributed it will be accompanied someone on benefits. The exact equivalent in gross by a settlement letter setting out what funding is to be earnings would depend on the number of children in used for, its underlying principles and the outcome the family. For example, a family with four children which should be achieved. would receive nearly £30,000 in benefits which is the equivalent to £40,000 in earnings and a family with We are working closely with the local authorities and 10 children or more would receive over £33,000 in their representative organisations to support them in benefits which is the equivalent to gross earnings of preparing to deliver the new local provision and I am towards £50,000 a year. unaware of any that is not committing to providing it. Additionally, universal credit will provide a better Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for service with payments on account, supporting many Work and Pensions if he will estimate the number of people in need of short and longer term credit facilities. claimants who will be affected by the benefit cap in each parliamentary constituency. [92607] Social Fund: Liverpool Chris Grayling: The information is not available by Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for Work parliamentary constituency. and Pensions for which aspects of the Social Fund he is planning to transfer responsibility to Liverpool city council. [92571] Social Security Benefits: Greater London Steve Webb: Liverpool city council will not become responsible for any elements of the Social Fund. Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work National payments for maternity, heating and funeral and Pensions how many people in (a) Bexleyheath and expenses will continue while some discretionary payments Crayford constituency, (b) the London borough of will be replaced by better targeted local provision through Bexley and (c) London received benefits in excess of local authorities in England and arrangements made by the value of his proposed benefits cap in the latest the Scottish and Welsh Governments. period for which figures are available. [92513] When the funding is distributed it will be accompanied Chris Grayling: The information is not available by by a settlement letter setting out what the funding is to parliamentary constituency. be used for, its underlying principles and the outcome which should be achieved. It will say that the funding is The number of households estimated to be affected to concentrate resources on those facing greatest difficulty in the London borough of Bexley is 300. The number of in managing their income, and to enable a more flexible households estimated to be affected in all London boroughs response to unavoidable need. The letter will make is 35,600. explicit that the funding is to provide a replacement The figures relate to the financial year 2013-14 when provision for community care grants and general living the cap is due to be implemented, and are on the same expenses crisis loans. basis as the impact assessment which was published on We are working closely with local authorities and 23 January 2012. their representative organisations to support them in The impact assessment assumes that the situation of preparing to deliver the new local provision. these households will go unchanged, and they will not Additionally, universal credit will provide a better take any steps to either work enough hours to qualify service of payments on account, supporting many people for working tax credit, renegotiate their rent in situ, or in need of short and longer term credit facilities. find alternative accommodation. In all cases the Department is working to support households through this transition, Social Security Benefits using existing provision through Jobcentre Plus and the Work programme to move as many into work as possible. Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what calculations his Department made in reaching its estimate that a working household Universal Credit would have to earn £35,000 per year for its net income to exceed the maximum payable under the proposed Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for benefit cap and £50,000 per year if child benefit was Work and Pensions pursuant to the oral answer of excluded from the cap. [92466] 23 January 2012, Official Report, column 9, on universal credit, whether his Department expects to be Chris Grayling: An employee earning £35,000 per able to access real-time PAYE information for all annum, gross of income tax and national insurance employers by the launch of universal credit in October contributions (NICs), would take home £26,000 per 2013. [92105] annum after deducting income tax and NICs. This calculation is based on the 2011-12 rates and thresholds Chris Grayling: DWP is working closely with HMRC for income tax and NICs, which can be found at the on the availability of RTI data. HMRC have plans in following URLs: place to bring all employers under RTI by October http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/index.htm 2013. HMRC assure us they are on track to meet this http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/ni/index.htm target. 455W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 456W

BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Product Glasgow South West Comment Apprentices: West Midlands Access to finance 14 companies of Drawn down loans £1.75 million post 2010 for Enterprise Finance Mr Robin Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Guarantee scheme. Business, Innovation and Skills how many small and In Scotland for the same period there medium-sized businesses have taken on apprentices in were 567 loans of (a) Worcester constituency, (b) Worcestershire and £82.56 million. (c) the west midlands in the last year. [92160] Knowledge Transfer One company — Partnerships supported Mr Hayes: Information is not available on the size of Collaborative R&D Three companies — the employer for apprentices below national level. supported Trade services support 16 companies These were services Small businesses are the cornerstone of our economy offered by UKTI in and high quality training opportunities like apprenticeships calendar year 2011. are key to supporting their growth and success. We recognise this and, in last November’s Education and For other schemes such as BIS’s Knowledge Transfer Skills Growth Review, we announced a range of measures Networks, information is only available at a national to improve small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) level and not at constituency level. access to apprenticeships, including speeding up the process to advertise and recruit an apprentice; removing Business: Scotland health and safety requirements that go beyond regulatory requirements; and enabling micro companies to build Ann McKechin: To ask the Secretary of State extra modules into apprenticeships. for Business, Innovation and Skills how many The Government are aware that small businesses Government-owned empty or under-utilised buildings place great value on apprenticeships. Indeed, the National in Scotland will be made available to small businesses; Employer Skills Survey suggests that SMEs employ and where such buildings are located. [92616] proportionately more apprentices than larger employers. Mr Prisk: Enterprise policy is a devolved responsibility. The announcement by the Prime Minister on making Biotechnology Government-owned empty or under-utilised buildings available to small businesses, in the first instance pertains Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for to property in England. However, the Government will Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment be speaking to all of the devolved Administrations to he has made of opportunities arising from industrial explore the possibilities of extending this initiative across biotechnology in the development of a low carbon the whole of the UK. economy. [91761] Community Investment Tax Relief Mr Willetts: The Government recognise that industrial biotechnology has an increasingly important role to Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for play in growing a green economy. Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer The Industrial Biotechnology Leadership Forum (IBLF) of 24 January 2012, Official Report, column 173W, on works across the research community, through our community development tax relief, what the names of innovation centres including the Technology Strategy the community development finance institutions are; if Board and our newly established Catapult centres to he will publish details of their financial holdings; and realise the potential for industrial biotechnology among what level of tax relief each has benefited from since UK businesses. their accreditation. [92508] Through the IBLF, the Department seeks to ensure Mr Prisk: Currently there are 24 Community that the UK will become a leading centre of competence Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) accredited in fine and speciality chemicals delivered via IB processes, under Community Investment Tax Relief (CITR). The and that there will be an increased uptake of biocatalysis names of the accredited organisations are as follows: and fermentation in the existing UK chemical industry. Aston Reinvestment Trust (ART) BIG Issue Invest Limited Business: Government Assistance Black Country Reinvestment Society (BCRS) Bristol Enterprise Development Fund Mr Davidson: To ask the Secretary of State for Bristol Together Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses in Business Finance Solutions Glasgow South West constituency have received London Business Loans support from his Department since 2010. [91673] CDFA Progress Fund Charity Bank Mr Prisk: The total number of enterprises that have received assistance from BIS schemes is not available. Co-operative and Community Finance However, where information is held at a constituency Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust level on the number of such businesses supported by Cumbria Asset Reinvestment Trust BIS, this is set out in the following table: First Enterprise Business Agency 457W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 458W

Fredericks Foundation Mr Prisk: As the Minister of State for Business and Foundation East Enterprise, I regularly visit a wide range of organisations London Rebuilding Society (LRS) including those in the construction sector. Hull Business Development Fund London Development Agency Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will assess the Northern Pinetree Trust level of skill retention in the construction sector. Saltend Community Development Company Ltd [92421] Social Investment Scotland The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) Mr Prisk: The UK Commission for Employment and Street North East Skills has produced a National Skills Audit report Triodos Bank (Skills for Jobs: Today and Tomorrow) that provides The accredited CDFIs are independent financial detailed intelligence about the operation and structure institutions. BIS do not hold details of their financial of the labour market, including assessments of specific holdings. sectors such as construction. In addition Labour Market Intelligence reports are produced by Construction Skills Investors in CDFIs receive a tax relief for their through the Construction Skills Network (CSN). CSN investments (the CDFIs themselves do not receive the is a unique method of establishing the future skills and relief). Currently around £84 million of investment has training requirements of the UK construction industry been raised under CITR since 2002. BIS do not publish and provides a consensus view of the current and future details of CITR raised by individual CDFIs. As CITR skills training needs. may be only one method a CDFI uses to raise capital, this may create a false impression of their financial Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State health. for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will meet Company Accounts representatives from construction industry trade unions to discuss the effects of recent changes in training requirements by some employers; and if he Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for will make a statement. [92422] Business, Innovation and Skills if he will take steps to exempt micro-entities from the requirement to file Mr Prisk: There is trade union representation on the accounts. [92217] boards of the sector skills councils, which discuss changes to training and skills requirements for each industry. Mr Davey: The Government are committed to reducing Discussions on specific changes by some employers to the burdens faced by all businesses, and small businesses training requirements in the construction industry should in particular, as part of our aim to make the UK the first be addressed by the trade unions to the Construction best place in Europe to start, finance and grow a Skillsboard. Ministers do meet with trade union business. We have achieved agreement from EU Ministers representatives from the sector. In December 2011 the to exempt micro-businesses from certain EU accounting Minister for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong rules and expect a directive introducing these exemptions Learning, my hon. Friend the Member for South Holland to be agreed shortly. We will seek to introduce these and The Deepings (Mr Hayes), met with Unite to flexibilities into the UK’s regulations at the earliest discuss new national agreements for construction workers. opportunity and so greatly reduce the requirement for micro-entities to publish and file accounts. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Construction: Industry for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment he has made of future prospects for the construction industry. [92423] Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent Mr Prisk: The Department for Business, Innovation discussions he has had with the construction industry and Skills does not forecast trends in construction on (a) skills and training and (b) the role of national output. We do monitor estimates of future growth that agreements in maintaining levels of skills in the are produced by others, particularly Experian and the construction industry. [92419] Construction Products Association (CPA). Mr Prisk: As the Minister of State for Business and In its latest forecast, the CPA forecasts that the Enterprise I have regular discussions with the construction construction sector will contract by 5.2% in 2012. The industry on skills and training. In October 2011 I met sector is expected to return to growth in 2013 (0.4%) with the chairman of Construction Industry Training before accelerating to 3.8% in 2014 and 4.6% in 2015. Board (CITB) and chief executive officer of Construction Experian’s winter forecast is that output will fall by Skills to discuss apprenticeships. A further meeting 5.6% this year. Recovery is forecast in 2013 (1.1%), with with Construction Skills is scheduled for February 2012. growth strengthening to 4.7% in 2014. Experian do not Employers and employees are best placed to assess produce forecasts beyond 2014. skills and training needs in national agreements. Construction Skills Network (CSN) use Experian forecasts to look at implications for skills/employment. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State CSN’s most recent report, published in January 2012, for Business, Innovation and Skills what construction predicts that construction employment will decline in industry-related visits he has undertaken since his 2012 and 2013, but will start growing again in 2014 to appointment; and if he will make a statement. [92420] reach just under 2.6 million by 2016. 459W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 460W

Copyright: Education Mr Davey: Central records show that the Department has made 27 payments to Deloitte since May 2010 Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, totalling a net value of £3,252,322.77. Innovation and Skills what (a) economic advice and Further information is not held centrally and could (b) other evidence he took account of before be provided only at disproportionate cost. publication of his Department’s Impact Assessment BIS0317 on 2 December 2011 entitled Extending Departmental Correspondence Copyright Exceptions for Educational Use. [91677] Mr Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Davey: Impact assessment BIS0317 was prepared Business, Innovation and Skills what the cost to the with the advice of Government economists, using publicly public purse was of (a) posting his Department’s letter available data. It is an initial assessment of potential on England’s National Apprenticeship Week to hon. costs and benefits of different policy options. We hope Members representing seats in Scotland and (b) that interested parties will respond to the Government’s printing those letters; and if he will make a statement. copyright consultation, which runs from 14 December [92685] to 21 March 2012, and invite them to submit economic evidence to help inform our final impact assessment. Mr Hayes: Letters on England’s National Apprenticeship The consultation and the accompanying initial impact Week were taken to the House of Commons and distributed assessments are available in the Libraries of the House to all hon. Members. This incurred minimal cost. and on the website of the Intellectual Property Office. The cost of printing letters for the 59 Scottish Members was 19 pence. Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what organisations and individuals Education: Ex-servicemen were consulted before publication of his Department’s impact assessment BIS0317 on 2 December 2011 entitled Extending Copyright Exceptions for Educational Use. Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for [91678] Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has made of the likely cost to his Department of tuition fees incurred by service leavers in cases where fees Mr Davey: Impact assessment BIS0317 was prepared exceed the sums provided by the Enhanced Learning using publicly available data, including evidence provided Credits scheme in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13, (c) 2013-14 to the Intellectual Property Office by interested parties. and (d) 2014-15. [92559] An initial impact assessment such as this provides a starting point for consultation and discussion with Mr Willetts: The Department for Business, Innovation stakeholders by setting out the potential impacts on and Skills expects to provide funding to the scheme of different groups arising from the options under around £700,000 in 2011-12, and around £3.3 million in consideration. The Government’s copyright consultation, 2012-13. The Department is meeting in full the additional which runs from 14 December to 21 March 2012, will cost to the scheme of the increase in tuition fees in provide an opportunity for interested organisations and September 2012, and this accounts for the rise in costs individuals to contribute evidence and data to help in 2012-13. inform more robust assessment and analysis of the options under consideration. The Department’s contribution to the scheme for 2013-14 and 2014-15 is still to be determined. Jim Dowd: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what information is held by the Exports Intellectual Property Office regarding blanket licences offered by the Educational Licensing Agency to local Andrew Stephenson: To ask the Secretary of State for authorities for the purposes of licensing schools in Business, Innovation and Skills which countries ranked their area; and how licence fees monies are used for the the highest in the 20 per cent. rise in UK exports of benefit of performers and other rights owners. [91679] manufactured goods to non-EU markets. [90972]

Mr Davey: The Intellectual Property Office holds no Mr Prisk: The table shows that UK exports of goods such information. The collecting societies which offer to non-EU markets increased by £20 billion (20%) such licences are privately run commercial entities, and between 2009 and 2010, as referred to in the question. are not subject to direct Government regulation in the The countries to see the largest increase in UK exports discharge of these functions. The uses to which collected between 2009 and 2010 were the USA (up £3.9 billion monies are put are a matter for the societies concerned, or 12%), China (up £2.1 billion or 41%), Switzerland and their members. (up £1.3 billion or 35%), Russia (up £1.2 billion or 51%), and India (up £1.1 billion or 37%). Deloitte More recent data also shows that UK exports of goods in January to November 2011 (the latest available) John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for increased by £15 billion (14%) on January to November Business, Innovation and Skills what contracts his 2010. Department has awarded to Deloitte since May 2010; The countries to see the largest increase in UK exports and what the (a) net and (b) individual monetary between January to November 2010 and January to value was of each such contract. [92442] November 2011 were India (up £1.4 billion or 40%), 461W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 462W

China (up £1.4 billion or 21%), Russia (up £1.2 billion Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for or 39%), USA (up £1.2 billion or 3%), and Australia (up Business, Innovation and Skills what the average wage £0.9 billion or 32%). is paid by jobs advertised on the Graduate Talent Pool The table shows that apart from a dip in 2009, website hosted by his Department. [91683] non-EU exports of goods have generally increased in value over recent years. Almost half of all UK goods Mr Willetts: This Department does not hold this exports are to non-EU markets. information. The actual rate of remuneration is agreed between the graduate intern and employer. The Government Data for the calendar year 2011 will be published by are clear that those who are entitled to the minimum HMRC in February 2012. wage should receive it, and the Graduate Talent Pool UK exports of goods with the EU and non-EU, 2005-10 website directs employers to comprehensive information EU Non-EU about their obligation to comply with national minimum Percentage Percentage wage legislation. £ billion change £ billion change Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for 2005 121 — 91 — Business, Innovation and Skills what proportion of 2006 153 26 92 1 internships advertised on the Graduate Talent Pool 2007 127 -17 93 2 website hosted by his Department are unpaid. [91684] 2008 141 11 108 16 2009 124 -12 101 -6 Mr Willetts: During December 2011, 2,259 internships 2010 142 14 121 20 vacancies were advertised on the Graduate Talent Pool. Note: Of these, just under a quarter (or 600) were unpaid. Figures for the EU do not include MTIC or late response estimates. More than 500 of these unpaid vacancies were from Source: HMRC, Overseas Trade Statistics charitable organisations.

Further Education Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the unpaid internships scheme advertised on Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for the Graduate Talent Pool website hosted by his Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he has Department. [91685] made of the number of adults in (a) England, (b) (c) (d) Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland who Mr Willetts: We want to make as many opportunities will complete Access to Higher Education courses in as possible available to talented young people from all each of the next 10 years. [90600] backgrounds and avoid closing down potentially valuable options, for example where the intern is acting as a Mr Willetts: Education and training is a devolved volunteer. For this reason we do not rule out unpaid matter and we are not responsible for Access to HE internships on the Graduate Talent Pool, but guidance courses undertaken elsewhere in the United Kingdom. on the website and the vacancy quality assurance process Estimates of the number of adult learners in further together ensure that no employer is left in any doubt education colleges and training organisations in England about his or her obligation to comply with national are made for those periods for which the available level minimum wage legislation. of funding is known. The Skills Investment Statement 2011-14, published in December 2011, sets out indicative Groceries Code Adjudicator learner numbers and learners provision mix up to and including the 2013/14 academic year. This is available at Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State the following link: for Business, Innovation and Skills what recent http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/biscore/further-education-skills/ representations he has received on the introduction of docs/s/11-1374-skills-investment-statement-2011-2014 a groceries code adjudicator; and if he will make a These illustrative numbers are not broken down by statement. [92659] course type, as colleges and training organisations have the freedom to provide courses which respond to demand Mr Davey: I have received letters from a wide range from individuals and employers. of individual companies, industry bodies and campaigning groups on the introduction of a Groceries Code Adjudicator, as well as Members from both Houses. Graduates: Work Experience Additionally, I and my officials have met a range of key stakeholders including the British Retail Consortium, Hazel Blears: To ask the Secretary of State for the Federation for Small Businesses, the Food and Business, Innovation and Skills what the average Drink Federation and the National Farmers’ Union. duration is of placements classified as internships advertised on the Graduate Talent Pool website hosted High Street Review by his Department. [91681] Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Willetts: Of the vacancies advertised on the Graduate Business, Innovation and Skills what consideration Talent Pool website on 23 January 2011, 94% specified the Independent Review of the High Street gave the length of the internships. 77% of these specified a to the merits of referring the matter of the level period of between four and six months, 11.5% a period of competition between supermarkets and small of two to three months, 9.7% a period of seven to independent retailers to the Competition Commission. 12 months, and 1.3% less than a month. [91793] 463W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 464W

Mr Davey: The Independent Review of the High Education Funding Council for England provides support Street by Mary Portas considered a wide range of issues for the costs incurred by higher education institutions facing high streets and town centres. The published in supervising postgraduate research students. report contained those issues which Ms Portas considered Over 60% of the 4,500 Research Council doctoral most important. The report made 28 recommendations, graduates produced each year will move from higher to which the Government intend to respond to in the education, taking their skills into the wider economy. spring. However, she made no recommendations regarding The Research Councils seek to ensure that this supply the independent competition authorities, or Government of highly trained people meets the need for specialist intervention in the retail market. postgraduate research skills in a wide range of employment sectors. For example, the Engineering and Physical Sciences Insolvency Research Council provide funding for industrial doctorate centres. Students at these centres undertake a PhD level Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for research project while spending about 75% of their time Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the answer working directly with a company. of 12 January 2012, Official Report, column 410W, on insolvency, when statistics of personal insolvencies Technology and Innovation Centres including bankruptcies, individual voluntary arrangements and debt relief orders in each parliamentary constituency for 2010 will be published. [92641] Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many projects the Mr Davey: Official Statistics for individual constituencies High Value Manufacturing Catapult Centre is are not published by the Insolvency Service but are sponsoring. [92242] available upon request following publication of the higher level figures. Mr Willetts: The High Value Manufacturing Catapult The Insolvency Service publishes individual insolvencies centre does not itself sponsor projects. The majority of broken down by Government office region, county, the centre’s core funding is used to purchase and install unitary authority and county district within England new, cutting edge equipment in the Catapult, and to and Wales. The most recent published information, to carry out projects using this and existing equipment to 2009, is available at: develop its knowledge and skills to support the needs of business. http://www.insolvencydirect.bis.gov.uk/otherinformation/ statistics/regionalstatisticsmenu.htm The centre will participate in collaborative research Similar figures for 2010 and 2011 will be published in and development projects which it will need to win the first half of 2012. It is not yet possible to provide the competitively through applying to the Technology Strategy precise date for publication of this information, but it Board, European Union or other funding programmes. will be announced on the Insolvency Service website The centre will also undertake contract research on four weeks prior to publication. behalf of business.

One North East Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what funds the Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State Technology Strategy Board has allocated to the Cell for Business, Innovation and Skills what estimate he Therapy Catapult Centre. [92243] has made of the gross value-added economic output generated by regional economic investment by One Mr Willetts: The Technology Strategy Board is in the North East in each of the last five years. [92630] process of establishing the Cell Therapy Catapult centre. As yet, no funds have been invested. We expect the Mr Prisk: We do not have direct information on the funding for each Catapult centre, with the exception of increase in gross value added generated by regional the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, will be in the economic investment by One North East (ONE). region of £10 million per annum. However, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers estimates, on average each pound spent by the Regional Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Development Agencies led to £4.5 worth of gross value- Business, Innovation and Skills whether a leadership added. Between 2006 and 2010 ONE spent around £1.2 team has been appointed for the Cell Therapy Catapult billion, which would suggest around £5.5 billion worth Centre. [92244] of gross value-added. Mr Willetts: The Technology Strategy Board is actively Postgraduate Education recruiting the leadership team for the Cell Therapy Catapult centre. No appointments have been made yet. Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he is taking Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for to support organisations to promote the economic and Business, Innovation and Skills when the Cell Therapy social value of postgraduate education in the UK. Catapult Centre will be operational. [92245] [92198] Mr Willetts: The Technology Strategy Board is currently Mr Willetts: With funding from the Department of working to establish the Cell Therapy Catapult centre Business, Innovation and Skills, the Research Councils and plan to have the centre operational in the next six support around 19,000 doctoral students and the Higher months, dependent upon the appointment of the leadership 465W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 466W team. Once operational, we would expect the centre to The members of the Committee do not receive have a period where it is increasing activity to establish remuneration for their involvement. The Technology full capability. Strategy Board does however pay for reasonable travel and subsistence costs incurred. Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills when he expects to Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for announce the location of the Offshore Renewable Business, Innovation and Skills what services to Energy Catapult Centre. [92246] business are available from existing Catapult centres; how businesses can access them; and what payment is Mr Willetts: We expect to make an announcement of required. [92639] the winning consortium and location soon.

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Willetts: Businesses can work with the High Business, Innovation and Skills when the location of Value Manufacturing Catapult centre in a number of the Satellite Applications Catapult will be announced. ways. They can partner with the centre in collaborative [92637] research and development projects where the centre provides the equipment, knowledge and expertise needed to support the project, with the business contributing its Mr Willetts: The intention to establish a new Catapult expertise. These projects may arise from competitions centre in Satellite Applications was announced on 4 run by the European Union, such as Framework 7, and January 2012. The Catapult will provide in-orbit test from the Technology Strategy Board. facilities allowing innovative UK organisations the opportunity to demonstrate new satellite technologies Businesses can also contract direct with the centre to leading to a new generation of satellite-based products do research on their behalf or to access specialist equipment and services. which the company is unlikely to be able to afford The decision on the location of the centre will be otherwise. In this case it is a private arrangement and taken with the selected organisation or organisations the business would pay a commercial rate for the services that will run the centre. The Technology Strategy Board they use. The Catapult centres will also provide programmes issued further information on the process for selecting tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-sized the organisation or organisations on 26 January 2012. enterprises. The outcome of that process will be known in the summer, with the Catapult expected to be open for Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for business in autumn 2012. Business, Innovation and Skills what steps his Department has taken to promote international Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for awareness of Catapult centres. [92640] Business, Innovation and Skills who the members are of the Technology and Innovation Centre Catapult Centre independent oversight committee; when and Mr Willetts: There has already been considerable where the committee meets; and what remuneration its international interest in the Catapult centres from a wide range of countries. The Technology Strategy Board members receive. [92638] is working with United Kingdom Trade and Investment (UKTI) and the Science and Innovation Network to Mr Willetts: The members of the Oversight Committee raise awareness of the Catapult centres internationally are as follows: and is looking to establish links between the Catapult Dr David Grant, Vice-Chancellor, Cardiff University—Chair centres and similar centres based in other countries. Dame Sue Ion, Non-Executive Board Member, Health & The High Value Manufacturing Catapult already has Safety Laboratory good international outreach, building on the experience Trudy Norris-Grey, MD—Strategy, Portfolio & Transformation, of the seven partner centres of the Catapult. BT plc Philip Rutnam, Director-General—Business Group, Department Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for for Business, Innovation and Skills Business, Innovation and Skills how many Catapult Dr Mike Short, Vice President—Public Affairs, Telefonica centres there will be by the end of 2012. [91928] Europe and President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology Martin Temple, Chairman, EEF Mr Willetts [holding answer 26 January 2012]: As Steve Visscher, Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Operating stated in the strategy and implementation plan published Officer, BBSRC by the Technology Strategy Board in May 2011, we David Way, Director of Knowledge Exchange & Special Projects, intend to have all the Catapults operational, with funding Technology Strategy Board in place, by March 2013. The Committee meets on a quarterly basis. Two The High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre is meetings have so far been held which took place in the operational. The Cell Therapy and Offshore Renewable Technology Strategy Board offices in Swindon and at Energy Catapult centres were announced last year; the the National Composites Centre (NCC) in Bristol, with Technology Strategy Board is currently working to the next meeting to be held at the Manufacturing establish these centres and plan to have them operational Technology Centre (MTC) at Coventry. The NCC and in the next six months. The Satellite Applications Catapult MTC are both consortium members of the High Value centre was announced on 4 January and we expect to Manufacturing Catapult. make further announcements shortly. 467W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 468W

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for member organisations. The Catapult centre and members Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding the do not use public sector grades. Technology Strategy Board has provided to the High Value Manufacturing Catapult Centre; and what the Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for names are of the entities receiving the funding. [91929] Business, Innovation and Skills what the (a) operating and (b) capital budget is of the High Value Mr Willetts [holding answer 26 January 2012]: We Manufacturing Catapult Centre. [91932] are investing £140 million over six years in the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre. Mr Willetts [holding answer 26 January 2012]: The budget of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre The agreed core grant funding for the centre for for the six month period of operation during financial financial year 2011/12 is £21 million. Todate, the Technology year 2011/12 is as follows: Strategy Board has provided the centre with funding of £4.6 million since the centre started formal operations £21 million Catapult core grant from Technology Strategy in October 2011. In addition a grant for working capital Board. of £1 million will be paid to the centre. The total budget income for the Catapult centre is approximately £25 million operating and £25 million capital. This covers all The High Value Manufacturing Catapult centre consists aspects of operation including core grant, commercial contracts of a core organisation (a company limited by guarantee and funding from other sources including the European regional set-up especially for the Catapult) and seven member development fund, regional growth fund, EU Framework 7 and centres. All Technology Strategy Board funding will be Technology Strategy Board collaborative R&D grants. paid to this core organisation. The Technology Strategy Board and the High Value The seven members are: Manufacturing Catapult centre are in the process of finalising the business plan and budget for the next five Advanced Forming Research Centre (University of Strathclyde) years. Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (University of Sheffield) Centre for Process Innovation Ltd, Wilton and Sedgefield UK Trade and Investment Manufacturing Technology Centre Ltd, Coventry Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, (University Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for of Sheffield) Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Warwick Manufacturing Group, Coventry, (University of Warwick) made of the potential effects on service delivery of the reduction in international trade advisers at UK Trade Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for and Investment since 2011. [91235] Business, Innovation and Skills what private sector funds the High Value Manufacturing Catapult Centre Mr Prisk: The reduction in the number of international has attracted. [91930] trade advisers (ITAs) was due largely to a reduced level of funding. UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), continues Mr Willetts [holding answer 26 January 2012]: The to make efficiencies in running its business and, since Catapult centres will work on a 1/3, 1/3, 1/3, model, the start of the 2011/12 financial year, it recycled savings with broadly equal funding from the core Technology into the front line and enabled its delivery partners to Strategy Board grant, from research and development recruit ITAs. This is starting to make good the shortfall grants collaboratively with business won competitively following the Government’s spending review. UKTI is by the Catapult, and from contract research funded seeking to achieve more with less through the intelligent fully by business. Hence, when fully established, we use of networks to multiply its impact and by working would expect approximately 50% of the Catapult funding in partnership with organisations who present a to come from the private sector. complementary offer to exporters such as banks and accountants. For the six month period from October 2011 to March 2012, the Catapult centre is projecting commercial In addition, in the Chancellor of the Exchequer, my income of £10 million (plus a further £10 million of right hon. Friend the Member for Tatton (Mr Osborne), in-kind contributions from industrial clients). Given autumn statement of 29 November 2011, Official Report, that a number of the member centres are in the start-up columns 799-810, announced additional funding for phase, this is encouraging. UKTI. Some of that money will be used to recruit new ITAs to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-size businesses in developing their Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for export capability. Business, Innovation and Skills how many full-time equivalent staff work for the High Value Manufacturing Catapult Centre; and at what grades. [91931] CABINET OFFICE Mr Willetts [holding answer 26 January 2012]: In total the seven member centres of the High Value Alix Partners Manufacturing Catapult employ 625 staff, although this is changing as the new centres recruit. The central Mrs Moon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet core organisation, the HVM Catapult Company Ltd by Office how many former civil servants have applied to guarantee, currently has no employees, although the the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments to Technology Strategy Board is actively recruiting and take up an appointment to Alix Partners in each of the functions are being carried out by the staff from the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [92007] 469W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 470W

Mr Maude: All civil servants are subject to the provisions and Knaresborough constituency can access from his of the business appointments rules as set out in the Civil Department. [91980] Service Management Code. The independent Advisory Committee on Business Appointments provides advice Mr Maude: Public sector staff who want to take to the most senior civil servants. The Committee’s advice control of the services they run can access support is published on its website once the appointment is through the Mutuals Support Programme. The programme taken up or announced. The Committee’s website can is made up of the following elements: be accessed at: The Mutuals Information Service website http://acoba.independent.gov.uk http://mutuals.cabinetoffice.gov.uk Individual Departments handle applications from other gives information on the process of becoming a mutual, case civil servants and this information is not held centrally. studies, high-level guidance and access to a resource library. There will also be an online forum launched shortly. Children: Yorkshire and the Humber There is a dedicated hotline on 0845 5390543 which will assess business needs of fledgling mutuals and provide appropriate expert advice, guidance and support. Mr David Davis: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet The most promising fledgling mutuals will be eligible for funds Office how many children with (a) two parents from the Mutuals Support Programme. This is a fund of more working, (b) one parent working and (c) no parents than £10 million, administered by the Cabinet Office, used to working there were in (i) Haltemprice and Howden fund contracts for support in the form of business and professional constituency, (ii) East Yorkshire and (iii) the services (such as HR, legal, financial, tax and business planning) Humberside region in the latest period for which to groups of staff or existing mutual organisations in the public sector, but will not give cash grants. Referrals to these funds will figures are available. [92175] come from the hotline. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Departmental Recruitment responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Jon Trickett: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated January 2012: Office how much his Department spent on recruitment As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I agencies in each month since September 2011. [87966] have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what is the total number of children with a) two parents working, Mr Maude: The information requested in not held in b) one parent working and c) no parents working in i) Haltemprice the format requested and could be obtained only at and Howden constituency, ii) East Yorkshire and iii) the Humberside disproportionate cost. region in the latest period for which figures are available. 92175. A monthly breakdown of the Department’s expenditure The table shows estimates for the period of January to December 2010 and are derived from the Annual Population Survey (APS). can be found on: Please note that it is not possible to provide reliable estimates for www.data.gov.uk the parliamentary constituency Haltemprice and Howden because the sample sizes are not sufficiently large. As with any sample Electoral Register survey, estimates from the APS are subject to a margin of uncertainty as different samples give different results. Heidi Alexander: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Number of children1, 2 with one, both or no parents working in Office how many people were (a) registered to vote in Haltemprice and Howden constituencies, east Yorkshire and each parliamentary constituency in December 2010 Humberside region, January to December 2010, not seasonally and (b) enumerated at the March 2011 Census as adjusted qualified to register to vote. [92686] Thousand (a) Both (b) One (c) No Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the parents parent parents responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have working working working asked the authority to reply. East Yorkshire 43 13 35 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated January 2012: The 84 53 34 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I Humberside4 have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking 1 Children aged 0 to 15. how many people were (a) registered to vote in each parliamentary 2 The average is the total number of children aged 0 to 15 divided by constituency in December 2010 and (b) enumerated at the March the total number of families with children aged 0 to 15. 2011 Census as qualified to register to vote (92686) 3 Estimates have RSE>20 and are not considered reliable for practical purposes. The attached table shows the number of people who were 4 The estimates for the Humberside region is an aggregate of responses registered to vote in parliamentary elections by constituency on 1 from the following local authorities: East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston December 2010. A copy of the table has been placed in the House upon Hull, North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire. of Commons Library. Note: Population estimates from the 2011 Census will not be published Parents of the children in this analysis live in the same household, until later this summer. These will be estimates of the resident therefore children of lone-parent families can only be accounted for population by local authority area and age and sex. Information in columns (b) and (c). on nationality and citizenship that could be used to help assess Source: ONS Annual Population Survey. eligibility to vote will be published later in 2012. Empty Properties: Essex Co-operatives: Harrogate and Knaresborough Priti Patel: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office Andrew Jones: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet what Government-owned properties in Essex are Office what support prospective mutuals in Harrogate currently empty or underused. [92050] 471W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 472W

Mr Hurd: The Government’s electronic Property http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/resources/ Information Mapping Service (e-PIMS) identifies seven contract_management_checklist.pdf marketable vacant space records within the county of Further guidance is published at: Essex. In addition there are two surplus land records www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/resources/good- which include buildings. Details are identified within practice-management-framework.pdf the Excel spreadsheet which will be placed in the Library of the House. The Government are looking at how best Merchant Navy: Medals to address these surpluses. e-PIMS does hot currently explicitly record underused Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet space. Office what consideration he has given to including the Merchant Navy Medal in the orders of wear. [91557] Freedom of Information Mr Maude: The Merchant Navy Medal is not part of Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Minister for the the UK Honours System and thus has no place in the Cabinet Office whether his Office publishes on its Order of Wear. The Committee on the Grant of Honours, website its response to each request it receives under Decorations and Medals is responsible for considering the Freedom of Information Act 2000; whether the any departmental recommendations relating to medals response is published in the same part of its website on policy should they be received. each occasion; and what the average time taken is between responding to a request and the information Geraint Davies: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet being made available on the website. [92128] Office whether he has any plans to make the Merchant Navy Medal part of the UK Honours system. [92565] Mr Maude: The Cabinet Office including the Prime Minister’s Office publishes on its website responses to Mr Maude: The Committee on the Grant of Honours, requests for information where there is a substantial Decorations and Medals is responsible for considering public, rather than private, interest. Details are published any departmental recommendations relating to medals on the Freedom of Information pages of the website on policy. each occasion. No information is available about the Office for Civil Society time taken between responding to a request and the information becoming available on the website but the aim is to do so as quickly as possible. Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office on what date the Office for Civil Society moved There is no change in practice from the previous to HM Treasury; and if he will make a statement. Administration. [92324] Government Departments: Computers Mr Hurd: The Office for Civil Society moved to 1 Horse Guards in two stages during the course of May Tim Farron: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 2011 and continues to remain part of the Cabinet Office what the average cost is of a laptop purchased by Office. the Government. [90560] Public Data Corporation Mr Maude [holding answer 19 January 2012]: Information required is not held in the format requested Andrew Jones: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Office what plans he has for the future of the Public However the average price paid for laptop computers Data Corporation. [91911] bought through Government Procurement Service’s framework agreements during financial year 2010-11 is Mr Hurd: In the autumn statement last November, £558.91. the Government announced the establishment of a data Departments publish the average cost of their desktop strategy board and a public data group as part of its IT in the Quarterly Data Summary. commitment to create a public data corporation. These organisations will maximise the value of the data from Government Departments: Contracts the Met Office, Ordnance Survey, the Land Registry and Companies House and will make available for free Keith Vaz: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office a range of core reference datasets from these bodies to how the performance of services outsourced to private support the development of high-value data businesses. companies is assessed in different Government The Cabinet Office and the Department for Business, Departments; and what guidelines his Department Innovation and Skills are currently agreeing Terms of issues on such assessment. [90033] Reference for both organisations. The Government will publish the summary of responses to the Consultation Mr Maude: The responsibility for contract management, on Data Policy for a Public Data Corporation which including the key performance indicators to be monitored, took place last summer. rests with the individual contracting authorities as the specific aspects of performance measurement will vary Public Sector: Pay according to the contract. The Cabinet Office has issued a contract management Damian Collins: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet checklist, which includes a section on service delivery Office what estimate he has made of the proportion of and can be found at: Government spending, excluding debt payments, which 473W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 474W was allocated to (a) salaries and (b) pension payments The two tables show; and contributions for public sector workers in each general government current spending excluding debt interest year since 1997. [92269] payments, general government spending on wages and salaries, and Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the general government total employers’ contributions (including responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have pension contributions). asked the authority to reply. General government wages and salaries and total employers’ Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated January 2012: contributions are presented in pounds sterling and as a proportion As Director General of ONS, I have been asked to reply to of the total general government spending excluding debt payments. your Parliamentary Question asking for the estimate of the Table 1 provides the data by calendar year and Table 2 by proportion of government spending, excluding debt payments financial year. which was committed to (a) salaries and (b) pension payments The figures include pension payments and contributions of and contributions for public sector workers in each year since employees in central and local government, but not those in 1997. (92269). public corporations.

Table 1: General Government spending on wages and salaries and employer contributions by calendar year1: 1997-2010 United Kingdom Proportion of general Proportion of general General Government Government spending General Government Government spending current spending General Government excluding debt total employers’ excluding debt excluding debt wages and salaries interest payments contributions (£ interest payments payments (£ million) (£ million) (percentage) million) (percentage)

1997 274960 68599 24.9 14811 5.4 1998 282439 69251 24.5 15648 5.5 1999 295526 72647 24.6 16521 5.6 2000 314709 76971 24.5 17794 5.7 2001 334393 83913 25.1 19012 5.7 2002 365450 90375 24.7 20315 5.6 2003 395490 100568 25.4 20910 5.3 2004 424431 107948 25.4 24035 5.7 2005 450460 114754 25.5 26848 6.0 2006 474860 120855 25.5 28488 6.0 2007 496752 122895 24.7 30862 6.2 2008 526847 124934 23.7 32735 6.2 2009 561860 127294 22.7 35013 6.2 2010 583577 130231 22.3 37058 6.4 1 Data presented are consistent with the Public Sector Finances statistical bulletin published on 24 January 2012

Table 2: General Government spending on wages and salaries and employer contributions by financial year1: 1997-98 to 2010-11 United Kingdom Proportion of general Proportion of general General Government Government spending General Government Government spending spending excluding General Government excluding debt total employers’ excluding debt debt payments wages and salaries payments contributions payments (£ million) (£ million) (percentage) (£ million) (percentage)

1997-98 275700 68302 24.8 15115 5.5 1998-99 284038 70082 24.7 15747 5.5 1999-2000 299980 73634 24.5 16825 5.6 2000-01 320103 78075 24.4 18168 5.7 2001-02 341936 85345 25.0 19291 5.6 2002-03 371886 92662 24.9 20696 5.6 2003-04 402467 102365 25.4 21343 5.3 2004-05 432135 110140 25.5 24396 5.6 2005-06 458149 117219 25.6 27727 6.1 2006-07 478986 121056 25.3 29116 6.1 2007-08 505502 123309 24.4 31576 6.2 2008-09 533777 126475 23.7 33048 6.2 2009-10 571169 127169 22.3 36268 6.3 2010-11 585967 131093 22.4 36886 6.3 1 Data presented are consistent with the Public Sector Finances statistical bulletin published on 24 January 2012.

Third Sector Mr Hurd: Big society is an integral part of work that is happening across Government. Civil servants at the Mr Thomas: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Cabinet Office meet frequently with colleagues in other Office on how many occasions civil servants from Departments to discuss the big society agenda, and different Government Departments have considered specific policies and programmes relating to it. the big society agenda at inter-departmental meetings hosted by his Department; and if he will make a statement. [92325] 475W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 476W

CHURCH COMMISSIONERS The Government have set out their proposals to allow local authorities, including fire and rescue authorities, Auckland Castle: Art Works to benefit from business rates retention from 2013-14. I also refer the hon. Member to my letter of 6 December Helen Goodman: To ask the hon. Member for 2010, a copy of which is available in the Library of the Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, House, which outlines how fire and rescue authorities what plans the Church Commissioners have for the can make sensible savings without impacting on the future of Auckland Castle and the Zurbaran paintings; quality and breadth of services offered to their communities. and if he will make a statement. [91385]

Tony Baldry: The Church Commissioners have approved Coastal Communities Fund terms for the sale of the Zurbaran paintings at Auckland Castle and the castle itself. The sale will facilitate the Laura Sandys: To ask the Secretary of State for creation of a visitor attraction, encouraging regeneration Communities and Local Government what his policy is in both the town and the region. This is of benefit to the on the criteria for allocation of the Coastal Communities church, town, county and region. The acquisition is by Fund. [91615] two trusts, each of which has Mr Jonathan Ruffer as a trustee. Grant Shapps: My Department will be issuing a prospectus shortly giving details of the proposed design and delivery of the new Coastal Communities Fund, to COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT be administered in partnership with the Big Lottery Fund. It will include the criteria to be used to assess Community Cohesion applications. We will ensure that all MPs representing coastal 23. Steve Rotheram: To ask the Secretary of State for constituencies, coastal local authorities and other interested Communities and Local Government when he plans to parties receive a copy of the prospectus for the fund. announce his policy on community cohesion. [92077] Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew Stunell: Government’s role is to create the Communities and Local Government what recent conditions which enable integration to happen in all assessment he has made of the use of the Coastal places and all communities. We will not impose a top-down, Communities Fund; and what his policy is on the centrally designed and implemented programme but future of the fund. [92002] will trust people to take the lead in their local areas. Both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister Grant Shapps: The Coastal Communities Fund is not have explained how seriously we take this task and we yet in operation as funding only becomes available on 1 will publish a document giving more detail on this April. My Department will be issuing a prospectus shortly. shortly giving details of the proposed design and delivery of the fund, to be administered in partnership with the 24. Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Big Lottery Fund. There is a commitment to review the Communities and Local Government when he plans to operation of the new fund after the first year’s awards announce his policy on community cohesion. [92078] have been made. The fund is intended to be a rolling programme with annual bidding rounds in future years. Andrew Stunell: Government’s role is to create the All MPs with coastal constituencies, coastal local conditions which enable integration to happen in all authorities and other interested bodies will receive a places and all communities. We will not impose a top-down, copy of the prospectus for the fund. centrally designed and implemented programme but will trust people to take the lead in their local areas. Countryside: Planning Both the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister have explained how seriously we take this task and we will publish a document giving more detail on this Mr Cash: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities shortly. and Local Government what assessment he has made of the effect of the draft National Planning Policy Framework Fire and Rescue Service on undesignated countryside in England. [91527]

Paul Goggins: To ask the Secretary of State for Greg Clark [holding answer 24 January 2012]: The Communities and Local Government what estimate he consultation stage impact assessment accompanying has made of changes in the level of funding from the the draft National Planning Policy Framework looks at public purse to the Greater Manchester Fire and a full range of environmental, social and economic Rescue Service between 2011-12 and 2014-15. [92060] impacts. A final impact assessment will be published alongside the final National Planning Policy Framework. Robert Neill: Fire and rescue authorities have been To preserve the natural environment, the draft states given protection with savings back-loaded to allow changes that local plans should seek to allocate land for development without affecting the quality and breadth of services with the least environmental or amenity value, and provided to communities. should plan positively for the creation, protection, The spending power change for Manchester is -5.2% enhancement and management of networks of biodiversity in 2011-12 and -1.9% in 2012-13. and green infrastructure. 477W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 478W

Local Government Finance paying no rates at all for that period). This increased tax relief will have supported small shops across the country. Hilary Benn: To ask the Secretary of State for We have also taken powers, through the Localism Act, Communities and Local Government in how many to waive £175 million of backdated business rates demands cases Ministers have exercised their powers to pay levied on businesses, including some in ports, to increase additional grant under section 85 of the Local the take-up of small business rate relief by making it Government Finance Act 1988 in each local authority easier to claim, and to give local authorities powers to in each year since 1990. [91478] provide discounts on business rates bills.

Robert Neill [holding answer 24 January 2012]: The Sustainable Communities Act 2007 power to pay additional grant under section 85 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 has been exercised Stephen Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for just once in 1992, in consequence of the Government Communities and Local Government (1) whether the making an order under the School Teachers’ Pay and regulations required by the Sustainable Communities Conditions Act 1991, giving effect to the recommendations Act 2007 (Amendment) Act 2010 will contain a duty on of the review body appointed for the purpose of that local authorities to try to reach agreement with communities; Act in relation to teachers’ pay for 1992-93. Since [92408] implementation of the Local Government Finance Act (2) whether the regulations required by the 2003, if additional grant has been required following a Sustainable Communities Act 2007 (Amendment) Act Local Government Finance report, the Government 2010 will contain a time limit for dealing with proposals have paid grant under section 31 of that Act. In this made under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007; context, the Section 85 powers are therefore redundant. [92409] Mayors: Coventry (3) when he expects regulations required by the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 (Amendment) Act 2010 will be laid before Parliament; [92410] Mr Ainsworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government pursuant to the (4) whether the regulations required by the Sustainable answer of 19 January 2012, Official Report, column Communities Act 2007 (Amendment) Act 2010 will 906W, on mayors: Coventry, if he will place in the contain the right for town and parish councils to submit Library a copy of the letters sent to Coventry City proposals under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007. Council on the costs of the referendum on elected [92411] mayors. [92171] Greg Clark: The Government are considering the Greg Clark: I have today placed in the Library of the scope of regulations under the Sustainable Communities House, a copy of the two letters sent to Coventry city Act 2007 following the consultation exercise conducted council on the costs of the referendum on elected mayors. last year. We are aiming to make the regulations shortly. Regional Growth Fund Written Questions: Government Responses

Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Raynsford: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much Communities and Local Government when he plans to funding has been transferred to the Regional Growth answer parliamentary questions 90352 and 90353 on Fund to date; and if he will make a statement. [91823] council tax. [92519]

Grant Shapps: Funding for the Regional Growth Grant Shapps: Parliamentary questions 90352 and Fund has been profiled for the spending review period. 90353 were answered on 25 January 2012, Official Report, It was announced in the autumn statement that the column 242-43W. Regional Growth Fund would allocate an additional £1 billion over the spending period bringing the total to be allocated to £2.4 billion by March 2015. DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Shops: Closures Elections Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what assessment Simon Hart: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister he has made of the effect of recent changes in business whether his Office has plans to review the level of rates on the number of shop closures in (a) Hartlepool deposit made by candidates at parliamentary elections. constituency, (b) the north-east and (c) England; and [92005] if he will make a statement. [91822] Mr Harper: There are no current plans to change the Robert Neill: No assessment has been made of the level of deposit which candidates are required to pay in effect of recent changes in business rates on the number order to stand at UK parliamentary elections, although of shop closures in (a) Hartlepool constituency, (b) the the Government remains open to representations on the north-east and (c) England. matter. The deposit is intended to strike a balance This Government have doubled small business rate between allowing candidates to participate while acting relief for two and a half years, which will benefit about as a disincentive to those with no real prospect of half a million ratepayers (with about a third of a million success. 479W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 480W

HEALTH It is estimated that approximately 610,000 people in England have dementia, which includes Alzheimer’s Accident and Emergency Departments: Doctors disease. Simon Hart: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Alzheimer’s Disease: Health Services how many vacancies there are for accident and emergency doctors in the NHS. [91950] Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with (a) medical Mr Simon Burns: The NHS Information Centre professionals and (b) NHS officials about the new suspended collection of this data for 2011. A public Alzheimer’s treatment Cognitive Stimulation Therapy. consultation on the Fundamental Review of Data Returns [92347] closed in November 2011. We expect the consultation response to be published during February. Paul Burstow: Guidance on treatments and therapies The Department is able to provide data about the are issued by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence. number of job advertisements placed on NHS Jobs by Its guidance on dementia, supporting people with dementia employers in the NHS as a proxy measure. and their carers in health and social care (2006), identified There are 116 adverts1 for emergency doctors on cognitive stimulation as an area where more research is NHS Jobs that expire on 26 January 2012 or later. There needed. Cognitive Stimulation Therapy is one of a were adverts2 for 218 doctors in emergency medicine number of treatments and therapies available for dementia. where the advert closed after 1 January 2012 but before Clinicians can, and do, decide which course of treatment 26 January 2012. to prescribe to individual patients with dementia, based on each individual’s specific needs. 1 Data gathered from NHS Jobs 25 January 2012. 2 Ibid. Arthritis: Medical Treatments Alzheimer’s Disease Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with (a) arthritis Health (1) what estimate he has made of the number of care groups and (b) Queen’s University Belfast on new treatments for arthritis in the hands. [92026] people with Alzheimer’s disease; [92348] (2) how much money is spent on care for those with Paul Burstow: It is for the National Institute for Alzheimer’s disease; and how much money is spent for Health and Clinical Excellence, together with relevant medication for treatment of Alzheimer’s. [92349] professional organisations, to assess new treatment options for people with arthritis in the hands. Paul Burstow: Information on spending on care for Alzheimer’s disease, by the national health service and Brain: Injuries local authorities, is not collected centrally. The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia, in its report “The Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health £20 Billion Question—An inquiry into improving lives (1) what recent assessment he has made of the through cost-effective dementia services” (2011) that adequacy of the provision of information on post- the financial cost of dementia in the United Kingdom is traumatic hypopituitarism to patients who have estimated to be £20 billion a year. suffered head injury; [92176] Drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease are (2) what recent representations he has received on classified under section 4.11 (Drugs for dementia) of diagnosis and treatment of post-traumatic the British National Formulary (BNF). These drugs are hypopituitarism; [92177] Donepezil, Galantamine, Rivastigmine and Memantine. All of these drugs have been included in the following (3) if he will consider introducing routine screening tables. It should be noted that Rivastigmine is also of head injury patients for post-traumatic licensed for dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease. hypopituitarism. [92180] Table 1: Net ingredient cost (NIC) for BNF Section 4.11 Drugs used Paul Burstow: The Department has received a small for dementia dispensed in England for the latest year available amount of correspondence on this matter over the last NIC (£000) year. 2010 96,054.6 We have made no assessment of the provision of Source: information on post-traumatic hypopituitarism to patients Prescription Cost Analysis database who have suffered head injury. We can also provide information on the use of these There are no plans to introduce routine screening of drugs within hospitals in England. These figures are head injury patients for this condition. based on a sample and are costed using standard price lists. The figures therefore do not necessarily represent Valerie Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the actual amounts paid by the hospitals. (1) if he will ask the National Institute for Health and Table 2: Estimated cost for drugs in BNF Section 4.11 used in Clinical Excellence to include information about hospitals in England for the latest year available post-traumatic hypopituitarism in its head injury Cost (£000) guidelines; [92178] 2010 11,789.5 (2) what recent discussions he has had with the Source: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Hospital Pharmacy Audit Index database on its head injury guidelines. [92179] 481W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 482W

Paul Burstow: We have no plans to ask the National Carcinogens: Food Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) to include information about post-traumatic hypopituitarism in its head injury clinical guideline, and have had no Mark Pritchard: To ask the Secretary of State for discussions with NICE about its head injury clinical Health if he will commission research of the potential guideline. As an independent body, NICE is responsible (a) carcinogenic and (b) other effects of parabens in for the development of its clinical guidelines in consultation (i) the food supply chain and (ii) cosmetics. [91778] with stakeholders. NICE is undertaking an update of its published head injury clinical guideline, and as part Anne Milton: The Food Standards Agency has of that review will consult stakeholders on the detailed responsibility for food additive issues including the scope of the guideline. permitted preservatives ethyl and methyl parabens. All food additives have been thoroughly tested for safety prior to approval and have been reviewed by independent expert bodies, such as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). These tests comprise a range of studies such as Cancer: Health Services those for carcinogenicity, genotoxicity and metabolism. EFSA has concluded that ethyl and methyl parabens are safe to use in foods in line with the requirements of Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for European Union food additive legislation. Health whether he has had any discussions on radiofrequency ablation as a new method to reduce The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills cancerous tumours; and how widely used that method has responsibility for cosmetics. We are advised cosmetics of treatment is. [92346] are regulated on a European basis, and parabens have their usage restricted under the Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC. The Commission’s Scientific Committee Paul Burstow: The Secretary of State for Health, the on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has investigated the use of right hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley), parabens as recently as December 2010 and noted that has had no discussions on radiofrequency ablation (RFA) there is no evidence of a demonstrable risk for the as a new method to reduce cancerous tumours. development of breast cancer caused by the use of underarm cosmetics containing parabens. There have Provided in the following table is the number of also been investigations into possible other toxicity and finished consultant episodes in England by strategic developmental effects and recent opinions by the SCCS health authority (SHA) in the last three years where are that there is no concern except for propyl and butyl RFA has been used in the treatment of patients with a paraben in leave-on cosmetic products for children aged primary diagnosis of cancer. under six months which is under review. To protect patient confidentiality, figures between one and five have been replaced with an asterisk. Where it was still possible to identify numbers from the total, an additional number (the next smallest) has been replaced. These data should not be described as a count of people Cystitis: Medical Treatments as the same person may have been admitted on more than one occasion. Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with (a) the British Medical Association and (b) other organisations on SHA 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 improvements of treatment options for people with cystitis. [92024] England total 873 693 596 Paul Burstow: It is for the National Institute for North East 24 27 28 Health and Clinical Excellence, together with relevant England SHA professional organisations, to assess new treatment options North West 70 53 53 for people with cystitis. SHA Yorkshire and 74 56 57 the Humber SHA East Midlands 15 7 * Deloitte SHA West Midlands 93 60 74 SHA John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for East of 49 51 9 Health what contracts his Department has awarded England SHA to Deloitte since May 2010; and what the (a) net and London SHA 443 356 293 (b) individual monetary value was of each such South East 22 11 * contract. [92443] Coast SHA South Central 51 49 43 SHA Mr Simon Burns: The following table sets out information South West 32 23 29 from the Department’s central procurement system about SHA . the purchase orders (PO) with Deloitte that the Department created between 24 May 2010 and 25 November 2011. 483W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 484W

£ Item description Category description PO value PO amount billed

NHS PASA—Clearance of Accruals 2009- Miscellaneous—Other Expenses 10,110.40 10,110.40 10. Already Actioned—Deloitte Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals Accounting and auditing services 120,000.00 32,700.00 NHS Trust. Stage 1 32700. Stage 2 45650. Stage 3 41650 Ipswich Hospitals NHS Trust—refresh Accounting and auditing services 11,000.00 11,000.00 Norfolk Community Health and Care Accounting and auditing services 130,000.00 84,724.00 NHS Trust West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Accounting and auditing services 95,000.00 63,736.00 Trust. HDD/WCR Stage 1, 2, and 3 South Central Ambulance Service NHS Accounting and auditing services 95,000.00 63,736.00 Trust. NHSFT Financial Assessments Devon Partnership HDD Accounting and auditing services 64,710.00 15,360.00 Royal Wolverhampton Hospital Trust Transition Due Diligence 87,234.00 87,234.00 Stage 3 FT assessment Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust. Transition Due Diligence 130,000.00 81,112.00 NHSFT Financial Assessments North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare Transition Due Diligence 110,000.00 0.00 NHS Trust. NHSFT Financial Assessments NHS Connecting for Health ICT Contract Cost Review 189,000.00 144,286.97 Cost Review Total 1,042,054.40 593,999.37

Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers health assessment on school entry; what measures are in place to encourage such screening; and if he will Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health make a statement. [92402] for what reasons the number of ministerial special advisers in his Department has increased to four; on Anne Milton: The data for both vision and hearing what date the change took place; and if he will make a screening are not held centrally. statement. [92326] The ‘Healthy Child Programme: pregnancy and the first five years’, is the evidence-based prevention and Mr Simon Burns: I refer the hon. Member to the early intervention programme setting out the good practice answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Leigh framework for the delivery of services starting in pregnancy (Andy Burnham) on 16 January 2012, Official Report, to promote optimal health and well-being and reduce column 534W. health inequalities. As part of the screening schedule, the Healthy Child Diabetes Programme recommends that commissioners ensure there is easy access for children of all ages to audiology Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for services throughout childhood and children should be Health what discussions he has had with diabetes screened for visual impairment between four and five organisations on dietary and exercise advice for people years of age by an orpthoptist -led service. newly diagnosed with diabetes. [92027] General Practitioners Paul Burstow: The Department maintains a dialogue with a number of organisations on a wide range of Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for issues on diabetes. Health how much funding his Department has Advice on diet and exercise is included in the Diabetes provided to GPs who set up patient participation Quality Standard produced by the National Institute groups. [91831] for Health and Clinical Excellence in .2011. Mr Simon Burns: The Patient Participation Directed It is for local national health service organisations to Enhanced Service (that was agreed with the General deliver comprehensive high-quality and safe diabetes Practitioners Committee of the British Medical Association services, appropriate to the needs of their populations, to apply from April 2011) provides general practitioner taking the quality standard into account. practices with a maximum payment of £1.10 per registered The NHS is a devolved matter and the hon. Member patient (equivalent to £60 million nationally) for those may also wish to direct his question to the Northern practices who successfully meet the agreed requirements, Ireland Executive Minister for Health. which includes setting up a patient reference group. Disability: Children Health Services

Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of children are screened for Health (1) when he expects to announce the results of (a) visual and (b) auditory impairment during a the National Quality Board engagement exercise on 485W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 486W the library of the National Institute for Health and health issues. The Department takes its responsibility Clinical Excellence Quality Standard NHS healthcare towards the mental health of veterans very seriously topics; and if he will make a statement; [92016] and agreed to implement all the recommendations of (2) whether Quality Standards relating to autism the “Fighting Fit” report. In getting these initiatives up care for children and adults will be included in the and running the Department has worked closely with National Quality Board library of Quality Standard the Ministry of Defence and others to publicise them, NHS healthcare topics; and if he will make a with official launches and media activity. All of these statement. [92017] activities are contributing to raising awareness of these issues with health care professionals in particular and Paul Burstow: We expect to publish details of the the public more generally. In addition, the Department’s Quality Standard topics being referred to the National mental health strategy, “No health without mental health”, Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), makes specific reference to the mental health needs of following the engagement exercise, shortly. A copy of veterans. the referral letter to NICE will be placed in the Library when it is sent. Health Services: Finance Health Services: Ex-servicemen Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the Health (1) what the timetable is for the introduction of effect of changes to payment by results tariffs for the Veterans’ Information Service; [91832] hospital treatment on the surpluses of primary care (2) what plans he has for future funding of the trusts in the North East; [92468] 24-hour support telephone line for veterans; [91833] (2) if he will issue guidance to primary care trusts on (3) what steps his Department is taking to raise spending budget surpluses; and if he will make a public awareness of issues relating to veterans’ mental statement; [92469] health. [91834] (3) what recent representations he has received from Mr Simon Burns: The Veterans’ Information Service (a) acute and (b) foundation trusts on changes to is in the process of being designed to satisfy some of the payment by results tariffs; [92470] recommendations in the hon. Member for South West (4) what payment by results tariff was paid to each Wiltshire’s (Dr Murrison) “Fighting Fit” report. These (a) acute trust and (b) foundation trust in (i) the were that a Veterans’ Information Service (VIS) be North East, (ii) England in each of the last five years. deployed 12 months after a person leaves the armed [92624] forces, and that regulars and reserves are followed-up approximately 12 months after they leave. The VIS will be the final service to be put in place, and will enable us Mr Simon Burns: The Department had not made an to ensure that consent is sought when someone leaves assessment of the effect of changes to the payment by the armed forces for contact to be made 12 months results (PbR) tariffs on the surpluses of primary care later. This will reference services that are being established trusts (PCTs). during 2011-12. The planned launch date for the VIS The NHS Operating Framework for 2012-13 states service is currently April 2012. that the strategic health authority (SHA) and PCT It was noted in the “Fighting Fit” report that the surplus for 2011-12 will be carried forward into 2012-13. Department of Health was in the process of ″establishing During 2012-13, we shall continue to draw down the a 24 hour helpline and improving the knowledge base of surplus generated from previous years in a planned and GPs ...″ The first of these items has been completed managed way. through the establishment of the Combat Stress Veterans’ In the last six months, Ministers have received one 24-hour helpline. The Department worked with Combat piece of correspondence from a foundation trust regarding Stress to procure a professional 24-hour mental health maternity tariff arrangements for 2012-13. helpline aimed at the armed forces community. The tender was won by Rethink, and the Department provided A table showing the amount paid to acute trusts from a grant to Combat Stress to cover set-up, and one year’s PCTs under the PbR tariff in the North East and operations. The helpline was opened on 28 February England has been placed in the Library. For foundation 2011, and officially launched on 11 March 2011. The trusts, this information is not held centrally. helpline is live with ongoing activity in conjunction with Combat Stress to strengthen the armed forces community awareness training of operatives and ensure awareness Health Services: Older People of complementary services as they come live. Up until December 2011, it had taken over 3,000 calls from over 1,600 different individuals. The helpline’s initial one-year Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for period of operations is being evaluated by the Department Health in what proportion of finished admission and a decision will soon be taken as to whether or not to episodes the patient was over (a) 65, (b) 80 and (c) 90 extend the contract. years in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [91915] The Department works closely with the Ministry of Defence, the national health service, their third sector strategic partners (Combat Stress and the Royal British Paul Burstow: The information is shown in the following Legion), and others in relation to veterans’ mental table. 487W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 488W

Number and proportion of finished admission episodes1 for selected age group, The Government have made it clear that national 2 2006-07 to 2010-11 health service organisations are expected to eliminate Activity in English NHS hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector mixed-sex accommodation, except where it is in the 65 and over 80 and over 90 and over overall best interest of the patient, or reflects their Percentage Percentage Percentage personal choice. The commitment to eliminate mixed-sex Number of all Number of all Number of all accommodation can be found in The Operating Framework of FAE FAEs of FAE FAEs of FAE FAEs for the NHS in England for both 2011-12 and 2012-13. 1 2010-11 5,072,951 34 1,870,980 13 335,274 2 Single-sex accommodation can be provided in: 2009-10 4,906,724 34 1,800,586 12 300,498 2 single-sex wards (i.e. the whole ward is occupied by men or 2008-09 4,718,112 33 1,718,406 12 284,974 2 women but not both); 2007-08 4,369,758 32 1,571,078 12 268,358 2 single rooms with adjacent single-sex toilet and washing facilities 2006-07 4,194,408 32 1,504,736 12 265,587 2 (preferably en suite); and 1 Finished admission episodes single-sex accommodation within mixed wards (i.e. bays or rooms A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of inpatient care under which accommodate either men or women, not both, with designated one consultant within one healthcare provider. FAEs are counted against the single-sex toilet and washing facilities preferably within or adjacent year in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of inpatients, as a person may have more than one admission within the to the bay or room). year. 2 Assessing growth through time Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Infectious Diseases Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 2006-07) and changes in NHS practice. For example, apparent reductions in what recent progress he has made on training for activity may be due to a number of procedures which may now be undertaken in (a) GPs and (b) hospital accident and emergency staff outpatient settings and so no longer include in admitted patient HES data. Source: on spotting outbreaks of infectious diseases. [91891] Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), Health and Social Care Information Centre Hip Replacements Anne Milton: The content and standard of health care training is the responsibility of the independent Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for regulatory bodies. Health how many operations to replace existing hip Through their role as the custodians of quality standards and knee replacements have taken place in England in education and practice, these organisations are committed and Wales in each of the last five years. [92025] to ensuring high quality patient care delivered by high quality health professionals and that health care Mr Simon Burns: The number of operations to replace professionals are equipped with the knowledge, skills existing hip and knee replacements that have taken and behaviours required to deal with the problems and place in England and Wales in each of the last five years conditions they will encounter in practice. and that were reported to the National Joint Registry is The Health and Social Care Act 2008 Code of Practice provided in the following table. on the Prevention and Control of Infections and related guidance (2010), requires providers of health care to Joints have systems in place for the recognition of outbreaks Hips Knees Total of infectious diseases, which would include training accident and emergency department staff where relevant. 2007 7,152 3,850 11,002 2008 7,531 4,593 12,124 Learning Disability: Medical Equipment 2009 7,884 . 4,960 12,844 2010 8,478 5,444 13,922 2011 8,296 4,939 13,235 Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Total 39,341 23,786 63,127 Health what assessment he has made of the future commissioning arrangements for alternative and Source: National Joint Registry augmentative communication aids. [91826] Hospital Wards: Gender Mr Simon Burns: No separate assessment has been made. Mr Crausby: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Subject to the passage of the Health and Social Care which NHS hospitals no longer have mixed sex wards. Bill the Government’s intention is that the NHS [92001] Commissioning Board (NHS CB) will directly commission a number of services including those specialised services Mr Simon Burns: The Department does not collect which are currently provided at both national and regional information about mixed-sex wards1, but information is level. collected on the number of patients whose care is in breach of guidance on mixed-sex sleeping arrangements. No final decisions have yet been taken on the services The latest figures show a fall from 11,802 breaches in the NHS CB will directly commission but Ministers December 2010 to 767 in December 2011, when 73% expect to be in a position to do this later this year. (121) of all acute trusts reported zero breaches. Overall there has been a reduction of breaches of Medical Treatments more than 94% in a fraction over a year. By publishing this regular and reliable data, bad performance has Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for been highlighted and the number of breaches of the Health how many treatments have been undertaken by rules has been substantially reduced. the NHS in each of the last 10 years. [91949] 489W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 490W

Mr Simon Burns: The available information is shown in the following tables.

Out-patient and in-patient hospital activity, England (commissioner based) Out-patients In-patients Elective General Non-elective First attendances Subsequent Total attendances and Acute General and Total General and seen attendances seen seen FFCEs Acute FFCEs Acute FFCEs

2001-02 — — — 5,223,407 3,951,857 9,175,264 2002-03 — — — 5,327,355 3,999,797 9,327,152 2003-04 — — — 5,375,454 4,188,168 9,563,622 2004-05 — — — 5,446,929 4,475,636 9,922,565 2005-06 11,859,980 26,350,265 38,210,245 5,657,744 4,654,277 10,312,021 2006-07 12,644,743 28,751,609 41,396,352 5,846,872 4,738,978 10,585,850 2007-08 13,591,220 29,499,509 43,090,729 6,236,082 4,795,153 11,031,235 2008-09 14,953,410 31,808,019 46,761,429 6,675,842 5,087,306 11,763,148 2009-10 16,045,346 33,473,775 49,519,121 6,897,405 5,249,765 12,147,170 2010-11 16,829,606 35,226,086 52,055,692 7,140,728 5,458,748 12,599,476

Out-patient and in-patient hospital activity; England (provider based) Out-patients In-patients Elective General Non-elective First attendances Subsequent Total attendances and Acute General and Total General and seen attendances seen seen FFCEs Acute FFCEs Acute FFCEs

2001-02 12,612,615 31,062,363 43,674,978 5,286,086 3,967,192 9,253,278 2002-03 12,878,799 30,886,026 43,764,825 5,413,638 4,013,308 9,426,946 2003-04 13,430,530 31,689,082 45,119,612 5,549,737 4,289,573 9,839,309 2004-05 13,370,173 31,397,428 44,767,601 5,529,668 4,549,542 10,079,210 2005-06 13,726,838 31,494,275 45,221,113 5,762,285 4,781,500 10,543,785 2006-07 13,600,443 31,109,612 44,710,055 5,964,409 4,895,313 10,859,722 2007-08 14,214,277 31,488,416 45,702,693 6,499,121 4,974,598 11,473,719 2008-09 15,536,590 33,176,698 48,713,288 6,778,017 5,205,350 11,983,367 2009-10 16,412,534 34,327,011 50,739,545 6,951,646 5,364,563 12,316,209 2010-11 16,954,190 35,498,064 52,452,254 7,211,663 5,499,325 12,710,988 Note: The out-patient attendances are for all specialties. The Inpatient First Finished Consultant Episodes (FFCEs) are for General and Acute specialties only. General and Acute does not include maternity, mental illness and learning disability. Commissioner based out-patient attendances were first collected in quarter 1 2005-06 and due to this being a new collection there were issues with data completeness. Source: Department of Health Quarterly Activity Return for outpatient attendances and Monthly Activity Return for Inpatient FFCEs.

Motor Neurone Disease: Swindon Paul Burstow: Information is not available in the format requested. The following table shows the count Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for of finished consultant episodes (FCEs) with a primary Health how many people in South Swindon constituency or secondary diagnosis of motor neuron disease for 3 have been diagnosed with motor neurone disease in each Swindon primary care trust (PCT) (of residence) for of the last five years. [91616] the period 2006-07 to 2010-11.

Count of finished consultant episodes1 (FCEs) with a primary or secondary diagnosis2 of motor neuron disease for Swindon PCT (of residence)3 for the period 2006-07 to 2010-114, activity in English NHS hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector

PCT of residence 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07

Swindon PCT 36 38 20 25 20

1 Finished consultant episode (FCE): A finished consultant episode (FCE) is a continuous period of admitted patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are counted against the year in which they end. Figures do not represent the number of different patients, as a person may have more than one episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays in the same year. 2 Number of episodes in which the patient had a (named) primary or secondary diagnosis: the number of episodes where this diagnosis was recorded in any of the 20 (14 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and seven prior to 2002-03) primary and secondary diagnosis fields in a hospital episode statistics (HES) record. Each episode is only counted once, even if the diagnosis is recorded in more than one diagnosis field of the record. ICD-10 codes used G12.2—motor neuron disease. 491W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 492W

3 SHA/PCT of residence: The strategic health authority (SHA) or PCT containing the patient’s normal home address. This does not necessarily reflect where the patient was treated as they may have travelled to another SHA/PCT for treatment. 4 Assessing growth through time: HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes in NHS practice. For example, apparent reductions in activity may be due to a number of procedures which may now be undertaken in out-patient settings and so no longer include in admitted patient HES data. Note: Activity included: Activity in English NHS hospitals and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), the NHS Information Centre for health and social care.

Muscular Dystrophy Mr Simon Burns: Departmental officials have been in discussion and working closely with strategic health Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for authority (SHA) cluster colleagues, to establish exactly Health what steps he is taking to improve treatment of how this funding could be optimised to achieve best Duchenne muscular dystrophy. [91901] results. In parallel, SHA clusters have been liaising with their organisations and identifying proposals, based on Paul Burstow: It is the responsibility of health and local need, and prioritising them across their region. care professionals, working in conjunction with patients Any local deadlines are a matter for local determination. and their families, to arrange the most appropriate No decisions have been taken at this stage. Officials, health and social care for those living with Duchenne together with SHA cluster colleagues, will determine muscular dystrophy. the use of this funding and any announcements on this will be made shortly. A national neuromuscular work plan for the commissioning of specialised services is currently been It is currently expected that up to £300 million, which consulted on prior to being finalised by April 2012. has been sourced from existing capital resources, will be invested by the end of March 2013. This will allow time Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for for local investments to be properly planned and prioritised, Health what steps his Department is taking to support ensuring the most effective use of this funding. research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy. [91903]

Paul Burstow: The Department spent £0.4 million on Osteoporosis: Health Services directly-funded research into Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in 2010-11. A three-year project on advanced Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for antisense oligonucleotide technology for exon skipping Health what guidelines he has issued to care homes on in DMD started in March 2011. The Department is the prevention, treatment and care of fractures contributing £1.5 million to this project, with joint resulting from falls by people with osteoporosis. [92023] funding from the Wellcome Trust. NHS Paul Burstow: The Department provides guidelines through the Department’s falls and bone health commissioning toolkit. In addition, the National Hip Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State Fracture Database, which audits the care of hip fracture for Health what the budget was of each Regional patients, and the Royal College of Physicians’ Falls and Transition Programme Board in each year since its Bone health audit also apply to all care settings including establishment. [92237] care homes. Mr Simon Burns: The regional transition programme is a local initiative that has been established by the North East Strategic Health Authority (SHA). As such, Osteoporosis: Swindon the information requested is not centrally held. The hon. Member may wish to write to the North East Mr Buckland: To ask the Secretary of State for SHA, which may hold some relevant information. Health how many people in South Swindon have been diagnosed with osteoporosis in each of the last five NHS: Finance years. [91618]

Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Paul Burstow: Information is not available in the pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for format requested. However, the following table shows Easington of 18 January 2012, Official Report, column the count of finished consultant episodes1 (FCEs) with 874W, on NHS: capital investment, (1) whether any (a) a primary or secondary diagnosis2 of osteoporosis for decisions have been taken and (b) deadlines have been Swindon primary care trust (PCT) (of residence)3 for set at local level for the use of the funding; [91858] the period 2006-07 to 2010-114. (2) what the (a) amount and (b) source is of the Count of finished consultant episodes1 (FCEs) with a primary or identified capital funding to be made available to the secondary diagnosis2 of osteoporosis for Swindon PCT (of residence)3 NHS; which body or individual will be responsible for for the period 2006-07 to 2010-114, activity in English NHS hospitals determining the use of the funding; and when he and English NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector expects to announce plans for the use of the funding; PCT of 2010-11 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 2006-07 [91859] residence (3) with whom in the NHS he is having discussions. Swindon 1,114 645 585 577 453 [91860] PCT 493W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 494W

1 Finished consultant episode (FCE): A finished consultant episode between 2008 and 2010 but we have no information on (FCE) is a continuous period of admitted patient care under one whether these were investigated under the statutory consultant within one health care provider. FCEs are counted against the year in which they end. Figures do not represent the nuisance regime or found to be statutory nuisances. number of different patients, as a person may have more than one The evidence is clear that the legislation prohibiting episode of care within the same stay in hospital or in different stays smoking in almost all substantially enclosed public in the same year. places and workplaces, introduced in England on 1 July 2 Number of episodes in which the patient had a (named) primary or secondary diagnosis: the number of episodes where this diagnosis 2007, has had beneficial effects on health. We also know was recorded in any of the 20 (14 from 2002-03 to 2006-07 and seven that levels of compliance and public support for the law prior to 2002-03) primary and secondary diagnosis fields in a are high. The Government believe that the aims of the hospital episode statistics (HES) record. Each episode is only legislation continue to be effectively achieved and that counted once, even if the diagnosis is recorded in more than one there is no further need to review the legislation at this diagnosis field of the record. ICD-10 codes used: time. M80—Osteoporosis with pathological fracture M81—Osteoporosis without pathological fracture Social Services: Finance M82—Osteoporosis in diseases classified elsewhere (M82 only occurs in a secondary position after a dagger code Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for identifying the underlying disease). Health what information his Department has received 3 SHA/PCT of residence: The strategic health authority (SHA) or PCT containing the patient’s normal home address. This does not from primary care trusts on plans for spending the necessarily reflect where the patient was treated as they may have 2011-12 NHS social care allocation; which services the travelled to another SHA/PCT for treatment. money has been allocated to; and what proportion of 4 Assessing growth through time: HES figures are available from the money is expected to be spent on older people. 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be [92392] interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes Paul Burstow: The Department collected information in NHS practice. For example, apparent reductions in activity may from primary care trusts in September 2011 to understand be due to a number of procedures which may now be undertaken in how the transfer was progressing and on which services out-patient settings and so no longer include in admitted patient it was being used. The information suggests that the HES data. Note: money is being used on a wide range of services. A full Activity included: Activity in English NHS hospitals and English breakdown of this can be found in the NHS publication NHS commissioned activity in the independent sector. “The Quarter”, a copy of which has been placed in the Source: Library. The Department did not collect information Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), the NHS Information Centre for on what proportion of the money is being spent on health and social care. older people. Sunbeds: Safety Passive Smoking Mrs Siân C. James: To ask the Secretary of State for Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps the Government is taking to Health what research his Department has (a) commissioned ensure that operators of sunbed salons provide and (b) evaluated on emissions in residential areas from protective eyewear for users of sunbeds in commercial secondary smoking; whether such smoking constitutes settings in England; [92208] a statutory nuisance; and whether he has considered amending regulations in respect of secondary smoking. (2) what steps the Government is taking to ensure [92271] that people under the age of 18 in England do not hire or buy sunbeds; [92372] Anne Milton: The Department of Health has not (3) what steps the Government is taking to prevent specifically commissioned or evaluated research on the operators of sunbed salons in England from impact of second-hand smoke in residential areas. advertising the health benefits of sunbeds; [92373] Under section 79(1) of the Environmental Protection (4) what plans the Government has to ensure that Act 1990, local authorities have a duty to take reasonably sunbed salons in England are staffed. [92374] practicable steps to investigate complaints of smoke, fumes or gases “emitted from premises so as to be Anne Milton: The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010, prejudicial to health or a nuisance”. Local authorities which came into effect on 8 April 2011 in England and take into account a number of things when assessing if Wales, makes it an offence for sunbed businesses to a statutory nuisance exists including the reasonableness permit people under the age of 18 access to sunbeds on of the activity being carried out, the time of day of the their commercial premises. The Act also contains powers occurrence, its duration, its frequency of occurrence to enact further regulations which include: and whether or not best practicable means was being the provision of protective eyewear for sunbed users by sunbed employed. businesses; If satisfied that a statutory nuisance exists or may prohibiting the hire or sale of sunbeds to under-18s; occur or recur, the local authority must serve an abatement preventing the sunbed businesses from advertising the health notice under section 80 of the Act requiring that the benefits of sunbeds; and nuisance is abated or restricted within a set timescale to requirement for staffing sunbed businesses. prevent its occurrence or recurrence. The Department The powers to enact further regulations have not for Environment Food and Rural Affairs’ recent survey been used and the Government are not planning to of statutory nuisance complaints found that complaints introduce any further regulations for England at the were made to local authorities about cigarette smoke present time. We will keep the position under review. 495W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 496W

The Health and Safety Executive provides best practice inform them of their eligibility opportunistically, for guidance for sunbed businesses “Reducing health risks example at antenatal clinics, new-birth home visits or from the use of ultraviolet (UV) tanning equipment” when starting school. and a poster and leaflet with advice for operators and customers available at: Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State www.hse.gov.uk/press/2009/e09038.htm for Health for what reasons his Department’s guidance The guidance includes reference to trained staff and sets local eligibility for Bacillus Calmette-Guérin the use of protective eyewear for customers and staff. vaccination at 40 cases per 100,00 population; and SunSmart, the national skin cancer prevention campaign, whether in setting this level account was taken of the also provides information and advice about the risks to likelihood of tuberculosis spreading from medium to health of sunbeds at: high risk areas in west London. [92205] www.sunsmart.org.uk/advice-and-prevention/sunbeds Anne Milton: United Kingdom vaccination policy is Tuberculosis: Vaccination based on the expert advice of the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State JCVI has advised that the current approach to Bacillus for Health what recent assessment he has made of the Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination is the most effective merits of reintroducing school-based Bacillus way to protect those most at risk of catching tuberculosis Calmette-Guérin vaccination. [92201] (TB). Anne Milton: United Kingdom vaccination policy is The current selective immunisation policy is designed based on the expert advice of the independent Joint to provide protection for those individuals who are at Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). risk based on their family and/or residential circumstances The JCVI has advised that the current approach is the e.g. if their parents of grandparents come from country most effective way to protect those most at risk of that has a TB incidence rate equal to or greater than catching tuberculosis. The JCVI has issued a statement 40 cases per 100,000 population, which is the World which explains its position, a copy of which has been Health Organisation threshold for indicating high TB placed in the Library. The Committee most recently incidence. reviewed the policy in 2010 and will continue to keep it Universal BCG vaccination is recommended in areas under review. where the incidence is equal to or greater than 40 cases per 100,000 population for operational reasons since Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State these areas generally have a high concentration of families for Health (1) what proportion of children under one who come from regions of the world where the TB whose parents or grandparents were born in a country incidence is high. This policy is based on geography in where the annual incidence of tuberculosis is greater order to target vaccination to children who may be at than 40 cases per 100,000 received Bacillus Calmette- increased risk of TB in an effective way. The policy does Guérin vaccinations in the latest period for which not imply that living in areas with, a high TB incidence figures are available; [92202] puts all children at increased risk of TB infection. This (2) what percentage of children under the age of one is because most infections of children are likely to occur living in areas where the incidence of tuberculosis is in household settings. over 40 cases per 100,00 population receive a Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination. [92206] Anne Milton: The Department of Health does not JUSTICE hold data on the proportion of children eligible to Aiding and Abetting receive Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination. The NHS Information Centre publishes annually Esther McVey: To ask the Secretary of State for data on the number of BCG vaccinations administered Justice (1) what representations he has received on joint nationally by age. These data show that in 2010-11, enterprise in each of the last three years; [91789] about 153,000 children aged under one year received the BCG vaccination. (2) what meetings he has had with victims groups on joint enterprise since May 2010. [91790] The data is published in the NHS Information Centre report, ‘NHS Immunisation Statistics England 2010-11’, Mr Blunt: We have received a number of representations with the data source given as the KC50. about joint enterprise law in the last three years. These A copy has been placed in the Library. have included concerns that the law allows some gang members involved in the commission of offences to Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State escape conviction. Conversely, concerns have also been for Health how families were informed of their raised that other people have been imprisoned when eligibility based on family history for Bacillus Calmette- their involvement in the activities of the group was not Guérin vaccination in medium and low incidence areas significant enough to warrant conviction. Ultimately, in the latest period for which figures are available. the decision to convict is for the jury, taking account of [92204] all the evidence heard at the trial. Anne Milton: It is the responsibility of primary care As my hon. Friend will recall, the Minister for Policing trusts to implement the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin and Criminal Justice, my right hon. Friend the Member vaccination programme and information on how families for Arundel and South Downs (Nick Herbert), met are informed of eligibility is not collected centrally. with her and representatives of Families Fighting for However, typically the national health service would Justice (FFJ) on 30 September 2010 to discuss joint 497W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 498W enterprise law. I also met with FFJ and other victims proportion of offenders serving community punishments groups on 16 June 2011. Details of all our meetings that figure represents; [92043] with external organisations are published on the Justice (2) how many offenders did not complete their website at: community punishments in each of the last five years; http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/corporate-reports/moj/ and what proportion of offenders serving community index2011.htm punishments that figure represents. [92044]

Community Orders Mr Blunt: The following table shows the proportions of Community Orders terminated for various reasons Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (out of the total number which terminated) in each of what the cost to the public purse was of (a) the last five years. The reasons of ‘failure to comply administering community orders and (b) running with requirements’, ‘conviction of an offence’ and ‘other’ include all those offenders who did not complete their community-based punishments in 2011. [92041] Community Orders successfully. Mr Blunt: As part of the Government’s commitment From the data held centrally, it is not possible to to provide greater transparency, to enable the public to identify separately those offenders who ‘absconded’ hold services to account and assess whether they are from supervision, but the proportion shown in the table receiving value for money from the services we provide, for ‘failure to comply with requirements’ will include NOMS will publish, in autumn 2012, three probation those offenders who never attended, or stopped attending, level input indicators one of which is the cost per supervision or other appointments made as a requirement community order. This will be the average, fully-apportioned of their sentence. The term ‘abscond’ is more commonly cost to probation of delivering a community order or used in relation to prisoners rather than those serving suspended sentence order sentence to the service definition community sentences. as detailed in the NOMS service specification. This will Percentage of terminations of Community Orders by reason, 2006 to include both managing the sentence and delivering court- 2010, England and Wales ordered requirements. The costs of the latter will be 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 derived from the average number and type of requirements Ran their full 39 47 49 52 53 attached to a sentence for an offender on each tier. course These indicators will be based on costs from 2011-12. (percentage)

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Terminated early how many offenders received (a) five or more, for: (b) 10 or more and (c) 15 or more community orders Good progress 13 10 11 12 12 or punishments in 2011. [92042] (percentage) Failure to comply 24 22 19 16 15 Mr Blunt: The following table shows offenders of all with requirements (percentage) ages sentenced to one or more community sentences in Conviction of an 14 12 11 10 10 2010, in England and Wales, as recorded on the police offence national computer. The figures relate to separate sentencing (percentage) occasions in 2010; where an offender was sentenced on Other reasons 10 10 10 10 10 the same occasion for several offences it is the primary (percentage) offence that has been counted. Where an offender has received several community sentences in the same year All Community 70,577 113,829 124,411 130,533 130,474 some of these may represent amendments or extensions Orders (=100%) to previous court orders rather than separate court orders. These are the latest available figures for a calendar These figures have been drawn from administrative year. IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording These figures have been drawn from the police’s system, are subject to possible errors with data entry administrative IT system, the police national computer, and processing. which, as with any large scale recording system, is subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. The figures are provisional and subject to change as Court Orders: Compensation more information is recorded by the police. Offenders sentenced to one or more community sentences in 2010 Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Number of community sentences Number of offenders how many compensation orders were issued in each of the last three years; and what the total value of those One to four 144,745 compensation orders was. [92039] Five to nine 651 10 to 14 10 Mr Blunt: The number and total monetary value of 15 or more — compensation orders imposed at all courts for all offences Total 145,406 in England and Wales in each year between 2008 and 2010 (latest currently available) can be viewed in the Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice following table. (1) how many offenders absconded from community Annual court proceedings data for 2011 are planned punishments in each of the last five years; and what for publication in May 2012. 499W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 500W

Number and total value of compensation1 orders imposed in all courts Table 1: Defendants tried at the Crown court for all offences by plea, for all offences, England and Wales, 2008-102,3 England and Wales 20101, 2 2008 2009 2010 Not Not Number of orders 244,282 157,410 154,428 Offence group Guilty guilty recorded Total made Total value4 of 33,451,977.08 44,496,658.80 44,620,426.32 orders made (£) Summary motoring 425 37 — 462 1 Including compensation orders given as second, third and fourth offences disposals for principal offences. 2 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. All offences 74,378 31,733 306 106,417 3 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they 1 The figures given in the table relate to persons for whom these were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it imposed, Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence maximum penalty is the most severe. selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is 4 Note that courts have the power to reduce or discharge the order at the most severe. a subsequent date if the offender’s circumstances change, therefore 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are the amounts of compensation shown in this table are those imposed accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these at the time of sentence. data have been extracted from large administrative data systems Source: generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care Justice Statistics Analytical Services within the Ministry of Justice should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are Criminal Proceedings used. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many (1) people pleaded guilty for each type of Table 2: All defendants in criminal cases in the magistrates courts: offence in (a) Crown courts and (b) magistrates courts plea at initial hearing, by offence group. England and Wales, 2010 and 2011 (combined)1, 2, 3 in the last year for which figures are available; [91513] (2) cases brought before magistrates courts have Percentage pleaded guilty in each year since 1997. [91570] Initial Initial not guilty guilty Initial Committed/ Mr Blunt: Table 1, as follows, provides the number of plea at plea at no plea sent for trial defendants pleading guilty in the Crown court by offence, first first at first at first in England and Wales. This information is not available Offence group hearing hearing hearing hearing for defendants pleading in the magistrates courts for the Violence against 32 30 20 18 years requested. The available statistics relate to the the person estimated proportion of defendants pleading guilty in Sex Offences 19 12 22 46 the magistrates courts. These statistics are provided in Table 2 and Table 3, and are estimates sourced from the Robbery 14 12 14 59 discontinued Time Interval Survey. Burglary 36 16 18 31 Theft and 67 10 19 4 Table 2 provides the estimated proportion of defendants Handling Stolen who pleaded guilty at first hearing in the magistrates Goods courts in England and Wales from 1997 to 2010. The Fraud and 35 12 26 27 proportion of defendants who pleaded guilty at the first Forgery hearing in the magistrates courts, by offence groupings Criminal 59 17 21 3 is provided in Table 3. Damage Table 1: Defendants tried at the Crown court for all offences by plea, Drug Offences 66 5 16 14 England and Wales 20101, 2 Other Indictable 31 14 25 30 Not Not Offence group Guilty guilty recorded Total Indictable 53 10 18 19 Motoring Violence against the 16,116 10,292 93 26, 501 Offences person Summary 33 10 56 1 Sexual offences 2,676 4,277 39 6,992 offences Burglary 7,413 2,014 20 9,447 excluding motoring Robbery 4,864 2,437 18 7,319 Theft and handling 7,046 2,832 18 9,896 Summary 48 8 44 0 stolen goods motoring Fraud and forgery 6,031 1,707 23 7,761 All offences 44 11 40 5 Criminal damage 1,423 623 29 2,075 1 Results are based on all completed criminal proceedings in all Drug offences 11,463 2,302 13 13,778 magistrates courts in England & Wales during one sample survey periods in March and September in 2010 and March 2011. Other indictable 11,385 4,467 44 15,896 2 All defendants refer to adult and youth defendants. offences 3 Plea data are based on the initial plea when the trial was first listed/ Indictable motoring 1,514 341 4 1,859 heard. The survey does not collect information on the plea after the offences first hearing. Summary offences 4,022 404 5 4,431 Source: excluding motoring Time Interval Survey—Ministry of Justice 501W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 502W

Table 3: All defendants in all criminal cases, estimated proportion of Table 1: Magistrates and Crown courts, all defendants1 in criminal pleas at initial hearing at magistrates courts, England and Wales, 1997 cases by offence group, England and Wales: timeliness stages (average to March 201l1, 2, 3 weeks) from offence and charge to completion, financial year 2010-11 Percentage All criminal cases Initial Offence to Charge/ Initial not charge/ laying of guilty guilty Initial laying of information Offence to plea at plea at no plea Committed/sent information to completion completion first first at first for trial at first Offence group (weeks) (weeks) (weeks)2 hearing hearing hearing hearing (a) Proceedings 1997 33 5 58 3 completing in the 3 1998 35 5 58 3 Crown court 1999 34 9 56 1 Burglary 8 20 28 2000 37 13 49 1 Criminal damage 9 27 36 2001 39 7 52 2 Drug offences 15 26 41 2002 37 8 54 2 Fraud and forgery 72 28 100 2003 37 8 53 2 Indictable motoring 92534 offences 2004 39 9 50 2 Robbery 82532 2005 40 9 48 2 Sexual offences 51 33 84 2006 41 10 46 3 Theft and handling 22 27 49 2007 40 10 47 3 stolen goods 2008 44 10 42 4 Violence against the 10 29 38 2009 43 10 43 4 person 2010 44 11 41 5 Other indictable 20 29 49 20114 45 11 39 5 offences 1 Includes adult and youth defendants. Summary motoring 41721 2 Estimates based on one week sample for all defendants in criminal cases proceedings that were completed in the magistrates courts. Summary non- 81725 3 Between 1997 and 1999, the results are based on one week period of motoring cases each June. 1999 is a transitional period and results are now based on All criminal cases 19 27 46 two surveys. Those are conducted in February and September. Thereafter, all criminal cases are collected in March and September. 4 The Time Interval Survey was discontinued and estimates arc based (b) Proceedings on the last survey in March 2011. completing in the Source: magistrates court4 Time Interval Survey—Ministry of Justice Burglary 7 7 14 Criminal damage 4 8 13 Drug offences 5 5 10 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what the average number of weeks from charge to a Fraud and forgery 52 11 62 case being heard was for each type of offence triable in Indictable motoring 13 14 27 (a) Crown courts and (b) magistrates courts in the offences most recent year for which figures are available. [91514] Robbery 61117 Sexual offences 17 14 31 Theft and handling 4610 stolen goods Mr Blunt: Table 1 provides the average length of time Violence against the 5914 in weeks from: (i) the date of offence to the date of person charge/laying of information; (ii) the date of charge/laying Other indictable 13 11 23 of information to the date of completion; and (iii) the offences date of offence to the date of completion. This is Summary motoring 15 9 24 provided for: (a) cases completing in the Crown court cases and; (b) cases completing in the magistrates court, for Summary non- 11 8 19 the financial year from 2010-11, the latest financial year motoring cases for which figures are available. All criminal cases 12 8 20 1 These statistics are sourced from the administrative All defendants refer to adult and youth defendants. 2 Figures have been rounded to the nearest week. Intermediate stages data systems used in the courts, and have been produced may not add up to the total offence to completion, due to rounding. by linking together records held on the two datasets. 3 The offence group is taken from data collected at the magistrates court, therefore some cases, such as summary offences may have Summary statistics on the timeliness of criminal been upgraded by the time they reach the Crown court. proceedings in the magistrates courts and Crown court 4 Includes all cases concluded in the magistrates courts during the are published by the Ministry of Justice in the statistical specified time period and excludes cases completed in magistrates ″ ″ court but not completed in the Crown court. Data are sourced from bulletins Court Statistics Quarterly . Statistics for the the linked administrative court data and includes around 95% of quarter July to September 2011 were published on completed proceedings. These data are only available from April 12 January on the Department’s website at: 2010. Source: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/statistics-and-data/ Libra MIS Timeliness Analysis Report (TAR) and CREST linked courts-and-sentencing/judicial-quarterly.htm court data, HM Courts and Tribunals Service. 503W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 504W

Criminal Proceedings: Costs Number of males and females sentenced to immediate custody at all courts and, of these, the number sentenced to an extended sentence of imprisonment, England and Wales, 2005-101,2 Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Immediate custody what the average cost per day was of a case heard in a Of which: (a) magistrates court and (b) Crown court in each Number Extended sentence year between 1997 and 2011 inclusive. [91551] Sex Year sentenced of imprisonment3,4

Mr Djanogly: Her Majesty’s Court and Tribunal Males 2005 92,955 1,461 Service, HMCTS, has no court cost statistics prior to 2006 88,173 1,266 the creation of Her Majesty’s Court Service on 1 April 2007 87,371 1,103 2005. Prior to financial year 2009-10, financial systems 20085 90,812 653 did not support the jurisdictional analyses that are the 20096 91,801 422 basis of current costings. It is therefore not possible to provide meaningful comparatives for the average cost 2010 93,021 438 per hearing day for earlier years. Courts average cost per hearing day are as follows: Females 2005 8,281 32 2006 7,844 33 £ 2007 7,795 27 2009-10 2010-11 20085 8,359 18 (a) Magistrates court 1,341 1,323 20096 8,100 12 (b) Crown court 2,043 2,021 2010 8,196 15

Costs are judicial, administration and court costs All 2005 101,236 1,493 incurred directly by the courts, excluding overheads and persons7 depreciation. 2006 96,017 1,299 2007 95,206 1,130 20085 99,525 671 Departmental Contracts 20096 100,231 434 2010 101,513 453 Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how much Sodexo has paid for carrying out police 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they national computer checks on visitors to Bronzefield were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or prison. [91838] more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more Mr Blunt: The information requested is not available offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory and to extract the data from financial reports would maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate result in disproportionate cost. and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken Offenders: National Insurance to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Where males or females under the age of 21 are included in these Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for figures they will have been sentenced to detention. Justice what proportion of prisoners released did not 4 Persons whose offences were committed prior to 4 April 2005 will have been sentenced to an extended sentence under s85 of Powers of have a National Insurance number in the most recent the Criminal Court (Sentencing) Act 2000. year for which figures are available. [90189] 5 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Mr Blunt: The National Offender Management Service 6 Revisions have been made to 2009 figures to account for the late (NOMS) does not collect this information. receipt of a small number of court records. 7 Includes persons where sex is ’not stated’, therefore ’males’ and ’females’ figures may not add to ’All persons’ totals. Source: Prison Sentences Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice Prisoners’ Home Leave Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many (a) men and (b) women have been Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice sentenced to an extended sentence for public protection pursuant to the answer of 18 January 2012, Official in each year since 2005. [92006] Report, columns 862-63W, on prisoners’ home leave, on how many occasions restricted patients released into Mr Blunt: The number of males and females sentenced the community have reoffended. [92040] to immediate custody at all courts and, of these, the number who received an extended sentence of imprisonment, Mr Blunt: It is not possible to provide the information in England and Wales, from 2005 to 2010 (latest available) requested on the number of restricted patients who can be viewed in the table. have committed further offences either on community Annual court proceedings data for 2011 are planned leave or when conditionally discharged, without a manual for publication in May 2012. check of over 6,000 files at disproportionate cost. 505W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 506W

Among all restricted patients who were discharged release of all determinate sentence prisoners automatically from hospital for the first time between 1999 and 2007, at the half-way point, subject to any days added for 5.8% were reconvicted within two years of their discharge. breaches of prison discipline. There are two exceptions where release may take place after the half-way point Prisoners’ Release involving an increasingly small pool of offenders serving long sentences subject to the 1991 Act regime or extended Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice sentences imposed before 14 July 2008. what proportion of those serving custodial sentences were released after serving half of their sentence in A number of schemes have operated during this period under which certain prisoners may be released each year between 1995 and 2011. [90478] before the half-way point is reached. Mr Blunt: The following table shows the percentage Since 1999, short-term, low-risk prisoners have been of prisoners serving determinate sentences who were considered for release under the home detention curfew released prior to the half-way point of the sentence (HDC) scheme, which requires them to reside at an under the two principal early release schemes that have approved address generally for 12 hours per day, subject operated during this period, and thereby indicates the to electronic monitoring and recall to prison for failing proportion that were released on or after the half-way to comply with the scheme. All registered sex offenders point. It relates to those serving determinate sentences and violent offenders serving extended sentences are only. Those serving indeterminate sentences are released excluded from HDC, specified violent and previous from prison only after they have served the minimum sexual offenders not required to register are presumed period in custody (tariff) set by the court. Data prior to unsuitable and all prisoners must pass an individual 1998 are not held centrally; figures for 2011 are not yet risk assessment before HDC may be granted. available. There is a similar release scheme available to young These figures have been drawn from administrative people sentenced to Detention and Training Orders. IT systems which, as with any large scale recording Young people sentenced to DTOs serve the first half of system, are subject to possible errors with data entry their sentence in custody and the second half in the and processing. community. Where the Order is for at least eight months Prisoners are released in accordance with the legislation there is a presumption that the young person will be that applies to their sentence and there have been various released one or two months prior to the half-way point statutory release regimes operating during the period unless they are serving a sentence for specific sexual or 1995 to 2011 which are explained as follows. violent offences or their behaviour and/or progress against The Criminal Justice Act 1967 applied to prisoners their training plan is unsatisfactory. Data on early release sentenced before 1 October 1992. Such prisoners were from DTO is not collated separately but in 2010-11 eligible for parole from the one-third point of their there were around 1,110 young offenders in custody sentence and therefore could be released before the serving a DTO. half-way point if this was agreed by the Parole Board. If Between June 2007 and March 2010, when the scheme not granted parole they were released automatically at was withdrawn, prisoners who met the eligibility criteria the two-thirds point of the sentence. Since 1992 the serving sentences between four weeks and four years number of prisoners eligible for release under the 1967 were released under temporary licence 18 days prior to Act regime has diminished to only a handful currently. the half-way point of the sentence under the End of Prisoners sentenced after 1 October 1992 are subject Custody Licence Scheme. to the release regimes of the Criminal Justice Acts of Finally, since 2005, foreign national prisoners eligible 1991 or 2003 (or the Powers of the Criminal Courts for removal from the UK could be deported or removed (Sentencing) Act 2000 in the case of young offenders prior to the half-way point of the sentence under the serving Detention and Training Orders (DTOs)). Early Removal Scheme (ERS). Data on ERS has not Throughout the period in question, therefore, the been collated over this period but, in 2010, the UK overwhelming majority of prisoners have been subject Border Agency removed or deported 5,235 foreign national to the 1991 and 2003 Act regimes. These require the prisoners, around a third under ERS.

Prisoners released from determinate sentences, 1998 to 2010 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Total 79,000 85,500 86,200 83,100 86,400 84,800 86,100 84,200 82,400 85,500 94,900 91,200 89,700 number released1

Releases — 14,847 15,510 13,649 20,456 21,188 19,294 17,296 13,666 11,428 11,721 11,534 12,250 on Home Detention Curfew (HDC) Releases —————————16,19731,318 29,371 4,692 on End of Custody Licence (ECL) 507W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 508W

Prisoners released from determinate sentences, 1998 to 2010 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Percentage —177816242522211713121314 HDC releases Percentage —————————1933325 ECL releases

Releases — 70,600 70,700 69,500 65,900 63,600 66,800 66,900 68,700 57,900 51,900 50,300 72,700 not on HDC or ECL1, 2

Percentage —838284767578798368555581 releases not HDC or ECL2 1 Figures for the total number of releases and releases not on HDC or ECL are rounded to the nearest 100. 2 Includes a very small number of prisoners released prior to the half-way point under (a) the provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 1967; (b) the Early Removal Scheme for foreign national prisoners; and (c) the early release scheme for Detention and Training Orders.

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Blunt: Defendants proceeded against at magistrates what the average additional time spent in custody was courts, in the Metropolitan Police force area, for human for people recalled to prison in (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and trafficking offences, from 1 April (when Specialist Crime (c) 2011. [91839] Directorate 9 was created) to 31 December 2010 (latest available) can be viewed in the table. Mr Blunt: The information requested is not routinely Data provided may or may not have resulted from collected, however, based on a one-off analysis of those operations conducted by the Specialist Crime Directorate 9. recalled to prison in 2008, the average time spent in Annual court proceedings data for 2011 will be available custody was estimated to be around eight months. This in May 2012. average figure excludes fixed term recalls, under which offenders spend a fixed period of up to 28 days in Charging data are not collated centrally by the Ministry custody on recall. of Justice. These figures have been drawn from administrative Defendants proceeded against at magistrates courts in the Metropolitan Police force area for human trafficking offences1 IT systems which, as with any large scale recording 2,3,4 system, are subject to possible errors with data entry from 1 April to 31 December 2010 and processing. Defendants Metropolitan Police force area 7 Prisons: Finance 1 Includes offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants Act) 2004. 2 The Specialist Crime Directorate 9 was created on 1 April 2010. Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Data given in the table may or may not have resulted from operations what budget his Department plans to allocate to each conducted by this directorate. 3 prison in each of the next five years. [92210] The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or Mr Blunt: The information requested is as follows: more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more Financial years 2012-13 to 2017-18 offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory Spending review 2010 agreed MOJ’s budget up to maximum penalty is the most severe. 2014-15; however, detailed allocations are done only on 4 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have an annual basis. NOMS are in the process of allocating been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by 2012-13 budgets to individual prisons and will agree the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken this before the start of the financial year. to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. Source: Prostitution Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Sentencing Justice (1) how many people have been charged with (a) control for gain of prostitution and (b) other offences related to trafficking in the London area since Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Specialist Crime Division 9 in the Metropolitan Police Justice what progress his Department has made in its was created; [91983] review of community sentences. [92166] (2) how many prosecutions there have been for trafficking-related offences in the London area since Mr Blunt: We are currently developing proposals to Specialist Crime Division 9 in the Metropolitan Police reform sentences in the community and intend to publish was created. [91984] those for a period of consultation in due course. 509W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 510W

Tribunals Youth Custody

Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) if he will review the arrangements by which first tier what steps he is taking to ensure each (a) youth tribunals (tax) operate in cases where one party is offending team and (b) young offender institution has unable to attend a tribunal hearing; and if he will a children’s council. [92370] consider introducing measures to keep a verbatim record of tribunal hearings when one party is absent; Mr Blunt: The Youth Justice Board encourage all [92045] youth offending teams to fully take into account the views of children and young people. The decision on (2) what the average length of time taken for a judge whether a children’s council or an equivalent body is to give judgment on a first tier tribunal (tax) case after the best means of achieving this are made at a local a hearing has taken place was in 2011. [92046] level. The regimes provided in each under-18 young offender Mr Djanogly: The information is as follows: institution are governed by Prison Service Instruction (1) The Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for 28/2009 ‘Care and Management of Young People’. Justice, my right hon. and learned Friend the Member That instruction mandates that all governors must have for Rushcliffe (Mr Clarke), currently has no plans to in place arrangements for consulting all young people review the arrangements by which first tier tribunals about a range of issues through bodies such as representative (tax) operate in cases where one party is unable to consultative groups which meet regularly and must attend a tribunal hearing. The First-tier Tribunal (Tax provide them with information about those arrangements. Chamber) can hear an appeal in a party’s absence if the Prison Service Instruction 28/2009 has recently been tribunal is satisfied that both (a) the party has been reviewed and its replacement will be published in the served with notice of the hearing (or reasonable steps spring. The replacement Prison Service instruction retains have been taken to notify him/her) and (b) it is in the the instruction, which mandates consultative groups as interests of justice to do so. These provisions are detailed outlined above. in the procedure rules that support the Tax Chamber: The Tribunals Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Tax Chamber) Rules 2008. The decision to proceed in the Youth Custody: Education absence of a party is a judicial one and not an administrative one. Either party has the option of submitting an Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice application to postpone the hearing, which the tribunal what steps he is taking to provide access to full-time will consider on its merits. education for children serving community or custodial The Secretary of State for Justice has no plans to sentences. [92366] introduce measures to keep a verbatim record of tribunal hearings when one party is absent. The First-tier Tribunal Mr Blunt: Young persons of compulsory school age (Tax Chamber) does not have the facility to make a who are serving community sentences are expected to verbatim transcript of hearings before it. The judge is be in full-time education in the community.Youthoffending expected to make a note of the proceedings, but it is a teams work closely with local authorities and schools note and not a verbatim record. on interventions designed to ensure that young offenders (2) The First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) does not are attending school and addressing their learning needs. report on the average time taken from the date of the Young persons held in the secure estate have access to a hearing to the date of promulgation of the decision. It full day of education and constructive activity and is not possible to obtain such data without disproportionate receive an individual learning plan to address their cost. In addition any figures would tend to be misleading learning needs and objectives while in custody. as the average time would cover all appeals ranging from straightforward cases where a judgment can be given on the day of the hearing to complex appeals Youth Custody: Mental Health Services heard by a panel of three where a judgment may necessarily take some months, and may be seen in draft by the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice parties prior to its issue. if he will take steps to ensure a child psychologist is in We have however recently published Quarterly Tribunals place in every youth offending team. [92367] Statistics for the period 1 July to 30 September 2011. Table 1.4 of the publication Mr Blunt: Health services are a statutory partner of http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/publications/statistics- the youth offending team as set out by the Crime and and-data/tribs-stats/quarterly-tribs-stats-q2-11-12.pdf Disorder Act 1998. We expect youth offending teams to provides information on the following performance have access to all services relevant to ensuring that measures for the First Tier (Tax) Tribunal: young people are appropriately assessed and receive interventions suitable to their needs. The most recent The percentage of standard/complex cases disposed of within audit of youth offending team health workers (2009) 70 weeks of receipt (58% disposed of in 70 weeks in Quarter 2) found that 151 youth offending teams (out of a total of The percentage of paper cases disposed of in 20 weeks (88% 157 at that time) had a practitioner seconded from the disposed of in 20 weeks in Quarter 2); and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) The percentage of basic cases disposed of in 20 weeks (76% through whom access to a range of professionals, including disposed of in 20 weeks in Quarter 2). a child psychologist, would be available. 511W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 512W

TREASURY Excise Duties: Beer

Air Passenger Duty Bob Stewart: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will take steps to reduce the rate at which duty is Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the applied to beer in order to increase the competitiveness Exchequer what account is taken of the levels of duty of the UK brewing industry in Europe. [92215] which are in operation in other countries when assessing the level of air passenger duty. [92627] Miss Chloe Smith: Alcohol excise duty is levied on all beer that is consumed in the UK, whether it is domestically Miss Chloe Smith: The Government continues to produced or imported from abroad. UK beer exports to monitor developments in other countries and are aware Europe do not pay UK excise duty, but are liable for that several have recently introduced their own passenger excise duties in the country they are destined for. taxes. Many other countries also charge VAT on flights, The revenues from alcohol excise duty make an important which the UK does not. The Government have also contribution to reducing the deficit. Decisions about made clear that air passenger duty is primarily a revenue tax policy are a matter for the Chancellor as part of the raising duty which makes an important contribution to Budget process. the public finances.

Bank Services: Low Incomes Freedom of Information

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Chancellor of the what steps he is taking to provide information for the Exchequer whether his Department publishes on its (a) long-term unemployed and (b) lower earners on website its response to each request it receives under the benefits and discounts of opening bank accounts to the Freedom of Information Act 2000; whether the set up direct debits. [92257] response is published in the same part of its website on each occasion; and what the average time taken is Mr Hoban: The Money Advice Service was established between responding to a request and the information as the Consumer Financial Education Body in April being made available on the website. [92115] 2010 to promote understanding of the financial system and raise levels of financial capability across the UK. It Miss Chloe Smith: HM Treasury does not publish the offers free and impartial information and advice to responses to all Freedom of Information Act requests consumers on money matters. that it receives. Responses are published, on the FOI disclosure log linked from the home page of the HM The Money Advice Service offers a range of online Treasury public website, if the information released is information available to all consumers which includes considered to be of wider public interest. Publication advice on opening bank accounts. Full details are available usually occurs on the same day as the response is sent on the Money Advice Service website out. http://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/

Departmental Drinks Income Tax

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Evennett: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much (a) his Department and (b) its Exchequer how many (a) men and (b) women in public bodies have spent on (i) wine, (ii) other alcoholic (i) Bexleyheath and Crayford constituency and (ii) the refreshments and (iii) bottled water since May 2010. London borough of Bexley have (A) overpaid and [91963] (B) underpaid income tax in the last three years. [91991] Miss Chloe Smith [holding answer 26 January 2012]: A record of wine, other alcoholic refreshments and Mr Gauke: The information requested could be provided bottled water is not held centrally and the information only at disproportionate cost as the relevant HMRC requested could be provided only at disproportionate systems do not include details of taxpayers’ parliamentary cost. constituency.

Economic Situation: Northern Ireland Local Government Finance

Vernon Coaker: To ask the Chancellor of the Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to publish the Government’s Exchequer whether he has assessed the likely efficacy of response to the consultation on rebalancing the a local authorities bond market to finance local capital Northern Ireland economy. [92414] expenditure; and if he will make a statement. [92610]

Mr Gauke: The Government published their response Danny Alexander: Local authorities are free to use to the consultation, ‘Rebalancing the Northern Ireland municipal bonds to finance capital investment. It is for economy: summary of consultation responses’, on local authorities to decide the most appropriate means 20 December 2011. The document is available on the of financing local capital projects. In doing so, local HM Treasury website: authorities should consider factors such as market http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/ conditions, value for money, product flexibility and condoc_responses_rebalancing_ni_economy.pdf administrative costs. 513W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 514W

Portacabins (d) housing benefit between 2011-12 and 2015-16 as a result of changes to fiscal forecasts between (i) June Mike Weatherley: To ask the Chancellor of the 2010 and November 2011, (ii) November 2010 and Exchequer whether the green portacabins on King Charles November 2011 and (iii) March 2011 and November street will be removed before the commencement of the 2011. [92608] Olympics. [91781] Mr Gauke: The estimates of changes in social security Miss Chloe Smith: The portacabins belong to and tax credits between 2011-12 and 2015-16 are set out Westminster city council. by the Office for Budget Responsibility in their ‘Economic and fiscal outlook’ and accompanying supplementary Private Finance Initiative fiscal tables, which are available on their website for each forecast made in June 2010, November 2010, March Jim Shannon: To ask the Chancellor of the 2011 and November 2011: Exchequer what steps he has put in place to control June 2010 ‘Economic and fiscal outlook’ [92337] private finance initiative contracts. Table C14: Danny Alexander: Those projects that have not yet http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/wordpress/ docs/junebudget_annexc.pdf reached financial close are subject to the new assurance and approval arrangements introduced by the Treasury November 2010 ‘Economic and fiscal outlook’ and the Cabinet Office in April 2011. The Major Project Tables 4.16 and 4.17: approval and assurance guidance can be accessed at: http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/wordpress/ http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/d/ docs/econ_fiscal_outlook_291110.pdf major_projects_approvals_assurance_guidance.PDF Table 1.4: In respect of signed PFI contracts, in July 2011 the http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/pubs/ Treasury announced a plan to deliver £1.5 billion of fiscal_supplementary_tables_291110.xls savings across the operational PFI projects in England. March 2011 ‘Economic and fiscal outlook’ These savings can be fully recycled back into frontline Tables 4.18 and 4.19: services by the contracting authority. http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/wordpress/ Private Finance Initiative: Inflation docs/economic_and_fiscal_outlook_23032011.pdf Tables 2.9, 2.11 and 2.13: Jim Shannon: To ask the Chancellor of the http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/pubs/ Exchequer what discussions he has had with (a) local obr_fiscal_supplementary_tables1.xls authorities, (b) local health authorities and (c) education November 2011 ‘Economic and fiscal outlook’ bodies to ensure that inflation is not added into private Tables 4.21 and 4.22: finance initiative contracts. [92338] http://cdn.budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/ Autumn2011EFO_web_version138469072346.pdf Danny Alexander: The Treasury makes its guidance on the value for money considerations of inflation Tables 2.11 and 2.12: indexing the unitary charge available to all procuring http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/pubs/Fiscal- authorities at: Supplementary-Tables-AS11.xls http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/ppp_finance_guidance.htm Breakdowns of the forecasts for the DWP social security benefits, which include forecasts for unemployment Public Sector: Pensions benefit and housing benefit, are shown on the DWP website and are available for each of the OBR forecasts Mr Betts: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer made in June 2010, November 2010, March 2011 and pursuant to the oral statements of 2 November 2011, November 2011: Official Report, columns 927-29, and of 20 December http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd4/ 2011, Official Report, columns 1201-4, on public sector index.php?page=medium_term pensions, if he will provide a definition of the term accrued rights as used in the statements. [91724] Tax Yields Danny Alexander [holding answer 26 January 2012]: The meaning of the term accrued rights as used in the Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the oral statements referred to is as set out in the oral Exchequer what estimate he has made of the overall statement of 2 November 2011, Official Report, columns change in expected total (1) tax revenue between 927-29: 2011-12 and 2015-16 arising from changes to fiscal ″ forecasts between (a) June 2010 and November 2011, Everything that public servants have earned until the point of (b) November 2010 and November 2011 and (c) March change, they will keep, and those things will be paid out in the terms expected and at the retirement age expected.″ 2011 and November 2011; [92603] (2) revenue from (a) VAT, (b) income tax, (c) national Social Security Benefits: Expenditure insurance contributions, (d) corporation tax, (e) capital gains tax, (f) fuel duties and (g) business rates between Rachel Reeves: To ask the Chancellor of the 2011-12 and 2015-16 arising from changes to fiscal Exchequer what estimate he has made of the overall forecasts between (i) June 2010 and November 2011, change in expected total expenditure on (a) social (ii) November 2010 and November 2011 and (iii) March security, (b) tax credits, (c) unemployment benefit and 2011 and November 2011. [92604] 515W Written Answers30 JANUARY 2012 Written Answers 516W

Mr Gauke: Changes in total receipts and particular the big society initiative. The progress made in relation revenue streams between each fiscal forecast are set out to the open public services agenda will be detailed in a by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) in their forthcoming publication. ‘Changes to current receipts’ tables published in successive Further to this, HM Treasury has joint responsibility “Economic and fiscal outlooks”. with the Cabinet Office for the departmental business OBR “Economic and fiscal outlook” publications plan framework. This framework is key to monitoring are available on the OBR’s website: delivery of business plans across Government, some of http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/ which track progress on policies that are central to supporting the big society initiative. Business plans will Taxation: Profit Sharing be updated in spring 2012. VAT: Internet Mr Ward: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will review the tax treatment of employee benefit trusts to encourage employee ownership of companies. Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the [92174] Exchequer if he will reconsider his requirement for VAT returns to be made online by April 2012 for small Mr Gauke: The Government have no immediate plan traders in (a) rural and (b) other areas without good to review the tax treatment of employee benefit trust broadband access. [92625] arrangements to encourage employee ownership of companies. Mr Gauke: From April 2012 virtually all VAT-registered businesses will have to file VAT returns online. Third Sector Broadband is not required to file a VAT return. HMRC VAT filing software can be used with dial-up Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer internet connections. what steps his Department is taking to measure HMRC has put in place extensive support to enable progress on the implementation of policies supporting customers to go online, and has also worked with third the big society initiative; and if he will make a parties (such as UK Online, national and regional trade statement. [91403] and enterprise bodies, and the bookkeeping and agent organisations) to ensure that support is in place for Miss Chloe Smith: HM Treasury monitors spending those who need it. HMRC has published details of all on core big society and Office for Civil Society programmes. the help and support available to VAT customers moving The Department is also involved in work, led by to online filing on the ‘What’s New’ section of its Cabinet Office, to implement the Government’s open website: public services agenda, including several policies supporting http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/news/index.htm ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 30 January 2012

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 531 COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— Business Rates...... 538 continued Council Tax Benefit ...... 536 New Homes Bonus...... 541 Empty Properties ...... 532 Parking ...... 539 Empty Properties ...... 535 Private Rented Sector...... 534 European Regional Development Fund...... 542 Public Spending ...... 531 Housing (Affordability)...... 544 Topical Questions ...... 545 Housing (Veterans) ...... 544 Troubled Families ...... 543 National Planning Policy Framework ...... 540 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 30 January 2012

Col. No. Col. No. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 29WS INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 34WS Foreign Affairs Council ...... 29WS Turks and Caicos Islands (Progress Report)...... 34WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 31WS Police Remuneration and Conditions...... 31WS PETITION

Monday 30 January 2012

Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH...... 3P NHS Services in Blackpool South ...... 3P WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 30 January 2012

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 414W CABINET OFFICE—continued Euthanasia...... 414W Children: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 469W Newspaper Press: Telephone Tapping...... 414W Co-operatives: Harrogate and Knaresborough...... 469W Departmental Recruitment ...... 470W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS...... 455W Electoral Register...... 470W Apprentices: West Midlands ...... 455W Empty Properties: Essex...... 470W Biotechnology...... 455W Freedom of Information ...... 471W Business: Government Assistance ...... 455W Government Departments: Computers ...... 471W Business: Scotland ...... 456W Government Departments: Contracts ...... 471W Community Investment Tax Relief...... 456W Merchant Navy: Medals...... 472W Company Accounts...... 457W Office for Civil Society ...... 472W Construction: Industry...... 457W Public Data Corporation ...... 472W Copyright: Education ...... 459W Public Sector: Pay ...... 472W Deloitte...... 459W Third Sector...... 473W Departmental Correspondence ...... 460W Education: Ex-servicemen...... 460W CHURCH COMMISSIONERS ...... 475W Exports ...... 460W Auckland Castle: Art Works ...... 475W Further Education ...... 461W Graduates: Work Experience ...... 461W Groceries Code Adjudicator ...... 462W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 475W High Street Review...... 462W Coastal Communities Fund ...... 476W Insolvency...... 463W Community Cohesion ...... 475W One North East...... 463W Countryside: Planning ...... 476W Postgraduate Education ...... 463W Fire and Rescue Service ...... 475W Technology and Innovation Centres...... 464W Local Government Finance ...... 477W UK Trade and Investment...... 468W Mayors: Coventry ...... 477W Regional Growth Fund ...... 477W CABINET OFFICE...... 468W Shops: Closures...... 477W Alix Partners...... 468W Sustainable Communities Act 2007...... 478W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT— EDUCATION—continued continued Schools: Swindon...... 438W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 478W Sixth Form Education: Finance ...... 442W Special Educational Needs...... 442W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 377W Special Educational Needs: Children ...... 443W BBC: Birmingham ...... 377W Special Educational Needs: Children in Care...... 443W Freedom of Information ...... 377W Third Sector...... 444W Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme ...... 378W Monuments: Parliament Square...... 379W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 382W Music: USA ...... 380W Combined Heat and Power ...... 382W National Lottery...... 380W Energy...... 382W Olympic Games 2012: Mass Media...... 381W Energy: Prices ...... 386W Sport: Young People ...... 381W Feed-in Tariffs...... 386W Sports: Racial Discrimination ...... 381W Freedom of Information ...... 387W Trade Promotion: China ...... 382W Fuels: Prices...... 387W Voluntary Organisations ...... 382W Green Deal Scheme...... 387W Infrastructure...... 389W DEFENCE...... 416W Members: Correspondence ...... 389W Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations ...... 416W Meters...... 389W Armed Forces: Death...... 416W Petroplus: Insolvency ...... 389W Armed Forces: Redundancy...... 417W Renewable Energy...... 390W Cadets...... 417W Solar Power: Council Housing ...... 390W Challenger Tanks ...... 418W Voluntary Organisations ...... 390W Cleaning Services ...... 418W Wind Power ...... 391W Defence: Expenditure...... 418W Wind Power: Birds ...... 392W Departmental Data Protection...... 419W Departmental Expenditure ...... 419W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Departmental Manpower...... 421W AFFAIRS...... 392W Departmental Procurement...... 421W Reed Beds ...... 392W Departmental Theft ...... 421W Disclosure of Information ...... 421W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 392W Ex-servicemen: Mental Health Services ...... 422W Algeria: Christianity ...... 392W Ex-servicemen: Military Decorations...... 422W Arrest Warrants ...... 393W Falkland Islands: Defence...... 422W Belarus: Political Prisoners...... 393W Germany: Armed Forces...... 423W Democratic Republic of Congo: Elections ...... 393W International Law: Cybercrime ...... 423W Democratic Republic of Congo: Politics and Military Attachés: Pakistan ...... 423W Government...... 394W Nuclear Submarines...... 424W Diplomatic Relations ...... 394W Pakistan: Military Alliances...... 425W EU Presidency ...... 395W Restaurants...... 425W European Court of Human Rights ...... 395W Territorial Army ...... 425W Gibraltar: Sovereignty...... 395W Trident Missiles...... 426W Nigeria: British Nationals Abroad ...... 396W Nigeria: Fossil Fuels ...... 396W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 478W Somalia: Press Freedom...... 396W Elections ...... 478W Turkey: Foreign Relations ...... 397W Turkey: Minority Groups...... 397W EDUCATION...... 426W Academies...... 426W HEALTH...... 479W Adoption ...... 426W Accident and Emergency Departments: Doctors ... 479W Children...... 427W Alzheimer’s Disease ...... 479W Children: Adoption...... 428W Alzheimer’s Disease: Health Services...... 480W Children: Day Care ...... 428W Arthritis: Medical Treatments ...... 480W Children in Care...... 427W Brain: Injuries ...... 480W Children: Protection...... 429W Cancer: Health Services ...... 481W Departmental Debt Collection...... 430W Carcinogens: Food ...... 482W Departmental E-mail ...... 430W Cystitis: Medical Treatments...... 482W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 430W Deloitte...... 482W Departmental Recruitment ...... 431W Departmental Ministerial Policy Advisers...... 483W English Baccalaureate ...... 431W Diabetes ...... 483W Freedom of Information ...... 431W Disability: Children...... 483W GCE A-Level ...... 432W General Practitioners ...... 484W GCSE: Assessments ...... 432W Health Services ...... 484W Parental Responsibility ...... 433W Health Services: Ex-servicemen...... 485W Playgrounds: Hartlepool ...... 434W Health Services: Finance...... 486W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 435W Health Services: Older People ...... 486W Schools ...... 435W Hip Replacements...... 487W Schools: Bibles ...... 435W Hospital Wards: Gender ...... 487W Schools: Capital Investment...... 436W Infectious Diseases...... 488W Schools: Information and Communications Learning Disability: Medical Equipment ...... 488W Technology ...... 436W Medical Treatments...... 488W Schools: Sanitation ...... 437W Motor Neurone Disease: Swindon ...... 489W Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH—continued TRANSPORT ...... 406W Muscular Dystrophy ...... 491W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 406W NHS...... 491W High Speed 2 Railway Line: Costs ...... 407W NHS: Finance ...... 491W Large Goods Vehicles ...... 407W Osteoporosis: Health Services ...... 492W Motorways: Closures ...... 408W Osteoporosis: Swindon ...... 492W Motorways: Repairs and Maintenance...... 409W Passive Smoking ...... 493W Queen Elizabeth II Bridge: Closures ...... 409W Social Services: Finance ...... 494W Railways: Finance ...... 410W Sunbeds: Safety...... 494W Railways: Franchises ...... 410W Tuberculosis: Vaccination ...... 495W Roads: Safety ...... 411W Southern: Rolling Stock...... 411W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 398W Travel: Trains ...... 411W Civil Disorder ...... 398W Crime: Arrests...... 398W TREASURY ...... 511W Entry Clearances...... 400W Air Passenger Duty ...... 511W Extradition...... 400W Bank Services: Low Incomes...... 511W Freedom of Information ...... 400W Departmental Drinks...... 511W Immigration...... 401W Economic Situation: Northern Ireland...... 511W Immigration Controls: Croatia...... 402W Excise Duties: Beer ...... 512W Independent Police Complaints Commission...... 402W Freedom of Information ...... 512W Police: Accountability ...... 402W Income Tax ...... 512W Police Arbitration Tribunal ...... 402W Local Government Finance ...... 512W Police: Court Orders ...... 403W Portacabins ...... 513W Police: Dismissal ...... 403W Private Finance Initiative ...... 513W Police: Lasers ...... 403W Private Finance Initiative: Inflation...... 513W Police: Pay...... 403W Public Sector: Pensions ...... 513W Police: Powers ...... 404W Social Security Benefits: Expenditure...... 513W Police: Standards...... 404W Tax Yields ...... 514W Police: Unmanned Air Vehicles...... 404W Taxation: Profit Sharing...... 515W Third Sector...... 515W JUSTICE...... 496W VAT: Internet ...... 516W Aiding and Abetting ...... 496W Community Orders ...... 497W WALES...... 412W Court Orders: Compensation...... 498W Employment: Private Sector...... 412W Criminal Proceedings ...... 499W Exploration...... 412W Criminal Proceedings: Costs ...... 503W Freedom of Information ...... 413W Departmental Contracts ...... 503W Higher Education...... 413W Offenders: National Insurance ...... 503W Prison Sentences ...... 503W Prisoners’ Home Leave...... 504W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 414W Prisoners’ Release...... 505W Third Sector...... 414W Prisons: Finance...... 507W Prostitution...... 507W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 445W Sentencing...... 508W Access to Work Programme ...... 445W Tribunals...... 509W Children: Poverty ...... 445W Youth Custody...... 510W Crisis Loans ...... 446W Youth Custody: Education...... 510W Deloitte...... 446W Youth Custody: Mental Health Services ...... 510W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 447W Disability: Employment ...... 447W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 405W Employment Schemes ...... 448W Freedom of Information ...... 405W Employment Schemes: Disability...... 449W Welfare State: Reform ...... 405W Freedom of Information ...... 450W Funeral Payments ...... 450W PRIME MINISTER...... 415W Health and Safety Regulation Review ...... 451W Christianity...... 415W Members: Correspondence ...... 451W Freedom of Information...... 415W Pensions Regulator ...... 451W Iraq Conflict ...... 415W Poverty: Northern Ireland...... 452W Social Fund...... 452W SCOTLAND...... 405W Social Fund: Liverpool ...... 453W Credit...... 405W Social Security Benefits...... 453W Sovereignty ...... 406W Social Security Benefits: Greater London ...... 454W Voluntary Organisations ...... 406W Universal Credit...... 454W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. 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CONTENTS

Monday 30 January 2012

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 531] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government

Victims and Witnesses Strategy [Col. 551] Statement—(Mr Kenneth Clarke)

Civil Aviation Bill [Col. 566] Motion for Second Reading—(Justine Greening)—agreed to

Lidice Massacre [Col. 648] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 29WS]

Petition [Col. 3P] Observations

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 377W] [see index inside back page]