Monday Volume 524 7 March 2011 No. 127

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Monday 7 March 2011

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Mrs May: I understand where the hon. Gentleman is House of Commons trying to lead his question. Of course there are rules on that offence in relation to exclusions from the United Monday 7 March 2011 Kingdom. Decisions on exclusions are taken by the Home Secretary on the basis of evidence put forward by the UK Border Agency. The House met at half-past Two o’clock Mr James Clappison (Hertsmere) (Con): On temporary residence, is it not clear that under the Government’s PRAYERS plans students are welcome to come and study in this country, and, indeed, should be made welcome? However, [MR SPEAKER in the Chair] is it not part of the inheritance of this Government that large numbers of people have used the study route as a means of coming to the country to work, rather than to study? Will my right hon. Friend give me an assurance Oral Answers to Questions that this Government will bear down on bogus students and bogus colleges who abuse the system?

Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for his HOME DEPARTMENT question, and I am happy to give him precisely that assurance in relation to the stance this Government are taking. It is perfectly clear from the figures that, sadly, The Secretary of State was asked— all too many people have used the student visa route as Immigration System a means simply of coming to the UK to work. There are some very good examples of colleges that exist in name 1. Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): What only, such as the college that had two lecturers covering steps she plans to take to decouple temporary residence 940 students. I hope there is cross-House agreement from permanent settlement in the immigration system. that that sort of abuse must be stopped, but we do want [44040] to ensure that legitimate students wanting to study legitimate courses at legitimate institutions come here. The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May): The Government have pledged to Ian Lucas (Wrexham) (Lab): Is it the Home Secretary’s break the link between temporary migration and permanent intention to scrap identity cards for foreign nationals, settlement. Settling in Britain should be a privilege to and if so, how will that assist in preventing individuals be earned, not an automatic add-on to a temporary way who are here on visas from overstaying? in. We have already announced that we will introduce a new permanent limit on non-EU economic migrants, Mrs May: The answer to the hon. Gentleman’s question with a reduction in the number of visas in the next is no: the biometric residence permits will continue. financial year from 28,000 to 21,700, a fall of over 20%. The Government will consult later this year on Local Crime and Policing Website breaking the link between work and settlement. 3. Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) Dr Coffey: My constituents are largely concerned not (Con): What representations she has received from by people who work here temporarily, but by people members of the public on the local crime and policing who work here for a short amount of time and then can website. [44042] settle permanently. Is there not a case for a review of the criteria for permanent settlement, to try to avoid this The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick kind of practice? Herbert): Since its launch on 31 January, our street level crime mapping website police.uk has received almost Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for her 400 million hits. The website is a strong example of this supplementary question. We will review the entire question Government’s commitment to greater transparency in of permanent settlement including the criteria for it as public services, by giving communities the information part of our review of the whole immigration system. We they need to hold their local police to account. will make announcements on that shortly, but I can tell my hon. Friend that we have already tightened the Oliver Colvile: I have received a number of positive settlement criteria in April, by introducing, for example, comments on the crime website maps. Does my right a new criminality threshold so all applicants must be hon. Friend have any plans or initiatives to add anything clear of unspent convictions when applying, a new more to them? income requirement for skilled and highly skilled migrants applying for settlement, and reform of the English Nick Herbert: Yes, the Government intend to build language requirements. on the information currently given. There are six trailblazing police forces looking at how this can be done, including Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Regardless of whether Lincolnshire police and West Yorkshire police, who are applicants are applying for temporary or permanent looking at how we might supply sentencing outcome residence, and of whether they have friends in high information so the public know not only that the crime places, should we not restrict the admission of foreigners was committed, but what happened afterwards in the convicted of paedophilia offences? criminal justice system. 623 Oral Answers7 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 624

Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): In the interest of Lorraine Fullbrook: What can be done to engage transparency, will the Minister consider adding to the young people early in order to prevent their engaging in value of the mapping crimes website by including figures antisocial behaviour? on the dozens of police who will not be on the streets because of the huge cuts his Government are imposing James Brokenshire: The issue relating to young people on our police forces? and antisocial behaviour is important. It is also worth recognising that the biggest victims of antisocial behaviour Nick Herbert: Oh dear, the hon. Gentleman has are young people themselves. The Government are focused missed the point. If he looks at the website police.uk, he on intervening early; the early intervention grant, which will see that the neighbourhood policing teams are is worth about £2.2 billion, will support activities to shown alongside the area in which the individual lives. help young people start off in a positive way. Clearly, Every force up and down the country is committed to young people can be victims of antisocial behaviour, protecting neighbourhood policing, and those officers which is why it is important that we take action early to will remain on the streets for the public as savings are prevent it in their communities. made in the back and middle offices. Alun Michael (Cardiff South and Penarth) (Lab/Co-op): Does the Minister accept that in dealing with adults Antisocial Behaviour involved in neighbourhood nuisance, low-level violence and intimidation, antisocial behaviour orders have been 4. Mrs Helen Grant (Maidstone and The Weald) an invaluable part of the toolkit? Will he give an assurance (Con): What plans she has to assist police forces to that they will continue to be available to police and local tackle antisocial behaviour. [44043] authorities seeking to reduce antisocial behaviour? 15. Gavin Barwell (Croydon Central) (Con): What James Brokenshire: The right hon. Gentleman will be plans she has to assist police forces to tackle antisocial aware that we are consulting on a new toolkit, whereby behaviour. [44054] the tools are reduced in number to five core ones. The problem is that ASBOs have been used less and less and 18. Lorraine Fullbrook (South Ribble) (Con): What the number of breaches has increased. We are clear plans she has to assist police forces to tackle antisocial about the need for civil orders, which is why we are behaviour. [44057] consulting on the new powers. They are better tailored and will ensure that the civil standard of proof is used The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the to make the orders easier to obtain. They will also be Home Department (James Brokenshire): The Government able to put in place positive requirements to break recently launched a consultation on reforming the toolkit patterns that may lead to antisocial behaviour and for dealing with antisocial behaviour. The proposals crime. will reduce the bureaucracy, delay and cost that hamper the police and their partners. We are also working to Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): In Bristol, the help police forces improve their service to victims by, for police have made very good use of the antisocial behaviour example, supporting eight police forces in trialling a legislation—the acceptable behaviour contracts and new approach to handling calls on antisocial behaviour. ASBOs—to tackle kerb crawling and on-street prostitution, which blights the lives of many residents of the Eastville Mrs Grant: Does my hon. Friend agree that community area of my constituency. Can the Minister assure the partnerships and statutory partnerships are key in dealing House that any replacement for the current antisocial with antisocial behaviour? behaviour legislation will continue to give the police the powers to tackle this problem? James Brokenshire: My hon. Friend makes an important James Brokenshire: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for point. The nature of antisocial behaviour means that highlighting that specific example and I hope that her the main emphasis in tackling it lies with the police, community will take part in the ongoing consultation because much of this behaviour is crime, but other on the new toolkit, which will last until the middle of partners, such as community safety partnerships, play May. We are clear that the existing powers remain in an essential role. We support that and it is recognised in place until such time as a new regime is introduced, but the toolkit for civil orders. We have stripped away some we are very focused on it being practical, supporting of the bureaucracy that got in the way of getting those communities and having the effect that people want it to partners to do the job that they are needed to do. have in bearing down on antisocial behaviour and the crime that can lead from it. Gavin Barwell: May I encourage my hon. Friend to liaise with police authorities about deploying safer Vernon Coaker (Gedling) (Lab): Can the Minister neighbourhood teams on the basis of places, not artificial confirm that more than 10,000 police officers, many of ward boundaries, as such an approach would allow whom are in neighbourhood teams tackling antisocial coverage to extend into the crucial evening period, behaviour, will be cut over the next two years? The when a lot of antisocial behaviour takes place? Thames Valley police force, which covers the constituencies of the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary, said the James Brokenshire: There are certainly operational following about possible local youth centre closures: issues associated with the tasking of safer neighbourhood “the loss of those services would mean more opportunities for teams. I know from my hon. Friend’s constituency the young people to get involved in crime and antisocial behaviour”. importance and emphasis that the Mayor of London So with cuts to front-line policing and youth services places on those teams. I am sure that he will have heard across the country, how exactly does the Minister expect clearly the message that my hon. Friend has sent about his rebranded, weaker version of the ASBO to maintain the importance of discretion at the operational level. progress in combating antisocial behaviour? 625 Oral Answers7 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 626

James Brokenshire: I do not accept that this is some that up, focusing on sham marriages, with an additional sort of weaker tool. There is going to be a more 29 arrests. This has been one of the big loopholes in our effective suite of tools with which to bear down on immigration system, but we are becoming ever more antisocial behaviour. Let us not forget that it was the effective in closing it. last Labour Home Secretary who suggested that the previous Government had in some way been coasting Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab): In seeking to strike on antisocial behaviour. My right hon. Friend the Home the right balance on student visas, will the Minister and Secretary has reminded me that Thames Valley police the Secretary of State give the House an assurance that has said that it will be protecting neighbourhood response they will listen carefully to the representations of universities teams. It is also worth highlighting that the Mayor of in the UK, including mine in Exeter, and of our reputable London recognises the importance of safer neighbourhood language schools, which say that the current proposals and community teams and of delivering on the antisocial would be devastating to their sector and to the economy behaviour agenda. as a whole?

Tom Brake (Carshalton and Wallington) (LD): I do Damian Green: We are, indeed, speaking to many not know whether the Minister has seen “Minority universities and listening to their representations, and Report” in which precogs predict where and when serious my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has met the crimes are going to occur, but will he assess a less vice-chancellor of Exeter university. I am sure that futuristic and more practical technique that has been when our proposals are put forward, universities will advocated by Peter Neyroud, the ex-chief of the National discover that they defend the rights of legitimate students Policing Improvement Agency, and by the Cambridge to come here to study legitimately at legitimate institutions. Institute of Criminology, which could cut reoffending At the same time, we will also crack down on the huge and antisocial behaviour? The technique flags up the and widespread abuse of the student visa. criminals who are most likely to reoffend, thereby allowing resources to be concentrated on them and halving prisoner Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Which three numbers, saving money and improving public safety in countries are responsible for the largest number of the process. illegal immigrants into Britain and what specific steps James Brokenshire: I am not sure whether Philip K. are being taken with those countries to take those Dick is bedtime reading for Peter Neyroud, but certainly people back when they are caught? the whole idea of prevention and acting earlier is very much at the heart of the consultation in which we are Damian Green: By definition, illegal immigrants do engaged on antisocial behaviour. I am certainly clear not go through the system, so it is quite difficult to give about the role of prevention and the need to act early in accurate figures about where they come from, but we breaking patterns of offending before people become know the main routes by which people come into the too engaged. I will certainly look at the research to country, one of which is from Asia, through Turkey which he refers. into Greece. We are working very hard with both the Greek and Turkish Governments to stop that route and Mr Speaker: I call Rachel Reeves. Not here. minimise the problem. One of the most effective things we are doing is improving our border controls at Calais, Illegal Immigration which mean that the number of people who are identified as coming across illegally into Britain is now running at 6. Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): What about a third of the level it was at 18 months ago. That further steps she plans to take to control illegal is a significant strengthening of our border defences. immigration; and if she will make a statement. [44045] The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): UK Shabana Mahmood (Birmingham, Ladywood) (Lab): Border Agency enforcement officers are continuing to Any action to control illegal immigration depends upon crack down on immigration crime and remove illegal a properly staffed and effective border agency which migrants. Our proposals to tackle abuse by foreign can both detect and remove illegal immigrants. With nationals using student visas to gain work in the UK, cuts of 20% and job losses of 5,200 for the UK Border alongside new plans to toughen up marriage and family Agency, detection and enforcement officers are already routes, will further tackle illegal migration into the UK. warning that their work is being undermined. The Government are talking tough on illegal immigration. Mr Leigh: As Members of Parliament, we are Is the Minister sure that the Home Secretary has given approached all the time by constituents who want to him the resources to deliver? marry somebody from abroad and it is only humane and right that we should try to help them, but our job is Damian Green: Yes, absolutely. The hon. Lady will, of made doubly, even trebly, difficult by the existence of course, recognise that the reason there must be cuts in sham marriages. What is my hon. Friend doing to public services is the appalling state of the public finances tackle the problem without making the system so that her Government left us with. We are confident that bureaucratic for everyone else? by using technology, better intelligence and flexible working, we can maintain and improve levels of border Damian Green: My hon. Friend identifies one of the security with fewer staff. I invite her to consider the key loopholes that did exist in the immigration system. example of Calais. We can now check 1.5 million lorries Last summer, I asked our enforcement teams to focus a year, and in the past year we have found just over on sham marriages, and 53 sham marriage operations 9,700 individuals trying to cross illegally, compared to were undertaken, resulting in 126 arrests. Between just over 29,000 in 2009, so the new system that we are November and January, a further 86 operations followed operating does work. 627 Oral Answers7 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 628

Police Forces (Paperwork) Mrs May: Jan Berry did a valuable piece of work looking at bureaucracy in policing. We have already implemented a number of the recommendations that 8. Claire Perry (Devizes) (Con): What steps she is came out of that. I have referred to the restoration of taking to reduce the burden of paperwork on police some charging decisions down to local police, the more forces. [44047] proportionate approach to inspections, and revising the police performance development reviews. We are taking 9. Mark Lancaster (Milton Keynes North) (Con): the work forward in a slightly different way. There is a What steps she is taking to reduce the burden of programme board led by Chris Sims, the chief constable paperwork on police forces. [44048] of west midlands, which is working with the Home Office and identifying further areas of bureaucracy that The Secretary of State for the Home Department can be scrapped. (Mrs Theresa May): The Government are committed to reducing bureaucracy. We are scrapping the stop and Police Numbers (Greater Manchester) account form, and reducing the amount of information to be recorded on the stop and search form. Doing 11. Jim Dobbin (Heywood and Middleton) (Lab/Co-op): those two things saves up to 800,000 man-hours a year. What estimate she has made of the likely number of We are returning certain charging decisions to the police. police officers in Greater Manchester in March 2015. That will save up to a further 50,000 man-hours per [44050] year. We are working with the police to sweep away a further range of the red tape that prevents officers The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick doing what they and the public want them to do—getting Herbert): It is a matter for the chief constable and the out on the streets and cutting crime. police authority to determine the number of police officers that are deployed by Greater Manchester police Claire Perry: Is my right hon. Friend aware that in within the available resource. the past 14 months the Wiltshire police force has undergone four separate inspections by Her Majesty’s inspectorate Jim Dobbin: Crime levels went down under the previous of constabulary lasting three working weeks and costing Government. That is a well known fact. The chief the force £60,000, and no meaningful recommendations constable of Greater Manchester estimates that around have been made as a result? Does she intend to reform 1,500 officers will be lost because of the cuts. Can the this box-ticking regime to cut the burdens of police Government justify that? bureaucracy and paperwork still further? Nick Herbert: I should point out to the hon. Gentleman Mrs May: I was not aware of the specific figures for that there are also 4,000 police staff working in Greater Wiltshire. I realise that this is an issue. That is why the Manchester police. There was a huge increase in the Policing Minister has been working with HMIC on number of police staff employed by police forces under reducing the bureaucratic burdens of the inspection the previous Government. The chief constable of Greater regime by ensuring that we maintain an effective inspection Manchester police said in evidence to the Home Affairs regime, and he will inform the House on this matter in Committee that due course. “there was already a recognition, certainly in Greater Manchester Police, that some of our headquarters operations had got too big.” Mark Lancaster: I commend my right hon. Friend on Forces can and must make savings in back and middle her efforts to improve on the just 11% of time that the offices while protecting the front line. police are visible to the general public, but may I press her on what actions she will take to reduce the unnecessary Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): The Minister amount of time that police officers spend in court, has not really responded to the real issue on this. Will he especially as delays continue to be endemic? tell the House unequivocally—and repeat his view—that when we see the number of police officers reduced in Mrs May: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising Greater Manchester, as we will, it will have no impact an important issue. In looking at saving police time so on crime? that they can do the job that we want them to do, we need to look across the whole of the criminal justice Nick Herbert: We are absolutely determined to maintain system. That is what I am doing, together with the efficient and effective forces, and every chief constable I Justice Secretary, the Attorney-General and the Policing meet, including the chief constable of Greater Manchester, Minister, who is also a Minister in the Ministry of makes the same point. The chief constable said last Justice. week, after being misquoted on the matter: “We need to have an intelligent debate about the cuts and see Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): I welcome the Home the opportunities, not just the threats.” Secretary’s commitment to reducing police bureaucracy. As she knows, in October last year Jan Berry published Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): The Government insist her report and made 32 recommendations. How many that it is possible to cut 10,000 police posts nationally, of those recommendations have now been implemented? and up to 1,500 in Manchester. I should point out to the Will the Home Secretary continue Jan Berry’s term of Minister that they also plan to cut nearly 1,600 back-office office so that this is not just a one-off piece of research, staff. We know from an answer that Baroness Neville-Jones but a continuing monitoring of the bureaucracy in our gave in the House of Lords that there is no formally police service? agreed definition of front-line police services. If those 629 Oral Answers7 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 630 are not cuts to front-line police services, we would like Student Visas to know what they are. Can the Minister get to the Dispatch Box and tell us exactly what the definition of 13. Mr Steve Brine (Winchester) (Con): What plans police front-line service is, because if he cannot, how she has for the future of the student visa entry system. can he protect them? [44052]

Nick Herbert: I have defined it on a number of The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): We occasions, including in a written answer. Let me repeat are considering the responses we received following it for the hon. Gentleman: Front-line policing closure of the recent consultation on reform of the “includes neighbourhood policing, response policing and criminal student immigration system, which closed on 31 January. investigation.”—[Official Report, 8 February 2011; Vol. 523, c. 194W.] We are concluding our analysis of responses and will There can be savings in the back and middle offices, as announce future plans for the student system in due at least a third of all spending is in those areas. If he course. thinks that there is no definition of front-line policing, how can he be so confident that there will be cuts in the Mr Brine: I thank the Minister for his reply. May I front line? His position is nonsense. press him to reassure legitimate English language schools, such as the Winchester School of English in my Immigration Bail Conditions constituency, which he has visited, and higher education institutions, including the university of Winchester, that 12. Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): If she will bring new B2 English entry level requirements will not wipe forward proposals to change immigration bail out a critical source of their respective revenues? conditions to make them consistent with proposed conditions for control orders. [44051] Damian Green: My hon. Friend is right: I have visited that language school in his constituency and admired The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): The its work. One proposal in the consultation was to raise Government see no need to review the range of bail the English language requirement from B1 to B2, because conditions that may be imposed in immigration cases. we believe it is right that students should have a good We will continue to seek bail conditions that enable us command of English to complete their course. In responses to manage the threat posed by the individual. These will to the consultation, universities and others have expressed vary from case to case. concern about that proposal, and we are considering those representations as well as the many others that we Richard Fuller: I hear that answer, but how can it be have received. right that the Special Immigration Appeals Commission is able to impose conditions on people, perhaps those Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): Does the Minister who have been granted indefinite leave to remain, on recognise that, if the changes to student visa entry charges that are not disclosed to them, that restrict their requirements are wrong, it will have a devastating impact communications and movement and force relocation, on our universities and other educational institutions? conditions that the Government say are unacceptable in control orders? How can that be right for people in Damian Green: I recognise, as I am sure the hon. those circumstances? Gentleman does, that we need to strike the right balance so that the brightest and best students can come to this Damian Green: SIAC deals primarily with cases where country and benefit it both in the short and the long an individual poses a threat to national security, so we term. At the same time, however, we recognise that we must take all the issues surrounding those individual need to crack down on the many abuses of the student cases extremely seriously.As such, SIAC sets bail conditions visa system under the previous Government, which that it considers necessary to control any risk of absconding have led to the widespread lack of confidence in our and the threat posed to national security, whether or immigration system. Of course we need to strike a not the individual absconds. I am sure that my hon. balance between those two demands, and we are confident Friend will recognise that SIAC has enormous that we will do so. responsibilities and takes them very seriously in each individual case. Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): May I suggest to the Minister that all he has to do to deal with the unintended Dr Julian Huppert (Cambridge) (LD): I agree with consequences of the proposals is to look at the findings the question from the hon. Member for Bedford (Richard and recommendations of the Home Affairs Committee Fuller). Will the Minister go one step further than is in the previous Parliament? All problems would be being suggested and make both immigration bail conditions dealt with. and the conditions for control orders more like regular bail conditions? Damian Green: It is a universal truth that reading Home Affairs Committee reports always leads to greater Damian Green: My hon. Friend will recognise what I enlightenment. I have read the relevant report, and I have just said about SIAC, which you will be pleased to always absorb the Committee’s reports, but I will redouble hear that I will not repeat, Mr Speaker. The conditions my efforts to ensure that I am familiar with every last for immigration bail and for control orders, and for the detail of every report. regime that will replace control orders, have rather different surrounding contexts than the setting of normal Mr Gerry Sutcliffe (Bradford South) (Lab): We all bail conditions, so it is entirely reasonable for SIAC to agree with the Home Secretary that bogus colleges come to different conclusions and have different powers. should be closed, and most seem to be in the private 631 Oral Answers7 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 632 sector. She and the Immigration Minister will know Human Trafficking that further education colleges’ fee income from foreign students is £42 million, with a contribution to the 19. Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): economy of £80 million. We have 184 colleges that are When she plans to announce the outcome of her review registered as highly trusted sponsors, with more than of human trafficking policy. [44058] 20,000 international students. When can they expect to know what will happen about non-degree courses? It The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the does and will affect the budgets not only of colleges, but Home Department (Lynne Featherstone): Combating of universities. human trafficking, including the sexual exploitation of women and girls, is a key priority for the Government. Damian Green: The hon. Gentleman is right that the We are committed to tackling organised crime groups main abuse that we have found has been in private who profit from this human misery, and to protecting sector colleges at below-degree level, which is why one victims. We are due to publish our new strategy on principal proposal on which we have consulted is that human trafficking in the spring. nobody will be able to offer a course at below-degree level unless they become a highly trusted sponsor. The Andrew Selous: Will my hon. Friend make sure that hon. Gentleman will be aware that, on the whole, public the review deals with trafficked children who are placed sector bodies that apply for highly trusted sponsorship in local authority care, where one would hope they obtain it successfully, but many private sector bodies do would be safe, only to go missing and often to be not have such status, and that is one key distinction that re-trafficked? That is an appalling state of affairs. I we need to maintain—that only people whom we can hope that she can give me some reassurance that the trust to do the job properly should be enabled to bring review will deal with this very distressing aspect of foreign students to this country. trafficking in the United Kingdom.

Police (Complaints) Lynne Featherstone: Yes, the Government acknowledge the difficult and important issue of children going missing from local authorities. At a national level, we 16. Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and Old Southwark) are strengthening the arrangements in place to support (LD): What assessment she has made of the trends in vulnerable young people by placing the national strategic levels of complaints against police forces in England policing responsibility for missing children within the and Wales in the most recent period for which figures Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre. In are available; and if she will make a statement. [44055] fact, its thematic review deals explicitly with the issue of trafficked children going missing from local authorities. The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May): The police complaints statistics for Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): But does the Minister 2009-10, published by the Independent Police Complaints agree that if we were to adopt the European directive on Commission, show an 8% increase in recorded complaints human trafficking, which specifically provides for a against the police in England and Wales over the previous guardian for trafficked children, that would be a real year. It is right that citizens should feel able to hold the step in protecting the children to whom the hon. Member police to account for the service they provide, and for South West Bedfordshire (Andrew Selous) referred? improving police accountability is a top priority of this Government. Lynne Featherstone: At the moment, local authorities are, in particular, employing good practice around the Simon Hughes: I am grateful to the Home Secretary. use of interpreters and making sure that the places May I raise a matter that I have raised with the authorities where children are placed are kept secret. As I may have before, which is about the practice of kettling, first, at mentioned before in this House, we are looking closely the G20 demonstrations, then at the student demonstrations at the text of the European directive and considering its last autumn and, even, on new year’s eve, when dealing merits, and if we conclude that opting into it would with crowd control? Does she have any further thoughts benefit the UK, we will apply to do so. that she can share with the House on how the increasing number of complaints about the practice can be dealt Police Numbers (Crime Levels) with in an effective and long-term manner? 20. Owen Smith (Pontypridd) (Lab): What research Mrs May: Of course, within the Police Reform and her Department has commissioned and evaluated on Social Responsibility Bill, we are putting forward some any relationship between numbers of police officers proposals to enhance the complaints procedure against and levels of crime. [44059] the police, and we have been doing that work in consultation and discussions with the IPCC. I am sure that my right The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick hon. Friend will also be interested to know that the Herbert): The Government believe that police forces senior officer in the Metropolitan police with responsibility can make savings while protecting the front line. We do for public order has recently made several announcements not accept that reducing costs will cause an increase in about how containment will be dealt with in future, crime. What matters is how resources are used and how making it clear that, should containment take place, officers are deployed. toilets and water will indeed be provided, and that an individual will be available on site to ensure that those Owen Smith: The Minister will know that in south who are vulnerable or wish to leave are able to leave Wales we have already seen the announcement that such areas. 250 front-line police officers will lose their jobs. When I 633 Oral Answers7 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 634 attended a meeting a couple of weeks ago with our Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): The question police authority, it warned that a further 320 front-line refers to the date on which the new policy on human officers could lose out as a result of the cuts. Is the trafficking will be announced. I congratulate the Minister seriously telling the people of Wales that crime Government on recognising the need to change the policy, will not increase as a result of that enormous loss in but may I urge a big society solution? While the policy is front-line policing capacity? being considered and drafted, perhaps the key non- governmental organisations could be involved in Nick Herbert: I do not accept that the reductions in co-operating—not just consulted—so that the overall head count in that police force or in any other will policy is a big-society solution. impact on the front line, and I very much doubt that the chief constable would agree with that. I remind the hon. Lynne Featherstone: I thank my hon. Friend. Indeed, Gentleman of what the Home Affairs Committee concluded the Minister for Immigration met those organisations in its recent report: recently and I have no doubt that we will take that “We accept that there is no simple relationship between numbers forward. Our common-sense and extensive strategy will of police officers and levels of crime. The reduction in the police try to prevent trafficking in the country of origin, do workforce need not inevitably lead to a rise in crime.” more on the border to stop it coming in and, if it is in That is a cross-party Committee. this country, do more with policing.

Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): I Asylum Improvement Project entirely agree with my right hon. Friend that this is about how police forces are deploying their officers. In 22. Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): North Yorkshire, we have a particular problem with What recent discussions she has had with stakeholders rural crime. I would be most grateful if he would meet on the asylum improvement project. [44061] me and other rural Members to discuss this issue. Farms and farm property, in particular, are being trashed The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): The because we simply do not have enough cover in rural Home Secretary and I, and our officials, have discussed areas. aspects of the asylum improvement project with a number of corporate partners. The National Asylum Stakeholder Nick Herbert: I would of course be happy to meet my Forum, the Scottish Asylum Stakeholder Forum and hon. Friend to discuss the issue. I understand the importance the Still Human Still Here coalition have also discussed of dealing with crime in rural areas just as we must deal the project recently. with crime elsewhere. The police cannot act alone, and it is very important that there are effective partnerships Mr Cunningham: I thank the Minister for that answer. with, for instance, the farming community so that, Will he establish pilot schemes and where exactly are where possible, there can be a concerted effort to deal they likely to be? with this problem. Damian Green: We have established a number of pilot Human Trafficking schemes already. There is one in the north-west concentrating on using early intervention to help asylum claimants. We have set up the early legal advice project 21. Emma Reynolds (Wolverhampton North East) in the west midlands, and a project to attempt to (Lab): When she plans to announce the outcome of her improve the flow of decision making in London. If review of human trafficking policy. [44060] those pilots are successful, we will of course move them on to a national scale. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Lynne Featherstone): I refer the Mr Speaker: Angela Smith is not here so I call Tony hon. Lady to the answer I gave some moments ago. Baldry.

Emma Reynolds: In September, in defending the Student Visas Government’s failure to opt into the European Union directive, the Prime Minister said: 25. Tony Baldry (Banbury) (Con): What plans she “We have put everything that is in the directive in place.”—[Official has for the future of the student visa entry system. Report, 15 September 2010; Vol. 515, c. 873.] [44064] At the same time, he implied that the directive is not in our national interest. Is it not the case that it is both The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): I refer squarely in our national interest and goes beyond the my hon. Friend to the answer I gave some moments ago. measures that we already have in place? Will she therefore take the opportunity of the 100th anniversary of Tony Baldry: This morning, I met a young Chevening international women’s day to commit to this House that scholar from Iraq who is studying for an MSc in engineering the Government will sign up to the European directive and robotics at Sussex university. He is hoping to go when they get the opportunity? back to his country to make a contribution when he has completed his degree course. Will my hon. Friend confirm Lynne Featherstone: I thank the hon. Lady, but not that we want as many overseas students like that young for the first time I repeat that we are looking at the man as possible to come to the UK, because they enrich directive’s text and considering its merits. If we conclude our university life and take the skills and knowledge that opting into the directive will benefit the UK, we that they acquire back to their home countries when will consider doing so. they complete their courses? Will he confirm that while 635 Oral Answers7 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 636 seeking to achieve that, we also want to bear down on for their role in cutting crime, before it moves to the abuses of sham institutions that have been set up to consideration in another place. Tomorrow, Tom Winsor bring about immigration abuses? will publish the first part of his independent review of police pay and conditions, which will help to ensure that Mr Speaker: I think the hon. Gentleman is gearing police forces can protect jobs and keep officers on the up for an Adjournment debate on this subject. I do not streets. know why he gave such a full question, but it was very helpful and we are grateful to him. Simon Danczuk: Will the Secretary of State join me in praising Greater Manchester police, Rochdale council Damian Green: As ever, I agree completely about the staff and community mediators who managed an English helpfulness of my hon. Friend’s question. He presents Defence League demonstration in Rochdale this weekend the House with an extremely good example of what extremely effectively? It was clearly shown that Rochdale should happen, in that a foreign student came here to residents stayed away from the protest and that our learn on a high-quality course and to develop skills that town has no appetite for the EDL. he can take back to his country. As is crucial, he is Mrs May: I am very happy to join the hon. Gentleman planning to leave at the end of his course. That is in paying tribute to the work of the Greater Manchester precisely the sort of thing that benefits our university police and the professionalism that they showed in system and brings confidence in the immigration system. dealing with the EDL march that took place in Rochdale What does not do that is students coming here and at the weekend. It is in keeping with responses from simply staying. Published information shows that of the police forces up and down the country to such marches. students who came here in 2004, more than 20% were I understand that the policing operation was a success still here five years later in 2009. That is the kind of and that the demonstration took place with minimum thing that we must investigate, to establish whether disruption. I also join the hon. Gentleman in paying those people are still genuine students or are just exploiting tribute to the work of not only the local authority but the system to work in this country. the Rochdale community and the approach it took to ensure that the protest was largely peaceful and that Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): Last there was co-operation, tolerance and restraint from week, the Minister for Universities and Science told the community leaders. Home Affairs Committee that he wanted foreign students to come to this country, but admitted that he found T2. [44066] Annette Brooke (Mid Dorset and North Government policy in the area “fuzzy”. The Select Poole) (LD): With many councils claiming cuts in their Committee was told on the same day by the Minister of Supporting People grants, what action will the State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the hon. Government take to monitor the provision of vital Member for Taunton Deane (Mr Browne), that he services, and what leadership will they give in providing wanted a cut in immigration but an increase in the services nationally? number of students coming from Latin America. What exactly is the Government’s policy on the future of the The Minister for Equalities (Lynne Featherstone): I student visa entry system? thank my hon. Friend for that question. Central Government have sent a clear message about the importance Damian Green: Under the student visa scheme, we and vulnerability of the sector. To send that message want good students to come here to study genuine and set an example, we have ring-fenced £28 million of courses at genuine institutions. Under the previous funding for violence against women services. We hope Government, of whom the hon. Gentleman was such a and expect that councils will follow suit. distinguished supporter for so long, the student visa system became the single biggest loophole in an already Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) chaotic immigration system. That is why we are having (Lab): Last week, the Home Secretary confirmed to the to deal with it. It is significantly the biggest route of House that under her new arrangements, someone who immigration into this country—about 60% of visas are is barred from working with children could still get a issued for students. That is why it is so important that job as a voluntary teaching assistant without the school this Government get a grip on the failures of the or the parents knowing that they were barred. Now that previous Government. she has had a few days to think about it and about how concerned parents will be, has she changed her mind? Mr Speaker: We are immensely grateful to the Minister. Mrs May: I think what matters for parents is the decisions that are made about individuals who play any Topical Questions part in dealing with their children, in a school or any other setting. As I made clear to the right hon. Lady last T1. [44065] Simon Danczuk (Rochdale) (Lab): If she week, information that informs the decisions on barring will make a statement on her departmental will be available as part of the check that I would expect responsibilities. employers to make in such circumstances. We have a simple view: employers must take some responsibility The Secretary of State for the Home Department for ensuring that they make the appropriate checks and (Mrs Theresa May): The Home Office is committed to judgments about who should be involved in dealing protecting the public and to freeing up the police to with children. fight crime more effectively and efficiently. The House will shortly consider the remaining stages of the Police Yvette Cooper: The right hon. Lady said last week Reform and Social Responsibility Bill, which is aimed that employers would get “exactly the same information” at empowering the public to hold the police to account as the barring authorities. However, Home Office officials 637 Oral Answers7 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 638 have told some people in the charities something rather time we are speeding up the visa both for businesses and different. Will she therefore confirm whether employers for more general visitors. The biggest single complaint will be given “exactly the same information” as the has been about the delays in the issuing of visas. I am barring authorities? If so, why not give them the barring happy to assure him that we are concerned about that. authorities’expert recommendation about whether someone We are already beginning to see improvements, so that should be barred? Parents want to know that the teaching in many of the key markets where we need to operate assistant in their child’s classroom has not been previously our visa system is working better than ever before, and barred by the experts from working with children. we are meeting our service standards. Safeguarding children is too important to have such loopholes. I urge her to listen to the experts and think T5. [44069] Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): When again. responding to an earlier question on the trafficking strategy, the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Mrs May: Of course safeguarding children is Department, the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood important—we all have that as top priority. Of course, Green (Lynne Featherstone), said that it would include the regime that is in place will in future cover those who elements of prevention, action on the border and deal with vulnerable adults as well as children. That is policing. Does she recognise that a very important important. The information that informs a decision on element of any anti-trafficking strategy is victim care, barring will be available as part of the check so that a and that victim care is usually provided by voluntary decision can be made. However, as the right hon. Lady organisations? The hon. Member for Wellingborough has raised a query about that, I am happy to write to (Mr Bone), the chair of the all-party group on human her with the detail on it so that she will have that to trafficking, spoke of a “big society” solution. Can we inform her questions in future. have a big society participation in the anti-trafficking strategy? T3. [44067] Richard Fuller (Bedford) (Con): On a similar theme, law-abiding volunteers and employees in Lynne Featherstone: I think we would encourage the Bedford and Kempston are quite fed up with having to big society to get involved at all levels, but as the hon. get a new Criminal Records Bureau check each time Lady says, victim care is extremely important. We are they change jobs. Can the Home Secretary tell me how providing accommodation and advocacy and all the those checks will change to avoid that ridiculous things that are necessary to help the unfortunate victims duplication that so debilitates so many volunteers and of trafficking out of their terrible situation. employees? Mr David Ruffley (Bury St Edmunds) (Con): The Lynne Featherstone: My hon. Friend raises a very previous Government’s figures demonstrate that only important point. Many people write to me about the one hour in seven was spent on patrol by the average problem of having a new CRB check on each occasion. patrol officer. Given the Government’s anti-bureaucracy The new system will make the check portable. An reforms, will the Home Secretary advise us on her view employer will be able to go online to see whether an of the number of hours the average patrol officer will individual, who will have a unique number, ever had any spend on the beat? information on them and whether anything has changed since they first had a check. That will make the whole Mrs May: We are absolutely clear, as my right hon. system simple and quick, which will encourage volunteering, Friend the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice which is part of the purpose. said in response to a previous question, that we want the visibility and availability of police officers to increase T4. [44068] Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): Given media reports that police patrols are being scaled back and improve. The latest figures from Her Majesty’s because of the price of fuel and that Gwent police inspectorate of constabulary show that 11% of officers spend £4 million on their car fleet, including fuel, what are visible and available at any one time—[Interruption.] action are the Government taking to help our local Before we get chuntering from Opposition Members, police officers to keep their patrols on the road? that is not to say that other police officers are wasting their time—of course they are not—but visibility and The Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice (Nick availability need to improve. Herbert): I am not sure whether the hon. Gentleman’s question is about fuel prices, which are not a matter for T6. [44070] Mrs Linda Riordan (Halifax) (Lab/Co-op): me, or taxation, or patrols. I repeat, however, that we Hundreds of my constituents have signed a petition are committed to working with police forces to maintain, supporting the reopening to the public of Sowerby and indeed to improve, the visibility and availability of Bridge police station. Will the Minister urgently police officers on patrol by making savings elsewhere in consider the matter, because it is at the very heart of police forces. the community and would play a huge role in preventing and tackling crime in the area? T8. [44072] Julian Smith (Skipton and Ripon) (Con): At this difficult economic time, what steps is the Nick Herbert: We do not directly control whether Minister taking to make it as straightforward as police stations are open—that is a matter for the chief possible for British businesses to take on highly skilled constable and the police authority—but there are other foreign workers, albeit under the auspices of the ways in which the police can improve their visibility to immigration cap? the public. For instance, they can set up bases in supermarkets. It is not just about buildings; they can The Minister for Immigration (Damian Green): As my also share facilities with other organisations. However, hon. Friend knows, we are introducing a new system for these are matters for chief constables to decide as they tier 1 and tier 2 for work-based visas, and at the same find effective ways to be visible in their communities. 639 Oral Answers7 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 640

Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): In the past six James Brokenshire: The hon. Gentleman will be aware weeks, the Minister for Immigration has answered about that the Home Affairs Committee has produced its 50 statistical questions from Members, including me. I report on firearms generally. We are still considering the say “answered”, but in two thirds of these cases, it was issue and will respond to the report in due course. not possible for him to provide sound information, either because the data were not recorded or because Amber Rudd (Hastings and Rye) (Con): Residents of they were not quality assured and may not have withstood Hastings and Rye warmly welcome the additional typical audit scrutiny. What assessment has he made of information from the crime and policing website, but the quality of management information in the UK is the Home Secretary aware of the additional Border Agency? service it provides to women who may be coming home late at night and might feel vulnerable? That is Damian Green: I am not sure that my hon. Friend is particularly important ahead of international women’s exactly right. Where an answer makes it clear that the day tomorrow. information is management information, it simply means that the data are not Office for National Statistics-quality Mrs May: My hon. Friend makes an extremely valid statistics. However, those answers will include statistical point. I am pleased to tell her that I was able to join the information, even though it might be slightly rough and Prime Minister in meeting a group of readers from ready, precisely because I am determined, when we have Company magazine recently who were raising exactly the information available, to make it available to hon. the problems of women walking home at night. I was Members as part of the Government’s commitment to able to point them to the crime maps as a useful tool. transparency. T10. [44074] Ian Lavery (Wansbeck) (Lab): Will the T7. [44071] Chi Onwurah (Newcastle upon Tyne Central) (Lab): Northumbria police force is losing more than Minister confirm that the police officers working in Northumbria force’s public protection units dealing 1,000 jobs, including 300 front-line police. As a result, young recruits promised a job last year have now been with serious crime such as child abuse and domestic told that those jobs are no longer available. What crime are classified as front-line police officers? guarantee, therefore, can the Secretary of State offer to the people of the north-east that crime will not rise as a Nick Herbert: Yes. result of the cuts? Furthermore, how can she reassure those who have worked so hard to win a job that they Chris Skidmore (Kingswood) (Con): This morning I will be prioritised— attended the opening of the Kingswood one-stop shop, which includes a fixed police presence. It is Mr Speaker: Order. One question must be enough, the first time that the police have had a base in because other people are waiting. Kingswood since the previous Government closed the local police station. Will the Minister commend South Mrs May: I refer the hon. Lady to the response given Gloucestershire council and Avon and Somerset police by the Minister for Policing and Criminal Justice to an for their collaborative working to ensure that front-line earlier question on this matter. The Government have services are protected, and further consider how police made it absolutely clear that there is no simple link authorities and local councils can work together to between levels of crime and the number of police officers. ensure that services are shared for public benefit? Indeed, that view has been supported by a report from the Select Committee on Home Affairs. Nick Herbert: I thank my hon. Friend. That provides a very good example of innovative ways of working Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Cleveleys) (Con): that can increase the visibility of policing, and the Will the Minister responsible for antisocial behaviour co-operation between the police force and other assure me—in relation to the review he will be agencies provides a perfect example of the way we need conducting—that when antisocial behaviour is aggravated to go. by the victim’s disability, it will be taken into account when considering the severity of the disposal? Paul Goggins (Wythenshawe and Sale East) (Lab): The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the When asked to justify the cuts to policing in Greater Home Department (James Brokenshire): I am grateful to Manchester, the Minister for Policing, Crime and Justice my hon. Friend for highlighting this issue, which is at said that cuts could be made to the back office. May I the heart of the call handling pilots launched at the tell him that at least 1,600 police staff are being made start of the year to identify vulnerability, and to ensure redundant in Greater Manchester on top of the 1,377 that there is better join-up between the police, local uniformed officers? I ask him again how he can justify authorities and the health service in order to ensure that that. where there are specific issues, they are identified more speedily and more effectively. Bullying and intimidation Mrs May: We are looking to police forces first and linked to disabilities are utterly reprehensible and foremost to take cuts in the back office, but that is not unacceptable, and the system needs to improve to identify just about individuals; it is about improving procurement where these problems are occurring. and collaborating with other forces to make savings. Significant sums of money—hundreds of millions of T9. [44073] Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton pounds—can be saved by better procurement, better IT West) (Lab/Co-op): Will the Minister inform the House services and collaboration between forces. of when his Department intends to review the current definition of an air weapon under the Firearms Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): It is Act 1968? clear from my own experience of Leeds Rhinos and 641 Oral Answers7 MARCH 2011 Oral Answers 642 its legal firm Chadwick Lawrence that the current Mr Speaker: We would be even more grateful for a immigration system for foreign international sports reply so that we can move on. people is inherently biased against rugby league players. Will the Minister meet me and representatives of the Damian Green: I would, of course, be happy to be Rugby Football League to look at the criteria, so that enlightened about the immigration system as it affects this problem— rugby league. 643 7 MARCH 2011 Libya and the Middle East 644

Libya and the Middle East We are aware of about 180 British nationals still in Libya, some of whom—including some journalists—have 3.31 pm told us that they currently intend to stay. We continue to provide assistance and information for those who wish The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth to leave. We are also working with other countries to Affairs (Mr William Hague): With permission, Mr Speaker, isolate the regime, and to ensure that anyone responsible I would like to update the House on developments in for abuses or contemplating further crimes knows that Libya and the middle east since the Prime Minister’s there will be a day of reckoning. statement on Monday 28 February. On Thursday, the chief prosecutor of the International Members on all sides of the House will be concerned Criminal Court announced his investigation of alleged by the violence in Libya. The Gaddafi regime is launching crimes in Libya, following referral by the UN Security military counter-attacks against opposition forces. There Council. We welcome that swift action, and will do all has been intense fighting in the east and centre of the that we can to assist. We also welcome the important country along the coastal strip between the opposition-held decision by the UN General Assembly, following referral Ras Lanuf and the Gaddafi stronghold of Sirte. There by the UN Human Rights Council, to suspend Libya’s are credible reports of the use of helicopter gunships membership of the council. European Union sanctions against civilians by Government forces and unconfirmed on Libya came into full force last Thursday. That was reports of a helicopter and jet shot down over Ras the quickest-ever delivery of an EU sanctions package, Lanuf. There have also been serious attacks against the and it goes beyond the sanctions imposed by the UN. It cities of Zawiyah and Misurata in the west by soldiers includes an arms embargo on Libya, and an assets backed up by anti-aircraft guns and by tanks. Many of freeze and visa ban on Gaddafi and 25 of his associates— those taken to the city’s hospital, including a young boy strong foundations on which we can build. of 10, have wounds to the head, neck and chest; and As my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said, we supplies of food, fuel and medicines have been all but are making contingency plans for all eventualities in cut off. Libya. NATO has been tasked to work on a range of In Tripoli, there have been disturbing reports of options, including the possible establishment of a no-fly hostage taking and large military deployments around zone, the evacuation of civilians, international humanitarian the city designed to consolidate Gaddafi’s position and assistance, and support for the international arms embargo. intimidate his opponents. His forces remain in control There will be further NATO meetings this week. At the of Tripoli, Sabha and Sirte, but his authority is contested UN Security Council, we are working closely with in large swathes of the country where local tribes have partners, on a contingency basis, on elements of a withdrawn their support. There is a clear risk of protracted resolution on a no-fly zone, making clear the need for conflict and an extremely dangerous and volatile situation regional support, a clear trigger for such a resolution, in large parts of the country. and an appropriate legal basis. Our position is that Colonel Gaddafi must put an My right hon. Friend the International Development immediate stop to the use of armed force against civilians Secretary visited Tunisia on Friday to assess the and hand over power without delay to a Government humanitarian situation. The UK has flown in blankets who recognise the aspirations of the Libyan people and for 38,000 people and tents for over 10,000 people, and are more representative and accountable. has sent aeroplanes to repatriate more than 6,000 stranded On 5 March, opposition groups in the east formed an Egyptians and 500 Bangladeshis. This remains primarily interim national council based in Benghazi. Ministers a logistical emergency, but it is essential that international and FCO officials are in contact with members of this agencies are provided with unfettered access to help to council, who welcomed the idea of a British diplomatic prevent the development of a humanitarian crisis. With mission to Libya. This engagement is vital in gaining a our support, the UN’s emergency co-ordinator, Baroness better understanding of the political, military and Amos, convened a special meeting in Geneva today to humanitarian situation on the ground. call for unfettered humanitarian access inside Libya. Last week, I authorised the dispatch of a small HMS York has also delivered 1.3 tonnes of Swedish British diplomatic team to eastern Libya in uncertain medical supplies to Benghazi. circumstances, which we judged required protection, to The Prime Minister will attend an emergency meeting build on these initial contacts and to assess the scope of the European Council on 11 March, this Friday. We for closer diplomatic dialogue. I pay tribute to that will use the Council to press for further action in team. It was withdrawn yesterday after a serious response to the situation in Libya, and—as the Deputy misunderstanding about its role, leading to its temporary Prime Minister made clear in Brussels last week—we detention. This situation was resolved and it was able to will also urge the European Union to change radically meet council president, Mr Abdul-Jalil. However, it was its thinking about its neighbourhood. As I agreed with clearly better for this team to be withdrawn. We intend the French Foreign Minister in Paris on Thursday, it is to send further diplomats to eastern Libya in due course. time for European nations to be bold and ambitious, The safety of British nationals in Libya remains an and to show that while Europe will not seek to dictate important priority. Since the Prime Minister’s statement, how these countries should run their affairs, we will the UK military have undertaken a further two evacuation always be the lasting friend of those who put in place operations from the port of Benghazi, with HMS the building blocks of strong civil societies, economic Cumberland and HMS York both evacuating British openness and political freedom. We must give every nationals and foreign citizens. In total, we have evacuated incentive to countries in the region to make decisions more than 600 British nationals from Libya, as well as that bring freedom and prosperity.At the Council meeting, nationals from many other countries. I hope that the the Prime Minister will call for Europe to set out a House will join me in paying tribute to all those involved. programme to bring down trade barriers, to establish 645 Libya and the Middle East7 MARCH 2011 Libya and the Middle East 646 clearer conditions for the help that it provides, and to region. The tempo of change in the middle east and marshal its resources to act as a magnet for positive north Africa has hardly slowed in more than an month, change in the region. and none of the policy challenges or ministerial judgments The G8 Foreign Ministers’ meeting will take place in thrown up be these events is straightforward or easy. Paris next week. It will provide a further opportunity to On behalf of the Opposition, I should like to add my widen the international coalition addressing the crisis in support and welcome for the Foreign Secretary’s Libya; to underline with the United States, Russia and announcement that the status of the Palestinian delegation others the urgency of progress on the middle east peace in London is to be upgraded. He can rely on our process and on Iran’s nuclear programme; and to reaffirm support as he continues to make the case for renewed our collective support for political transition in Egypt urgency in efforts to bring about real and meaningful and Tunisia and democratic reform in the wider region. negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians. There has been welcome progress towards democratic Let me turn to the events of yesterday. I believe that I transition in Egypt and Tunisia. There has also been speak for many when I say that the news on Sunday that further progress, including the announcement of a national British diplomatic and military personnel were being referendum on constitutional reform in Egypt and of a held was seen as just the latest setback for the United date for elections in Tunisia. However, the resignations Kingdom, and that it raises further serious questions of the Prime Ministers of both Governments show that about Ministers’ grip on and response to the unfolding significant challenges remain. There continues to be events in Libya. First, we had the still unexplained instability in other countries, including Yemen. We have decision by the Foreign Secretary, alone among European changed our travel advice: we now advise against all Foreign Ministers, to publicise reports that Gaddafi travel to the whole country, and recommend that British was already on his way to Venezuela. Then, the Foreign nationals without a pressing need to remain in Yemen Office was late in securing charter flights and even in leave using commercial means. We look to Governments convening the Government’s emergency Committee, Cobra, across the region to respect human rights, including the when hundreds of UK nationals were stranded and right to peaceful protest, to avoid the use of force and to clearly in danger. Then, last week, the option of a no-fly respond to legitimate aspirations for greater political zone was first talked up and then talked down, with the openness and economic reform. US Defence Secretary warning against loose talk on the It remains more vital than ever that we press for a just issue. Twice in as many weeks—after the events of this and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. weekend, and following the flights fiasco—ministerial We want to see an urgent return to negotiations, based decisions have generated an embarrassment that could on clear parameters, including the 1967 borders. We will all too easily have become a tragedy. work with all the parties to press for a decisive breakthrough Will the Foreign Secretary confirm that the Benghazi this year. President Abbas is visiting the UK this week. I courthouse that is serving as the headquarters of the will discuss these issues with him tomorrow, when I will interim national council is but 2 miles from where HMS also confirm that, given the extent of our aid to the Cumberland was berthed yesterday afternoon? Secondly, Palestinian Authority and our work with them, we will will he confirm that the Royal Marines have, on several join many other countries in upgrading the status of the occasions in recent days, assisted EU nationals from Palestinian delegation to London to the level of a Benghazi on to royal naval warships in the area? mission. If change and development can be achieved peacefully The Foreign Secretary has confirmed today that he in the middle east, that will be the greatest advance in personally authorised this mission. Given the outcome world affairs since central and eastern Europe changed of the effort, will he now tell us whether he discussed so dramatically 20 years ago and many of those countries the merits or demerits of the proposed course of action entered the European Union. If not, this could mark with senior officials? Did he discuss alternative means the start of even greater instability emanating from the of achieving the mission’s aim with his senior officials region. It is vital for the people of these countries and ahead of his decision being taken? In particular, did he the rest of the world that the international community discuss the mission with the Prime Minister in advance play a coherent and ambitious role in supporting their of his decision to authorise it? aspirations. The British Government are deeply committed Will the Foreign Secretary share with the House his to that endeavour, and I commend this statement to the assessment of the impact of this weekend’s events on House. the credibility of British foreign policy with the Gaddafi regime in Tripoli and the opposition forces in Benghazi? Mr Douglas Alexander (Paisley and Renfrewshire Perhaps the Foreign Secretary has read the question South) (Lab): I thank the right hon. Gentleman for asked by a spokesman for the opposition forces in giving me advance sight of his statement today. I am today’s edition of The Times. Let me quote his words grateful to him for his update on the situation in Libya directly: and across the region. “If this is an official delegation why did they come with a First, let me begin by paying tribute to the bravery of helicopter? Why didn’t they [inform the revolutionary council] the units of our armed forces that have operated in that ‘we are coming, we’d like to land at Benina airport’, or come Libya during this crisis. Specifically, I praise their extraction through Egypt like all the journalists have done”. of British nationals from the oilfields of Libya two Given those remarks, does the Foreign Secretary accept weeks ago. This was done with an effectiveness and that if some new neighbours moved into his street, the professionalism that is rightly seen as typical of Britain’s British public would be entitled to wonder whether he armed forces. Secondly, let me say to the Foreign Secretary would introduce himself by ringing the doorbell, or that I appreciate just how tough this situation is. There instead choose to climb over the fence in the middle of is no manual for handling a wave of revolt in a tumultuous the night? 647 Libya and the Middle East7 MARCH 2011 Libya and the Middle East 648

[Mr Douglas Alexander] this week, but we are in close touch with many of those Arab nations about all the options that may be necessary The Opposition support the Government’s aim of over the coming weeks and months. Close consultation establishing a dialogue with Gaddafi’s opponents. We and co-ordination with those nations will need to continue. welcome today’s statement that further efforts will be The right hon. Gentleman asked about the multilateral made to engage with the opposition forces now running aspects of humanitarian aid. My right hon. Friend the parts of Libya, but our welcome to that initiative is Secretary of State for International Development is in conditional, for it should be done in a considered, continuous close touch with Baroness Amos and all the co-ordinated way with our European and NATO allies. organisations and people the right hon. Gentleman The strategic objectives for the west—sustaining pressure mentioned, including the UN High Commissioner for on the regime; helping and where we can protecting the Refugees and others. We will keep up that work, including Libyan population; and over time working to assist in on co-ordinating our humanitarian and logistical assistance ensuring that popular revolt becomes more democratic with France—we have co-ordinated it to a degree—which government—do not divide this House. has also worked well. This week’s meetings of the European Union and The right hon. Gentleman also asked about matters NATO remain opportunities to co-ordinate the that were raised in the House last Monday, so I will not international response and increase pressure on Gaddafi. go over all of them again, except to say this on his May I therefore ask the Foreign Secretary whether he question about whether there has been a variation in would consider requesting that the Arab League attend policy on the no-fly zone and whether our policy is out Friday’s EU summit, to signal clearly the breadth of of step with that of other nations: the policy is exactly international pressure, in the region and beyond, on the the same as stated by the Prime Minister here at the Gaddafi regime? That meeting will also be vital in Dispatch Box last Monday, which is that contingency shaping the humanitarian response. We of course welcome planning should be done for a no-fly zone. It is exactly the work undertaken by the Department for International the same position as that expressed by Secretary Clinton Development and the visit that the Secretary of State last week, and exactly the same as that expressed by the for International Development recently paid, but I hope French Government, as the French Foreign Minister that the Foreign Secretary will update the House on the and I made clear at our press conference last week. I work being done across Government to support a think from what the right hon. Gentleman says that it multilateral response though the World Food Programme, also enjoys the support of the Opposition in this House, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees so I think we are aligned on this policy. and indeed the Commonwealth. On the deployment in Benghazi, the factual points The EU summit can do more in sharpening the the right hon. Gentleman stated in his question are choice for Gaddafi’s supporters, explicitly stating that correct. On consultation with officials and who decided assistance will be available to a post-Gaddafi Libya in what and so on, we should be clear that when our staff tackling trade barriers and supporting democratic progress. go into a potentially dangerous situation, a level of The summit can be equally explicit to those fighting for protection is provided for them, based on professional Gaddafi: those who leave his forces should be confident and military advice. We do that in many places around about the treatment that they will receive, while officers the world, and it was, of course, important to do so in and mercenaries who stick with him should know that this situation. As I explained, I authorised such a mission they will face serious consequences in future. At the to be made to put a diplomatic team into eastern Libya NATO meeting this week the Secretary of State for with protection. Of course, the timing and details of Defence will have our support for considering the available that are operational matters decided by the professionals, contingencies. All options should remain on the table, but Ministers must have confidence in their judgments, given the need to sustain pressure on the regime. as I do, and must take full ministerial responsibility for Given that it remains uncertain whether this wave of all their actions and judgments, as, of course, I do. The revolt is over—we continue to hear talk of protests in Prime Minister and other Ministers were of course countries beyond Tunisia, Libya and Egypt—can we be aware that we would attempt to put a diplomatic team confident that lessons are being learned by Ministers into eastern Libya. about the serial bungling that we have seen in recent On the overall impact of British foreign policy on the weeks? That is what the British people want, and that is Gaddafi regime and others, they are aware, as is much what they deserve. of the world, that we have led the way at the United Nations Security Council and drafted the resolution Mr Hague: I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman that was passed last weekend, that we led the way at the for much of what he said. He pays tribute to the bravery UN Human Rights Council, gathering the signatures of the troops involved in extracting people from the that led to the suspension of Libya, and that we are at oilfields two weekends ago, and he is absolutely right to the forefront both of implementing the assets freeze do so. I welcome his welcome for the upgrading of the and other measures that are putting pressure on the status of the Palestinian delegation. It is good that that regime and of getting the message through in Libya that is supported across the House. reference has been made to the International Criminal There is clearly a good deal of agreement too on the Court. The impact of British foreign policy on this overall outlines of western policy in this matter. The situation and on the Gaddafi regime is extremely powerful, right hon. Gentleman stated, as we have, that all options and that is how it will remain. should remain on the table. He underlined the importance of working closely with the Arab League, which should Sir Malcolm Rifkind (Kensington) (Con): Having as be continued in many different forms. I do not know Defence Secretary helped to enforce the no-fly zone on whether that will be possible at the European Council Iraq to protect the Shia and the Kurds, I am well aware 649 Libya and the Middle East7 MARCH 2011 Libya and the Middle East 650 of the important benefits this can produce in the right clear that it would welcome such contact, so it is important circumstances, but does the Foreign Secretary agree for that to go ahead. Clearly, it must go ahead on a very that to take forward proposals for a no-fly zone in different basis from that on which it went ahead last Libya two fundamental conditions must be satisfied: week, and that is what we will set about. first, the United Nations Security Council must give explicit endorsement for such an operation; and, secondly, Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab): Will there must be unambiguous evidence that the Libyan the Foreign Secretary do nothing more to give the revolutionary council representing the insurgents actually impression to the British public that what is under wants the very substantial degree of western military consideration is about being seen to be doing something, involvement that a no-fly zone would represent, because rather than about doing something? Will he do absolutely there is clear indication that many of them believe that nothing—he has recognised this in answer to the right Libyans should liberate their own country? Will my hon. and learned Member for Kensington (Sir Malcolm right hon. Friend confirm that this proposal is unlikely Rifkind)—to undermine not only the impression but to go anywhere until and unless these two conditions the priority for the Libyan opposition to be at the are satisfied? forefront of this? This should not be about some desire of the United Kingdom Government. Mr Hague: My right hon. and learned Friend is correct that all the contacts we have had with opposition Mr Hague: Yes, the right hon. Gentleman makes a forces in Libya suggest that they believe Libyans should very important point. In all the countries witnessing be responsible for liberating their country. However, it is great change it is important that the solutions are also only fair to point out that in those conversations owned by the people. That is why we have said that it is they have already explicitly asked for a no-fly zone, and important that all the assistance that we provide and they do not see a contradiction between those two that we are calling on the European Union to provide is points. given in a way that is not patronising towards such My right hon. and learned Friend is right that many countries, but does help to provide some of the necessary conditions should be attached to trying to implement a incentives to get them to move in the direction that we no-fly zone. The way I would state them at this moment would consider—greater economic openness and political is: there should be a demonstrable need that the whole reform. That is true in Libya, too, and I am sure that world can see; there must be a clear legal basis for such Libyans are determined, as we should be, that they also a no-fly zone; and there must be clear support from the own the solution to this. At the same time, the whole region—from the middle east and north African region—as world has humanitarian responsibilities—the United well as from the people of Libya themselves, as my right Nations has, of course, a responsibility to protect—so hon. and learned Friend says. Those are the necessary we have to balance those against the consideration that conditions for such a no-fly zone to be created. he rightly points to.

Mr Jack Straw (Blackburn) (Lab): In my experience Several hon. Members rose— of operations such as the one at the weekend, there was always an impressive level of operational detail in the Mr Speaker: Order. More than 50 right hon. and submissions that came to me as Secretary of State and hon. Members are still seeking to catch my eye. If I am to the then Defence Secretary, because it is not the to have any realistic chance of accommodating them, as concept that could go wrong but the operational detail. I usually strive to do, brevity is of the essence. Does the Secretary of State have any reason to believe that less detail is provided to this Administration than Richard Ottaway (Croydon South) (Con): Further to was provided to the previous one? the point made by my right hon. and learned Friend the Mr Hague: No, absolutely not. The right hon. Gentleman Member for Kensington (Sir Malcolm Rifkind) on is right about the level of detail normally provided. no-fly zones, on the two recent occasions when it has These operations vary enormously in their nature and been tried—in Bosnia and in Iraq—such zones did not the level of detail provided, but I have no reason to turn out to be effective and the intervention of ground think that there would, in general, be a difference. troops was needed before the situation on the ground was resolved. Does the Foreign Secretary agree that it Sir Menzies Campbell (North East Fife) (LD): There makes sense to bear that in mind before making such an is much in the Foreign Secretary’s statement to be operational decision? welcomed, but I regret what I am about to say. Is it not clear that this mission was ill conceived, poorly planned Mr Hague: Yes, my hon. Friend is right. That is one and embarrassingly executed? What is he going to do to of the reasons why I said in answer to my right hon. and restore the United Kingdom’s reputation in relation to learned Friend the Member for Kensington (Sir Malcolm foreign policy in the middle east, what will be the role of Rifkind) that one of the criteria should be demonstrable any further mission and what permissions will it seek need. If one was to consider implementing a no-fly before it goes? zone, one would have to ensure that it would actually make a difference to the situation. The demonstrable Mr Hague: As I said, the United Kingdom, having need must be there if we are to consider doing it. led the way in so many of the ways I have described at the Security Council and the Human Rights Council, is Mr Denis MacShane (Rotherham) (Lab): Since this in the forefront of western policy on this issue. Clearly, crisis started, I have been reading The New York Times further contacts with the opposition in eastern Libya and European papers, and watching al-Jazeera, and the are necessary and desirable, for all the reasons that I set notion that Britain is seen as the leader in this crisis out in my statement. The opposition there has made it exists only in the Foreign Secretary’s head. Last week, 651 Libya and the Middle East7 MARCH 2011 Libya and the Middle East 652

[Mr Denis MacShane] supporting humanitarian efforts? Given its potential deployment, does he agree that now is not the time to to restore the good name of the London School of consider closing its home barracks at Fort George Economics, Sir Howard Davies did the honourable outside Inverness? British thing and accepted his responsibilities. Has the Foreign Secretary considered his position at all? Mr Hague: It is probably beyond the scope of this statement to go into the last point that the hon. Gentleman Mr Hague: As I have said, I take full ministerial raises, but he is right to point to the huge numbers of responsibility, as Ministers do. I believe very strongly in people involved. The latest figures that I have seen show the doctrine of ministerial responsibility for everything that more than 200,000 people have passed those that happens in a Minister’s Department, so I am very borders. My right hon. Friend the International clear about that. We have been busy drafting the resolutions Development Secretary stresses that, at the moment, of the UN Security Council and the UN Human Rights this is a logistical crisis of getting people to where they Council while the right hon. Gentleman has been struggling need to be, rather than what we would term a humanitarian to read the newspapers from around Europe. crisis. Clearly, if the conflict in Libya becomes even more protracted and violent, such a humanitarian crisis Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex) (Con): Does my right may develop on top of that. That is why we are seeking hon. Friend agree that if the British Government and to help and why we are already engaged in helping. Yes, our partners are to be able to take the kind of difficult the Black Watch would be available to assist with such decisions that will be needed in the next few weeks, humanitarian activity, but that is why it is on that intelligence and information on the ground are of the degree of stand-by. first importance? Will he therefore reassure the House that whatever action is taken to secure that intelligence Margot James (Stourbridge) (Con): Does my right and information will not impede the deployment of hon. Friend agree that strong civil societies with democratic British assets? freedoms will come about in the middle east and north Africa only if there is greater equality for women in Mr Hague: Yes, absolutely—I certainly give that those countries? Will his Department work with the assurance. Department for International Development to support all the efforts that will bring that end about? Mr Ben Bradshaw (Exeter) (Lab): If the object of the mission was to make contact with the leaders of free Mr Hague: Yes, I think that is absolutely right. We Libya, why did those involved not go straight into have to work with people in those societies without us in Benghazi, as scores of international journalists have the western world telling them what to do. We have to done? Does that not illustrate a lack of grip and competence work with the grain of their cultures and traditions, but right at the heart of government? the building up of civil society, improvements in human rights and the development of more open political Mr Hague: As I explained earlier, in answer to the activity should—certainly in my view and clearly in my right hon. Member for Paisley and Renfrewshire South hon. Friend’s view too—include a much increased role (Mr Alexander), whenever we deploy diplomats into a for women in those societies. That is something that, in dangerous situation, we provide a level of protection the right way, we should certainly promote. based on professional and military advice. We do that in several other countries, so it is not an unusual thing to Tony Lloyd (Manchester Central) (Lab): The Foreign have to do, and we did it on this occasion too. Secretary does not need me to tell him that when we engage in the kind of operations that took place over Mr John Redwood (Wokingham) (Con): Before recent days, there is risk to serving British service people, considering any military intervention, will the Foreign as well as to those with whom they come into contact. Secretary assure the House that he is aware that when That must be proportionate. In this case, is the right intervening in a civil war, it is all too easy to kill the hon. Gentleman confident that what appears to have people one is trying to help? ended in farce could not have ended in tragedy?

Mr Hague: Direct intervention in these situations is, Mr Hague: The hon. Gentleman points to an important of course, a momentous thing that must be considered fact. There are risks involved in many of the things that carefully from every possible angle, and my right hon. we have to do in such situations. There were risks Friend points to another angle that we have to consider. involved in what happened the previous weekend in the It is important to stress that the contingency planning rescue of oil workers from the desert. One of those that we have asked for in NATO does not constitute flights was engaged with small arms fire when it had such direct intervention into a civil war, or near civil landed in the desert, so yes, there are risks involved, and war, but involves the consideration of measures to it is precisely because there are risks involved in the protect the civilian population and the provision of deployment of our staff in such situations that we act humanitarian assistance if necessary. That is different on professional and military advice to give them protection. from directly intervening in a conflict. Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): I speak as someone Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP): The latest report of who has operated underneath a rather ineffective no-fly the UN Refugee Agency says that 170,000 people have zone. Will my right hon. Friend assure me that if we get fled to neighbouring countries, mostly to Egypt and involved in a no-fly zone, we will be prepared to bring Tunisia. Will the Foreign Secretary confirm that the down aircraft and helicopters, and even strike anti-aircraft Black Watch is currently on stand-by to assist in assets in the sovereign territory of Libya? 653 Libya and the Middle East7 MARCH 2011 Libya and the Middle East 654

Mr Hague: For a no-fly zone to be implemented, it Robert Halfon (Harlow) (Con): Following the scandal would clearly have to be effective, as well as to have the of the financial links between Libya and the London demonstrable need that I spoke about earlier. My hon. School of Economics and other British universities, will Friend is getting me into matters that are properly for the Foreign Secretary examine what the previous Labour the contingency planning that is now being done in Government did to help facilitate those links? Does he NATO. Those are matters to be scoped out in any not agree that the fish rots from the head down, and will planning for a no-fly zone, and in consultation with he hold an independent inquiry to examine the previous other countries beyond NATO as well. Government’s insidious links with Libya?

Ms Gisela Stuart (Birmingham, Edgbaston) (Lab): It Mr Hague: I am sure that there will be lessons to be is useful to follow the previous question, because my learned from that. We are a little preoccupied with what question is about hitherto unsuccessful no-fly zones, is going on at the moment, but there will be a time to where the confusion between military and humanitarian learn all the lessons from past relationships with some aid caused undue problems. In his contingency planning, of the systems and regimes now being overthrown by is the Foreign Secretary planning to distinguish strictly their own people. between those areas still controlled by Colonel Gaddafi, Rushanara Ali (Bethnal Green and Bow) (Lab): In the which would therefore not receive humanitarian aid, light of the tragic deaths of three Bangladeshi nationals and those controlled by the rebellion, which would during a repatriation mission from Libya, what steps receive it, or is he not prepared to make such a distinction? are being taken to ensure the safety of all those being repatriated? What further assistance will the UK Mr Hague: There is a range of options to be considered, Government provide to support and repatriate those and the hon. Lady draws attention to how many different stranded in neighbouring countries? ways one can look at the issue. Those different options need to be examined. NATO Defence Ministers will be Mr Hague: We will continue to provide support as able to discuss the matter later in the week, so I cannot necessary. All accidents in these situations, and certainly give a specific answer now to her question. All those deaths, are very regrettable, as we would agree immediately considerations will be taken into account. across the House. We have assisted in the evacuation of more than 500 Bangladeshis and more than 6,000 Mr Bernard Jenkin (Harwich and North Essex) (Con): Egyptians. In doing so, their safety is the paramount May I urge my right hon. Friend to take credit for the concern—it is for their safety that we are undertaking operations that go right, as well as responsibility for the operation in the first place. The hon. Lady can rest the operations that go wrong? May I remind him of the assured that the utmost care is being taken. We cannot aftermath of the first Gulf war, when the fatal error was guarantee that no accidents will happen, but great care to allow Saddam Hussein to fly his helicopters to oppress is taken and will continue to be taken in the operations. his own people again? The Government are right to lead Mr Edward Leigh (Gainsborough) (Con): Realistically, the debate about a no-fly zone, which is gaining support given our resources, or lack thereof, surely there is no among voices in the United States, as well as from way we can or should take the lead in a no-fly zone. France. Indeed, will my right hon. Friend accept that after two interventions in Afghanistan and Iraq, the British public Mr Hague: Yes, I take the point that my hon. Friend have not the slightest appetite for getting involved militarily makes and I am grateful for his support for the position in a third Muslim country? that we have taken on contingency planning. On the question of taking credit for what goes right as well as Mr Hague: As I have said, what are not being actively blame for what goes wrong, having in the past led the introduced at the moment, but for which we want to do Conservative party for four years, I have never heard of the contingency planning, are measures to protect the that notion before. civilian population or deliver humanitarian assistance where it is needed. There might be an appetite for that if Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): Up to there is a demonstrable need. I set out several criteria about a fortnight ago, we were busy selling arms to earlier, and any action along those lines should be Gaddafi’s bloodstained regime. Does the Foreign Secretary judged against them. Several hon. Members have drawn understand that there is a great divide between giving attention to previous no-fly zones and conflicts. Should humanitarian aid to the victims of Gaddafi’s regime, we learn lessons from what has happened? Yes, we and military intervention? On the latter, there seems to certainly should. be in the House and certainly in the country at large—and Mr Frank Roy (Motherwell and Wishaw) (Lab): Two I believe it is the right attitude to take—no appetite for weeks ago, we witnessed the debacle of the Foreign military intervention in Libya. Office trying to arrange a Tripoli airport rescue mission, and last week the Prime Minister refused to rule out Mr Hague: We will not take too many lectures from arming rebel groups in Libya, and those are the same the Opposition on the issue of selling things to the groups that held our diplomats and soldiers over the Gaddafi regime or wider issues of policy towards Libya, weekend. Can the Foreign Secretary give an assurance but of course there is a difference between humanitarian that this week will not be the third week of disasters by assistance and direct military intervention. As I explained the Government? earlier, the options that we are asking NATO to look at are essentially options to protect the civilian population Mr Hague: If it is a protracted conflict that goes on or to deliver the necessary humanitarian assistance. for some time, it will throw up many challenges in That is different from direct military intervention. addition to those we have already faced. Some of those 655 Libya and the Middle East7 MARCH 2011 Libya and the Middle East 656

[Mr Hague] the special forces over to the other side in Libya, so our contact has been with Mr Jalil, that particular general are diplomatic, and as I have said the UK has led the and other figures among the opposition forces in eastern way on that. Some are humanitarian, and the UK is Libya. playing a leading role in that, as we have discussed. There are other areas where we have certainly had Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): The Foreign difficulties, such as those of a couple of weeks ago to Secretary obviously has a huge area of responsibility, which the hon. Gentleman refers. On the other hand, but I am very surprised that in his statement he said after those difficulties we have pulled out and evacuated very little about the crying need for human rights and British nationals, ahead of many other nations, and justice in Saudi Arabia, and nothing about the ongoing helped people of about 30 other nationalities to leave crisis in Bahrain. The contagion throughout north Africa Libya during our operations. Perhaps he should take a of the thirst for democracy, liberty and human rights is lesson from my hon. Friend the Member for Harwich universal, and the Government should recognise it as and North Essex (Mr Jenkin) and acknowledge that such. It is actually more important than selling arms. although not everything goes right, the UK has done many things properly and well over the past few weeks. Mr Hague: It is true, of course, that it would be possible to make a much longer statement about the Rory Stewart (Penrith and The Border) (Con): There situation in the middle east, but it might be necessary are many non-violent options that have not yet been for Ministers to make statements over many months, explored. May I please encourage my right hon. Friend going into the details of many countries. So of course I to look in particular at the formation, under chapter 7, recognise that it is possible to say more about those of an escrow account for Libyan oil revenues in trust for situations. I referred to them in my statement—where the Libyan people and apart from the Gaddafi regime? we called for people to be able to protest peacefully. It is also important that, where protests occur, policing Mr Hague: Yes, we continue to look at other options techniques are used that allow for peaceful protest and, on top of the asset freeze and the measures we have wherever possible, do not encourage or lead to violence. already taken. My hon. Friend will be familiar with the That is a message we convey to all nations, as well as the measures we took to stop the delivery of what has message that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister added up to about £1 billion in bank notes to the expressed in his speech in the Kuwaiti Parliament, calling Gaddafi regime. We continue to look at other ways to on all nations in the region to respect legitimate aspirations reduce the financial flows to the Gaddafi regime that for economic development and more open and flexible might be used to support the violence and attempts to political systems. suppress the civilian population’s protests, of which we have all heard and some of which I have described. We Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con): Do events will certainly be looking at that kind of measure. in Libya and the middle east carry any lessons at all for the Government, given the talk about possible British Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): Who, if anyone, participation in no-fly zones and the decision to stand did the diplomatic mission believe it had arranged to down the carriers and the Harriers that would be essential see, what did it think was the agreed agenda, and why to carry out any such operation? were the missionaries issued with multiple identities and passports? Mr Hague: It is not true that such facilities are necessary to implement a no-fly zone, because, in the Mr Hague: As I have explained, the missionaries were case of Libya, ground bases are available and no nation to make contact with opposition groups in Libya in has used an aircraft carrier for the recent evacuation of order to assess the humanitarian situation there, and it their citizens. The United Kingdom still has and will will be necessary to have further diplomatic presence continue to have formidable military assets, including in and diplomatic contact in order to do that. I am not air power. So we are a part of the contingency planning going into further operational details about that for for what might happen, but it would not be necessary to entirely obvious reasons: other missions sometimes take have an aircraft carrier to execute such a plan. place in other parts of the world. The mission under consideration met the president of the national council Sandra Osborne (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab): that the opposition have formed, and that is the basis In acknowledging the difficulty of deciding how best to for further contact between the United Kingdom and protect the Libyan people, I wonder what discussions those opposition groups. the Foreign Secretary had with our partners in view of the danger and the potentially counter-productive nature Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD): I wonder whether of the mission. the Foreign Secretary could elaborate on that point. I am keen to know what direct contact either our embassy Mr Hague: We have discussions with our partners in or his other officials have established with the chair of NATO and in the European Union, and indeed more the national Libyan council, Mustapha Abdul-Jalil. broadly in the Arab world, about this entire crisis, about the future of Libya and about the future of the entire Mr Hague: The diplomatic team that was there at the region. Obviously, the mission into eastern Libya that weekend did have a meeting with him, and we have had we are describing was a United Kingdom-only mission, a range of contacts with other figures in the opposition. and not subject to discussion with other nations. The hon. Gentleman will be aware that several figures have defected from the Gaddafi regime to the opposition, Dr Andrew Murrison (South West Wiltshire) (Con): If and I have spoken to some of them myself, including the European External Action Service has a point, it is General Younis, one of the Ministers who took some of surely to engage in a timely fashion in its very near 657 Libya and the Middle East7 MARCH 2011 Libya and the Middle East 658 abroad. Is my right hon. Friend aware of any action unannounced, in a helicopter full of military equipment being taken by Baroness Ashton in advance of this in such a volatile situation? What does he think of the Friday’s meeting beyond cancelling a few visas and role of our ambassador in the conversation that was imposing a few trade sanctions? reported by Colonel Gaddafi and the relationship between the two ambassadors, when the ambassador himself did Mr Hague: Baroness Ashton has recently visited a not know what was going on? number of states in the region, including Egypt and Tunisia. It will be important for the European Union, Mr Hague: Of course, there are many telephone including Baroness Ashton and her organisation, to conversations going on. I myself speak to people on play a role in what we are calling on the European both sides of the divide in Libya, including to the Union to do in changing its policy to one of greater Libyan Foreign Minister, Mussa Kussa, who is still part openness towards the countries of north Africa and to of the Gaddafi regime. As there are British nationals providing incentives for them to move towards economic still in Libya, it is important for us to be able to have a openness and political reform. I hope that all the nations channel of communication directly with the Libyan of the European Union, and its organs, will take part in regime, as well as with leading figures in the opposition. that. It is therefore no surprise that such telephone conversations are going on, particularly in the situation that we had Fiona O’Donnell (East Lothian) (Lab): The Secretary over the weekend. The background to the mission is of State spoke earlier about the plight of refugees. Up exactly as I described it earlier. I point out to the hon. until the middle of last week, 10,000 to 15,000 people Gentleman that, as I made clear in my statement, the were crossing the border into Tunisia on a daily basis. mission ended up meeting the president of the national Since then, that number has dropped dramatically, and council of the opposition forces, and that is now the on Thursday only 2,000 refugees crossed the border. basis for further diplomatic contact with them. UNHCR has expressed concerns that people are being prevented from leaving Libya. What assessment has the Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): Apart Secretary of State made of this drop in numbers, and to from the irony of sending a British warship named after whom has he spoken to help to inform that assessment? a pork sausage to rescue Brits from a Muslim country, is not the real lesson from this situation that we should Mr Hague: That is a very good point. My right hon. stop meddling in other people’s affairs and be very Friend the Secretary of State for International Development careful before we lecture countries on democracy when has expressed the very same concern. A variety of we have armed their autocratic rulers with crowd-control things may be happening in this regard. Most of the weapons? people who have left have been migrant workers from other countries, and so it is possible that the numbers who remain are diminishing. It is also possible that the Mr Hague: I differ a little from my hon. Friend on extent of the fighting that is taking place is making it that point. When we had to evacuate British nationals harder for people to leave, or that they are being discouraged from Benghazi, it was important to send the nearest from leaving. My right hon. Friend is assessing that royal naval ship available, irrespective of its name. That with his international partners and multilateral is not the only vessel that has been involved. HMS York organisations. It is difficult for us to know exactly what has also been there, and my hon. Friend will understand is happening on the ground, but we will continue to that I am particularly proud of that as a Yorkshireman. assess it. I hope he has no difficulty with that. Those ships have been there not to meddle in anybody else’s affairs, but Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): May I primarily to take humanitarian aid and to evacuate our congratulate the Government and the armed forces on nationals and the nationals of many other countries out the successful evacuation of thousands of people by sea of harm’s way. and air under very difficult circumstances? May I also, though, caution my right hon. Friend that humanitarian Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab): The Foreign Secretary aid supported by military means is very unlikely to be has announced a change in travel advice for Yemen. seen in that way by the protagonists in a civil war? Last week, the Secretary of State for International Development generously, and correctly in my view, Mr Hague: Yes, I entirely take my hon. Friend’s word increased aid to Yemen to record levels. Is it still the of caution; he is quite right to point that out. If we Government’s position to support the Government of came to the point of thinking that that might be necessary, Yemen while calling for reforms? it would be a difficult decision to take. As the Prime Minister made clear last Monday, it is also right to do Mr Hague: We do not take sides in Yemeni politics. the contingency planning about many of the options We of course want a close and friendly relationship that might have to be taken in a whole variety of with the state of Yemen. We support the Government circumstances. However, I stress to my hon. Friend that of Yemen in carrying out necessary reforms. As the this is contingency planning rather than a decision to hon. Gentleman knows, when I visited Yemen a few undertake the kind of operation that he is concerned weeks ago, I called on its President to deliver a detailed about. development and poverty reduction plan, and to combat international terrorism within Yemen effectively. Those Mr Gerry Sutcliffe (Bradford South) (Lab): It is good are the necessary priorities for Yemen. I also called on that the Foreign Secretary is admitting that the mission him to be generous to opposition parties in charting the failed, and of course it must be right to protect our way forward constitutionally for Yemen, and asked diplomats in the way that he outlined. However, was not opposition parties to be generous to him in finding an the mission always going to fail given that people arrived, agreed way forward. We are still engaged in that process, 659 Libya and the Middle East7 MARCH 2011 Libya and the Middle East 660

[Mr Hague] the difficulties that sending in a helicopter would create? Did he not realise that, in the sensitive situation in including through delivering the aid to Yemen that the Libya, arming people to the teeth would be a red rag? right hon. Gentleman highlighted in his question. It is Will he please answer the question about how he made the Foreign Office’s responsibility to give up-to-date those decisions? Does he not think that they have left us travel advice to reflect the difficult situation in that looking risible in the world community? country. The situation has deteriorated in recent days, which is why we have changed the travel advice. Mr Hague: I set that out earlier, so I am not sure that it is necessary to go over it again. Clearly, some of the Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con): If we have no judgments are difficult. The previous weekend, we sent aircraft carriers, which are needed to implement a no-fly armed people into Libya to perform different missions, zone, from which base would rescue helicopters for so such judgments unfortunately have to be made quite downed pilots fly? regularly. This mission turned out differently from those on the previous weekend. Mr Hague: That will be the subject of the contingency planning that we are talking about. Clearly, there are Alec Shelbrooke (Elmet and Rothwell) (Con): May I many military bases along the south of NATO. I have warmly welcome the Foreign Secretary’s reiteration today referred to the need for clear support from the region if that there will be no major intervention without the we are to implement a no-fly zone. That has to be borne UN’s backing, unlike what happened under the Labour in mind in answering his question. Government? Will he outline the role of UK diplomats in the consular service in evacuating citizens from Libya? Bill Esterson (Sefton Central) (Lab): My constituent Jennifer Currie, her eight-month-old baby Nadia and Mr Hague: As I said earlier, the measures for which her six-year-old daughter Alisha, happily, are on their we are making contingency plans require demonstrable way home from Libya. My caseworker spent the weekend need, a clear legal basis and clear support from the arranging for them to travel home from Gharian, where region for them to be implemented. UK diplomats have they were hiding from the fighting. It took the Foreign done an amazing job. For example, the people in our Office 36 hours to agree to pay for a taxi to the airport, rapid deployment team who went to Tripoli airport the and my caseworker had to persuade the Foreign Office week before last worked day and night for four to five to arrange flights home. Jennifer had to agree to pay days, assisting British nationals to be evacuated. They £1,400 for the tickets when she got home. Will the did an outstanding job, which has not always been Foreign Secretary investigate why the arrangements were widely recognised in the commentary on those matters. left to an MP’s caseworker, and why the penniless I pay tribute to them today. mother of an eight-month-old baby was asked to pay for her children’s escape from a war zone? Yasmin Qureshi (Bolton South East) (Lab): Will the Foreign Secretary now apologise for the fiasco over the Mr Hague: The Under-Secretary of State for Foreign weekend? and Commonwealth Affairs, my hon. Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), who has responsibility for this region, has worked on this case Mr Hague: I think that I have made my position on and does not accept the hon. Gentleman’s description all that clear. of it. We are delighted that his constituent and her children have been able to get out of Libya and to Kris Hopkins (Keighley) (Con): Whatever political safety. FCO staff in London bought flights for her and capital or trust there was to justify international military her children, and ensured that she had assistance at intervention in the middle east was spent several times Tripoli airport. They met her in Tunis and ensured that over—and squandered—by the Labour Government. she made her flight, via Frankfurt, to the United Kingdom. May I therefore suggest that any future intervention in We are not expecting her to repay the cost of the air which we participate is strictly rooted in humanitarian fares. support so that we can start to regain the trust that Labour Members squandered and lost? Dan Byles (North Warwickshire) (Con): As we have heard, there have been calls in some quarters for the Mr Hague: I agree with my hon. Friend that there is west to arm the rebels. Students of history know that we much mistrust among the public about what might have in the past armed communist guerrillas in Malaya happen in such situations. I also reassure him that the against the Japanese and the mujaheddin in Afghanistan measures for which we are doing the contingency against the Russians, both with unforeseen long-term planning—a no-fly zone, protection of humanitarian consequences. Will the Foreign Secretary reassure the assistance—are directed at protecting the civilian population House that he will exercise great caution in the face of if that becomes necessary and there is a demonstrable such calls? need to do so.

Mr Hague: Yes, absolutely. I also point out that the Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): whole of Libya is subject to a United Nations international Further to the questions from the hon. Members for arms embargo. South Dorset (Richard Drax) and for New Forest East (Dr Lewis), the Foreign Secretary indicated that he has Mr Andrew Love (Edmonton) (Lab/Co-op): Does the identified some countries from which a no-fly zone Foreign Secretary accept that there are still questions could be operated. What are those countries and what about his judgment at the weekend? Did he not realise discussions has the FCO had with them? 661 Libya and the Middle East7 MARCH 2011 Libya and the Middle East 662

Mr Hague: Although those are entirely legitimate Union and of the Commonwealth. We are enthusiastic questions, they can be answered only after the contingency that it is one of our partners in both those organisations. planning has been done either in NATO or with partners Recent events have reminded us of something that our outside NATO. It is not possible currently to specify predecessors in the 1940s and the 1800s learned—the which countries would play such an active role. immense strategic importance of Malta. We will do everything we can to strengthen our friendship with Mr Ben Wallace (Wyre and Preston North) (Con): In that country in the coming weeks and months. 2003, when Tony Blair led Colonel Gaddafi out of the cold, he did so on the basis that Libya gave up its Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): I am weapons of mass destruction. We now read and have sure the Foreign Secretary is aware that a number of heard briefings in the past week that Gaddafi is perhaps groups over the years, particularly Christian and voluntary in possession of mustard gas. Will the Foreign Secretary groups, have visited the Palestinian territories, as Caritas confirm whether that is true? If it is true, when did the did recently. What are we doing to get the peace process Government know and why was it covered up? up and running, and in particular, what pressure are we putting on Israel? Mr Hague: It is true, as far as we know, that Libya continues to have stocks of mustard gas. We continue to Mr Hague: We are doing everything we can call on the Libyan regime to ensure that any stocks it diplomatically. As I said, that is what we will discuss has are absolutely secured, because the level of violence with President Abbas tomorrow. We have called on the in Libya gives rise to concern about what might happen US to join us in saying that the parameters of a settlement to them. should include stating that it will be based on 1967 I am not sure whether previous Government had borders. We also need a just settlement for refugees, and knowledge of the stocks or why they did not comment for Jerusalem to be the future capital of both states in a on them, but this Government have been very open two-state solution. We voted that way at the UN Security about our knowledge that those stocks exist, and they Council three Fridays ago—we voted among the group must be secured. of 14 of 15 nations on the Security Council for the resolution concerning settlements in the occupied territories. Paul Flynn (Newport West) (Lab): Does the Foreign Those settlements are illegal, and we have called on Secretary recall the day when Minister Michael Heseltine, Israel to extend and then to renew its freeze on that clad in a camouflage jacket and accompanied by 1,500 building. This country is a friend to Israelis and to soldiers and police, arrived at Molesworth peace camp Palestinians. We believe that it is in the vital interests of by helicopter in order to evict 17 peace campaigners both that the middle east peace process receives greater and a goat? Is it not true of the Government that our urgency from the international community, and not less brave British soldiers—our brave British lions—are still urgency in the light of recent events. led by Tory Ministers who have overdosed on James Bond? Sajid Javid (Bromsgrove) (Con): To say that the situation in Libya is volatile, uncertain and dangerous would Mr Hague: I do not fully recall the incident that the clearly be an understatement, which is why I and my hon. Gentleman describes—I was at university at the constituents are immensely proud of the brave work of time and was probably doing something else—but I our special forces on behalf of their Queen and country. take his point. However, I would have thought that he Will the Foreign Secretary take this opportunity to would have taken this opportunity to pay tribute to the congratulate our special forces and all the courage they work that our troops did in rescuing so many people show? from the Libyan desert the weekend before last. Mr Hague: Yes. My hon. Friend makes a powerful Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) point, and I join him in his congratulations. (Con): On that note, will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating and thanking the crews of HMS Steve McCabe (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): Does Cumberland and HMS York, which are based in my the Foreign Secretary agree that one of the lessons of constituency, who did such a professional job in that the past few days is that we must be careful about the evacuation? Will he thank the Maltese Government for number of western military missions seeking to operate hosting our nationals who were involved, and will he in Libya, lest they play into Gaddafi’s hands in respect explain our relationship with Malta and under what of foreign interference and undermine the very opposition conditions we are operating? we are trying to reinforce?

Mr Speaker: Order. One answer will suffice. Mr Hague: Yes, of course, but I think that the hon. Gentleman would also join me in accepting that there Mr Hague: My hon. Friend is quite right to draw have been necessary military missions, including for the attention to those things. The Defence Secretary spoke evacuation of some of our workers. We have just been to the captain of HMS Cumberland only this morning praising the work of HMS Cumberland and HMS and the Prime Minister has spoken to him in recent York. Those were also military missions. We do not go days. Cumberland and York have been doing a great ahead with any military mission unless we believe it to job, exactly in the way that my hon. Friend describes. I be genuinely necessary. welcome the opportunity to place on record our thanks to Malta for the assistance it has given to enable us to Rehman Chishti (Gillingham and Rainham) (Con): In evacuate our nationals and to take humanitarian supplies Egypt, we have now seen a referendum on eight into Libya. Malta is a neutral country, which we must amendments to the constitution put forward by the always respect, and it is a member of the European interim military Government. Does the Foreign Secretary 663 Libya and the Middle East 7 MARCH 2011 664

[Rehman Chishti] Points of Order agree that all the amendments must be agreed by a new 4.42 pm Parliament elected through free and fair elections in Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) order to have a genuine democratic mandate? (PC): On a point of order, Mr Speaker. Following last week’s overwhelming yes vote for law-making powers Mr Hague: There is no doubt that we want to see free for the National Assembly for Wales, both the Deputy and fair elections in Egypt for the presidency and the Prime Minister and the Chancellor made statements Parliament. The people who have brought about the over the weekend indicating the UK Government’s intention revolution in Egypt are also absolutely determined about to begin a Calman-like process for Wales. Is it in order that, however, so they do not need the United Kingdom that these statements were made at their conference in to show our determination on that front—although we Cardiff rather than in this House or the Welsh Assembly? certainly agree. It is the people of Egypt who own what has happened, and of course we now want to see the Mr Speaker: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for development of a stable, open democracy in that country. giving me advance notice of his intended point of order. I confess that I am not aware of any Government Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): The Foreign Secretary statement on this subject. Neither am I aware, is right to say that things have gone well and other notwithstanding what he just said in pursuit of his things have not gone so well. However, with the decision point of order, that there is a matter of order on which I not to convene Cobra for several days, the no-fly zone can rule. However, I suspect that being a perspicacious announcement, which was on and then off, the flights Member he will find other opportunities to pursue the fiasco and the announcement about Venezuela, the matter through the Order Paper and in the House. mishaps have been coming thick and fast. Would he not Jeremy Corbyn (Islington North) (Lab): On a point be in a good position to try and rebuild his credibility if of order, Mr Speaker. You will have seen the large he apologised to the House and to those who might feel number of Members interested in the Foreign Secretary’s that their lives have potentially been put in danger by statement just now and the intensity of the questioning. the mishaps that have befallen them over the past two Have you had any suggestions that there is going to be a weeks? full day’s debate on north Africa and the middle east in the very near future? Mr Hague: The policy on the no-fly zone, which the hon. Gentleman asks about, has been the same throughout. Mr Speaker: In the first instance, where Government As I have explained, the evacuation of British nationals time is concerned, that is a matter for the Government. was completed ahead of that of many other countries. Secondly, it could be a matter for the Backbench Business Indeed, we assisted people from about 30 other countries Committee. I was trying to think whether there was in doing so. When one looks at those things, they will anything further in my mind on the subject, but I see that the United Kingdom has a good deal to be cannot recall off the top of my head any other plan. proud of. However, there are those two possible avenues, and I have a feeling that, if the hon. Gentleman is dissatisfied or if what he wants is not forthcoming pretty soon, he will renew his endeavours. The Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Leader of the House of Commons (Mr David Heath): Further to that point of order, Mr Speaker. I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will wish to look at the Order Paper for Thursday 17 March. Mr Speaker: I am very grateful to the Deputy Leader of the House, because I did not have the Order Paper in front of me and could not recall that date. I had germinating in my mind the notion that something was brewing, but I did not know what. However, the Deputy Leader of the House has helped the hon. Gentleman, me and the whole House, so we are all extremely grateful to him. Jeremy Corbyn: We are all happy. Mr Speaker: We hear pre-emptive gratification from the hon. Gentleman from a sedentary position. Jeremy Corbyn: Thank you very much. Mr Speaker: Gosh, we have an outbreak of happiness in the Chamber on a Monday afternoon. We are all grateful, and I am sure the country will be too. 665 7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 666

Scotland Bill Leader of the House had a fuller understanding of the Holyrood legislative process than he otherwise would—that [1ST ALLOCATED DAY] the Government will not move forward to Report until Considered in Committee. the LCM process in Holyrood has been completed. We also note the Secretary of State’s confirmation that while he will wish to reflect on the content of the initial [DAWN PRIMAROLO in the Chair] LCM Committee report—and, presumably, the motion that accompanies it—he will not necessarily be bound Clause 1 by it, which is a point he recently made at the Scottish Affairs Committee inquiry. The LCM Committee made ADMINISTRATION OF ELECTIONS a number of observations and recommendations, and I 4.45 pm am sure the whole House—well, at least some of it—will look forward to hearing the Government’s response to Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ those points. Co-op): I beg to move amendment 10, page 1, line 22, at end insert— It is part of the responsibility of Members to press on ‘(3A) After subsection (2) there is inserted— particular aspects of the Bill. There are strongly held views on both sides of the House on some aspects of (2A) The first order made by Scottish Ministers under subsection (1)(a) must include the application to devolution, but it is important to endeavour to continue Scottish Parliamentary general elections of the terms our scrutiny of what the Secretary of State himself has of paragraph (3A) of Rule 45 (the count) and proclaimed to be the most significant development in Rule 53ZA (counting of votes: statement by constitutional arrangements since the Scotland Act 1998. returning officer) in Schedule 1 to the Representation Our reference point, as always, because of its shared, of the People Act 1983.”’. cross-party status, is the report of the Calman commission, which hon. Members know led to an earlier White The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means Paper before the general election and, subsequently, to (Dawn Primarolo): With this it will be convenient to this Bill. discuss the following: Clause stand part. Clause 1 deals with the administration of elections, which Calman recommended should be devolved to the Government amendment 29. Scottish Parliament. Amendment 10 deals specifically New clause 5—Administration of elections— with overnight counts, which I shall discuss first. It is ‘(1) In Part 1 of Schedule 4 to the Act (enactments protected widely acknowledged that, by and large, people in Scotland from modification by the Parliament), in paragraph 4(2) after want to know the results of their elections as soon as it “1(4)”, there is inserted “12”. is practicable so to do. That was the objective of Minister (2) In Part 2 of Schedule 5 to the Act (reserved matters: when he was in opposition in the lead-up to the general specific reservations), in Section B3 (elections) the words “the election last year and it was supported by the then European Parliament and the Parliament” are omitted and the Opposition parties in respect of an amendment to the words “and the European Parliament” are inserted.’. Representation of the People Act 1983, which my Tom Greatrex: It is a pleasure to serve under your amendment seeks to replicate. The Government are well chairmanship, Ms Primarolo, as we embark on the aware of the history. Committee stage of the Scotland Bill. Since we last Partly owing to measures of the Government’s own debated the issues on Second Reading, the legislative making, such as the imposition of a referendum on the consent motion Committee has made its report to the same day as the Scottish parliamentary elections, and Scottish Parliament, which we received last week. I partly owing to the views of electoral administrators—who understand that it will be debated by the Scottish Parliament always come out of the woodwork during the build-up later this week. There is also the ongoing scrutiny of to elections—there has been continuing speculation in these matters by the Select Committee on Scottish recent weeks that returning officers will again seek to Affairs, to which the Secretary of State and others have move wholeheartedly to morning counts, which is something given evidence. We are part of the way down the road, that they do habitually. They tried it in 2005—when, as but there is still some way to go. an employee of East Dunbartonshire council, I was It is right that our scrutiny is done thoroughly and closely involved in the arrangements relating to the with care, and that the issues are properly raised and count for the redrawn East Dunbartonshire constituency— discussed, particularly in the Committee stage on which but got nowhere. They tried it in 2007 for the purpose of we have embarked. I am sure that many Members will the Scottish parliamentary elections, notwithstanding wish to press their points on different aspects of the the disruption caused to those elections, although—unlike Bill. For our part, we have tabled a number of amendments, the design and descriptions on the ballot papers—the of which amendment 10 is the first. Some are designed time of the count was not an issue; and they tried it to tease out detailed consideration to which the Minister again in the run-up to the general election. might wish to respond further today or on Report, As the Minister will recall, I raised the matter with while we intend to press other amendments to the vote. him via the Leader of the House. Despite an earlier I would like to say at the outset how grateful we are suggestion that it might be dealt with in the Parliamentary for the assistance and discussion we have had with a Voting System and Constituencies Bill, he wrote to me wide range of interested parties and individuals over saying that he was not prepared to change the law, that the past few weeks as we have sought to scrutinise the it was all very difficult, that returning officers were Bill. We are also grateful for the Secretary of State’s independent and he could not tell them what to do, and confirmation—after some reasoned but pointed business that we should leave it at that and lobby if we so wished. questions in recent weeks, which also ensured that the That was an interesting revision of the view that the 667 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 668

[Tom Greatrex] every excuse that they could think of, none of which proved to be correct, because, when the law was changed Minister had expressed about a year ago, before the and they were required to act as they ought to have been general election. I have with me the letter that he sent to acting in the first place, they did so. I look forward to me, in which he said that he assumed that I knew all hearing what the Minister has to say on this amendment, that, given my long service as a special adviser at the but I hope that I shall be able to support what the hon. Scotland Office. Given that long service at the Scotland Gentleman has just proposed to the Committee. Office, I was also aware that I would receive a letter from officials that I would send back, asking them to Pete Wishart (Perth and North Perthshire) (SNP): I try again. Perhaps the Minister will learn that in the welcome you to the Committee, Ms Primarolo. I know months and years to come. how much you appreciate the convivial nature of Scottish The spectre of election counts not starting as soon as debates, and I hope that we will do our best to behave practicable is still with us in respect of the voting in ourselves today and to conduct these proceedings in a May. Although the revered Tom Aitchison of City of civil manner. Edinburgh council is no longer in post, his successors On Second Reading, we made it clear that it was our keep trying. The amendment deals with the issue for the intention to improve and strengthen the Bill. I concede next election to the Scottish Parliament and every other that, over the past few weeks, significant progress has been set of Scottish parliamentary elections by invoking the made in that direction. We have already had the report amendment to the Representation of the People Act from the Scottish Parliament’s Bill Committee, which that finally dealt with it before the general election. made a number of useful and helpful recommendations, I note the comments of the Electoral Commission, especially those that apply to the non-fiscal parts of the which has said that the amendment contains flexibility Bill. I welcome those recommendations. It is perhaps to deal with the position in constituencies such as unfortunate, however, that some of them cannot be Argyll and Bute in which there are practical problems properly debated because of where we are in the process. connected with starting counts. However, it allows the The Scottish Parliament has not even passed its legislative counts to begin as soon as practicable after the election. consent motion, yet we are here in Committee today Given that the Minister and his colleagues voted for this discussing the Scotland Bill, line by line and clause by 12 months ago, I am sure that even within the scope of clause. the coalition agreement there is the opportunity for some consistency on the Government’s part. I hope that Cathy Jamieson (Kilmarnock and Loudoun) (Lab/Co- those of us, in all parts of the Committee, who wish to op): Notwithstanding all that, and the fact that there is reflect the view of our constituents that counts should a huge amount of discussion still to be had, will the happen as soon as possible after elections make our hon. Gentleman address the amendment? Does he not position clear. I shall be interested to hear the Minister’s agree that it is absolutely right that the count in all comments. Scottish parliamentary elections should take place immediately, overnight? Mrs Eleanor Laing (Epping Forest) (Con): I find myself in the extremely unusual position of agreeing Pete Wishart: I have no dispute whatever with the entirely with everything that the hon. Member for hon. Lady about that; of course the count should take Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex) has place as soon as possible—[Interruption.] If she will said. That is not surprising, however, given that the allow me, I must point out that we are debating clause 1. amendment that was accepted by the Government She needs to check what we are discussing just now. approximately a year ago, before the last general election, We have made progress, but it is unfortunate that we was originally tabled by me. The right hon. Member for are unable to debate certain amendments that could Blackburn (Mr Straw) wisely added his name to it and have been tabled on the back of what was proposed by accepted it as a Government amendment, and it became the parliamentary Bill Committee in the Scottish part of the Bill. At the time, I thought that that was the Parliament. We are at a different stage in the process. only thing that I had ever achieved from the Opposition The legislative consent motion has not been passed, yet Front Bench, but perhaps that was due to the cynicism we are here today scrutinising the Bill in detail in engendered by 13 years of opposition. Committee without having access to that important I am delighted that the hon. Member for Rutherglen work. and Hamilton West has tabled the amendment again. It was very popular with Members in all parts of the The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland House when we debated it a year ago. It became law, (David Mundell): May I seek clarification from the hon. and it made a difference to the way in which the general Gentleman? Why are he and his colleagues tabling election was administered and to the timing of the amendments that do not appear in the Scottish Parliament’s extremely disappointing results of that election across legislative consent motion Committee? For example, the country. But if we were going to get bad news, they are tabling an amendment proposing to devolve perhaps it was as well to get it sooner rather than later. the matter of especially dangerous airguns to the Scottish That is not the point, however. The point is that, in the Parliament, even though that was not the unanimous operation of our democracy, it is right that election view of the Committee. If he respects the view of the counts should take place as soon as practically possible Committee, why is he tabling such amendments? after the close of poll. We discovered that many excuses were being made by The Second Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means returning officers around the country for not undertaking (Dawn Primarolo): Order. I know that the Minister is their duties in a timely and correct manner. They made eager to debate airguns, but perhaps he could wait until 669 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 670 we get to the relevant clause? Meanwhile, I am sure that different proposals that have come forward from what is Mr Wishart was going to stick to clause 1 and this an excellent and serious report. We are taking it seriously group of amendments. and we will bring forward our thoughts on it at the appropriate moment, with time for plenty of scrutiny Pete Wishart: I am grateful to you, Ms Primarolo. both here and in another place. That is exactly what I was going to do. May I just say to the Minister, however, that we will introduce and propose Pete Wishart: That is a helpful contribution from the our own amendments? His problem as a Minister, and Secretary of State, but perhaps when the Minister winds the problem for all the Calman commission parties, is up he could tell us when we will see those amendments, that they have no opportunity to table their own where they will be introduced and when elected Members amendments relating to the recommendations of the of this House will have the opportunity to debate them. Scottish parliamentary Bill Committee. There has been I bring all this up because the Scottish Parliament’s no opportunity to do that because we got the Bill Bill Committee makes an important recommendation Committee’s report only on Friday morning. in relation to the proposals for electoral administration. What we see in new clause 1 is the partial devolution of David Mundell: I do not want to exceed my role, but some administrative responsibilities—not all, as was the hon. Gentleman will be aware that it will be possible recommended in the Calman report—from the Secretary to discuss any further amendments arising from the of State to Scottish Ministers. The Scottish Parliament’s Scottish Parliament’s consideration of the Committee’s Bill Committee said that two more areas should be report on Report in this House. added, covering the disqualification of Members and arrangements for elections to the Scottish Parliament. 5pm The Committee made those proposals, but we have not Pete Wishart: That answers one of the questions that had the opportunity to debate them because we have I was going to put to the Minister, which is when are we not seen any amendments. going to see those amendments? How are they going to Why is that important? It is important because of be introduced? If they are all to be tabled on Report, we recent experience. We have to go back only four short will need a little more time to discuss them than is years to find out what can happen in electoral currently available. It would be unacceptable for them administration, when more than 140,000 of our fellow to be tabled in the unelected House of Lords. It is the citizens were effectively disenfranchised. They lost their responsibility of directly elected Members of Parliament ability to vote because of how the Labour party, which to discuss those issues, and we should have the opportunity was then administering the Scotland Office, failed to to do so. Those amendments should not be tabled in the discharge its obligations and responsibilities seriously House of Lords; they should be discussed on the Floor and sensibly. Some 140,000 people lost their votes in the of this House. We should also have more time on last Scottish Parliament elections. To be fair to the Report, if that is when we will see those important former Labour Scotland Office, a number of problems amendments arising from the Scottish Parliament’s Bill with that election were identified. To the previous Committee. Government’s credit—I acknowledge this—they brought in Ron Gould to look at what went wrong and perhaps Stewart Hosie (Dundee East) (SNP): My hon. Friend make recommendations to ensure that it never happened will have noticed the Minister saying that there would again. be time later—perhaps on Report—for the consideration of any amendments that follow the LCM Committee’s Jim McGovern (Dundee West) (Lab): Is the hon. recommendations. However, during earlier exchanges Gentleman aware that one of the concerns raised was the Secretary of State was nodding when my hon. about putting the words “Alex Salmond for First Minister” Friend was confirming that the Government would not on the ballot paper? be bound by the LCM Committee’s recommendations. Will he now press the Government to confirm that if Pete Wishart: I accept that, and I said that the the LCM Committee proposes serious amendments or failings identified were not just those of the then Labour makes recommendations that would improve the Bill, Scotland Office, although it was in charge of the process they will accept them? and the buck stopped there. Ron Gould identified a number of issues in his report. One of the key things Pete Wishart: My hon. Friend poses an important that he identified was fragmentation and a disparity in question for the Minister. That is what we need to hear: responsibilities between this House and the Scottish are the Government of a mind to accept those Parliament. He made the strong suggestion that all recommendations? [Interruption.] The Secretary of State responsibilities and arrangements for Scottish Parliament is saying no. That is very clear. This is not an issue just elections should be in one place, under one jurisdiction, for me; it is an issue for all my colleagues in the and he gave the strongest possible hint that that should Chamber. This was supposed to be a process that started be the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Parliament in the Scottish Parliament, but now that recommendations considered the Gould report back in January 2008. Its have been made, the Secretary of State is saying that he Members were unanimously of the view that all electoral is not of a mind to accept them all. Perhaps he could administration, including competence for elections, should give his view on what he is prepared to bring forward be in one place, and they made it clear that that place and what he is not prepared to bring forward. should be the Scottish Parliament. The Secretary of State for Scotland (Michael Moore): David Mundell: Will the hon. Gentleman acknowledge If I may repeat what I said to the Chair of the Select that as one of Ron Gould’s recommendations was that Committee on Scottish Affairs and the Scottish Parliament’s there should be no overnight counts, perhaps he was Committee, we are already actively considering all the not right about everything? 671 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 672

Pete Wishart: I am more than happy to acknowledge Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Central Ayrshire) (Lab): Why, that Ron Gould was not right about everything, but I therefore, have the hon. Gentleman’s colleagues north think most Members accepted the broad thrust of his of the border in his Scottish Parliament not processed report’s recommendations in respect of the structural the whole question of having a referendum on what he problems that arose in the 2007 election. One of his is talking about? recommendations was that all responsibilities for elections should lie in one House, and he gave the strongest Pete Wishart: Actually, I have had a look at the possible hint that that should be the Scottish Parliament. calendar, and I see that there is to be an election in Our new clause 5 proposes precisely that. It brings about eight short weeks’ time, when these very issues together all aspects of electoral administration and will be debated and voted on. I also foresee a groundswell legislative competence and places them with the Scottish of support for the position I am advocating and a Parliament, which is where they should be. We believe diminution in support for the hon. Gentleman’s position. that that is the case not only because about 140,000 Through our amendment, we intend to fulfil the people lost their votes in 2007, but because it is the general drift and thrust of the Gould report normal way of things. Any self-respecting Parliament recommendations, and to implement what has already should be in charge of its electoral arrangements. With been established in the major recommendation of the election to office comes accountability, and we strongly Calman commission report, which comes close to what believe that all arrangements to do with elections should the Scottish Parliament’s Scotland Bill Committee is be the responsibility of the Parliament that has been proposing. The amendment also puts the voter at the elected on the basis of those arrangements. heart of the process, because that is what is required. I accept that the Bill’s proposals represent an The interests of the voters come first, and they were improvement on current arrangements. I welcome the short-changed and badly let down by what happened fact that it devolves certain administrative functions to four years ago. Radical work was required in order to Scottish Ministers—indeed, I welcome any transfer of address that, and thank goodness we have the work and powers to the Scottish Parliament—but it does not even recommendations of Ron Gould. devolve all aspects of electoral administration, as I see no good reason why Westminster should remain recommended by the Calman commission. That would in charge of Scottish elections; I see only the predictable still give the Secretary of State powers over voter registration, knee-jerk response that this place needs to have some the rules on the composition of Parliament, the procedure sort of say and role in Scottish elections. To devolve not for filling any regional seat vacancy during the life of even all the administration of Scottish elections, as was the Parliament, and rules relating to disqualification. suggested by Calman, is bewildering and contrary to Scottish Ministers would still need to approach the everything proposed. The Scottish Parliament’s Bill UK Government if primary legislation were required Committee is now saying that the devolution of on the date of elections, for example, or even on the administrative functions is not good enough and the voting system, which is an issue that I know greatly Secretary of State needs to look at this again. The exercises many Labour Back Benchers. The Scottish Committee went even further and said that before we Parliament’s role would also be limited to approving or even implement clauses 1 and 3 the Scottish Parliament disapproving rules made by Scottish Ministers, and it and Scottish Government should be consulted and we would have no opportunity to shape them through its would review this once again. It also raised many of the own primary legislation. Furthermore, the Bill would Electoral Commission’s concerns in respect of the electoral require that Scottish Ministers must consult the Secretary management board—that is currently going through of State before making any of these rules. the Scottish Parliament. For all those reasons, I ask the Minister to re-examine Michael Connarty (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (Lab): this clause to see what can be done. Let us have a proper The hon. Gentleman has said something that jarred debate about what the will of the Scottish Parliament’s with the logic of his argument. He is obviously speaking Bill Committee is and what Calman intends in all this. about an independent country that has its own Parliament Let us give proper constructive consideration to ensuring when he says that the Parliament should decide the that all arrangements to do with elections, be they electoral system. Does he not accept that as this Westminster about electoral administration or legislative competence, Parliament is sovereign, it is right that we decided the can be moved to the Scottish Parliament. I ask hon. system—although I do not agree with it, in particular Members to support new clause 5. the additional Members who were added instead of bringing the numbers down to the figure proposed in Mrs Anne McGuire (Stirling) (Lab): I am delighted to the first Bill? Does he not accept that it is right that this support amendment 10. It would be disappointing if we sovereign Parliament should decide how people are judged whether or not it was valid on the basis of what elected to the devolved Parliament, as the reality is that happened during the previous Scottish Parliament elections. we do not have an independent Parliament in Scotland? I am sure that many hon. Members in the Chamber can come up with a compendium of reasons why that count Pete Wishart: Of course the hon. Gentleman and I was a disaster. All political parties in this House have to differ as to how we would like this whole process to accept some responsibility for the ballot paper, which develop and the sort of Scotland we would like in the has been identified as one source of the problem, because future, but my view is still very much that any self-respecting we all consented to it. We also put our faith, wrongly, in Parliament worthy of that name must be responsible for an IT system that did not work. We could perhaps its own arrangements. That is just how things are done, accept that there is an excuse for its not working, given and I believe the Scottish Parliament should have that the complications involved in a Scottish Parliament responsibility. election as a result of different votes being counted, 673 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 674 different constituencies and so on, but that same IT There are all sorts of reasons why we should insist on system was tried out in a local council by-election in my an overnight count. Sometimes, we say that there is constituency and it took us nearly five hours to get the disillusionment in politics, but one area of excitement, result. The only good thing was that this occurred in the even if it is only mini-excitement, is in waiting for the full presence and glow of the electoral commissioner overnight count, and that is not just for apparatchiks with responsibility for Scotland, John McCormick, and and anoraks such as ourselves in the House. I think you his senior members of staff. They realised then, if they would be amazed, Ms Primarolo, how many people like had not already done so, that that electronic system of to listen and wait for election results to come in. Indeed, counting was not yet usable for future elections. the figures show that. It would therefore be unfortunate if we said that one of the reasons why we do not want overnight counts Mr Ian Davidson (Glasgow South West) (Lab/Co-op): relates to that disastrous night, although the hon. Member May I confirm my right hon. Friend’s point about for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart) is right excitement? I remember wondering last Thursday, or in to identify the number of ballots that were lost—people’s the early hours of Friday morning, “Will the Liberals votes that were lost. Ron Gould fell into the trap of come second or third in Barnsley, or will they come stating that that was the reason why overnight counts fourth or fifth?” But then, ecstasy of ecstasies, it turned were not wanted. He did not look beyond a particular out that they came sixth. The excitement built throughout set of circumstances on a particular evening when a the night, and that is why it is essential to have a count series of issues arose that, in retrospect, could perhaps overnight. have been dealt with differently. I have been astonished by the reaction of returning Mrs McGuire: I could not agree more. I not only officers. For most of my political life, they have been waited until the television report had nearly finished, able to deliver an overnight count without any great but then went upstairs to listen to the result coming anxiety about whether or not staff had to work overnight, through on Radio 5, and then promptly fell asleep. yet they have suddenly decided, in their wisdom, that they do not want to accept the responsibility of an Mr Angus Brendan MacNeil (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) overnight count. It came as a surprise to many of us (SNP): Such was the excitement. before the last election that what we thought was a given—an overnight count—was no such thing. We Mrs McGuire: Indeed, but I was delighted that when then discovered that returning officers had it in their I awoke, what I at first thought was a dream was in fact power to decide when they wanted to count an election reality—Labour had not only won that by-election but for this or any other House. With the greatest respect to had won it with an increased majority and an increased returning officers across Scotland, I do not think it percentage of the poll, and a member of the coalition should be their responsibility to decide when the count parties had come further down. However, I see that I should take place. It is for this Parliament to decide am taxing your patience a little, Ms Primarolo. when an election count should take place and I hope I want to highlight the Electoral Commission’s comments. that the Government will consider the amendment seriously I am a wee bit surprised by the attitude it has taken in and will look at how they engage with returning officers, not supporting overnight counts, and I feel it has based because, as we found out before last year’s general its assumptions on what happened in the last election, election, custom and practice will not be good enough. four years ago. It makes a good point in saying that returning officers should not be expected to conduct 5.15 pm parallel counts for the first-past-the-post and regional lists, but it is a bit disappointing that it has not recognised Mr Donohoe: I wonder whether returning officers that part of the culture of elections in this country, and would be so keen on that if they were to forgo their in many others, is sitting and waiting for the overnight wage for the election if it was to be held during office results to come in. That happens in American presidential hours. elections and others. Mrs McGuire: Knowing my hon. Friend’s grasp of the political minutiae of local government and returning Mrs Laing: Does the right hon. Lady agree that officers, I am sure there is deep insight in those comments, although the excitement is certainly important to people but I am not quite sure what it is at the moment—unless like us who are involved in these matters, it is not just a he wants to explain his point in a way that I might matter of excitement and media presence? It is also understand. about good electoral governance, good management of the electoral process and bringing conformity right Mr Donohoe: I thank my right hon. Friend for giving across the country. Last year, we discovered that returning way again. If returning officers are going to work office officers had held themselves responsible for what happened hours to do the count, rather than overnight, they in their area and that many of them refused to be told should not get any additional money. In those or to behave in the way that the Electoral Commission circumstances, perhaps we would save money if we thought they should. Is it not therefore up to this moved the count. Parliament and the Scottish Parliament literally to lay down the law so that there is conformity of action in Mrs McGuire: I understand now exactly where my every election taking place at the same time? hon. Friend is coming from, and I am sure that he would never have put forward that argument when he Mrs McGuire: The hon. Lady makes a valid point. was a full-time officer of the National and Local Like her, I do not want to overplay the excitement, in Government Officers Association, but I will let that one spite of our reflections on last Thursday night, because stick to the wall. sometimes we can get carried away with that. 675 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 676

[Mrs McGuire] of a ballot paper that did not make sense to the elector and clearly, in the count that I watched at great length The continuity of the election process and the election until I retired to bed at about 4 am, was not fully day is important. The election day does not finish until understood by the returning officer in my area. there is a declaration of the count. It is also necessary to give people the confidence that when they put their vote Mr MacNeil: To be clear, by electronic voting I do in a ballot box, which is sealed, it is resealed at the close not mean the Simon Cowell, light entertainment version, of play and transported immediately or as quickly as but the serious version used in many countries around possible—if the two are not mutually exclusive—to the the world. count. Part of our historic attitude to elections is the speed with which we can get the individual’s vote from Michael Connarty: I know a little about that, as my the place in which it was cast to the place of the count. son lives in Australia, which has a totally electronically registered electorate who all must register and vote. He We should recognise that, for the most part, we are travels a great deal all over Australia with his job and not talking about transporting ballot boxes in the depth finds absolutely no difficulty in voting, because he can of winter. These elections are conducted in the spring. pop into any electoral office in any town at any time up I have a constituency which, as some colleagues are to three weeks before a ballot and cast his vote for the no doubt fed up with my telling them, is the size area in which he lives, so it is a very sensible system. It is of Luxembourg. I know that the hon. Member for surprising that we have not caught up with the technology. Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Mr MacNeil) has a constituency It would certainly be a great advantage if we did, as that that extends far wider than that, but in the case of my might engage people much more in the ballot. constituency, we are talking of a distance of some 65 miles, and I have never heard of any difficulties in The idea that we had a problem because we counted transporting the ballot boxes in reasonable time from overnight is wrong. Although those of us who soldiered outlying villages such as Tyndrum in the most northerly on might not have been quite as excited by the process part of the constituency down to Stirling for the count. as my hon. Friend the hon. Member for Glasgow South West (Mr Davidson), it was clear to us that the muddle Mr MacNeil: Although I am enjoying the marvellous was created by there being two ballot papers. The other nostalgia of election night, does the right hon. Lady see question relates to the training of returning officers, any role for electronic voting, which would give an because I do not think that the returning officer I instantaneous result? watched was competent enough to deal with the ballot, and some crazy errors occurred. For example, he did not tell a candidate who had lost in a council election Mrs McGuire: I am not into the Simon Cowell approach going on at the same time that he had lost by one vote. to voting. Some of our younger colleagues who entered The candidate did not discover that until the next day the House at the last election might see that in the and so was not allowed a recount. Whether that was the future, but I do not have as much confidence in voting result of incompetence, or just the fact that the returning by mobile phone as the hon. Gentleman may have. We officer was so fatigued that he wanted to get home to his must make it as easy and straightforward as possible for bed and not have another recount in that crazy system people in varying circumstances to cast their vote. That running parallel to the Scottish election is another is why the extension of postal voting has been such a problem. welcome addition. The Member for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete We should consider seriously the way in which the Wishart) seemed to argue that at whichever level an House wants to see its elections and the count of those election takes place—Scottish Parliament level or UK ballots conducted. I would be disappointed if we based Parliament level—that level should have control over its all our analysis on the situation that arose four years own type of ballot. By that argument, local councils ago. It was an unusual situation. There was a coincidence would be put in charge of their elections and allowed to of circumstances which made the count difficult. If the decide all the things that have been argued for, including Government are serious about achieving consensus on exactly who would be elected, how they would be elected a major constitutional issue, I hope they will not just and what the franchise would be. That is a nonsense. rely on the good will of electoral returning officers, but Presumably for Scottish Parliament elections it would take account of the will of the House, which is, I hope, be the First Minister who decides, certainly in the to count our ballots overnight for the Scottish Parliament present Scottish Government, as only one person seems elections. to make all the decisions in that Government. Those aspects must be determined by the level above that Michael Connarty: It strikes me that all political being elected. For example, the Scottish Parliament, parties are like Simon Cowell—they want the person quite correctly, controls the methodology for local elections, they own to win whatever campaign they are involved just as this sovereign Parliament, which set up the in, so we have a vested interest, although I would not go Scottish Parliament, should decide if it wishes to change as far as the hon. Member for Na h-Eileanan an Iar that, possibly in negotiations. That is not saying that (Mr MacNeil) might go. there is not a dialogue to be held, but the idea of putting My right hon. Friend the Member for Stirling it down does not make much sense. (Mrs McGuire) was right about the myths regarding the Therefore, I support the amendment. As my right errors of 2007, as if it was all down to the ineptitude of hon. Friend the Member for Stirling said, the important the Scottish Office at the time, or of the returning point is that when people put their ballot papers in the officers. It is clear that the complication in 2007 was the ballot box, they expect it to be transported securely to counting of two ballots for two different purposes on the place where they are to be counted. One of the two different mandates, combined with the construction reasons why that was set up for UK elections was to let 677 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 678 people know that ballot boxes are not stored somewhere overnight wake up in the morning and hear the result, else where they might be tampered with, so there is no and I see no good reason why we should not make that split between the process of voting and the process of stipulation. Of course professionals and those who are counting. To push that back to the next day is to add to competent at, and have experience in, running elections people’s cynicism about how elections are conducted should have a say in how polls are carried out, but they and how the count comes out. should not be the tail that wags the dog. It is clear to me that the lesson we should learn from That is one of the issues, however, because if we have 2007 is that we should not have two counts on the same an election management board, with the role of the evening. Therefore, we should not have the two processes Electoral Commission being brought into question, it of electing representatives and choosing the method of must be under democratic control; it must not be self- election at the same time. That argues strongly against employed and able to set its own rules according to its the Government’s proposal to have a referendum on a own conveniences, because its view of what is best will voting system on the same day as the Scottish elections, often be determined by self-interest. because that is asking people to postpone the count for I understand, however, that the Government are about the electoral amendment to the next day. It might be to announce a change in the rules about the announcement fine, because I think that it will be the great yawn of the of by-elections, so that when the Government, particularly century—I can just see people getting as excited as my the minority governing party, have a successful result hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow North about along the lines of Barnsley, it will be announced some exactly what little deviation in the electoral system they two days after hell freezes over. That does not seem to will be allowed in the process of choosing which system be an appropriate outcome. Not only did the junior to use. partner in the coalition—this cuts coalition—come sixth; Mr Davidson: Will my hon. Friend give way? it has been suggested that it came sixth only because the Scottish National party was not standing, and that Michael Connarty: I have startled him into an support for the SNP in Barnsley would have been far intervention. greater than that for the Liberals. I can understand that. I was interested to see that the UK Independence Mr Davidson: My constituency is Glasgow South party—basically the British National party with suits—beat West. That was not a deviation. Was it not a major the Conservatives, which again tells us something significant. result? One of the country’s governing parties came not People do find that quite exciting and stimulating. I even second in a by-election, and not even third. If I want to ensure, however, that the Government’s position remember correctly, it was not even fourth or fifth. is that two ballots should not be conducted at the same [Laughter.] It is indeed laughable that it came sixth. I time, because, unless the Government change their mind, believe that it beat the Loonies, but only barely because the Scottish Parliament elections and the AVreferendum there was some blurring at the edges. Is that not worth will be held on the same day. I hope that we can secure being excited about? the commitment that they will be counted separately, Michael Connarty: Obviously, my hon. Friend is the because most of us want to see the Liberals get a Member for Glasgow South West, and I do apologise to kicking twice, and it would greatly spoil our enjoyment my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow North (Ann if the results came out at the same time. People in McKechin), who has offices across the corridor from Scotland want to be able to say no to separation, no to me. I should really remember that. cuts, no to the coalition and no to AV, and they need the A change to AV would not have helped the Liberal announcements to be clearly separated. Democrats in that election, and any such change will Finally on the issue of delay, I am old enough to have probably not help them in the future, either. The point read about John F. Kennedy’s presidential election. The that I am trying to make is a very serious one, however. result turned on Illinois, and in Illinois the result turned To have two different ballots, a referendum on a voting on Chicago. Chicago, despite being an urban area, was system and a vote for an elected chamber, is to mix up about the last area to announce its vote, because the the purpose and focus of the electorate on that day, but Democrats held the results back until they found out that might be the reason behind it all. The possibility of how many votes they needed to win that state and, not coming sixth and getting a few votes as the minor hence, the American presidential election. Thankfully, party in the coalition might be the reason for holding we have always been free of any such suggestion in this the two ballots on the same day, but that certainly country, but it will be considered a possibility if there is argues for splitting the process. In the proposals before any undue delay. It is therefore important to proceed us, we say that the count for the Scottish Parliament with the count as quickly as possible. should take place overnight, which is quite correct—and I would like to remind people of the excitement that basically no one really cares what happens to the they, too, felt when they heard the result of the Barnsley referendum. by-election. I do not know whether I have mentioned this, but the junior partner in the coalition did not come 5.30 pm anywhere close; in fact, it was sixth. I do not have the Mr Davidson: We have to ask ourselves a fairly simple figures with me, but I suspect that it was only the votes question about the issue of when the count is held: for of a couple of households, and the fact that the SNP whose convenience are elections run? There is a view, did not stand, that stopped it coming 10th out of nine very strongly held, that elections are run for the convenience candidates. of returning officers. I do not take that view; I tend to think that people generally want elections run for their David Mundell: I welcome you to the Chair, Mr Evans. convenience. A tradition has developed over a long It is always a pleasure to follow the Chairman of the period, whereby those who do not follow an election Scottish Affairs Committee. I thank the hon. Member 679 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 680

[David Mundell] The clause will enable Scottish Ministers to make general provision by order for the conduct and for Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex) for administration of elections to Holyrood, subject only to his good advice, which, as he said, he garnered during some necessary constraints. This power includes making his sentence at the Scotland Office. provision about supply or otherwise dealing with the While Ms Primarolo was in the Chair, Mr Evans, I electoral register, the combination of Scottish Parliament tried to seek some guidance on the SNP position in elections with other elections falling within the legislative respect of this Bill, because, as those of us who were competence of the Parliament, and limitation of candidates’ present during its Second Reading will know, the SNP election expenses. However, some elements of the powers declared it to be unacceptable. However, I am afraid will remain the function of the Secretary of State—that that that clarity was not forthcoming. is, the franchise and the power to combine Scottish Parliament elections with other reserved elections. That will ensure that issues of constitutional importance Pete Wishart: Does the right hon. Gentleman agree continue to be dealt with by the UK Parliament. The that it is not only the case that the SNP found the Bill in Scotland Bill Committee in the Scottish Parliament its current, unamended form to be unacceptable, but recognised and accepted the continued reservation of that the Scottish Parliament’s Bill Committee made those matters. many recommendations that have significantly improved it? Amendment 10, as the hon. Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West said, would require Scottish Ministers’ David Mundell: The hon. Gentleman mentions the first conduct order under the new powers to include Bill Committee. I sought from him, and again he refused provision requiring returning officers to start the count to answer, clarification on whether he would accept that at Scottish Parliament elections within four hours of Committee’s report, and whatever the vote of the Scottish the close of the poll, or to publish a statement explaining Parliament is, rather than pursuing amendments that why they were unable to do so. It is important to clarify even his colleagues on the Committee did not pursue. at this point that the amendment would not apply to the 2011 Scottish Parliament elections. Pete Wishart: The right hon. Gentleman’s colleague, I recognise the strength of feeling on this issue, which the Secretary of State of State for Scotland, has said to has been set out eloquently by the right hon. Member me and to this House that he is not of a mind to accept for Stirling (Mrs McGuire), the hon. Member for all the recommendations from the Scottish Parliament’s Linlithgow and East Falkirk (Michael Connarty) and Bill Committee. How can we make up our minds if he my hon. Friend the Member for Epping Forest (Mrs Laing). does not tell us what is and is not going to be accepted? The drama and excitement of election night and the wish to know the election result as soon as possible are David Mundell: The Secretary of State made it clear vital parts of our political heritage. I want returning in his written ministerial statement that the Government officers to listen to what has been said in this debate. As will give serious consideration to all the amendments hon. Members who represent Scottish constituencies and issues raised in the Bill Committee because we know, Mary Pitcaithly, the chairman of the Electoral respect the work of that Committee and the work of the Management Board for Scotland, will be available to Scottish Parliament; we do not pick and choose to meet Scottish MPs to discuss the arrangements for the our own political ends. forthcoming Scottish elections at a meeting at the Scotland Office later this week. I am sure that the point about Mr MacNeil: Is the right hon. Gentleman accepting overnight counts will again be forcefully made. or steamrollering the will of the Scottish Parliament’s In a recent response to the hon. Member for Rutherglen Bill Committee? and Hamilton West, I suggested that he and his colleagues should lobby for overnight counts. I had noticed that David Mundell: The Government are looking forward the counts in Conservative-led council areas such as to the debate in the Scottish Parliament later this week Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders and South when it will consider the legislative consent motion Ayrshire were scheduled to be overnight counts, and coming forward from the Bill Committee. It will be very that Labour predominated in the council areas that interesting to see how the SNP votes in that debate. were on the list of counts scheduled to happen the following day. I therefore thought that he might be able Clause 1 transfers to Scottish Ministers certain Executive to bring more influence to bear than I in those areas. functions relating to the administration of Scottish Parliament elections that are currently the responsibility Cathy Jamieson: I hear what the Minister is saying, of the Secretary of State. Members will wish to note but does he not agree that the best way to ensure that that the Bill Committee in the Scottish Parliament overnight counts take place is to pass the amendment accepted this provision in its report on the Bill. However, and put it in the Bill, rather than simply exhorting to as has been mentioned, the report also asked for people and leaving the discretion to them? consideration of a number of related issues such as the procedure for filling any regional seat vacancy during David Mundell: The hon. Lady cannot have heard me the life of a Parliament, the rules relating to disqualification, say that the amendment would not apply to the 2011 and reciprocal consultation. I wish to reaffirm that the election. I am surprised that she, of all people, takes the written statement from the Secretary of State makes view that when we are devolving powers to the Scottish clear our commitment carefully to consider those Parliament on this matter, we should curtail them. Once recommendations, including those relating to this clause. the powers have been devolved, it will be perfectly The Scottish Parliament will vote on the Bill on Thursday, possible for the Scottish Parliament to take account of and we await the outcome of that vote. the representations that have been made from certain 681 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 682 quarters, where there is clearly an equally strong feeling weeks away from the potential for counts to be postponed about overnight counts. Passing this amendment would until the next day, we should send out a message from be contrary to the spirit of devolving responsibility for this House that we expect an overnight count. these matters to the Scottish Parliament. I certainly hope that we will not see support from the Scottish David Mundell: The right hon. Lady’s comments, National party for such curtailment of a newly devolved those of my hon. Friend the Member for Epping Forest power. and others will have sent that clear message to returning officers. Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): Does the Minister agree, given the strength of feeling that has John Thurso (Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross) been clearly shown across the House this afternoon, (LD): The point at issue is whether the Scottish Parliament that this matter should be left to a free vote for Government should have the right to make those decisions. The Bill Members? This point elicits a great deal of excitement grants those powers. The second question is how we get and passion among Members, so it would be appropriate what we all want: an overnight count at the forthcoming to deal with it on the basis of Members’ own judgment, election. Does the Minister have any power under other rather than on a party political basis. primary or secondary legislation that he could use to make that happen so that we do not send a message, but David Mundell: From the hon. Lady’s experience of just make it happen? the Scotland Office, she will know that this is a debate not about the merit of overnight counts, but about David Mundell: I note the hon. Gentleman’s comments, whether the Scottish Parliament, in gaining new powers but I believe that we can all play a role in ensuring that it over the administration of elections, should have those happens through the force of our argument. Again, I powers constrained in respect of an election that is invite colleagues to join me and others at the meeting likely to take place in 2016. with the chairman of the Interim Electoral Management Board. 5.45 pm Stewart Hosie: The Minister is doing a stoical job It is not about the count on the night of 5 May 2011. in trying to defend the indefensible, but the right I advise the hon. Member for Glasgow North and other hon. Member for Stirling (Mrs McGuire) is right. Labour Members to come along and speak to Mary Notwithstanding the fact that we want everything devolved, Pitcaithly later this week and reinforce the strength of not just the administration, the clearest signal that we feeling that exists for overnight counts for elections to are backing public opinion in wanting an overnight the Scottish Parliament. count would be voting for amendment 10 and allowing the Scottish Government to make the decisions thereafter. Mr Davidson: Does the Minister believe that it is right that elected Members of Parliament should have David Mundell: I do not know why I should be to lobby an unelected bureaucrat about the way in surprised at the SNP’s voting against more powers for which the elections should be conducted? I appreciate the Scottish Parliament in an attempt at gesture politics, that the change in the rule will not apply to this year’s in which its specialises. elections, but it is unfortunate that we have got ourselves The SNP referred to new clause 5, on which we will into a position whereby the best that the Minister can vote on the third day of Committee proceedings. That suggest is that we go along and lobby a bureaucrat, no would give the Scottish Parliament full legislative matter how worthy. competence for the Scottish Parliament elections. That goes far wider than the Calman commission’s David Mundell: The hon. Gentleman will recognise recommendation to devolve only the administration of that since it was first suggested that few overnight elections. The Government gave careful consideration counts would take place in Scotland for the election of to the extent of the powers to be devolved on the 5 May, the number has grown significantly, partly because evidence provided to the commission, and we believe of the expression of public opinion. Today’s debate and that the proposals in the Bill strike the right balance. some of the eloquent contributions that we have heard Devolving elements of responsibility for the administration will further reinforce that. Passing the amendment this earlier, as was outlined earlier, is consistent with the evening will not move the matter forward because it will Calman commission’s principle— have no impact on the count. Pete Wishart: What extra value does the Scotland Mrs McGuire: Would not it be a clear declaration of Office bring to elections in Scotland? intent by the House to the returning officers that we expect them, even in the absence of a legal instruction David Mundell: This will not be the first time during that they must do it, to hold an overnight count for the Committee’s discussions that I refer to the fact that elections to the Parliament of Scotland? the SNP declined to take part in the deliberations of the Calman commission, and indeed set up its own national David Mundell: I trust the Parliament of Scotland to conversation. Many issues on which SNP Members set its own rules for the elections in 2015 or 2016. That now claim outrage could have been fully debated if they is why the Government support devolving the power. had raised them at that time. The Bill is based on the recommendations of the commission. Mrs McGuire: I fear that the Minister may have missed my point. I recognise his legal and technical Stewart Hosie: The Minister says that the SNP declined argument that the matter will be the Scottish Parliament’s to take part in Calman. He will, I am sure, want to responsibility in 2016, but surely some seven or eight confirm for the record that the Government refused to 683 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 684

[Stewart Hosie] Bain, Mr William Goodman, Helen Balls, rh Ed Greatrex, Tom accept all the Calman recommendations, and that the Banks, Gordon Greenwood, Lilian Bill does not go even as far as Calman suggested it Barron, rh Mr Kevin Griffith, Nia should. Bayley, Hugh Gwynne, Andrew Beckett, rh Margaret Hain, rh Mr Peter Benn, rh Hilary Hamilton, Mr David David Mundell: Given the hon. Gentleman’s thorough Berger, Luciana Hamilton, Fabian research into all matters on which he speaks, I am sure Blears, rh Hazel Harman, rh Ms Harriet he has read in detail the Command Paper that accompanied Blenkinsop, Tom Havard, Mr Dai the publication of the Bill, in which the Government set Blomfield, Paul Hendrick, Mark out their response to each and every Calman Brennan, Kevin Hepburn, Mr Stephen recommendation, and how, whether in legislation or Brown, Lyn Heyes, David otherwise, those are being taken forward. Brown, rh Mr Nicholas Hillier, Meg Government amendment 29 to clause 3 is technical Bryant, Chris Hilling, Julie and ensures that when Scottish Ministers make orders Buck, Ms Karen Hodge, rh Margaret Burden, Richard Hodgson, Mrs Sharon about the administration of Scottish Parliament elections, Burnham, rh Andy Hood, Mr Jim they can include the type of technical supplementary Byrne, rh Mr Liam Hopkins, Kelvin provision set out in section 113 of the Scotland Act 1998. Cairns, David Hosie, Stewart For example, Ministers could make different provisions Campbell, Mr Alan Hunt, Tristram for different purposes or make consequential or savings Caton, Martin James, Mrs Siân C. provisions. The amendment also ensures that any criminal Chapman, Mrs Jenny Jamieson, Cathy penalties imposed in such an order are subject to the Clarke, rh Mr Tom Johnson, rh Alan appropriate limits. It gives Scottish Ministers the same Coaker, Vernon Johnson, Diana supplementary powers and constraints as currently apply Connarty, Michael Jones, Graham to the Secretary of State when he makes provision on Cooper, Rosie Jones, Mr Kevan the administration of Scottish Parliament elections. Cooper, rh Yvette Jones, Susan Elan Crausby, Mr David Joyce, Eric I commend clause 1 to the House and urge the hon. Creasy, Stella Kaufman, rh Sir Gerald Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex) Cruddas, Jon Keeley, Barbara to withdraw his amendment. Cryer, John Kendall, Liz Cunningham, Mr Jim Laing, Mrs Eleanor Tom Greatrex: We have had an interesting start to the Cunningham, Tony Lammy, rh Mr David Committee. The Minister will have heard the concern of Curran, Margaret Lavery, Ian Members of both sides of the House at the possibility Dakin, Nic Leslie, Chris that overnight counts will not happen. In all candour, it Danczuk, Simon Lewis, Mr Ivan is not good enough for him to stand at the Dispatch David, Mr Wayne Lloyd, Tony Box and suggest that we go and lobby Mary Pitcaithly Davidson, Mr Ian Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn on Thursday on the matter. We have the opportunity De Piero, Gloria Long, Naomi now to set a position that the Minister voted for in Denham, rh Mr John Love, Mr Andrew Dobbin, Jim Lucas, Caroline relation to elections to this House, which is a perfectly Dobson, rh Frank Lucas, Ian responsible position. Docherty, Thomas MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan The Minister would do well to listen to the hon. Donaldson, rh Mr Jeffrey M. MacShane, rh Mr Denis Member for Epping Forest (Mrs Laing). I apologise to Donohoe, Mr Brian H. Mactaggart, Fiona her, because I was unaware that the wording of amendment Doran, Mr Frank Mahmood, Shabana 10 is borrowed from her. I hope she feels emboldened Doyle, Gemma Mann, John enough to vote for it. I have heard her argue against the Eagle, Ms Angela Marsden, Mr Gordon Government on other occasions, but she has felt unable Eagle, Maria McCabe, Steve to follow through and vote against them. I hope she has Edwards, Jonathan McCann, Mr Michael the confidence to do so today. Efford, Clive McCarthy, Kerry Elliott, Julie McClymont, Gregg This issue is at the heart of electoral administration. Ellman, Mrs Louise McDonagh, Siobhain As I said, at every set of elections, electoral administrators Engel, Natascha McFadden, rh Mr Pat say, “We don’t want overnight counts. We can’t do it for Esterson, Bill McGovern, Alison reason A, B, C, D, E or F.”The proof is not in what Ron Evans, Chris McGovern, Jim Gould says, but in what we all witnessed in May last Farrelly, Paul McGuire, rh Mrs Anne year. If we set a position, the electoral administrators Field, rh Mr Frank McKechin, Ann can get on with it. Let us make that clear for the Fitzpatrick, Jim McKinnell, Catherine Scottish Parliament elections as well as for other elections. Flello, Robert Meale, Mr Alan Flint, rh Caroline Mearns, Ian Question put, That the amendment be made. Flynn, Paul Michael, rh Alun The Committee divided: Ayes 206, Noes 298. Fovargue, Yvonne Miliband, rh David Division No. 215] [5.54 pm Francis, Dr Hywel Miller, Andrew Gapes, Mike Mitchell, Austin Gardiner, Barry AYES Moon, Mrs Madeleine Gilmore, Sheila Morris, Grahame M. Abbott, Ms Diane Alexander, Heidi Glass, Pat (Easington) Abrahams, Debbie Ali, Rushanara Glindon, Mrs Mary Mudie, Mr George Ainsworth, rh Mr Bob Anderson, Mr David Godsiff, Mr Roger Munn, Meg Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Bailey, Mr Adrian Goggins, rh Paul Murphy, rh Paul 685 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 686

Murray, Ian Smith, Angela Fabricant, Michael Leslie, Charlotte Nandy, Lisa Smith, Nick Fallon, Michael Lewis, Brandon Nash, Pamela Smith, Owen Featherstone, Lynne Lewis, Dr Julian O’Donnell, Fiona Spellar, rh Mr John Field, Mr Mark Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Onwurah, Chi Stringer, Graham Foster, rh Mr Don Lidington, rh Mr David Osborne, Sandra Stuart, Ms Gisela Francois, rh Mr Mark Lilley, rh Mr Peter Perkins, Toby Sutcliffe, Mr Gerry Freer, Mike Lopresti, Jack Pound, Stephen Thomas, Mr Gareth Fullbrook, Lorraine Loughton, Tim Qureshi, Yasmin Timms, rh Stephen Fuller, Richard Luff, Peter Raynsford, rh Mr Nick Trickett, Jon Gale, Mr Roger Lumley, Karen Reed, Mr Jamie Turner, Karl Garnier, Mr Edward Macleod, Mary Reeves, Rachel Twigg, Derek Garnier, Mark Main, Mrs Anne Reynolds, Emma Twigg, Stephen George, Andrew Maynard, Paul Reynolds, Jonathan Umunna, Mr Chuka Gibb, Mr Nick McCartney, Jason Riordan, Mrs Linda Vaz, rh Keith Gilbert, Stephen McCartney, Karl Robertson, Angus Vaz, Valerie Glen, John McIntosh, Miss Anne Robertson, John Watts, Mr Dave Goldsmith, Zac McLoughlin, rh Mr Patrick Robinson, Mr Geoffrey Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Goodwill, Mr Robert McPartland, Stephen Rotheram, Steve Wicks, rh Malcolm Graham, Richard McVey, Esther Roy, Mr Frank Williams, Hywel Grant, Mrs Helen Menzies, Mark Roy, Lindsay Winnick, Mr David Gray, Mr James Mercer, Patrick Ruane, Chris Winterton, rh Ms Rosie Green, Damian Metcalfe, Stephen Sarwar, Anas Wishart, Pete Gummer, Ben Miller, Maria Seabeck, Alison Woodcock, John Gyimah, Mr Sam Mills, Nigel Sheerman, Mr Barry Wright, David Halfon, Robert Milton, Anne Sheridan, Jim Wright, Mr Iain Hames, Duncan Moore, rh Michael Shuker, Gavin Tellers for the Ayes: Hammond, Stephen Mordaunt, Penny Skinner, Mr Dennis Mark Tami and Hancock, Matthew Morgan, Nicky Smith, rh Mr Andrew Phil Wilson Hands, Greg Morris, Anne Marie Harper, Mr Mark Morris, David Harrington, Richard Morris, James NOES Harris, Rebecca Mosley, Stephen Adams, Nigel Burns, rh Mr Simon Hart, Simon Mowat, David Afriyie, Adam Burrowes, Mr David Harvey, Nick Mulholland, Greg Aldous, Peter Burstow, Paul Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Mundell, rh David Amess, Mr David Burt, Alistair Hayes, Mr John Munt, Tessa Andrew, Stuart Burt, Lorely Heath, Mr David Murray, Sheryll Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Byles, Dan Heaton-Harris, Chris Murrison, Dr Andrew Bacon, Mr Richard Cairns, Alun Hemming, John Neill, Robert Bagshawe, Ms Louise Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Henderson, Gordon Newmark, Mr Brooks Baker, Norman Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Hendry, Charles Newton, Sarah Baker, Steve Carmichael, Neil Hinds, Damian Nokes, Caroline Baldry, Tony Carswell, Mr Douglas Hoban, Mr Mark Norman, Jesse Barclay, Stephen Cash, Mr William Hollingbery, George Nuttall, Mr David Barker, Gregory Chishti, Rehman Hollobone, Mr Philip O’Brien, Mr Stephen Baron, Mr John Clappison, Mr James Hopkins, Kris Offord, Mr Matthew Barwell, Gavin Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey Horwood, Martin Ollerenshaw, Eric Beith, rh Sir Alan Coffey, Dr Thérèse Howarth, Mr Gerald Opperman, Guy Bellingham, Mr Henry Collins, Damian Howell, John Ottaway, Richard Benyon, Richard Colvile, Oliver Hughes, rh Simon Paice, rh Mr James Beresford, Sir Paul Crabb, Stephen Hunter, Mark Parish, Neil Berry, Jake Crockart, Mike Hurd, Mr Nick Patel, Priti Binley, Mr Brian Crouch, Tracey Jackson, Mr Stewart Pawsey, Mark Blackman, Bob Davey, Mr Edward James, Margot Penning, Mike Blackwood, Nicola Davies, Glyn Javid, Sajid Penrose, John Blunt, Mr Crispin Davies, Philip Jenkin, Mr Bernard Percy, Andrew Boles, Nick de Bois, Nick Johnson, Gareth Perry, Claire Bone, Mr Peter Dinenage, Caroline Johnson, Joseph Phillips, Stephen Bottomley, Sir Peter Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Jones, Andrew Pincher, Christopher Brady, Mr Graham Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Jones, Mr Marcus Poulter, Dr Daniel Brake, Tom Dorries, Nadine Kawczynski, Daniel Pugh, John Bray, Angie Doyle-Price, Jackie Kelly, Chris Raab, Mr Dominic Brazier, Mr Julian Drax, Richard Kirby, Simon Randall, rh Mr John Bridgen, Andrew Duddridge, James Knight, rh Mr Greg Reckless, Mark Brine, Mr Steve Ellis, Michael Kwarteng, Kwasi Redwood, rh Mr John Brokenshire, James Ellison, Jane Lancaster, Mark Rees-Mogg, Jacob Brooke, Annette Ellwood, Mr Tobias Latham, Pauline Reevell, Simon Bruce, Fiona Elphicke, Charlie Laws, rh Mr David Reid, Mr Alan Bruce, rh Malcolm Eustice, George Leadsom, Andrea Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Buckland, Mr Robert Evans, Graham Lee, Jessica Robertson, Hugh Burley, Mr Aidan Evans, Jonathan Leech, Mr John Robertson, Mr Laurence Burns, Conor Evennett, Mr David Lefroy, Jeremy Rogerson, Dan 687 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 688

Rosindell, Andrew Timpson, Mr Edward parliamentary general election, and the day so appointed shall be Rudd, Amber Tomlinson, Justin treated as if it had been proposed by the Presiding Officer under Ruffley, Mr David Tredinnick, David subsection (5) above.”’. Russell, Bob Truss, Elizabeth Rutley, David Turner, Mr Andrew Tom Greatrex: Amendment 11 and new clause 7 are Sanders, Mr Adrian Tyrie, Mr Andrew probing amendments regarding the potential for elections Scott, Mr Lee Uppal, Paul to happen on the same date. In the previous discussion, Selous, Andrew Vaizey, Mr Edward we heard a lot about the Gould report and the issues Shapps, rh Grant Vara, Mr Shailesh Sharma, Alok Vickers, Martin encountered in the 2007 Scottish Parliament elections. Shelbrooke, Alec Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Ron Gould concluded that one of the primary problems Shepherd, Mr Richard Walker, Mr Charles was a combination of elections on the same date, and Simmonds, Mark Walker, Mr Robin that has been implicitly recognised by the Secretary of Simpson, Mr Keith Wallace, Mr Ben State in some of his discussions about the potential Skidmore, Chris Walter, Mr Robert clash arising from the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill. Smith, Miss Chloe Ward, Mr David Despite the fact that there are a number of concerns, Smith, Henry Watkinson, Angela this issue has been included in the Bill not because of Smith, Julian Weatherley, Mike something that Calman deliberated on, but because of Soames, Nicholas Webb, Steve the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill going through Parliament. Soubry, Anna Wharton, James That would not, of course, be an issue if that Bill had Spencer, Mr Mark Wheeler, Heather proposed a four-year term, because a four-yearly cycle Stanley, rh Sir John White, Chris for the Scottish Parliament elections and a four-yearly Stephenson, Andrew Whittaker, Craig Stevenson, John Whittingdale, Mr John cycle for the UK Parliament elections would mean that Stewart, Bob Williams, Mr Mark the elections would always be at different times. That is Stewart, Iain Williams, Roger why we tabled the amendment. As every authority Stewart, Rory Williams, Stephen questioned by the Select Committees that have examined Streeter, Mr Gary Williamson, Gavin the issue has said, there is very little, if any, precedent Stride, Mel Willott, Jenny for a five-year term, and a four-year fixed term is much Stuart, Mr Graham Wilson, Mr Rob more appropriate. That is why I raise the matter today. Stunell, Andrew Wollaston, Dr Sarah New clause 7 is also relevant to the potential problems Sturdy, Julian Wright, Jeremy created if an extraordinary general election for the UK Swales, Ian Wright, Simon Parliament were to take place under a coalition Swayne, Mr Desmond Young, rh Sir George Government, for example. Swinson, Jo Zahawi, Nadhim Syms, Mr Robert Tapsell, Sir Peter Tellers for the Noes: Mr Davidson: Surely there is a logic to having a Teather, Sarah Mr Philip Dunne and five-year term. If one part of the coalition has come Thurso, John Bill Wiggin third in a by-election and another part of the coalition has come sixth it, it is quite understandable that they Question accordingly negatived. are in no hurry to have an election. Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Tom Greatrex: The Secretary of State, who is no longer in his place, might well be thinking about how Clause 2 long he might be able to continue as Secretary of State, and what my hon. Friend says could well be one of the COMBINATION OF POLLS AT SCOTTISH PARLIAMENTARY reasons for that stance. If we are in a position in which AND OTHER RESERVED ELECTIONS an extraordinary general election has to take place, new clause 7 would provide the opportunity to deal with it in Tom Greatrex: I beg to move amendment 11, page 3, leave a way that is appropriate for both the Scottish and the out lines 4 and 5. UK Parliaments and would save us from having to conduct both elections in the same year. It deals with The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means (Mr Nigel the problem of confusing the issues of the two different Evans): With this it will be convenient to discuss the elections and should help us to avoid the problems following: clause stand part. experienced in 2007, when having two electoral systems New clause 7—Timing of the Scottish Parliamentary for different Parliaments at different elections caused general election— some confusion. It is our responsibility to do what we can to ensure that people are made aware of how their ‘(1) Section 2 of the 1998 Act is amended as follows. elections work and to make those elections as (2) At the end of subsection (2) there is inserted “or unless the straightforward as possible. That is the intention behind poll is advanced or delayed as a result of the operation of amendment 11 and the accompanying new clause 7, subsection (6A) below”. which deals with extraordinary circumstances. (3) At the end there is added the following new subsection— “(6A) If the poll to be held under subsection (2) or David Mundell: This clause amends the Representation subsection (5) above is in the same calendar year as an early of the People Act 1985 to provide that when a Scottish parliamentary general election under section 2 of the Fixed-term parliamentary general election and a parliamentary Parliaments Act 2011, the Parliament may by resolution appoint an alternative day for the poll for the next Scottish Parliamentary general election or a Scottish parliamentary general general election no more than 12 months earlier nor more than election and a European parliamentary general election 12 months later than the day appointed under subsection (2) or are to be conducted on the same date, they should subsection (5) above and at least 6 months before or after the automatically be taken together. It will also allow for 689 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 690 the polls to be combined if the returning officers so earlier, so will he help me by explaining how we are agree where polls for related areas are taken on the same going to streamline the elections in those sorts of day—as, for example, with a Scottish Parliament by-election circumstances? and a parliamentary general election. David Mundell: The arrangements for the conduct of Amendment 11, as proposed by the hon. Member for the Scottish Parliament election and the AVreferendum Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex), would allow for a council by-election to be held on the same remove the mandatory requirement that where the polls day. As I understand it, that by-election will take place at a Scottish Parliament general election and a UK on the basis of one form of the alternative vote system. Parliament general election fall on the same day, the administrative arrangements must be taken together. Mr Doran: But there is a worry that we should use The amendment would not stop the polls taking place separate arrangements when there are that number of on the same day, however, and it leaves returning officers elections all taking place on different bases on the with the discretion to combine the polls if they think it same day. fit to do so. Alternatively, if they are not combined, various processes such as the issue of poll cards and David Mundell: On the specific case that the hon. postal votes or voting at polling stations would have to Gentleman mentions, representations can be made to be run side by side. the returning officer, because the polls are not required As it stands, the clause will allow poll cards, postal to take place on the same day. The by-election poll does voting materials and polling stations to be shared. It not have to take place on 5 May; it is a decision for the effectively streamlines the process of organising and returning officer. That by-election poll should also take running the two polls on the same day, avoiding potential place in a separate polling station, although possibly duplication of functions where polls held on the same within the same building. day would otherwise be run in parallel and it enables overall costs to be reduced. If two polls fall on the same Mr Doran: As I understand the current law on local day, for whatever reason, electoral administrators agree government by-elections, the election must be held within that combining them is the best option. It makes it three months of the death or resignation of the simpler for the returning officer to administer and, councillor—except when there is also a UK parliamentary more importantly, makes it easier for voters to cast their or Scottish parliamentary election. In this particular votes at both polls. If the intention behind the amendment case, except at extraordinary expense, the returning is to stop the polls taking place when both elections fall officer does not have much option. on the same day, it does not work. If the intention is to make it easier for the voter, that, too, I would suggest, David Mundell: I think the returning officer has some does not work. option, but the hon. Gentleman raises an important and relevant point about the multiple electoral systems operated in Scotland. I had just mentioned that Scottish Iain Stewart (Milton Keynes South) (Con): I would council by-elections, which are another example of polls like to offer some anecdotal evidence from my constituency that could be held on the same day as the AVreferendum, at the general election. That poll coincided with a local take place under a form of the alternative vote rather government poll. The arrangements were that postal than the single transferable vote. ballot papers for the local election were sent out earlier than those for the general election. A number of electors Jim McGovern: Is it not the case that we are effectively expressed their confusion and asked why they had only putting a price on democracy by saying that it is simply one ballot paper when they were expecting two. The cheaper to have all the polls on the same day? imperative of combining the two elections in one is incredibly important. David Mundell: I do not believe that is an accurate summation of the position. The clause allows for the combining of polls and the amendment suggests that 6.15 pm they should not be combined. However, I do not accept that the amendment is successful in that regard. David Mundell: I thank my hon. Friend for his valuable If new clause 7 is designed to avoid having a poll at a insight based on his personal experience. scheduled Scottish Parliament election following on or In addition, if the intention of new clause 7 is to close to the date of the poll for an early parliamentary avoid the poll at a scheduled Scottish Parliament election election held under clause 2 of the Fixed-term Parliaments from falling on or close to the date of the poll for an Bill, it does not work, as I have said. By its very nature, early parliamentary general election held under clause 2 an early parliamentary general election held under clause 2 of the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill, it does not work. will take place at short notice following either a motion of the House that there should be such an election, or at Mr Frank Doran (Aberdeen North) (Lab): I appreciate the end of the 14-day period after a motion of no that the clause will not apply to the next Scottish confidence. election, but there are difficulties in Aberdeen where we In the unlikely event that a Prime Minister were to have the forthcoming vote on AV and a vote on the decide on a campaign period of at least six weeks before Scottish parliamentary elections, which require two ballot the date of poll at the early parliamentary general papers. Sadly, one of the Liberal Democrat councillors election, which would be the minimum to ensure that died recently, as a result of which a by-election is also the Scottish Parliament had not already dissolved, the likely to be held on 5 May. The electorate in Aberdeen parties taking part in the Scottish parliamentary general are thus looking at four separate polling formulae under election would have already gone to significant expense different systems. The Minister used the word “streamline” in preparing campaign literature and making other 691 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 692

[David Mundell] Tom Greatrex: I thank the Minister for giving way to me again. He is being characteristically generous. Surely arrangements, as would returning officers. All that would he accepts that there would be no need for so much be wasted if the Scottish Parliament then decided to consultation and juggling with all the possible ways of change the date of poll. Returning officers might also dealing with the problem if a four-year fixed term were have started the nomination processes and, depending proposed for this Parliament as well as the Scottish on timing, might have already entered into contracts for Parliament. He has an opportunity to make that case to printing and accommodation, the costs of which would, his colleagues in Government, so that the issue can be again, be wasted. dealt with when the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill returns to this House. Will he take the opportunity to make Sandra Osborne (Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock) (Lab): sure that that point is made? Surely the logical conclusion of the Minister’s argument is that we should have four-year rather than five-year David Mundell: I see no purpose in a rerun of the fixed-term Parliaments. Would that not be an easier debate on the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill. The views way in which to solve the problem? expressed by the hon. Gentleman have been expressed by others, but they have not prevailed in votes in the David Mundell: As the hon. Lady will know, what she House. The Government have set out what I consider to suggests was debated extensively in the Chamber during be the strong arguments for a five-year term for this the passage of the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill, and the Parliament. Because of the complicated devolution House delivered its view then. As she will also know, settlement in the United Kingdom, which has its own last Thursday the Scottish Parliament voted unanimously nuances—I welcome them, because they accommodate to ask the United Kingdom Government to move the the different needs of different parts of the United date of the Scottish parliamentary election in 2015 to Kingdom—consequential changes would inevitably be avoid a clash with the United Kingdom general election. required. We have discussed the changes required in the The motion stated that the Scottish Parliament timing of the Scottish parliamentary election and the best way of resolving the issue in a mature way through “notes the potential clash of UK and Scottish general election dates in 2015; invites the UK Government to set the next Scottish a dialogue with the presiding officer and party leaders general election after 5 May 2011 for Thursday 5 May 2016, and in the Scottish Parliament. looks forward to UK Government consultation on a legislative provision that would set apart UK and Scottish general election Mrs McGuire: Does the Minister not accept that in dates on a permanent basis.” trying to extend the life of this Parliament to a term I am sure that Opposition Members welcome the fact that bears no relationship to any other element of our that the coalition Government have consulted the Scottish electoral process, the Government have created a series Parliament fully on the matter, because it was raised in a of problems not just for themselves but for other parts number of debates. of the democratic process? The result has been a number of ill-considered consequences to which the Minister Tom Greatrex: Surely the Minister accepts that the and the Government attempt to apply Elastoplast every Scottish Parliament felt the need to come up with that time they encounter them. This is a very expensive way motion only because of the potential provisions of the of providing a lifeboat for the coalition Government to Fixed-term Parliaments Bill. If the Bill had provided take them through to 2015. for a four-year fixed term, there would be no problem. The Government still have an opportunity to revisit David Mundell: I would take what the right hon. that possibility, and I hope that they will take it. Lady says a good deal more seriously had the last Labour Government not extended their own life to virtually the last minute of a five-year term. That opened David Mundell: The issue of the length of a fixed-term up the possibility of another five-year term for this Parliament was well argued during the passage of the Parliament, leading to a coincidence of elections with Fixed-term Parliaments Bill, and the fixed term that the Scottish Parliament elections in 2015 that would Parliament has determined is five years. The Government have taken place in an unstructured and unthought-out have therefore embarked on an active discussion of the way. The Bill has dealt with the possible repercussions. matter with the Scottish Parliament. Mrs McGuire: Will the Minister reflect on the facts? Thomas Docherty (Dunfermline and West Fife) (Lab): There have been two five-year Parliaments since 1992, My maths is not always fantastic, but I suspect that in one under the former Conservative Prime Minister John 2020 we shall encounter exactly the same problem, Major and the other under a Labour Prime Minister, because the Westminster Parliament will last from 2015 my right hon. Friend the Member for Kirkcaldy and until 2020, and the Scottish Parliament will last from Cowdenbeath (Mr Brown). The Minister’s argument 2016 to 2020. Are the Government considering a permanent has no credibility. He and the Government have created extension of the Scottish Parliament’s term to five a series of consequences by trying to introduce a five-year years? fixed term for the current Parliament. Everyone else is being forced to alter the ways in which they operate in David Mundell: As the hon. Gentleman will know, a order to suit the coalition Government. number of possibilities have been suggested, and the Government have said that after the Scottish parliamentary David Mundell: I am afraid that that is merely a election, there will be a consultation on them. Some smokescreen for the fact that there could have been a Members of the Scottish Parliament have said that they coincidence between the Scottish parliamentary and would like it to serve a five-year term, and that view will Westminster elections in any event, and that arrangements obviously be considered. would have had to be made to deal with it. 693 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 694

Thomas Docherty: The Minister said earlier that the Clause 3 Government had given some consideration to the idea of moving the Scottish parliamentary elections to 2021. SUPPLEMENTARY AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISION ABOUT He will be aware that the next local government elections ELECTIONS are scheduled for 2021. It may interest Members to Amendment made: 29, page 3, line 11, at end insert— know that several years ago, in the Scottish Parliament, ‘( ) In section 113 of the 1998 Act (subordinate legislation: a certain David Mundell introduced a Bill to decouple scope of powers) for subsection (1) substitute— the Scottish Parliament from the local government elections. Perhaps the Minister will tell us what his position on the “(1) References in this section to a power are— issue is now. (a) to an open power, (b) to any other power to make subordinate legislation conferred David Mundell: My maths is better than the hon. by this Act which is exercisable by Her Majesty in Council or by a Gentleman’s. I knew that already, and I knew that these Minister of the Crown, and were exactly the sort of matters on which discussion (c) except in subsection (9), to the power of the Scottish Ministers and dialogue were needed. It is much better for that to make an order under section 12, discussion and dialogue to take place in a structured and include a power as extended by this section.”’.—(David way than for them to take place on the ad hoc basis that Mundell.) would have been required if there had been a coincidence Clause 3, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. of elections on the basis of the arrangements that Clauses 4 and 5 ordered to stand part of the Bill. existed before the introduction of the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill. That Bill allows these matters to be addressed, and discussion and dialogue to take place. I Clause 6 believe that the mature way in which that dialogue with the Scottish Parliament has taken place reflects well on BILLS: STATEMENTS AS TO LEGISLATIVE COMPETENCE the coalition Government. Tom Greatrex: I beg to move amendment 12, page 4, Ann McKechin: Does not this debate show that a line 36, at end add— draft Fixed-term Parliaments Bill, which would have ‘(1A) In section 31(1) of the 1998 Act, at end add— allowed consultation to take place between all the relevant “(1A) A person promoting an amendment to a bill in the bodies affected by the legislation in advance of it being Scottish Parliament shall on or before the lodging of the amendment brought to this House, would have been the most sensible state that, in his opinion, the bill if amended in accordance with way forward? the amendment would be within the legislative competence of the Parliament.”. 6.30 pm (1B) In section 31(2) of the 1998 Act, at end add “and state the reasons for his view.”.’. David Mundell: Once Parliament had determined the nature of the Fixed-term Parliaments Bill, the appropriate The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means (Mr Nigel thing to do was to enter into the mature and sensible Evans): With this it will be convenient to discuss clause dialogue that we have had with the Scottish Parliament. stand part. I am sure that, like me, the hon. Lady will welcome the fact that the motion in the Scottish Parliament was Tom Greatrex: We have had the opportunity to discuss passed unanimously. The Government will take forward a number of amendments with interested parties, including the wish of the Scottish Parliament to ensure that the the Law Society of Scotland. This amendment relates next Scottish Parliament election after this one will take to the statements of legislative competence that are place on 5 May 2016, on the basis that voters going to made in the Scottish Parliament. The Minister will be the polls on 5 May 2011 will know that they will be aware that, before introducing a Bill in the Scottish electing their MSPs to serve for five years. Parliament, it is the responsibility of Ministers there to I do not feel that the amendment would achieve the issue a statement of legislative competence. It is also the objectives that it sets out to achieve. It could lead to a responsibility of the Presiding Officer to make a similar lot of wasted expenditure for candidates, parties and declaration. The amendment deals with a situation in returning officers, and I accordingly commend clause 2 which amendments are tabled to such Bills, either by to the Committee and urge the hon. Member for Rutherglen Ministers or by Members, including to private Bills. For and Hamilton West to withdraw his amendment. example, the Bill on the Forth road crossing is a private Bill. Many Members’ Bills are also dealt with in the Tom Greatrex: We have had an interesting debate on Scottish Parliament. these issues. I would just note again that, if there had It is important that, when the Scottish Parliament been a proposal for a four-year fixed-term Parliament, deals with legislation, it is aware that it is competent so none of this would have been a problem. That would to do. It is also important that the measures that come probably have been a more sensible route to take, and before it are appropriate. That has not always been the it is still open to the Government to deal with that case for amendments, however. Our proposal also deals matter again in the weeks to come. In the light of with Government amendments. A number of Bills, what the Minister has said, we will withdraw the particularly technical Bills, have had a whole series of amendment at this stage and perhaps reflect on the Government amendments tabled for which no declaration matter again on Report. I beg to ask leave to withdraw of competence has been made. It has therefore fallen to the amendment. the Law Officers to consider those issues, post-stage 3 Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. and before Royal Assent. Our proposal would enable Clause 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill. that problem to be rectified, and would introduce a 695 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 696

[Tom Greatrex] Clause 7 degree of consistency to the arrangements. This would ARTIAL SUSPENSION OF ACTS SUBJECT TO SCRUTINY BY bring confidence and competence to the work of the P SUPREME COURT Scottish Parliament when legislative matters were brought before it. Tom Greatrex: I beg to move amendment 13, page 5, line 28, after Officer’, insert ‘and the Law Officer making David Mundell: As the law stands, only those members the reference under subsection (1)’. of the Scottish Government in charge of a Bill have to make a statement on its legislative competence when introducing a Bill in the Scottish Parliament. Clause 6, The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means (Mr Nigel which amends section 31 of the Scotland Act 1998, will Evans): With this it will be convenient to discuss the ensure that anyone who introduces a Bill in the Scottish following: amendment 14, page 5, line 30, leave out Parliament is confident that it is within the Parliament’s ‘Edinburgh Gazette’ and insert ‘Belfast Gazette, the legislative competence and prepared to make a statement Edinburgh Gazette and the London Gazette’. to that effect. Amendment 15, page 5, line 31, leave out ‘considers’ The Scottish Parliament’s Standards, Procedures and insert ‘and the relevant Law Officers consider’. and Public Appointments Committee supports the Clause stand part. amendment, agreeing with the Calman commission that a statement would provide a helpful and public Tom Greatrex: We have discussed amendments 13, 14 indication that the legislative competence of the Bill and 15 with a number of bodies, including the Law had been carefully considered by those introducing Society of Scotland, and we are attempting to clear it. The Scottish Parliament endorsed the Standards, things up and respect the doctrine of the separation of Procedures and Public Appointments Committee’s report powers, so that the Executive can take responsibility for on 29 September 2010. publishing references made by them in relation to the Amendment 12 would require that the Member suspension of Acts subject to scrutiny by the Supreme promoting the Bill must make a statement, when or Court. The Bill currently stipulates that the Presiding before every amendment to a Bill is lodged in the Officer shall publish the notice of any reference to the Scottish Parliament, that, in his opinion, the Bill, if Court in the Edinburgh Gazette, and in other ways as he amended in accordance with the amendment, will be or she considers appropriate. As the Minister will be within the legislative competence of the Parliament. aware, the references will be made by one of the Law That would make the Scottish parliamentary system Officers, be it the Attorney-General, the Lord Advocate overly bureaucratic and complex and it is, in my view, or the Advocate-General. Our contention is that the unnecessary. Should there be any concerns about the Law Officer making the reference should also have the legislative competence of a Bill passed by the Scottish responsibility to publish the fact of the reference, whether Parliament, which might have been substantially amended by publication or on a departmental website, so that it is during its passage, UK and Scottish Law Officers may not left to the Presiding Officer. refer questions of competency to the Supreme Court Amendments 14 and 15 deal with the publication of for decision under section 33 of the Scotland Act 1998. the notice, which the Bill currently states should be in The Calman commission also considered the argument the Edinburgh Gazette. To ensure consistency of approach, that the Presiding Officer should state his reasons when we suggest adding the London Gazette and the Belfast making a positive statement about the legislative competence Gazette to the list of publications in which a reference of a Bill—that is, a statement that the Bill is, in his view, must be published. That is significant, particularly as within competence. This was rejected on the basis that it we are dealing with issues that are potentially subject to can be relatively easy to give reasons for thinking that a a reference to the Supreme Court. Bill is outside competence, which the Standing Orders currently require the Presiding Officer to do, but more Pete Wishart: There has been a lot of talk about the difficult to give reasons why it is within competence. Supreme Court in the past week—it even reached First The commission’s other main doubt was that exposing Minister’s questions last Thursday—whether in connection to public view any grey areas in relation to competence with the limited references to it, or its being the final could provide ammunition to those who were politically port of call for appeals in criminal cases. We need to opposed to the Bill, either during its passage or later, by know exactly what is going on. There has been talk of a providing the basis for a legal challenge. As the Calman number of secret clauses that have been proposed by the commission reported, it would remain open to the Advocate-General. As we understand it, they seek to Presiding Officer to add reasons to any positive statement remove the High Court of Justiciary as the final court about the legislative competence of the Bill, but concluded of appeal for criminal cases in Scotland and to transfer that it was unlikely that he would do so. On that basis, I limited responsibility to the UK Supreme Court. I want urge the hon. Gentleman not to press his amendment to to know from the Minister whether those clauses exist. a Division and to support clause 6. If they do, when will they be introduced? Will this House, as a body of elected representatives from Scotland, have the opportunity to discuss them? Just what will be Tom Greatrex: I beg to ask leave to withdraw the the general process? amendment, although we reserve the right to revisit the matter on Report. Jim McGovern: The hon. Gentleman mentions secret Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. clauses, but he seems to know what they are, so just how Clause 6 ordered to stand part of the Bill. secret are they? 697 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 698

Pete Wishart: I am not in the fortunate position of The clause is both unnecessary and undesirable, and having seen those secret clauses, although I know of has the potential to disrupt the good governance of others who have, and they have caused them concern. devolved Scotland. I hope that the Minister will take a However, we are discussing a Bill that has always been further look at it, because as it stands we have real described as effecting the most significant transfer of difficulties with what is being proposed. powers since the creation of devolution 10 years ago, but we are doing so under what might be described as a David Mundell: We have heard some unusual cloak of secrecy. We have not had a chance to see those contributions from the Scottish National party, in this clauses. Why have they not been introduced? Why have and other debates, but declaring amendments that the we not had the opportunity to see them, and if they are Advocate-General has published on his website to be to be introduced, when will we have the opportunity to secret is one of the more extreme. Indeed, I understand debate them? that there was an exchange in the Scottish Parliament last week during which, while protesting about the We have a number of issues with clause 7 that the secrecy of the amendments, the First Minister had to Minister should consider before we proceed. In effect, it concede that he had seen them. would transfer new, significant and substantial powers to the Law Officers of Scotland. The clause proposes an I would agree with the hon. Gentleman that we are entirely new mechanism that would allow the Law debating important issues, in that they relate to the laws Officers new responsibilities when it came to legislation, and judicial system of Scotland, and that is why, in by having the authority to identify provisions in a relation to proposed amendments to section 57(2) of Scottish Bill that they considered would not be affected the 1998 Act, the Government have adopted a consultative by a reference to the Supreme Court. As I am sure we approach. He will be aware that the Advocate-General will hear from the Minister, the intention is to allow the set up an advisory group to look into the issue. That Law Officers to refer a part of a Bill to the Supreme group came back with certain views, which led to the Court without affecting the remainder. However, the formation of the clauses concerned, which are now the proposal has come out of nowhere, other than the subject of further discussion and debate. They are not fevered, exercised minds of the legal establishment in being moved in Committee in this House and are not part Scotland. It was certainly not considered by the Calman of our consideration of clause 7, and they are not commission, which made no such recommendation. It referred to by amendments 13, 14 or 15, standing in the has simply appeared in the Bill, and I would like to name of the hon. Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton know exactly where it came from. West (Tom Greatrex). Pete Wishart: The Scottish Parliament’s Bill Committee has expressed great concern, because it cannot make 6.45 pm any judgment on those secret amendments in its legislative The proposals in this clause raise a number of issues consent motion. If those amendments are not to be of principle and practice. There is simply no precedent introduced in Committee in this place, when will they for such an approach, and it is unclear what the status be introduced? When will we, as elected Members, have of the provisions affected by such a reference would be the opportunity to debate and discuss them? What is in law. It is for Parliament or the Government to decide the process for introducing those amendments? when and how to implement legislation, not the courts. [Interruption.] The clause re-describes the relationship between the legislature and the Supreme Court, yet it does not David Mundell: The hon. Member for Midlothian respect the separation of those roles. The clause would (Mr Hamilton) tempts me to answer that it is a secret, also allow the Law Officers to be judge and jury when but it is not. Rather, it is part of the full legislative deciding what the “unaffected provisions” were, and so scrutiny of the Bill. As I suggested earlier, and as the decide which could or could not come into force. As I Secretary of State’s written ministerial statement suggested, have said, these are substantial and significant new we take the issues raised by the Committee, and the responsibilities for the Scottish Law Officers. specific issues raised in relation to the clause, very seriously. The proposals in clause 7 could also remove from Cathy Jamieson: It might be helpful for those who are Parliament and the Government the ability to judge on not au fait with all the technicalities if the Minister the overall coherence of legislation, and could have confirms that these specific clauses are not dealt with in implications for the overall will of Parliament. They the legislative consent motion that will be debated in the would also mean that, in making the call on whether to Scottish Parliament on Thursday, and that a further make a general or limited reference, the Law Officer LCM will be required. concerned would need to assess whether the affected provisions were central to the Bill or whether it could David Mundell: That is a helpful intervention, because proceed to Royal Assent without them. We know from the LCM that will come before the Scottish Parliament our consideration of this Bill that Parliament considers this week relates to the Bill as published, and as scrutinised Bills as a whole. Bills contain packages of measures, by that Parliament’s Committee—and also by this House. and support for a Bill as a whole may rest on the The LCM the Committee promotes suggests that if inclusion of matters of interest to Members which are there are significant changes to the Bill—and, of course, not linked to its drafting. The proposals in clause 7 the proposed amendments to section 57(2) of the 1998 Act would create uncertainty and bring into question the would be significant—there would be another legislative status of Scottish Parliament legislation in a quite consent process with the Scottish Parliament. The unacceptable way. They would also allow for changes in Government are clear in that regard. Also, as I understand the law affecting the responsibilities of the courts and it, the Scottish Government do not support the LCM the Law Officers. promoted by the Committee. 699 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 700

Pete Wishart: When and where is the Minister going Thomas Docherty: Perhaps the hon. Gentleman can to introduce these measures, if, indeed, he is going to satisfy a curiosity of mine. What is the Edinburgh Gazette, introduce them? and where may one attain a copy of it?

David Mundell: As I have suggested—as have the David Mundell: The Edinburgh Gazette is one of the “secret” ministerial statement the Secretary of State few newspapers in Scotland in which the hon. Gentleman made last week, the “secret” LCM Committee report, does not appear. It is a formal publication in which and the “secret” clauses that are on the website—the formal Government, local authority and other coalition Government are engaged in consultation and governmental notices appear. I understand that it can dialogue on these clauses. Indeed, so generous are we in be subscribed to, although it is not regularly available in that regard, that we will even take on board in our most newsagents in Scotland. There is also a person considerations the points the hon. Gentleman makes on with the title of the Queen’s Printer for Scotland, who these matters, but these amendments are not being may also publish notice of the reference in such ways as moved at this stage. There is a further very significant they consider appropriate. point, which I would have thought would have satisfied the hon. Gentleman given the respect he has for the Pete Wishart: Is it not possible that the Queen’s Scottish Parliament and its views: a further LCM would Printer may be abolished under the Public Bodies Bill? be required from the Scottish Parliament if significant What would happen then? amendments were being made in relation to section 57(2). David Mundell: I will look into the hon. Gentleman’s Stewart Hosie: Given the time scales, will it in fact be specific query and write to him on it. the next Scottish Parliament after the election in May A requirement on the Law Officer to publish the that will have to consider a further LCM, were one to be notice of the reference would lead to three different requested if such amendments were going to be considered? people being responsible for publishing the same notices, and could be considered overly complicated and David Mundell: The hon. Gentleman is very astute: unnecessary. I therefore urge the hon. Member for yes, there will be a Scottish Parliament election on Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex) to withdraw 5 May, and, yes, the current Parliament will be dissolved the amendments and to agree to clause 7. I hope I have on 22 March. It is therefore very likely that there will be been able to ease the concerns of the hon. Member for another Scottish Parliament in place, but this coalition Perth and North Perthshire in respect of possible future Government respect that Parliament and whatever amendments to section 57(2) by confirming that the Government emerge of whatever political colour, and Advocate-General has set up an expert group to look we will engage in a constructive dialogue with whoever into the issue, and that the group came forward with is in power in Holyrood. proposals that were put into the public domain and On the Opposition amendments, currently entire Bills shared with the Scottish Government and the Scottish of the Scottish Parliament can be delayed, possibly for Parliament Bill Committee. They are still under months, should just a single provision be referred to consideration, which is why they are not being introduced the Supreme Court to determine whether it is within into this House; we accept that these are important legislative competence. Clause 7 of this Bill will amend issues on which there should be full discussion, but that the 1998 Act, not in the nefarious way the hon. Member discussion is not yet at a sufficiently advanced stage for for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart) suggests, it to be appropriate to introduce amendments. On that but in a positive way, to prevent unnecessary delays to basis, I commend clause 7 as it stands to the House. Bills where the majority of provisions are considered to be within the competence of the Scottish Parliament. Tom Greatrex: I am disappointed in some of the The affected Bill would be submitted for Royal Assent Minister’s responses. I am aware that there is no preclusion by the Presiding Officer, while the disputed provisions on publication in the London Gazette or Belfast Gazette, would not come into force until the Supreme Court had but, in the interest of transparency, it would be a step reached a decision and Scottish Ministers had made the forward if the publication were extended, particularly appropriate commencement order. The UK Government given the issues under consideration. He also rightly believe this is the most appropriate and sensible method said that this means that at least two people have of helping to ensure that the work of the Scottish responsibility and perhaps we may consider a further Parliament runs as smoothly as possible. Members will amendment subsequently to deal with that point. wish to note that the Scotland Bill Committee in the Scottish Parliament accepted this provision, but asks 7pm for consideration to be made of the legislative procedure I had an inkling that the hon. Member for Perth and used. We will review that recommendation carefully. North Perthshire (Pete Wishart) would discuss the secret The amendments would require the Law Officer making amendments. Although the Minister may have had a bit the limited reference, in addition to the Presiding Officer, of fun about the definition of “secret”, they suggest to publish notice of the reference in the Edinburgh that a lack of thought went into the processes that the Gazette and also in the London Gazette and Belfast Government have followed. If they wanted to avoid Gazette. Clause 7 already requires the Presiding Officer some of the hyperbolic language from the MSP who to publish notice of a reference in the Edinburgh Gazette spoke to the Scottish Affairs Committee last week or and in such other ways as he considers appropriate. It the week before, it may have been sensible for them to does not prevent the Presiding Officer from publishing have published those draft amendments, to have had a notices in the London Gazette or Belfast Gazette,orin short consultation on them and then to have introduced any other paper or on any website, or in any other way them to the Bill at the right time. Scrutinising the Bill is he should wish—even secret ones. very important and although there will be an opportunity 701 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 702 to come back to those amendments, it would have been Amendments 17 and 18 do not relate to that issue but much better if we had seen them by now and been able are probing amendments dealing with a couple of specific to discuss them in this Committee. I reserve the right to areas, one of which is the treatment of air weapons for come back to my amendments on Report, but I beg to recognised sporting events and what happens when ask leave to withdraw the amendment. people travel to the Commonwealth games or another Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. event through England and into Scotland. Amendment Clause 7 ordered to stand part of the Bill. 18 deals with cross-border issues—for example, what happens when an airgun is licensed in Scotland but not Clauses 8 and 9 ordered to stand part of the Bill. in England and someone from England takes a weapon Schedule 1 agreed to. without a licence north of the border. The Minister Clause 10 ordered to stand part of the Bill. represents a rural constituency on the border, so I am sure he will be aware of the potential for some of these issues to arise. The amendment seeks to ensure that Clause 11 there is a mechanism to deal with any of those issues. I am well aware that other hon. Members wish to discuss AIR WEAPONS this matter in much more detail, so I shall draw my comments to a close. Tom Greatrex: I beg to move amendment 17, page 7, line 26, after ‘weapons’, insert “except those intended to be utilised in recognised international Geoffrey Clifton-Brown (The Cotswolds) (Con): I wish sporting competitions”. to speak to my amendments 38 and 39. I do so as chairman of the all-party group on shooting and The First Deputy Chairman of Ways and Means (Mr Nigel conservation, the secretariat for which is provided by Evans): With this it will be convenient to discuss the the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, following: the specialist shooting body. The BASC has briefed me Amendment 38, page 7, line 26, after ‘air weapons’, on these matters and I took some of its members to see insert the Secretary of State last week, when they were able to “below a muzzle energy of 6 ft/lbs”. put the technical arguments against this matter being Amendment 3, page 7, line 27, leave out from ‘1968’ included in the Bill and thus becoming a devolved to end of line 34. matter. I shall use the latitude that the clause stand part Amendment 18, page 7, line 34, at end add— debate provides to make that argument, as well as the one for my two amendments. ‘(1A) The Secretary of State shall have the power to issue regulations to deal with any cross-border issues arising from the Mytwoamendmentsarestraightforward.Amendment38 operation of this section including but not limited to issues seeks to withdraw all but the least powerful air weapons arising from the transport of air weapons from, or their use in, from these arrangements. Amendment 39 goes some Scotland and England and Wales.’. way towards dealing with the cross-border issues that Amendment 39, page 7, line 34, at end add— the hon. Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex) described and with the issue of weapons ‘(2) The use or possession of air weapons as defined in being legal in England and Wales but becoming illegal in subsection (1) above which were acquired before the coming into Scotland if the matter were devolved and the Scottish force of any Act or other legislative instrument of the Scottish Parliament made as a result of this section shall until then Parliament were to use its powers under the Bill. continue to be subject to any regulations made under the In arguing against this becoming a devolved matter, it Firearms Acts 1968 to 1997.’. might be useful if I put the whole thing into context. Clause stand part. Shooting contributes £240 million to the Scottish economy and airguns are the entry point into the sport. It is Tom Greatrex: There has been much discussion of estimated that there are some 500,000 airguns in Scotland, this issue and I know that many hon. Members wish to compared with 4 million to 7 million in the UK as a contribute to this part of our consideration today, so I whole. They are owned for a variety of lawful purposes, shall keep my remarks brief. This emotive issue was such as target shooting and pest control. The majority considered in detail by the Calman commission and I of airguns do not carry any serial or other identifying know from my own experience that lengthy discussion number, and very few need to be held on the authority has taken place involving the Scotland Office, the Home of a firearms certificate because their capacity is below Office and, on various occasions, the Scottish Government 12 ft/lbs. The location of nearly all current owners is on issues associated with the control of air weapons. unknown. The current definition of “air weapons” has often been raised and I was slightly surprised to see that the Bill Some 52% of all Scottish airgun crime takes place in uses the 1968 definition, because an issue had previously the Strathclyde police area and this appears to be an arisen regarding the proper definition of “air weapons”. urban problem, rather than a countrywide problem. I am sure that other hon. Members will deal with that in The call in this Bill for the devolution of airgun legislation greater detail. I took the opportunity at today’s Home has been made following the tragic death of two-year-old Office questions to ask the Home Secretary when she Andrew Morton, who was shot with an airgun by planned to review that definition and one of her Ministers 27-year-old Mark Bonini, a drug user from Glasgow. said that he was not sure but he would come back to me The subsequent tabloid outrage and a campaign by the on it at some point. We need to be confident that the Scottish nationalists has resulted in a “Scottish appetite” definition is appropriate in respect of what the Calman for airgun legislation to be devolved, despite the fact commission recommended on air weapons and therefore that the current criminal justice system worked by sentencing what the Bill tries to do. Mark Bonini to life imprisonment. 703 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 704

[Geoffrey Clifton-Brown] in the Crime and Security Act 2010 to ensure that children do not have unrestricted access to airguns—came There is therefore really no need for any further into effect only last month. amendments to the firearms legislation. Numerous pieces There is good evidence to suggest that increased of legislation are available to the police across Great powers, proper enforcement and education are behind Britain to deal with the misuse of airguns and three the fall in airgun misuse that is most pronounced north further pieces of airgun legislation have recently been of the border. The Government and Parliament are in passed by Westminster: the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, the middle of a review of firearms legislation in the the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006, and the Crime wake of Whitehaven, and Parliament is awaiting a and Security Act 2010. The Scottish police can also use response from the Home Office to the Select Committee the offence of reckless discharge, which is not available on Home Affairs report on firearms. Devolving power south of the border. over airguns in Scotland would be premature, would ignore the wider review and would mean having piecemeal Thomas Docherty: The hon. Gentleman said that legislation on firearms in response to outrage, which 50% of these incidents took place in the Strathclyde would damage effective legislation and enforcement. police area and that there was some sort of link with The Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland this being an urban crime, not a rural one. Given that has stated that the Strathclyde police area stretches from the Dumfriesshire “in the ideal world, for the sake of lack of confusion…one set of border with Ayrshire into the lowlands of the highlands, legislation would be the best option”, I am puzzled as to how he makes that link between and that, given the number of airguns in circulation, urban crime and the Strathclyde police area. “in relation to cost and resources from a policing perspective, there would be a definitive impact”. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: It comes from the number of offences that have been reported—no more, no less. The It has also said that regulating airguns in Scotland average number of Scottish airgun offences per annum could be difficult and costly. It stated: since 1996 is 565 and the number of incidents has been “Ideally, we would prefer them to come under the Firearms falling since 2006-07. Act”— The apparent rise in the use of airguns is likely to be that of 1968, to which the hon. Member for Rutherglen the result of improved police reporting procedures, but and Hamilton West referred, and that of 1997, in particular, other weapons, especially knives, are much more likely both of which are referred to in my amendment— to be used in homicide offences in Scotland and, indeed, “so we don’t have two sets of rules.” elsewhere. There is nothing peculiarly Scottish about If a licensing system of air weapons was introduced, airgun controls or crime, so there is no justification for it would have a disproportionate effect on the operational creating a system for Scotland that differs from the capacity of the Scottish police forces. As I have said, current regime in England. It is not enough for Ministers they would not have the time or the manpower to deal to wash their hands of it on the ground that the democratic with the issue properly. The new work load would process will produce the right answer. The campaign for require a serious displacement of staff from other more the devolution of powers regarding airguns has been important fields such as crime prevention and detection. fuelled by tabloid scaremongering such as that around Any change to laws on airgun ownership proposed by the recent incident in Auchinleck in Ayrshire. It was the Scottish Government could criminalise an estimated initially reported that 18 schoolchildren had been shot 500,000 law-abiding airgun owners in Scotland overnight. by a sniper armed with an airgun equipped with a The consequences of any change in controls over air muzzle, but it later turned out that eight children had weapons in Scotland would not be confined to Scotland, been hit by plastic pellets from a BB toy gun. but no consultations have been launched to canvass the The coalition has rightly resolutely opposed knee-jerk opinions of people in England and Wales who might be legislation on firearms that is not based on sound affected by such changes when they travel over the evidence. The Calman commission produced no argument border. Any ban on air weapon ownership imposed by for devolving powers on airguns beyond the statement the Scottish Government would adversely affect trade that and would lead to a significant bill for compensation “there is appetite to deal with airguns differently in Scotland.” for those who legitimately own air weapons. Is the Minister going to pay compensation to those people I submit to the Minister that that is not a good basis for who suddenly find themselves with illegal weapons, or legislating on this matter. The commission produced no will the weapons simply become useless, in which case evidence to back that up. those people will lose out considerably? The coalition has advocated having easily understood legislation that protects public safety, whichever part of the United Kingdom one comes from. Public safety is 7.15 pm endangered by complex firearms laws, and having a The absence of border controls between Scotland, different regime for airguns in Scotland will increase the England and Wales is likely to lead to non-compliance. complexity of firearms laws. Devolving power over If the Minister doubts that, let me cite an example. airguns will destroy the internal logic of firearms legislation Since the 2004 English ban on self-contained air cartridge as a reserve power and will fuel calls for the devolution firearms, which are often called Brococks, of the 70,000 of all firearms law, which I note the Bill specifically estimated to be in circulation, less than 10% have been does not do; all the most serious firearms legislation is registered, so there is widespread breaking of the law, still reserved to the United Kingdom Parliament. There but few people that I know of have been prosecuted are already 36 offences that can be applied in relation to because it simply is not possible to find them. Major airgun misuse. The most recent legislation—the requirement restriction on air weapon ownership would make it 705 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 706 impossible for Scotland to host the Commonwealth public attention, and they were supported in that cause games or other major sporting events, as the hon. Member by politicians, civic groups and everyone who took an for Rutherglen and Hamilton West pointed out. interest in the subject. Let me put my suggestions and alternatives to the Minister and then I will conclude. Education is having Michael Connarty: I worry when a Scottish National an impact. BASC, which I have mentioned, runs “young party Member accepts the kind of smear on Scotland shots” days, and the Scottish Countryside Alliance offers that the hon. Member for The Cotswolds (Geoffrey next-generation days, at which BASC Scotland provides Clifton-Brown) made. If we look at the press in England, airgun and shotgun tuition to teach and remind many we see there has been a succession of shootings and hundreds of youngsters about the safe and proper way killings using handguns, not airguns, in and around the to use airguns—something to which we would all subscribe. cities of England. The seriousness of the issue of deaths We should continue to encourage the police to circulate being caused by those carrying firearms is much greater BASC’s airgun codes of practice, which already reach in England than in Scotland, so let us not get things out tens of thousands of people, and focus on enforcing of perspective. existing law. We should also encourage people to try target shooting with airguns at clubs so that people of Pete Wishart: I will come to the issue of firearms, all ages can learn about the safe use of airguns in a which is central to our amendment, in order that we controlled environment by qualified instructors and can, in Scotland, have responsibility for firearms, as realise that airguns are capable of inflicting a lethal well as for air weapons, which are, as we all acknowledge, injury if misused. a significant problem in our community. It is important I have to say to the Minister that I think the whole that we have legislative responsibility for all such weapons airgun issue has been driven by a tabloid press feeding in Scotland so that we can make our own laws, not just frenzy on one or two incidents. I understand that, and in regard to airguns, but in regard to all serious weapons. the same thing would happen if those incidents occurred A fantastic campaign led to calls for Scotland to in England. secure legislative competence for airguns, which we are doing today. It led to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice, Jim McGovern: The hon. Gentleman mentions the Kenny MacAskill, writing to Jacqui Smith several years tabloid press. I am sure he is aware that in the past week ago to ask that Scotland be considered as a pilot area or so, the tabloid press have had a feeding frenzy about for the licensing of airguns, and subsequently to a two football coaches in Glasgow falling out with each summit of all stakeholders to consider the problem in other, but there does not seem to have been the same Scotland and propose a way of dealing with it. Many feeding frenzy about an England football player taking interesting issues were explored at that firearms summit. an air weapon to a training ground and shooting someone. The Scottish Government went as far as publishing the necessary parliamentary order to transfer the power Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: I welcome that intervention. quickly so that they could start to deal with the issue in I take any infringement of airgun law very seriously Scotland. indeed. Anyone who has an airgun, firearm or shotgun Why do we want legislative competence? I have explained should use it safely and according to the law. I do not why we think the situation in Scotland is different and diminish incidents when they happen; I am merely why Scotland needs the power, but what we can do with saying that whether they happened in Scotland or England it? This might satisfy the hon. Member for The Cotswolds there would be the same tabloid coverage. I simply say, about our intentions: it is not about trying to stop in all seriousness to all concerned, that I think we are sporting events or getting in the way of the Commonwealth better with one set of UK-wide firearms legislation, games. That is nonsense. They will go ahead. Many given that this is such a serious subject, so that everyone constituents of mine enjoy and participate in events who uses a firearm of any sort, whether a shotgun, with all manner of rifles and I have no problem with airgun or licensed firearm, knows exactly what the law that. is. Having different laws in the Principalities of the The power would allow us to examine the issue United Kingdom will lead to trouble. seriously. The intention is to put together a Scottish firearms consultative panel involving all the key stakeholders Pete Wishart: Doing things differently in Scotland to establish a range of views on the issue. One of its first from the rest of the United Kingdom is what we call tasks would be to develop and consider the merits of a devolution, and I say to the hon. Member for The pilot licensing scheme for air weapons. This would Cotswolds (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown) that we make no enable the Scottish Government to test the practicalities apologies for representing our constituencies and of air weapon licensing. It would also test whether air communities. If this is the legislation that our communities weapon licensing can operate effectively without wider want, it is up to us as their elected Members to secure it. reform of the firearms legislation. A pilot could take I strongly welcome the clause and I congratulate the place in one or more areas in Scotland. Calman parties on introducing it. It is one of the few Our strong view, as I said to the hon. Member for examples in the Bill of a real and positive transfer of Linlithgow and East Falkirk (Michael Connarty), is powers from the Scotland Office to Scottish Ministers, that air weapons are only part of the story when it in recognition of the very significant and different comes to dangerous weapons in Scotland. At the firearms issues in Scotland. The hon. Member for The Cotswolds summit in 2008 there was clear agreement that the mentioned the tragic incident in 2005 when young Andrew current firearms legislation is not fit for purpose. Something Morton lost his life at the hands of someone with an must be done to improve the situation. It needs to be airgun. It was not the tabloid press but his parents who comprehensively reviewed. I accept that a review is started a remarkable campaign to bring the issue to taking place and we will wait to see its conclusions, but 707 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 708

[Pete Wishart] Pete Wishart: Indeed, we do support the clause as it stands. I know that the right hon. Gentleman is an we need action. If that cannot happen at UK level, and astute follower of what happens in the Scottish Parliament, if the legislation is not satisfactory, we insist that firearms so he will have heard Kenny MacAskill and other legislation control be handed to the Scottish Government colleagues saying on several occasions that what we so that we can make our own decisions about this require in Scotland is full control over all firearms critical issue. legislation. That was the outcome of the summit held back in 2008 and that is what we seek to achieve this Mr Davidson: The hon. Gentleman speaks about evening. We can achieve it. All we need to do is get the dangerous weapons. As he knows, more people are Committee to support us on amendment 3 this evening. killed in Scotland by knives than by guns of any kind. Since its inception, the Scottish Parliament has had full Michael Connarty: Will the hon. Gentleman explain control over knives, yet that problem has not been how that would operate? I deal with firearms quite a lot resolved. Will he clarify for me why he has such touching in my constituency. I would like to hear what the faith to believe that simply transferring control over air difference would be if legislative control were transferred. weapons to Scotland will resolve the matter, when having The regime is very strictly run by the police, and the full power over knives has not done so? laws encompass everyone in the UK.

Pete Wishart: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman Pete Wishart: I am about to come to that. Let me for raising the topic of knives. I am sure he would be the explain first what we are trying to achieve with the first to congratulate the Scottish Government on reducing amendment, and I will then deal with the hon. Gentleman’s the number of knife-related incidents in Scotland in the wider point. He may intervene again if he feels that he is past few years. It is a remarkable achievement that in not getting a satisfactory response. four years of SNP government, we have made real progress in reducing knife crime significantly. Our amendment deletes a small section that states that power over the control of “specially dangerous” Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: The hon. Gentleman seems weapons remains with the Secretary of State. It ensures to be arguing that he wants to go further than the Bill that the Scottish Parliament will have the power to by devolving all firearms legislation to Scotland. The legislate for all air weapons, including the “specially Scottish Bill Committee, in which he placed so much dangerous” weapons that require a firearms certificate. faith at the beginning of the proceedings, was split on The Bill as it stands includes a power for the Secretary the vote. Clearly, it is not the overwhelming opinion in of State to designate “specially dangerous” air weapons, Scotland that all firearms legislation ought to be devolved. which would then fall under the reserved regime that applies to all other firearms. In that case, the power would lie with the UK Government and Ministers and Pete Wishart: I accept that, but it is our strong view would not be subject to any approval from Scottish that all firearms legislation should be devolved to the Ministers or the Scottish Parliament. Scottish Parliament because it would enable us to ensure that we could deal with all the issues relating to firearms. We therefore propose that the relevant power be exercised with the consent of the Scottish Parliament, David Mundell: It would be helpful if the hon. Gentleman even if is not transferred. We believe that this is important defined who “our”is. As he knows, the Scottish Government because there are different and distinct issues relating to have tabled their own draft legislative consent motion in firearms in Scotland. I do not want to mention specifically the Scottish Parliament, in which they agree with the all the tragedies that have taken place. We have only to clause and do not suggest that there should be any recall Dunblane several years ago to recognise the very further devolution of powers in relation to air weapons. real issues that we have in Scotland involving firearms. It would be much more sensible for all firearms to be Pete Wishart: As I said at the start of my remarks, we under one control in one central point. Scottish police welcome the clause. It is a real transfer of power—one forces have taken great interest in our plea and they of the few transfers of powers in the Bill. Of course we would be interested in developing and exercising it. support the clause. I have argued consistently that our We want to avoid complication. Our amendment intention is to improve and strengthen the Bill to deal would devolve legislative competence for all air weapons with some important issues. If our amendment is accepted, to the Scottish Parliament. I intend to press the amendment we have an opportunity to deal not only with air weapons, to a Division because it is important. This is one of the but with firearms in their totality. Surely that is a better few opportunities that we will get to improve the Bill situation to be in than having responsibility for just one significantly and ensure that all weapons are included in aspect. it. It is a small measure designed to improve the Bill, as we said we would, and I urge the entire Committee to David Mundell rose— support it.

Pete Wishart: I know that I will get the same sort of Cathy Jamieson: I welcome the opportunity to make question again, but I will give way to the Minister. a contribution to this part of the debate. I hope it will be one based on the experience of representing an area David Mundell: I do not want to be picky, but in the that has had its fair share of difficulties with airguns, LCM that the Scottish Government have lodged, they and of four years as the Justice Minister in Scotland, suggest a significant number of amendments to the Bill including at the time of the incident that has been and state their views on re-reservation and so on, but referred to when a toddler lost his life in the east end of they are clear that they support the clause as it stands. Glasgow as a result of an air weapon. Far from responding 709 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 710 to any media frenzy, I hope that I was able as a politician injured, albeit by what the hon. Member for The Cotswolds to respond to the real tragedy for people in the local described as a toy BB gun—I have more to say on that community, not least the child’s parents, who witnessed in a moment—and required hospital treatment, so I the event and had to deal with the consequences. hope that he is not suggesting that it is not necessary to At that point, when there were demands for an have a serious look at how that gun got into the hands immediate, all-out ban on air weapons, I took the view of the people who used it, what they were doing with it that we should take a considered approach that looked and why they became involved in such an incident. To at the evidence and brought together the police and be honest, I recognise where he is coming from in other organisations. At that stage I met a number of relation to his sporting and shooting interests, but I find those organisations. I believed that it was best to deal it difficult to understand in any event why anyone living with the situation not through a piecemeal approach, in an urban environment would require an air weapon but by working with the UK Government to secure in their home. It is time we looked at the issue, and I changes on sentencing and tightening the legislation, hope that that is something a licensing or other regime which we did, and with a view to looking at how a in Scotland could deal with. licensing regime could operate in Scotland in future. I I want to say something about firearms in general. I welcome the clause that will give the Scottish Parliament accept many of the points made by the hon. Member the opportunity to do something about this. for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart), but I do not believe that at this stage we require responsibility 7.30 pm for the whole range of firearms legislation to be devolved Let me make a few comments to clear up some to the Scottish Parliament. However, I do think that it is misunderstandings about the types of areas where there incumbent on the UK Government—perhaps the Minister have been incidents with air weapons. The hon. Member will indicate what discussions he will have or has had for The Cotswolds (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown) said that with Home Office colleagues—to ensure that the provisions most of these incidents occur in the Strathclyde region. of the 1968 Act still stand the test of time. The worst If he looks at a map of the Strathclyde region, he will possible thing that could happen is that we devolve see its size and scale and note that it takes in not only something and discover subsequently that we will have cities and large towns, but small towns, rural areas, to revisit it, for example if the definition of what remote rural areas, islands and everything in between. It constitutes an airgun is no longer seen to meet the needs is not entirely accurate to suggest that because the of the legislation we are devolving. figures relate largely to Strathclyde it is not a problem I want to say something on BB guns, because I know for the rest of Scotland. Indeed, the opposite could be that in many instances they are the weapons—I use the argued; the region takes up so much of Scotland that if word “weapons”, rather than toys because of the damage it is a problem there, we can be pretty sure that it is a they can inflict—that cause exactly the problems that problem elsewhere. the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan (Dr Whiteford) The hon. Member for The Cotswolds also mentioned identified. I also believe that there is a gap in the an incident that occurred only a couple of weeks ago in legislation, because those weapons appear to be easily Auchinleck, which is in my constituency. Of course, not available, particularly to children and young people. absolutely everything that appears in the tabloid press is The fact that they are not covered by legislation sends 100% accurate. Only a few weeks ago there was some entirely the wrong message. I would be interested to interesting reporting of a junior football match between hear whether the Minister will have discussions with his Auchinleck Talbot and Cumnock Juniors that suggested Home Office colleagues to take that forward. that mounted police were involved in something akin to I appreciate that other Members want to comment in the charge of the Light Brigade. A constituent suggested the debate and so do not intend to speak for much to me that when the horses came on to the pitch it was longer. I feel that the time is right, and I have given the more like dressage than a charge, so I understand that matter careful consideration because my initial response things can be exaggerated. However, in an era of mobile when Justice Minister, as I have said, was that we should phones and 24-hour news, I also understand that any not legislate or press for legislation in haste. It is four incident witnessed in a local community is likely to get years since that time, and considerably longer since the into the public domain quickly, as people will report it incident in Easterhouse, so no one could accuse us of to newspapers or online, perhaps on Facebook. Indeed, legislating in haste when we take these measures forward. that is where many of my constituents first heard about the incident in Auchinleck. Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: The hon. Lady is making a Dr Eilidh Whiteford (Banff and Buchan) (SNP): Does cogent and reasonable case, and I am interested to hear the hon. Lady share my experience that the abuse of air what she has to say as a former Justice Minister. In the weapons often involves not only the cases that make the Andrew Morton case, as I said in my contribution, newspapers, but the distressing circumstances of much-loved Mark Bonini was sentenced to life imprisonment, so family pets being injured or killed when shot at? Those what does she think it is about the current laws that are stories never make the headlines, but they nevertheless not working and need to be modified? cause great distress in communities. Cathy Jamieson: I hear what the hon. Gentleman Cathy Jamieson: I absolutely agree. Of course, those says, but I say to him gently that the people of Easterhouse, are the types of incidents that local newspapers report and perhaps people more widely in Scotland, feel that far more regularly than national newspapers. legislation that would prevent someone like that from Information about the incident in Auchinleck quickly having an air weapon in their home in the middle of got into the public domain, some of which was not Easterhouse would be of assistance. That is why there is absolutely accurate. A number of school pupils were strong support in Scotland for a ban on air weapons. 711 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 712

[Cathy Jamieson] I agree with my hon. Friend the Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun that we need to be clear about what we That is not the province of any particularly political are doing in passing this element of the Bill. Indeed, on party, but something that has united people across Second Reading, I asked the Minister whether he had political organisations and local communities. consulted his colleagues in the Home Office to ensure I said that it is not about legislating in haste. I believe that we had the definitions right and did not allow some that the time has come to look at how we can ensure air weapons to fall outside the legislation. I should still that no other family goes through the same trauma as be interested to know what discussions he or his did the family in Easterhouse, but we will do that by departmental colleagues have had with the Home Office having workable legislation. I end on a note of caution, to ensure that we get the definitions right. because there are a number of areas where I think a I fully support the probing amendments that my hon. great deal of further work needs to be done to ensure, Friend the Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West for example, that the cross-border issues are manageable. (Tom Greatrex) has tabled, because the issue is not just We need to look at that in detail. It is entirely possible to about passing this element of the Bill, but about instilling look at exemptions for sporting activity, and I know in the House the confidence that, in passing the legislation, from my previous experience in the Scottish Parliament we have in place all the other elements that are required that fruitful discussions were held, and I am sure continue to make it an effective piece of devolution, while maintaining to be held, on the transport and use of guns for sporting safety both north and south of the border and not activities. This should not be the end of the matter. If allowing for any confusion, which might exist if we do the proposal is included and the Bill passed, it will be a not get the legislation right for those people who, as the stepping stone on a journey to ensure that, wherever Minister will know, cross the border regularly. I hope possible, we avoid such incidents as have been described that he will deal with the specific issues that have been and are able to look at how best the existing firearms raised. This is an issue not of principle, but of detail, legislation throughout, importantly, the United Kingdom and I hope that he will be able to give us some assurances can be strengthened. In particular, I make the plea, this evening. which I shall repeat when the review reports, for the 7.45 pm careful consideration of including in legislation BB guns and weapons like that to ensure that they do not Michael Connarty: I approach the issue from a slightly fall into the wrong hands. different position. I support clause 11, because it is sensible to route such decisions to the Scottish Government, Mrs McGuire: I am delighted to follow my hon. and amendments 17 and 18, which I hope the Government Friend the Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun (Cathy will take on board. Strangely, in a Committee of the Jamieson). For those colleagues who are not aware of whole House, Members do not necessarily receive from her work as a Justice Minister, I hope that they will see the Government the moderate responses that they would what she managed to do when she held that difficult if they were in Committee off the Floor of the House position and airguns became a major issue in Scotland. and outwith the view of the television cameras. Often, I acknowledge what she did. Ministers see the sense in amendments and accept them, but this is a much more public arena, so we might not I fear that the hon. Member for The Cotswolds get from the Government Front Bencher tonight the (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown), for whom many in the House sensible response that we would have had if we had been have great respect, has taken a big hit tonight, because off the Floor of the House. That is one of the problems in prosecuting his case he fails to understand that the of this theatre, as some people regard the Chamber. issue of air weapons is slightly different in Scotland. That is why we feel it important to allow the Scottish I have had to handle many matters to do with guns—to Parliament to regulate air weapons in Scotland. I, like do with normal firearms—because there is quite a large the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete shooting fraternity in my constituency. My constituency Wishart), have a large rural constituency, and I have is mostly urban, but it has a rural hinterland where had no correspondence—letters or e-mails— at all on people shoot in clubs, to get rid of vermin, which is the issue, yet many in my constituency see air weapons what farmers consider rabbits to be, and they go further as part of an introduction to country sports, and I fully north to shoot deer. It is an urban environment, and recognise that. with reference to the remarks of my good Friend the Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun (Cathy Jamieson), I fear also that the hon. Member for The Cotswolds strangely, where somebody lives does not necessarily anticipates what a Scottish Parliament might do with determine whether it is right for them to have a weapon such powers, but he has to recognise that it has Members of any kind; the question is what they are going to use it with urban constituencies and many with rural for, whether it is properly secured and whether they are constituencies, and they will take into account the balances properly licensed, controlled and monitored by the police. that have to be struck to ensure that they do not I hope that in this Bill we are giving to the Scottish undermine a way of life or an activity that is important Parliament the power to think about—in keeping the to many communities in Scotland. whole thing in perspective—what I would call regulation When the legislation banning handguns was passed rather than prohibition. The hon. Member for The in 1997, one argument was that it would undermine Cotswolds (Geoffrey Clifton-Brown) is partly concerned sporting activity. That has not happened, because in by the idea, whipped up by whomever, for whatever that legislation we ensured that there was a tight regime reasons and with the aid of whatever quality press, that and that any sporting activity was conducted in a safe we are talking about—and we do use the phrase—a ban context. That is what we are asking for in the Bill before on airguns in Scotland. I hope that that is not the case, us, because the debate has thrown up some issues that and we are not talking about someone running such a could cause confusion if they are not attended to properly. campaign. 713 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 714

The problem with prohibition, which was very well airguns that should be licensed universally on an all-UK exhibited in the USA when they tried to ban alcoholic basis. That will not undermine the ability of our drink, is that the banned item just goes underground. In communities to know that people who have unlicensed that situation, weapons would not only be used but airguns can be immediately notified to the police to traded, and unfortunately a large number of illicit users sqhave those firearms removed. might misuse them, so I hope that the Scottish Government are sensibly thinking about a regulatory regime for air David Mundell: I welcome you to the Chair, Mr Benton. weapons. People say that a licensing scheme will cost so I can assure the hon. Member for Linlithgow and much money that it will be easier or, certainly, cheaper East Falkirk (Michael Connarty) that nothing that the to introduce a ban, but I hope that in Scotland there is a Government put forward this evening is in any way sense of perspective, so that the issue, when it is transferred, determined by the fact that these proceedings are televised. will be about regulation, not prohibition. I hope that we are bringing forward a reasoned response That is not at all to diminish the serious effects of the to important issues that have been raised in the debate deranged misuse of such weapons. The hon. Member on these amendments. for Banff and Buchan (Dr Whiteford) was right to I wanted, during this discussion, to clarify the SNP’s point out that a lot of damage is done by misuse, position, and I am sure that the hon. Member for Perth particularly to domestic animals in our communities. I and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart) will understand am sure that it does not happen just in communities in why. I think that the logical explanation is that we now Scotland, either, and that the hon. Member for The have devolution in the SNP, with a London SNP that is Cotswolds did not mean to smear the good name of proposing an amendment to clause 11 and an Edinburgh urban communities in Scotland, because we know of SNP that is in agreement with it as it stands. In those the terrible catalogue of murders by people using guns— circumstances, I find it extremely odd that the hon. firearms, not airguns—in England. I am sure that airguns Gentleman suggested that he was going to push this are misused a lot in communities in England. matter to a Division. He will have seen the Scottish Parliament’s Scotland Bill Committee report, which, in Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: The hon. Gentleman has paragraphs 142 to 144, confirms that it was a unanimous been a Member for a long time and, in fact, as long as I view of that Committee that clause 11 should be supported. have. I did not in any way mean to smear the people of It states: Scotland, as he has impugned from my remarks; that “We note that this excludes those air rifles, air guns or air was not what I said at all. Does he, in turn, recognise pistols which are of a type declared by rules made by the Secretary that the vast majority of firearms offences and, indeed, of State under section 53 of the 1968 Act to be ‘specially dangerous’. These particular weapons are already banned and we see no airgun offences are carried out by unlicensed users? We reason why this would change.” can have in place whatever regime we like, but those The Committee went on unanimously to recommend offences will still occur from time to time. support for clause 11. Michael Connarty: I wish that we could expunge Dr Whiteford: I have here a copy of the Scotland Bill from the memories of the people of Scotland, particularly Committee report, which came out last week. If the central Scotland, the fact that a licensed gun owner right hon. Gentleman looks at paragraph 142 and the used guns that were then allowed to create the carnage footnote attached to it, he will see that in fact there was at Dunblane. It is not wrong to say that by regulating a division on that point and the view was not unanimous and banning the possession of handguns we did something at all. very positive. There are times when controls are needed. In the United States of America, people can buy what David Mundell: The hon. Lady will also be aware of are basically machine guns over the counter; we cannot, the text of the LCM to be put forward by the Scottish thank goodness. This obviously has a lot to do with the Government. Her Scottish Parliament colleague, Fiona person who misuses the weapon, but it is also about its Hyslop, kindly sent it to me, listing several clauses to availability in the first place. which the Scottish Government want changes made. I hope that whatever regime is introduced in Scotland Clause 11 is clearly stated not to be one of them. will be strict. A regular firearm user who is a hunter recently came to see me about relicensing and could Dr Whiteford: May I once again draw the Minister’s show me that they had a strongroom that was totally attention to paragraph 142 and footnote 28, which secure, which meant that access to their guns would be clearly show that two members of the Committee, Brian very difficult for anyone. Their licence was approved by Adam and Tricia Marwick, caused a split on the issue? the local police, and it was a very thorough operation. I Will he acknowledge that for the record? do not know whether that operation could be replicated David Mundell: I acknowledge for the record that the for airguns, but that would stop a lot of the illicit vote took place, but I also point out to the hon. Lady possession. It is much easier for the local community annex A, where the minority views on the issues on around the area to know that someone is misusing such which her colleagues felt particularly strongly are set a gun if they possess it without a licence, in a similar out, clearly stating their disagreement. way as applies to the possession of ordinary guns. I hope that my hon. Friend the Member for Kilmarnock Stewart Hosie: This is not good enough. The Minister and Loudoun agrees with that. said that the Bill Committee was unanimous, but the I hope that the Minister is listening to the support for footnote makes it clear that it was not—there was a these small amendments, which are useful and helpful. division and a split vote. Will he now take the opportunity With apologies to those to aspire to have this in Scotland to correct what he said so that the Committee is not because we are Scottish, there are some serious types of inadvertently misled by his earlier remarks? 715 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 716

David Mundell: I certainly would not want the Committee such views move the argument on to the Scottish Parliament to be misled by anything that I said. I referred to the if the clause is agreed to, because that is the appropriate paragraphs in the Scotland Bill Committee report, where place for the debate to take place. it is clear that the Committee formed the view that it did. It is also clear that the Scottish Government have Michael Connarty: Will the Minister clarify the other come forward with an LCM that supports this clause as point that he made? If I understood him correctly, he it stands. said that the air weapons that are not covered by the Clause 11 devolves a power to the Scottish Parliament Bill, which the SNP is trying to amend so that they have in relation to the regulation of air weapons. This would power over such weapons, are already banned. The only enable the Scottish Parliament to legislate, if it wished, thing that could be done differently would be to unban to create a separate regulatory regime for air weapons in them. The SNP is therefore asking for the power to Scotland. Members will wish to note that, as I said, the unban weapons that are banned. Is that correct? Bill Committee in the Scottish Parliament accepted the provision, and we wait to see the outcome of the debate David Mundell: The hon. Gentleman makes a useful on its LCM and the LCM proposed by the Scottish intervention. The division that took place in the Scotland Government. Bill Committee in the Scottish Parliament, to which we After careful consideration, the Calman commission have referred, was on exactly that point. concluded that firearms law should not be devolved in full. It is generally acknowledged that the UK already Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: Does my hon. Friend agree has some of the toughest firearm controls in the world that it would make a nonsense of all firearms laws if the and that the current unified regime represents the best Scottish Parliament banned air weapons completely, way of tackling the problems that exist in relation to because people would still have legitimate licences for armed crime. The commission did recommend devolving serious firearms, while airguns would be banned? Does power over a specific category—air weapons. The he agree that that would be a complete anomaly? Government agree with this recommendation. Air weapons are the type of guns most often involved in firearms David Mundell: I do not accept that it is inevitable offences, and given the nature of their misuse most that the clause or the Bill will lead to an anomalous frequently to cause criminal damage, as we have heard, situation. As I have said, it is for those who advocate a they are best controlled at the level closest to those ban to make their case and for those who believe that it affected. Reference was made to the specifics of the would be a retrograde step to make theirs. recent incident in Auchinleck, which demonstrated and As the hon. Member for Kilmarnock and Loudoun reaffirmed the continuing concern in Scotland about said of her time as Justice Minister—I am sure this is the use of air weapons. also the case with the current Justice Minister—the Scottish Government need to have a close working Cathy Jamieson: Given the Minister’s comments, will relationship with the Home Office and the Home Secretary he make it clear for the record that if the clause goes to ensure that there is a coherent interlinking of the through and the Bill is passed, a future Scottish Parliament measures determined here and in Scotland, just as with could, if it wished, ban air weapons completely? any devolved matter. I assure the right hon. Member for Stirling (Mrs McGuire) that there have been discussions David Mundell: The hon. Lady makes an important on all aspects of the Bill with the relevant Departments. point that also relates to the concerns of my hon. The Secretary of State for Scotland has met the Home Friend the Member for The Cotswolds (Geoffrey Clifton- Secretary. We are clear that the clause will provide the Brown). In fact, passing the clause will not in itself ban Scottish Parliament with the powers it needs to deal air weapons of the category defined in Scotland. That is with air weapons, as proposed by the Calman commission. a point that I want to make to my hon. Friend. Mrs McGuire: Will there be a clear definition of what exactly is understood by “air weapons”? It is not the 8pm discussions that are important, but the definition and Cathy Jamieson: I appreciate that, but the point I was the clarity of the legislation. trying to get at, although perhaps I did not make myself clear enough, was whether, if the Bill is passed, the David Mundell: I will come on to that later in my Scottish Parliament could enact a complete ban on air remarks. We are satisfied that the definition, as set out weapons if it chose to do so. in this legislation, is appropriate to deal with the issues raised by the Calman commission. David Mundell: The Scottish Parliament will be able to enact a complete ban on air weapons that fall within Cathy Jamieson: Given my concern about BB guns, the definition. The important point for colleagues such will the Minister answer the question that I posed about as my hon. Friend is that those who do not agree with whether he has had any discussions with the Home that course of action will be able to argue their case in Office on that matter? Is there a way to ensure that the the Scottish Parliament. The hon. Member for Kilmarnock Scottish Parliament can deal with that problem? and Loudoun (Cathy Jamieson) set out a strong case on the basis of her considerable experience, respected views David Mundell: The hon. Lady has just under three and strong beliefs. I felt that my hon. Friend also set out weeks to raise that issue in the Scottish Parliament in a strong view, although Opposition Members and indeed her capacity as a Member of that Parliament. On a UK Members of my party in the Scottish Parliament might basis, I am happy to undertake to raise with the Home not subscribe to it. It is important that people who hold Secretary the concerns that she has set out this evening. 717 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 718

Stewart Hosie: That answer was interesting. Presumably I also understand concerns that devolved powers it means that BB weapons, such as those that have been could be used in such a way as to prevent such competitions described, are not covered by the legislation, in terms of from taking place in Scotland and that that would affect being devolved to the Scottish Parliament. Will the disciplines in the Commonwealth games. Although I Minister confirm that that is the case? understand that the air pistols and air rifles used at that high level of competition are relatively expensive and David Mundell: My understanding is that the Scottish built to high specification for their grip and accuracy, it Parliament would at this stage be able to take forward would be difficult in practice to differentiate those its own proposals in relation to a gun or implement of intended for such use from other high-spec weapons that type. As I understand it, we are not at the stage of that are used in lesser competitions or for hunting small having a definition for the weapon in relation to the game or for vermin control. incident, but there are implements of that nature for The Calman commission took the view, and the which the Scottish Parliament already has the power to coalition Government agree, that there is a case for air make provision, as the hon. Gentleman knows. weapons being controlled at the most local level. We must accept that the natural result of devolution is that Fiona O’Donnell (East Lothian) (Lab): Will the Minister separate rules may apply in different areas of the UK. confirm that BB guns are covered by the 1968 Act? Apart from the question of principle, it would be confusing and potentially difficult to split air weapons into different David Mundell: There are definitions in the 1968 Act categories when there is no clear difference in muscle of certain weapons. A BB gun is not defined as a type of energy between a gun used for competition shooting at gun in that regard. It would be within the remit of the an international level and one used for lesser competitions Scottish Parliament to make provisions in that regard or other sporting purposes. as part of its ongoing responsibilities. Amendment 38 would restrict the power of the Scottish The clause will allow the Scottish Parliament the Parliament to air pistols and air rifles with a muzzle freedom to design its own controls over air weapons, energy below 6 foot/lbs. That means that any air rifle while allowing the UK Government to retain a consistent that has a muzzle energy between 6 and 12 foot/lbs regulatory framework across the UK for the most dangerous would not be subject to any new controls that the weapons. That will send the clear signal that the UK Scottish Parliament tried to introduce, but remain subject does not tolerate deadly weapons. As I have said, it is to the Firearms Act 1968. Most modern air rifles fall important to note that we are considering not what law within that range. Anything above what is already declared on air weapons should apply in Scotland, but who to be “specially dangerous”by rules made by the Secretary should be responsible for taking that decision. The of State under section 53 of the 1968 Act becomes clause will not automatically create a separate regime in subject to the requirement to hold and abide by a Scotland, but it will give the Scottish Parliament firearms certificate under section 1 and will not be responsibility for that decision. Any consideration of devolved. It is right to retain a common framework an alternative regime will require the Scottish Government, across Great Britain for the most lethal weapons. As I the Scottish Parliament and other stakeholders to listen have already said, I see no reason to try to split up to all the views represented in Scotland and, crucially, responsibility for the lower powered air weapons that to work through any cross-border issues that arise. we are devolving in the Bill. Calman did not recommend that, and it is wrong that the Scottish Parliament should Amendment 39 would ensure that the 1968 Act continues not be able to exercise control over the majority of air to apply until the Scottish Parliament puts a new regulatory rifles in use today. regime in place. Amendment 3 would omit the words in the exception to the reservation, which provides for the Home Secretary The Temporary Chair (Mr Joe Benton): Order. I am to retain powers for declaring air weapons “specially sorry to interrupt the Minister, but the background dangerous”. Those are subject to stricter controls because noise is getting too high and it is difficult to hear. I want they need to be tackled on a consistent basis throughout to hear the Minister. the United Kingdom. The effect of declaring an air weapon “specially dangerous” is that it becomes subject David Mundell: Thank you, Mr Benton. to the requirement to hold and abide by a firearms I assure my hon. Friend the Member for The Cotswolds certificate under section 1 of the 1968 Act. Currently, that the control of air weapons in Scotland will not fall air pistols that generate a muzzle energy in excess of into a state of limbo. By devolving power, we are not 6 foot/lbs, and other air weapons that generate a muzzle disapplying the present regime, but simply allowing the energy in excess of 12 foot/lbs are declared to be specially Scottish Parliament to change the laws that currently dangerous for those purposes. apply to air weapons, should it so wish. Until such a In essence, air weapons that are the subject of such time, the existing rules will apply. I therefore suggest to rules or orders are classified as firearms under section 1 my hon. Friend that his amendment is unnecessary. or prohibited weapons under section 5. Since the regulation Amendment 17 would prevent the Scottish Parliament of such firearms and prohibited weapons will remain from putting any controls on air weapons intended for reserved, as recommended by Calman, it follows that use in recognised international sporting competitions. the power to decide what is a section 1 firearm or a The Government recognise the legitimacy and responsibility prohibited weapon should also remain reserved. of those who take part in safe and undoubtedly well- Amendment 18 would address cross-border issues, regulated use of air weapons for target shooting purposes. which several hon. Members raised. We should remind We fully accept that individuals engaged in such activity ourselves that the Bill is simply devolving the power to are highly unlikely to misuse their weapons. regulate air weapons—not setting out the framework 719 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 720

[David Mundell] East Lothian (Fiona O’Donnell). They highlighted the point on definitions that I tried to make at Home Office for regulation itself. Any discussions about future questions earlier. I hope that he will reflect properly on operational challenges are therefore largely hypothetical that prior to Report, particularly in the light of the at this stage. How far any alternative regime will differ points made by my right hon. Friend the Member for from that which applies in England and Wales has yet Stirling (Mrs McGuire). to be determined. As I said, I encourage my hon. Friend I am conscious that a number of hon. Members are the Member for The Cotswolds to try to ensure that the in the Chamber and I am sure they have other things to debate that he set out this evening moves to the Scottish get on with this evening. I hope the Minister reflects on Parliament, if it is to consider those matters. Of course my proposals. If he is unable to change his mind, we I accept that there could well be differences in its may return to them on Report. I beg to ask leave to approach to controls, but that is a natural consequence withdraw the amendment. of devolution. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. The Scottish Government will, of course, need to consider carefully how any new controls in Scotland Amendment proposed: 3, page 7, line 27, leave out will dovetail with the law in England and Wales, Europe from ‘1968’ to end of line 34.—(Pete Wishart.) and the rest of the world. I am sure that they will Question put, That the amendment be made. consult widely if they choose to change the law. If the The Committee divided: Ayes 8, Noes 392. Scottish Government introduced licensing for air weapons, they would need to consider what form of temporary Division No. 216] [8.18 pm licence a visitor from outside Scotland needed on or before entry. Any such temporary licence could not be AYES checked if the visitor’s first port of call was England or Hosie, Stewart Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Wales, so the Scottish Government would need to think Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Wishart, Pete about how they might enforce such a requirement. Lucas, Caroline MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Tellers for the Ayes: Geoffrey Clifton-Brown: Will my hon. Friend address Robertson, Angus Jonathan Edwards and the point that I made before he concludes? What will Weir, Mr Mike Hywel Williams happen to those people who currently have air weapons that are perfectly legal but would become illegal if the NOES Scottish Parliament changed the rules? Would they be Abrahams, Debbie Bone, Mr Peter compensated? Adams, Nigel Brady, Mr Graham Afriyie, Adam Bray, Angie 8.15 pm Aldous, Peter Brazier, Mr Julian David Mundell: It would be entirely for the Scottish Alexander, rh Danny Bridgen, Andrew Parliament to determine what regime they introduced if Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Brine, Mr Steve they created a restriction. It would not be a matter for Ali, Rushanara Brokenshire, James the coalition Government. There was no suggestion of Amess, Mr David Brooke, Annette Anderson, Mr David Browne, Mr Jeremy compensation from this Parliament or Government. Andrew, Stuart Bruce, Fiona I recognise the strength of feeling of hon. Members Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Bruce, rh Malcolm of all parties on the issue. As I said, there are important Austin, Ian Bryant, Chris implementation matters to be considered, alongside Bacon, Mr Richard Buckland, Mr Robert awareness raising and education to ensure that those Bagshawe, Ms Louise Burley, Mr Aidan who currently hold and use air weapons lawfully are not Bailey, Mr Adrian Burns, Conor unwittingly affected. However, I would argue that these Bain, Mr William Burns, rh Mr Simon are questions for the Scottish Parliament. Today, we are Baker, Norman Burstow, Paul considering whether to support the recommendation of Baker, Steve Burt, Alistair the Calman commission, which the Government have Baldry, Tony Burt, Lorely Balls, rh Ed Byles, Dan included in the Bill and has the support of the Scottish Barclay, Stephen Byrne, rh Mr Liam Parliament Committee. I therefore urge hon. Members Baron, Mr John Cable, rh Vince not to press their amendments to a vote. Barron, rh Mr Kevin Campbell, Mr Alan Barwell, Gavin Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Tom Greatrex: I am disappointed with some of the Bayley, Hugh Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair content of the Minister’s response. In respect of amendment Bebb, Guto Carmichael, Neil 17, I understand that the Scottish Parliament and the Beith, rh Sir Alan Carswell, Mr Douglas SNP—whether the Edinburgh SNP or the London SNP—is Bellingham, Mr Henry Cash, Mr William included in a cross-party understanding of what is Benn, rh Hilary Chishti, Rehman required to ensure that the Commonwealth games are Benyon, Richard Clappison, Mr James properly protected. I am sure that that will endure. Beresford, Sir Paul Clifton-Brown, Geoffrey I am more confident on that than on the Minister’s Berger, Luciana Coaker, Vernon comments on amendment 18. The amendment is intended Berry, Jake Coffey, Dr Thérèse to be helpful to the UK Government, which has a Binley, Mr Brian Collins, Damian Birtwistle, Gordon Colvile, Oliver responsibility to ensure cohesion, so that things do not Blackman, Bob Connarty, Michael slip through the net. Blears, rh Hazel Cooper, Rosie I was concerned with the Minister’s hesitation on BB Blenkinsop, Tom Cox, Mr Geoffrey guns in response to my hon. Friends the Members for Blomfield, Paul Crabb, Stephen Kilmarnock and Loudoun (Cathy Jamieson) and for Blunt, Mr Crispin Crausby, Mr David 721 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 722

Crockart, Mike Hancock, Mr Mike Maynard, Paul Reeves, Rachel Crouch, Tracey Hands, Greg McCann, Mr Michael Reid, Mr Alan Cryer, John Harper, Mr Mark McCartney, Jason Reynolds, Jonathan Cunningham, Tony Harrington, Richard McCartney, Karl Robertson, Mr Laurence Curran, Margaret Harris, Rebecca McClymont, Gregg Rogerson, Dan Dakin, Nic Harris, Mr Tom McDonagh, Siobhain Rosindell, Andrew Danczuk, Simon Hart, Simon McGovern, Alison Rotheram, Steve Davey, Mr Edward Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan McGovern, Jim Roy, Mr Frank David, Mr Wayne Hayes, Mr John McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Roy, Lindsay Davidson, Mr Ian Heath, Mr David McIntosh, Miss Anne Ruane, Chris Davies, Geraint Heaton-Harris, Chris McKechin, Ann Rudd, Amber Davies, Glyn Hemming, John McVey, Esther Russell, Bob Davies, Philip Henderson, Gordon Mearns, Ian Rutley, David de Bois, Nick Herbert, rh Nick Menzies, Mark Sanders, Mr Adrian De Piero, Gloria Hilling, Julie Mercer, Patrick Sandys, Laura Dinenage, Caroline Hinds, Damian Metcalfe, Stephen Sarwar, Anas Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Hollingbery, George Miller, Andrew Scott, Mr Lee Docherty, Thomas Hollobone, Mr Philip Miller, Maria Selous, Andrew Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Hood, Mr Jim Mills, Nigel Shapps, rh Grant Dorries, Nadine Hopkins, Kris Milton, Anne Sharma, Alok Doyle, Gemma Horwood, Martin Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Shelbrooke, Alec Doyle-Price, Jackie Howarth, Mr Gerald Moore, rh Michael Shepherd, Mr Richard Drax, Richard Howell, John Mordaunt, Penny Sheridan, Jim Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Hughes, rh Simon Morgan, Nicky Simmonds, Mark Elliott, Julie Hunt, Tristram Morris, Anne Marie Skidmore, Chris Ellis, Michael Huppert, Dr Julian Morris, David Skinner, Mr Dennis Ellison, Jane Hurd, Mr Nick Morris, Grahame M. Smith, rh Mr Andrew Ellwood, Mr Tobias Jackson, Mr Stewart (Easington) Smith, Angela Elphicke, Charlie James, Margot Morris, James Smith, Miss Chloe Engel, Natascha James, Mrs Siân C. Mosley, Stephen Smith, Henry Esterson, Bill Jamieson, Cathy Mowat, David Smith, Julian Eustice, George Javid, Sajid Mulholland, Greg Smith, Nick Evans, Chris Johnson, Diana Mundell, rh David Smith, Owen Evans, Graham Johnson, Gareth Munn, Meg Soubry, Anna Evans, Jonathan Jones, Andrew Munt, Tessa Spellar, rh Mr John Evennett, Mr David Jones, Mr David Murray, Ian Spencer, Mr Mark Fabricant, Michael Jones, Graham Murray, Sheryll Stanley, rh Sir John Fallon, Michael Jones, Mr Marcus Murrison, Dr Andrew Stephenson, Andrew Featherstone, Lynne Jones, Susan Elan Nash, Pamela Stevenson, John Fitzpatrick, Jim Joyce, Eric Neill, Robert Stewart, Bob Flint, rh Caroline Kawczynski, Daniel Newmark, Mr Brooks Stewart, Iain Foster, rh Mr Don Keeley, Barbara Newton, Sarah Stewart, Rory Francis, Dr Hywel Kelly, Chris Nokes, Caroline Streeter, Mr Gary Francois, rh Mr Mark Kirby, Simon Nuttall, Mr David Stride, Mel Freeman, George Knight, rh Mr Greg O’Brien, Mr Stephen Stringer, Graham Fullbrook, Lorraine Kwarteng, Kwasi O’Donnell, Fiona Stuart, Ms Gisela Gale, Mr Roger Laing, Mrs Eleanor Offord, Mr Matthew Stuart, Mr Graham Gardiner, Barry Lamb, Norman Ollerenshaw, Eric Stunell, Andrew Garnier, Mr Edward Lancaster, Mark Opperman, Guy Sturdy, Julian Gauke, Mr David Latham, Pauline Ottaway, Richard Swales, Ian George, Andrew Lavery, Ian Paice, rh Mr James Swayne, Mr Desmond Gibb, Mr Nick Laws, rh Mr David Parish, Neil Swinson, Jo Gilbert, Stephen Leadsom, Andrea Patel, Priti Syms, Mr Robert Gilmore, Sheila Lee, Jessica Pawsey, Mark Teather, Sarah Glen, John Leech, Mr John Penning, Mike Timms, rh Stephen Glindon, Mrs Mary Lefroy, Jeremy Penrose, John Timpson, Mr Edward Goodman, Helen Leigh, Mr Edward Percy, Andrew Tomlinson, Justin Goodwill, Mr Robert Leslie, Charlotte Perkins, Toby Tredinnick, David Graham, Richard Leslie, Chris Perry, Claire Truss, Elizabeth Grant, Mrs Helen Lewis, Brandon Phillips, Stephen Turner, Mr Andrew Gray, Mr James Lewis, Dr Julian Pickles, rh Mr Eric Twigg, Derek Greatrex, Tom Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Pincher, Christopher Tyrie, Mr Andrew Green, Damian Lidington, rh Mr David Poulter, Dr Daniel Umunna, Mr Chuka Greenwood, Lilian Lilley, rh Mr Peter Pound, Stephen Uppal, Paul Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Long, Naomi Pugh, John Vaizey, Mr Edward Gummer, Ben Lopresti, Jack Qureshi, Yasmin Vara, Mr Shailesh Gwynne, Andrew Loughton, Tim Raab, Mr Dominic Vickers, Martin Halfon, Robert Lucas, Ian Randall, rh Mr John Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa Hames, Duncan Luff, Peter Reckless, Mark Walker, Mr Robin Hamilton, Mr David Lumley, Karen Redwood, rh Mr John Wallace, Mr Ben Hammond, Stephen Main, Mrs Anne Rees-Mogg, Jacob Walter, Mr Robert Hancock, Matthew May, rh Mrs Theresa Reevell, Simon Ward, Mr David 723 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 724

Watkinson, Angela Wilson, Mr Rob Scottish Federation of Housing Associations—from Weatherley, Mike Winnick, Mr David which Members will no doubt have received a briefing—has Webb, Steve Winterton, rh Ms Rosie expressed concern about the implications for registered Wharton, James Wollaston, Dr Sarah social landlords. Housing policy is, of course, devolved. Wheeler, Heather Woodcock, John White, Chris Wright, David I am aware that, as no registered social landlords Whittaker, Craig Wright, Mr Iain have been affected yet, the position is theoretical. However, Whittingdale, Mr John Wright, Jeremy on 25 February the Secretary of State told the convener Wiggin, Bill Wright, Simon of the LCM Committee that the Government did not Williams, Mr Mark Young, rh Sir George intend to cause any difficulty relating to housing policy, Williams, Roger Zahawi, Nadhim that they would consider introducing section 104 orders Williams, Stephen Tellers for the Noes: when that was necessary and appropriate, and that Willott, Jenny Mr Philip Dunne and discussions were taking place between the Scotland Wilson, Phil Mark Hunter Office and the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations. May I ask the Minister to confirm his intentions, so that Question accordingly negatived. we can ensure that the federation’s concern is not used unduly as an excuse to oppose the clause merely because Clause 11 ordered to stand part of the Bill. it re-reserves a power, and that it is being dealt with? Tom Greatrex: On a point of order, Mr Benton. In exchanges on clause 7, the Minister responded to a Dr Eilidh Whiteford (Banff and Buchan) (SNP): I am comment from the hon. Member for Perth and North glad to have an opportunity to respond to the amendment Perthshire (Pete Wishart) about so-called secret clauses in a way that does not involve any sort of knee-jerk and said that they had been placed on the website of the reaction. I intend to discuss the substance of the issue, Advocate-General. We have subsequently sought to which is the power to transfer power over all insolvency find those clauses on that website, but have been unable matters and all aspects of company liquidation back to to locate them, so can you advise the Committee on the House of Commons. Currently, certain aspects are how we might be able to do so? devolved. When the Commission on Scottish Devolution examined The Temporary Chair (Mr Joe Benton): That is not the issue it identified some shortcomings in the existing really a point of order to which the Chair can respond, set-up, notably a degree of overlap in responsibility but I will allow the Minister to clarify the position. between the rules relating to insolvency governed here and those governed in Holyrood, and a need for consistency David Mundell: I will e-mail the hon. Gentleman with across the United Kingdom. As many Members will the relevant details. know, the Calman commission responded to the concerns Stewart Hosie: Further to that point of order, Mr Benton. expressed by, in particular, the Institute of Chartered The Minister has generously offered to e-mail those Accountants and the Law Society of Scotland by secret amendments to the Front-Bench spokesman of recommending that the United Kingdom’s Insolvency the Labour party.I take it that he will want to communicate Service should be responsible for the rules to be applied with the whole Committee, so placing the amendments by insolvency practitioners on both sides of the border, in the Library would be more helpful. with the consent of the Scottish Parliament, and that the Scottish Parliament should retain its legislative David Mundell: I am happy to accede to that request, competence over corporate insolvency. Mr Benton. Members will note that clause 12 goes way beyond the Calman recommendation. It would transfer powers Clause 12 over all aspects of company liquidation to the House of Commons. I urge the Committee to think very carefully INSOLVENCY about the clause, because I believe it is a rather blunt Question proposed, That the clause stand part of instrument which could have a number of undesirable the Bill. and unintended consequences. I suspect that there is broad agreement in the Committee that the existing Tom Greatrex: I support clause 12, but I have a legislative framework pertaining to insolvency in Scotland couple of questions about its implications. As the could be strengthened and improved, but the real question Committee will be aware, this clause and attendant is how we should go about it. Should we, as the clause issues were the subject of detailed scrutiny by the Calman suggests, simply re-reserve powers—which might be a commission. It was corporate insolvency practitioners quick and dirty way of dealing with the matter—or is who pressed the case on that commission for introducing there a better way of achieving the desired outcomes of such a clause, which effectively re-reserves some aspects consistency and efficiency? of corporate insolvency work. I fear that clause 12 will create as many problems as it The Scottish National party has responded with a solves. We should bear in mind why the powers were blanket, knee-jerk reaction against the proposal, because devolved in the first place. The purpose was largely to it does not believe that powers should be re-reserved. take account of the distinctiveness of the Scottish legal The Labour party takes a different view. The Calman system. When Professor George Gretton, the Scottish commission examined the range of powers as a whole, law commissioner and expert on insolvency, gave evidence and determined which, in Scotland’s best interests, should to the Calman commission, he stated emphatically: be devolved and which should continue to be reserved. “Insolvency law has to fit in within the general corpus of the As we all know, it concluded that there should be some law, including such matters as the different court structures, the changes, but not too many.We accept that recommendation, different systems of what Scots lawyers call diligence, the different and also the comments of the LCM Committee, but the systems of property law, and the law of voidable transactions.” 725 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 726

He pointed out that the aspects of corporate insolvency registered social landlords have saved about £70 million law that had already been devolved by the Scotland Act in the past five years by being able to access lower lending were pretty much aligned with the areas that were margins than are available in the commercial sector. peculiar to Scots law. The issue was thought through All this provides a practical illustration of why a carefully in the first place, and I feel that we too should strong regulatory framework is important, and why think carefully before unravelling the existing provisions these matters were devolved in the first place. We really without taking account of the wider implications.The should not be rash enough to dismantle that framework. chair of the Scottish Law Commission, Lord Drummond We must also bear in mind the fact that, if we pass Young,has also expressed concern about the implications clause 12, any future measures relating to the insolvency for the sensible reform of Scottish commercial law, of registered social landlords would require legislation should these powers be re-reserved. at Westminster, with all the difficulties of securing time As the hon. Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton that that involves. We need to recognise the practical West (Tom Greatrex) has already pointed out, some of benefits of devolution in this area, and not try to the deepest concerns about the consequences of the reinvent the wheel in our efforts to tidy up the loose clause have been expressed by the Scottish Federation ends in the wider insolvency provisions. of Housing Associations, which has argued against it in In housing, there is a strong case for preserving the the strongest possible terms. Members of that association coherence and alignment of the legislative policy making own and manage 47% of Scotland’s affordable rented and regulatory frameworks. This would be broken if housing stock. They have an annual turnover of about insolvency powers over registered social landlords were £1 billion, and assets worth about £8 billion, so we to be re-reserved. If the main reason for clause 12 is to should not take their concerns lightly. Housing is a fully tidy up insolvency provision from a UK point of view, it devolved matter, and the Scottish Parliament has the would be most regrettable if it were to make housing power to legislate on all aspects of housing policy. policy significantly more untidy in the process. I have a There have been a number of changes to housing policy real concern that, in time, such a dislocation of policy since the advent of devolution, as well as significant from regulation could lead to delays, fragmentation and policy developments. This has been a dynamic area of inappropriate decision making. It would be a retrograde activity in the life of the Scottish Parliament. step, and it would reverse recent progressive measures Back in 2001, in an amendment to the Scotland that have had the support of the Scottish Parliament Act 1998, responsibility for legislation relating to the right across the political spectrum. insolvency of social landlords in Scotland was devolved I urge Members to look again at this matter. We need to the Scottish Parliament. The amendment order was modernisation of the insolvency provisions; that will be agreed unanimously, with cross-party support, in the very welcome. This is not the way to do it, however. Scottish Parliament, and the provision was passed in There are many ways of doing it, and key to the process Westminster. The amendment enabled the Housing will be better inter-governmental working. I would also (Scotland) Act 2001 and the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 draw the House’s attention to the Scottish Parliament’s to address the potential insolvency of registered social Scotland Bill Committee, which took these concerns landlords. The 2010 Act established the Scottish housing seriously and recommended that legislative consent on regulator as an independent body to safeguard tenants’ this clause should be subject to certain provisions being interests and regulate the financial well-being and drafted. We are not in a position to see those provisions governance of registered social landlords. today, so I would urge Members to oppose the clause in Assessing the risk of insolvency among registered the interim, until we have a workable and effective social landlords is an integral aspect of the existing solution before us. regulatory regime. The 2010 Act also gave additional powers to the Scottish housing regulator to act quickly 8.45 pm when a registered social landlord was facing insolvency, Michael Connarty: I am pleased to follow the hon. thereby safeguarding the interests of tenants and of the Member for Banff and Buchan (Dr Whiteford), who wider social landlords sector. There have been no cases has both conflated a lot of issues that are of obvious of insolvency among Scottish registered social landlords concern to her party and not been quite open about in the past 40 years, but those representing the sector what happened on the Scottish Parliament’s Bill Committee. are not at all complacent, given the economic environment We have heard what seems to be a strange argument: the in which they are operating and the experiences that SNP is for devolution unless it does not win the vote, they have seen in other parts of the UK. They believe because on a devolved committee the SNP moved an that there needs to be provision for a regulatory authority amendment and lost. Then the committee concluded to deal with such matters in a timely and appropriate that it was way, should cases of insolvency arise. “content to recommend to the Scottish Parliament that it should The regulatory framework that has been established give its legislative consent to the provisions in the Scotland Bill in Scotland is designed to reduce the possibility of a relating to the re-reservation of insolvency, subject to provisions social landlord becoming insolvent by preventing the being drafted which will secure capacity for devolved legislation situation from occurring. I am sure that Members will to affect the winding-up of Registered Social Landlords”. appreciate the importance of that, not only for tenants On the one hand the hon. Lady is conflating lots of and social landlords but for the wider housing sector issues of obvious concern to her party, but on the other and other stakeholders. In particular, effective regulation she is denying the democratic process when it goes is crucial to the ability of registered social landlords to against her in the devolved Parliament. access lending at competitive prices. The Council of The third thing that the hon. Lady has done is make a Mortgage Lenders made that clear in its response to the case as though that case were not recognised by everyone, 2007 consultation, and it is estimated that Scottish on all sides, in the evidence given to this Parliament. 727 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 728

[Michael Connarty] devolved organisations to write not to me but to my MSP colleagues, and to engage them properly in the Hopefully, the Government are listening to that, and process. I was involved in the scrutiny of bankruptcy in those on our Front Bench have stressed the same points. Scotland legislation here in Westminster between ’92 and However, there is another fault that people show when ’97, and knew quite a lot about that. I therefore find the trying to enthuse people—I think that the common current environment frustrating, as many companies phrase is “overegging the pudding”. There has not been are facing serious challenges because of economic a bankruptcy or insolvency of a registered social landlord conditions and are having to go through the insolvency in Scotland in 40 years, because of the way in which process. their arrangements are structured. I was active in the early days of the housing association movement as a Although the case I took on involves what is currently leader of a council in Scotland. Across all the parties we a devolved matter, I knew that re-reservation was being created a structure that mainly secures registered social reconsidered, so my conscience was somewhat assuaged. landlord from the problems experienced by those landlords The reality is that the insolvency process is not very who are thirsting for profit and therefore taking risks by pleasant. It is never pleasant for people to be bankrupted borrowing and overextending themselves. Registered or to have their goods and chattels sold by a bankruptcy social landlords are to be commended because they administrator who seems to be their friend until the tend not to get themselves into such situations, which is moment when they sign the form, and who then turns one of the reasons we set them up as we did. out to be their enemy. In the case I am currently involved in, there is a house for sale. The insolvency Everyone takes seriously the point made by the Scottish administrator has allowed it to be vandalised, so quite a Federation of Housing Associations, including those lot of the financial benefit to the creditors has been lost, on our Front Bench and, I hope, the Government. and seems to be ignoring any offer from anyone to buy Therefore, we should have the necessary safeguards to the property. allow the points made by the SFHA to be taken on board. The SFHA is worried about the speed of action This issue should be a responsibility across all the should there ever be a problem, and hopefully the final Chambers, and I think it makes sense for the same rules legislation will recognise that. However, we cannot conclude to apply in Scotland as in the rest of the UK. The Bill’s from this that we should therefore go against the provisions would bring them into line. We should all recommendation of the Scottish Parliament’s Bill realise that it does not matter which side of the border Committee and against common sense in having a people are living on or trading in, and that they must be system across the UK to address a problem that faces a dealt with properly by the insolvency laws and its lot of the corporate bodies and private organisations in practitioners. I have serious reservations about the way the UK at the moment. they are currently regulated. I look forward to this being returned to being a reserved matter so that I can fully engage in it. Dr Whiteford: This is an argument that has come directly from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, which is concerned about preventing such David Mundell: Clause 12 implements the Calman problems from occurring in the first place. It is the commission recommendation that the UK Insolvency SFHA that is worried about the environment in which it Service should be made responsible for laying down currently operates. I know that we will shortly debate rules to be applied by insolvency practitioners on both housing benefit in this House, but one of the SFHA’s sides of the border. The commission was persuaded by concerns is that changes to housing benefit could have evidence from stakeholders, including the Law Society serious repercussions for cash flow. It is concerned that of Scotland and the Institute of Chartered Accountants the financial position is not as secure as it might have of Scotland, that a consistent approach to winding up been. That is why we have to take this issue seriously. I would bring significant benefits to insolvency practitioners, wish that I could share the hon. Gentleman’s optimism, creditors and others dealing with insolvent companies but hoping that something might come forward is no in both England and Wales and in Scotland. Many way to go through the parliamentary process. windings up involve groups of companies that operate on both sides of the border, and it will be more efficient Michael Connarty: Allow me to recommend that in terms of both time and money if the same winding-up optimism to the hon. Lady, who is new to the House. rules are applied to each insolvent company in the That optimism, which I have carried with me for 18 years, group, except where Scottish common law dictates might stand her in good stead if she survives as long as I otherwise. have in this place. They do say—I am quoting Gramsci, As a result of the proposals, the reorganisation of the socialist—that pessimism of the intellect should groups of companies will be more efficient and lead to breed optimism of the will. She will certainly require increased returns for creditors and shareholders. Group that again and again if she sits on the SNP Benches in reorganisations may involve subsidiaries being wound this place, I can tell her that. up, and a common approach to winding-up rules would I am deeply involved in fighting a case involving a help reduce the cost and complexity of group restructuring bad insolvency in my constituency. In a sense, I have where constituent companies operate in both Scotland had to step over a line that I have drawn for myself since and in England and Wales. In its evidence to the Calman devolution, where I have had to say, “This is not a commission, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of matter for me: I have a remit as a UK parliamentarian Scotland, which regulates most of the insolvency operators and my colleagues”—Members of the Scottish working in Scotland, highlighted the benefit of consistent Parliament—“have a remit devolved to them.” I try to rules in promoting a more stable environment for corporate keep the two apart quite strictly. I try to encourage recovery and turnaround. 729 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 730

Angus Robertson (Moray) (SNP): I am interested in and East Falkirk (Michael Connarty) of the contribution what the Minister says about having the same rules of the hon. Member for Banff and Buchan (Dr Whiteford). across an economic single market. By that logic, is he I accept that she has legitimate concerns, which she arguing that this should be not a UK competence, but a raised in the Scottish Affairs Committee. As part of my European competence across the single market in which appearance before that Committee, I undertook to meet we all live? representatives of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations. I am pleased to report to this Committee, David Mundell: I understand where the hon. Gentleman as I have done to the Scottish Affairs Committee, that is coming from, and his party’s position in relation to that meeting has taken place and we were able to have a matters European, which, as I understand it, would full discussion about these concerns. have Scotland as a member of the euro, which I steadfastly The first and most important point is that no change disagree with. to the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010 will be brought The Law Society of Scotland reported in its evidence about by these measures. They will not change the to the commission that, because of the increased number provisions of that Act or the regime and regulator that of insolvencies of groups of companies, practitioners were put in place; they will not change the insolvency have for a number of years been having difficulties processes envisaged by that Act. Part of the concern where parts of the group are subject to the English rules appeared to be about what happened if the insolvency and part to the Scottish rules. The Calman commission procedures put in place by that Act did not work and was persuaded that a consistent approach should be had to be changed, and whether this House would be as taken to winding up rules, and the UK Government responsive in dealing with those concerns as the Scottish agree. The commission recognised that its first option Parliament. I know that the hon. Lady has a fundamental for implementing its recommendation—UK legislation view about the balance between the former and the followed by a legislative consent motion—might not be latter. However the experience of not just this Government, achievable, so it suggested primary legislation amending but the previous one, when the hon. Member for Glasgow the devolution settlement as an alternative means of North (Ann McKechin) was in the Scotland Office and securing the desired effect. The first option would not the hon. Member for Rutherglen and Hamilton West fully and effectively transfer legislative and Executive (Tom Greatrex) was aiding her, suggests that the UK competence in this area, and that could result in continuing Government have demonstrated a willingness to support divergences in the rules. That would frustrate the objective the legislative intentions of the Scottish Parliament. expressed by the Calman commission, which is why we The Insolvency Service is held in particular regard for are adopting the second of the commission’s options the measures it has brought forward to modernise and re-reserving the winding up of business associations insolvency practice in areas for which it has responsibility in its entirety. in Scotland and, indeed, in England and Wales. I am pleased to report that the Insolvency Service will meet Schedule 2 is introduced by clause 12. Having just the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations at the one Parliament responsible for the rules relating to beginning of April to discuss any specific ongoing winding up in Scotland will aid flexibility and concerns that might still exist. responsiveness, and address problems that have been reported by insolvency office holders when the law changed in one jurisdiction but not the other. In fact, 9pm we are seizing the opportunity that the Bill provides to Dr Whiteford: Will the Minister clarify exactly which deliver for Scotland the benefits of modernisation changes, issues remain outstanding with the Scottish Federation some of which have been in place in England and of Housing Associations that necessitate a further meeting? Wales—and for the existing reserved insolvency procedures in Scotland—for nearly two years. These changes lift David Mundell: Following our meeting with the administrative burdens by allowing insolvency office federation, I wrote extensively on the specific points holders to make full use of advances in information that I had raised. My interpretation concerned whether technology made over the past quarter of a century to Westminster would be as responsive as the Scottish communicate with creditors, thus reducing the costs—for Parliament if new issues arose. It is extremely important the benefit of creditors. to take on board that this is about new issues and not The changes were made to reserved insolvency procedures about the adequacy of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010. in Scotland in 2009 and 2010 by a combination of That Act is in place, as are the arrangements for insolvency. legislative reform orders and subordinate legislation, The issue is whether, if the arrangements that have been but because of the division of responsibility for rules put in place did not work and other arrangements had between the UK and Scottish Parliaments the changes to be brought in, that could be done expeditiously in the could not at that time be extended to windings up House of Commons, and I believe it could. Indeed, one taking place in Scotland. That is an example of some of Opposition Member is the former distinguished the unnecessary and confusing divergences that have Communities Minister of the Scottish Parliament and I developed between the two jurisdictions about which cannot imagine that she would allow the Government the Calman commission expressed concern. We are to sit idly by while there were requests for changes to taking steps to address that concern and thereby ensure insolvency procedures in respect of registered social that creditors of windings up taking place in Scotland landlords in Scotland. So, that issue is not a basis for are able to enjoy similar benefits to those provided for continuing concern, but we are committed to the dialogue creditors of windings up in England and Wales. involving the Insolvency Service and the federation. I wish to deal specifically with the points raised about It is important to re-emphasise the point that the registered social landlords. In that context, I fully agreed hon. Member for Linlithgow and East Falkirk with the appraisal of the hon. Member for Linlithgow confirmed—that the Scottish Parliament’s current powers 731 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 732

[David Mundell] Drax, Richard Hunter, Mark Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Huppert, Dr Julian in relation to RSLs are not whole powers regarding Ellis, Michael Hurd, Mr Nick RSL insolvency. They relate only to the winding up and Ellison, Jane Jackson, Mr Stewart only where it concerns a moratorium on the disposal Ellwood, Mr Tobias James, Margot and management of property held by an RSL, so the Elphicke, Charlie Jamieson, Cathy Engel, Natascha Javid, Sajid Scottish Parliament is not currently able to make provision Esterson, Bill Johnson, Gareth for all aspects of the law on RSLs. The view of the Eustice, George Jones, Andrew Calman commission was that the ability to make provision Evans, Graham Jones, Mr David in this area was fragmented and should be returned to Evans, Jonathan Jones, Graham Westminster to deal with that fragmentation. Clearly, Evennett, Mr David Jones, Mr Marcus there are Members who could never agree with the Fabricant, Michael Joyce, Eric return of powers to Westminster, however sensible that Fallon, Michael Kawczynski, Daniel might be, but I hope that on this occasion they will Featherstone, Lynne Kelly, Chris accept that the measure will benefit Scottish business Fitzpatrick, Jim Kirby, Simon and will not be detrimental to the RSL sector. On that Foster, rh Mr Don Knight, rh Mr Greg basis, I hope that the Committee will not divide on Francois, rh Mr Mark Kwarteng, Kwasi clause 12. Freeman, George Laing, Mrs Eleanor Fullbrook, Lorraine Lamb, Norman Question put, That the clause stand part of the Bill. Gale, Mr Roger Lancaster, Mark The Committee divided: Ayes 357, Noes 8. Gardiner, Barry Latham, Pauline Garnier, Mr Edward Lavery, Ian Division No. 217] [9.4 pm Gauke, Mr David Leadsom, Andrea George, Andrew Lee, Jessica AYES Gibb, Mr Nick Leech, Mr John Adams, Nigel Bryant, Chris Gilbert, Stephen Lefroy, Jeremy Afriyie, Adam Buckland, Mr Robert Gilmore, Sheila Leslie, Charlotte Aldous, Peter Burley, Mr Aidan Glen, John Leslie, Chris Alexander, rh Danny Burns, Conor Glindon, Mrs Mary Lewis, Brandon Alexander, rh Mr Douglas Burns, rh Mr Simon Goodwill, Mr Robert Lewis, Dr Julian Amess, Mr David Burstow, Paul Graham, Richard Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Anderson, Mr David Burt, Alistair Grant, Mrs Helen Lidington, rh Mr David Andrew, Stuart Burt, Lorely Gray, Mr James Lilley, rh Mr Peter Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Byles, Dan Greatrex, Tom Long, Naomi Bacon, Mr Richard Byrne, rh Mr Liam Green, Damian Lopresti, Jack Bagshawe, Ms Louise Cable, rh Vince Greenwood, Lilian Loughton, Tim Bailey, Mr Adrian Campbell, Mr Alan Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Lucas, Ian Bain, Mr William Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Griffiths, Andrew Luff, Peter Baker, Norman Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Gummer, Ben Lumley, Karen Baker, Steve Carmichael, Neil Halfon, Robert Main, Mrs Anne Baldry, Tony Carswell, Mr Douglas Hames, Duncan Mann, John Barclay, Stephen Cash, Mr William Hamilton, Mr David May, rh Mrs Theresa Baron, Mr John Chishti, Rehman Hammond, rh Mr Philip Maynard, Paul Barwell, Gavin Clappison, Mr James Hammond, Stephen McCann, Mr Michael Bayley, Hugh Coffey, Dr Thérèse Hancock, Matthew McCartney, Jason Bebb, Guto Collins, Damian Hancock, Mr Mike McCartney, Karl Beith, rh Sir Alan Colvile, Oliver Hands, Greg McClymont, Gregg Bellingham, Mr Henry Connarty, Michael Harper, Mr Mark McGovern, Alison Benn, rh Hilary Cooper, Rosie Harrington, Richard McGovern, Jim Benyon, Richard Cox, Mr Geoffrey Harris, Rebecca McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Beresford, Sir Paul Crabb, Stephen Harris, Mr Tom McIntosh, Miss Anne Berger, Luciana Crockart, Mike Hart, Simon McKechin, Ann Berry, Jake Crouch, Tracey Harvey, Nick McVey, Esther Binley, Mr Brian Cryer, John Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Menzies, Mark Birtwistle, Gordon Cunningham, Tony Hayes, Mr John Mercer, Patrick Blackman, Bob Curran, Margaret Heath, Mr David Metcalfe, Stephen Blenkinsop, Tom Dakin, Nic Heaton-Harris, Chris Miller, Maria Blomfield, Paul Danczuk, Simon Hemming, John Mills, Nigel Blunt, Mr Crispin Davey, Mr Edward Henderson, Gordon Milton, Anne Bone, Mr Peter David, Mr Wayne Hendrick, Mark Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Brady, Mr Graham Davidson, Mr Ian Hendry, Charles Moore, rh Michael Brake, Tom Davies, Glyn Herbert, rh Nick Mordaunt, Penny Bray, Angie Davies, Philip Hilling, Julie Morgan, Nicky Brazier, Mr Julian de Bois, Nick Hinds, Damian Morris, Anne Marie Bridgen, Andrew De Piero, Gloria Hollingbery, George Morris, David Brine, Mr Steve Dinenage, Caroline Hollobone, Mr Philip Morris, James Brokenshire, James Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Hood, Mr Jim Mosley, Stephen Brooke, Annette Docherty, Thomas Hopkins, Kris Mowat, David Browne, Mr Jeremy Dorries, Nadine Horwood, Martin Mulholland, Greg Bruce, Fiona Doyle, Gemma Howarth, Mr Gerald Mundell, rh David Bruce, rh Malcolm Doyle-Price, Jackie Howell, John Munn, Meg 733 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 734

Munt, Tessa Spencer, Mr Mark Question accordingly agreed to. Murray, Ian Stanley, rh Sir John Clause 12 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Murray, Sheryll Stephenson, Andrew Murrison, Dr Andrew Stevenson, John Thomas Docherty: On a point of order, Mr Benton. Nash, Pamela Stewart, Bob You might not be aware, having been in the Chair, but Neill, Robert Stewart, Iain apparently the Scottish nationalists have been tweeting Newmark, Mr Brooks Stewart, Rory tonight that Labour MPs voted not to devolve Government Newton, Sarah Streeter, Mr Gary responsibility to the Scottish Parliament. I would be Nokes, Caroline Stride, Mel very grateful if you advised me what we as MPs can do Nuttall, Mr David Stuart, Ms Gisela to ensure that all SNP Members are aware of the actual O’Brien, Mr Stephen Stunell, Andrew facts, rather than just twittering. O’Donnell, Fiona Sturdy, Julian Offord, Mr Matthew Swales, Ian The Temporary Chair (Mr Joe Benton: I have heard Ollerenshaw, Eric Swayne, Mr Desmond the point of order, but as it is not a procedural point I Opperman, Guy Swinson, Jo cannot rule on it. I am very sorry. Ottaway, Richard Syms, Mr Robert Schedule 2 agreed to. Paice, rh Mr James Teather, Sarah Parish, Neil Timms, rh Stephen Patel, Priti Timpson, Mr Edward Clause 13 Pawsey, Mark Tomlinson, Justin Penning, Mike Tredinnick, David REGULATION OF THE HEALTH PROFESSIONS Penrose, John Truss, Elizabeth Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Perry, Claire Turner, Mr Andrew Bill. Phillips, Stephen Twigg, Derek Pickles, rh Mr Eric Tyrie, Mr Andrew Tom Greatrex: I rise to support clause 13 on the Pincher, Christopher Umunna, Mr Chuka regulation of health care professionals. In some ways, it Poulter, Dr Daniel Uppal, Paul falls into the same category as the one we described Prisk, Mr Mark Vaizey, Mr Edward in relation to clause 12. The Calman commission looked Pugh, John Vara, Mr Shailesh at an issue, and in this instance it decided that the best Raab, Mr Dominic Vickers, Martin interests of Scotland would be for the issue to be dealt Randall, rh Mr John Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa with on a UK-wide basis. The hon. Member for Banff Reckless, Mark Walker, Mr Robin and Buchan (Dr Whiteford) said that her response to Redwood, rh Mr John Wallace, Mr Ben the previous issue was not a knee-jerk one; I assume Rees-Mogg, Jacob Walter, Mr Robert that she or one of her colleagues will now rise to explain Reevell, Simon Ward, Mr David that there will not be a knee-jerk response to this issue. Reeves, Rachel Watkinson, Angela There seems to be a pattern emerging: when the Calman Reid, Mr Alan Weatherley, Mike commission recommends that things be done at a UK Reynolds, Jonathan Webb, Steve level, it must be wrong, and when it recommends that Robertson, Mr Laurence Wharton, James Rogerson, Dan they be done at a devolved level, it must be right. I am Wheeler, Heather Rosindell, Andrew afraid that that does not strike me as consistent with Rotheram, Steve White, Chris serious consideration of these issues. Roy, Mr Frank Whittaker, Craig Since the passage of the Scotland Act 1998, several Roy, Lindsay Whittingdale, Mr John new categories of health care professionals have come Ruane, Chris Willetts, rh Mr David into existence. In some instances, their regulation has Rudd, Amber Williams, Mr Mark been less than complete, and when they require regulation, Russell, Bob Williams, Roger it is appropriate that it is done in the same place. That Rutley, David Williams, Stephen proposal has been supported by the Calman commission Sandys, Laura Willott, Jenny and by the Scotland Bill Committee, and it was reflected Scott, Mr Lee Wilson, Phil in the White Paper and in the draft Bill. The Health Selous, Andrew Wilson, Mr Rob Professions Council, NHS Lothian and others have Shapps, rh Grant Wollaston, Dr Sarah Sharma, Alok supported this as a sensible approach. In evidence to Woodcock, John the Holyrood Bill Committee, the Health Professions Shelbrooke, Alec Wright, David Council observed that Sheridan, Jim Wright, Mr Iain “there is widespread consensus that a consistent UK-wide approach Simmonds, Mark Wright, Jeremy to the regulation of health professions is both appropriate and Skidmore, Chris Wright, Simon Skinner, Mr Dennis beneficial to professionals and the public.” Young, rh Sir George Smith, Miss Chloe This is beneficial to the public and consistent for the Zahawi, Nadhim Smith, Henry professionals. Smith, Julian Tellers for the Ayes: We support the clause instead of trying to find a Soubry, Anna Bill Wiggin and reason to object to it simply because it reserves a power. Spellar, rh Mr John Mr Philip Dunne That does not strike me as a sensible way of dealing with the issue. However, no doubt the hon. Member for NOES Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart) will now try Hosie, Stewart Whiteford, Dr Eilidh to enlighten me. Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Wishart, Pete Pete Wishart: I rise to oppose the clause. This is Lucas, Caroline MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Tellers for the Noes: part 2 of the great Calman clawback. Presumably we Robertson, Angus Jonathan Edwards and are going to see an attempt by the Tory-led Government Weir, Mr Mike Hywel Williams to take powers away from the Scottish Parliament, once again with Labour complicity and support. 735 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 736

[Pete Wishart] Ministers, because we have a Scottish national health service—perhaps the hon. Gentleman is not aware of The Bill is characterised as one that gives powers this—that has been designed and structured by Scottish away to the Scottish Parliament, but the previous clause Ministers who are accountable to the Scottish people. and this clause demonstrate that one hand most definitely giveth, but the other most definitely taketh away. We Tom Greatrex: I do not wish to involve myself in the oppose the clause, first, because it is anti-devolutionary, spat that has been entertaining us, but given that the and secondly, and most importantly, because it is not hon. Gentleman seems to be saying that there is a necessary. The Scottish Parliament is totally in control different health service in Scotland that has different of Scotland’s health services. Scottish Ministers are professions, will he explain which medical professions responsible to the Scottish Parliament and, in turn, to exist in Scotland that do not exist in England? the Scottish people for the structure and delivery of health services. We have our own national health service Pete Wishart: I am really pleased that the hon. Gentleman in Scotland. has asked that, because that is one of the things that I am most keen to come on to. If he is not satisfied by The Scottish Parliament has a direct interest in ensuring what I say, I ask him to come back on me, because I will that Scotland’s particular needs and circumstances are list some very important professions that receive regulation taken into account in decisions made about the health from Scottish Ministers. service in Scotland, including the regulation of its work forces. Since 1999, we have developed a different NHS The most important point is that we have the toehold in Scotland—one based on the needs of the Scottish that I have described. All the UK devolved Administrations people. work together on these important issues to find innovative practices and new ways of doing things. That is important Thomas Docherty: The hon. Gentleman talks about work. The current arrangements support and create the regulation of work forces. Does he therefore believe dialogue and the sharing of ideas in reserved and devolved that we should have a separate Health and Safety Executive areas. for Scotland? I come to the examples that the hon. Gentleman is so keen to hear about. The first is practitioner psychologists. Pete Wishart: There would probably be a strong case The Department of Health originally wanted all such for that. The hon. Gentleman is entirely right. In Scotland, professionals to be educated to doctorate level. That all the regulations for the regulation of health professionals would have posed major problems for the NHS in that existed before the 1998 Act came into force are Scotland, where the majority of them are trained to continuing to be regulated at a UK level from the masters level. That is why we need separate regulation. Department of Health. That includes nearly all doctors, NHS Scotland has also piloted the position of physician nurses and dentists. The Scottish Government have a assistant, which is an assistant to medical practitioners. little toehold into regulation as regards important new Unlike their equivalents in England, such people can professions that have been designed since the 1998 Act prescribe and work across a variety of roles in the came into force—for example, operating department Scottish NHS. Those are not the only two examples. practitioners, dental nurses, dental technicians, orthodontic Health care scientists were identified as a priority for therapists, pharmacy technicians and practitioner regulation in the 2007 White Paper, in which the Department psychologists. It is incredibly important that we do not of Health proposed that the new education and training lose that toehold. arrangements envisaged for England should also apply in Scotland, where there are different needs and a Mr Alan Reid (Argyll and Bute) (LD): If the hon. different educational system. Perhaps it has escaped the Gentleman were consistent, he would be arguing that hon. Gentleman that as well as having an NHS in all the health professions should be regulated in Scotland. Scotland, we also have our own devolved education Surely it does not make sense for dentists to be regulated service. The training of many such professionals requires UK-wide and dental technicians to be regulated in different regulation and different standards. Scotland, but for them all to be regulated in one place. Mrs McGuire: I do not think that the hon. Gentleman Pete Wishart: There is eminent logic in what the hon. has explained exactly why Scotland needs different Gentleman says, and there is very little of it that I could regulation from the rest of the United Kingdom. Will not support. Of course all these important health he tell the Committee how many health care scientists professionals should be regulated in the Scottish Parliament. are practising in Scotland and who currently regulates them? Mr Reid rose— Pete Wishart: I am disappointed in the right hon. Lady, because she usually does better than that. She has Pete Wishart: I will give the hon. Gentleman another clearly not been listening to what I have said. I have shot. given three examples of new professions that have emerged since 1999 and that have benefited from separate regulation Mr Reid: I said that the professions should all be in Scotland, but there are more. Why would anyone regulated in one place. It is the hon. Gentleman who is want to re-regulate those professions, which have given saying that they should be regulated in different places. such key benefits to the NHS in Scotland? Pete Wishart: The hon. Gentleman confirms what I David Mowat (Warrington South) (Con): For the was saying. Of course they should all be regulated in avoidance of doubt, will the hon. Gentleman clarify one place, and that should be the Scottish Parliament. that it is his view that there are no health care scientists They should be under the direct control of Scottish in England? 737 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 738

Pete Wishart: Of course there are health care scientists Pete Wishart: I have given way enough—I did not in England, but they are trained differently. Scotland want to spend so much time on this, but I have been has different educational institutions that require different generous in giving way to several Labour Members. regulation from those in England. That is why we are [HON.MEMBERS: “Give way!”] Go on, then. saying that it is important that these responsibilities rest with Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament. Ian Murray: I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving way, even at the second attempt. Does he Mrs McGuire rose— agree with the NHS in Lothian, which covers my Pete Wishart: I have given way once to the right hon. constituency, and the Health Professions Council, which Lady. I hope that she wants to make a new point. gave written evidence to Holyrood when the Scotland Bill Committee sat? It stated: Mrs McGuire: The hon. Gentleman has not answered “We observe that there is a widespread consensus that a my first intervention yet. [Interruption.] If the hon. consistent UK-wide approach to the regulation of health professions Member for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Mr MacNeil) would is both appropriate and beneficial to professionals and the public.” just face the front and fold his arms, the world would be Why does the SNP differ from that approach? a better place. The hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart) argued that people are trained Pete Wishart: I have no doubt that that is exactly differently in Scotland and should therefore be regulated what was said, but the only evidence taken by the separately. Health care professionals such as doctors Calman commission was from two royal colleges, which and nurses come from other countries where they have talked only about doctors. been trained differently, but we still regulate them in the same way when they practise in this country. His argument is therefore specious. Fiona O’Donnell rose—

Pete Wishart: Doctors who come to the NHS in the Pete Wishart: I have already given way to the hon. rest of the UK are subject to UK regulation. The NHS Lady. The UK Department of Health evidence to the in Scotland is a different beast from that in the rest of commission concluded: the UK. That is the point. The NHS has been developing “The Department of Health is not seeking any change to the for the past 10 years and we have to recognise that. reservation of the health professions in the Scotland Act 1998. In practice, both the Government and the devolved administration Ann McKechin rose— have always sought to apply a UK-wide framework to the regulation of health”. David Mowat rose— It is not interested in re-reserving the issue, and I do not Fiona O’Donnell rose— know why we are. We have a different NHS in Scotland, and it is Pete Wishart: I have a real choice here. I will give way recognised that the implementation of some policies to the shadow Minister. would have to be different in Scotland. Given that the Ann McKechin: Will the hon. Gentleman clarify whether provision is clearly anti-devolutionary and not in the he is proposing a separate Scottish college of nursing, interests of the NHS in Scotland, we will not support it, bearing in mind that the Royal College of Nursing not because of any knee-jerk response but because of certifies not only all nurses in the United Kingdom, but the examples that I have mentioned and that I hope courses across the Commonwealth? Is he suggesting have been accepted by the Committee. We have a toehold that Scottish nurses would not benefit from that level of in regulation across the UK, we will not give it up certification? lightly and we will oppose the clause.

9.30 pm Mr Reid: I am fully behind the Government on the Pete Wishart: Perhaps I will stick to the amendment clause. If we listened to the advice of the hon. Member and put the case for continuing to leave the matter in the for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart), we hands of the Scottish Parliament. would end up in a confused position. If we joined him in the Lobby tonight, some health professions would be Fiona O’Donnell: I cannot believe that the hon. regulated UK-wide and others would be regulated in Gentleman has got me animated about the issue because Scotland. The hon. Gentleman referred to some dental it seems so clear-cut. What would the position be for professions that would be regulated in Scotland while someone who trains as a health scientist in Scotland? dentists would be regulated UK-wide. That is clearly an Could they work in England or would they be regulated anomalous situation. to work only in Scotland? Mr MacNeil: Does the hon. Gentleman believe that Pete Wishart: Reciprocal arrangements work across a the sky would fall in if we had an anomalous situation? variety of jurisdictions. Of course a health scientist trained in Scotland could work in England. We have a separate NHS, which has developed differently from the Mr Reid: We would end up with a much worse NHS in the rest of the UK in the past 10 years—that situation than the position whereby all professions were seems to have escaped hon. Members in the debate. It regulated UK-wide. The latter makes much more sense. has new professions that require different regulation. I understood from the answers that the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire gave to interventions Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): Will the hon. that he wants all health care professions to be regulated Gentleman give way? separately in Scotland from the rest of the UK, although 739 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 740

[Mr Reid] Mr Reid: Simply put, those arrangements would add a new layer of bureaucracy and waste time. Currently, a I note that the SNP has not tabled an amendment to doctor can move from Scotland to England or vice that effect. It would lead to a strange situation, which versa with no problem whatever. The hon. Gentleman would not benefit patients. simply wants to put bureaucracy in the way.

Mr Davidson: Surely the hon. Gentleman is in error Thomas Docherty: The hon. Member for Carlisle to suggest that SNP Members did not articulate the fact (John Stevenson) and the Minister, who represent the that they want all the professions to be separately north-west of England and the south-west of Scotland registered in Scotland. The spokesman said that he respectively, are both in the Chamber. The hon. Member wanted doctors and dentists to be regulated separately for Argyll and Bute (Mr Reid) will probably be aware in Scotland—even more evidence that he is a bad man. that many of their constituents, and the constituents of Members on both sides of the House, will travel to use Mr Reid: The hon. Gentleman is perfectly correct—[HON. services on both sides of the border. Does he not agree MEMBERS: “Oh!”] I did not say in what he was correct. that this debate is another example of the tabling of He was correct when he said that the hon. Member for Mickey Mouse amendments to slow down the process Perth and North Perthshire stated that he wanted all by a party that will come worse than sixth in the professions regulated separately in Scotland. However, forthcoming elections? my point was that SNP Members have not tabled an amendment to that effect, which I suspect indicates that Mr Reid: I agree with the hon. Gentleman on cross- even they lack confidence in their case. border traffic, which is important, but he gives SNP Fiona O’Donnell: Perhaps I could assist the hon. Members more credence than they deserve. They did Gentleman in correcting my hon. Friend the Member not actually table an amendment—they did not put that for Glasgow South West (Mr Davidson). He was wrong amount of work in—and are simply opposing the in omitting to point out that not only did the Lib Dems Government. If the hon. Member for Perth and North come sixth in Barnsley, they lost their deposit. Perthshire had been consistent, he would have tabled a new clause to the effect that all health professions Mr Reid: I suspect that if I respond to that intervention, would be regulated separately in Scotland, but he did Mr Hoyle, you will rule me out of order. not bother to do so. He is simply opposing a sensible To go back in order, if as the SNP suggests all health Government measure. care professions—doctors, dentists and so on—are regulated I meant to speak for only a minute or two, but all separately in Scotland, it would add more cost and those interventions took up quite a lot of time. I conclude bureaucracy. It would also mean that a doctor who is by reminding the hon. Member for Glasgow South qualified in Scotland and who wants to move to England West (Mr Davidson) that in the Henley by-election, the would have to get separate qualifications, and vice Labour party were fifth with a lower share of the vote versa. That would not benefit patients, and nor would it than the Liberal Democrats got last week. assist professional development. Mr Davidson: Is it appropriate at this point to mention Mr MacNeil rose— that fifth is actually higher than sixth? I have been approached by a number of Members in the Lobby who Mr Mike Weir (Angus) (SNP) rose— have told me that the Liberal Democrats came sixth Thomas Docherty rose— only because the SNP did not stand— Mr Reid: The hon. Member for Na h-Eileanan an Iar The Chairman of Ways and Means (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): (Mr MacNeil) was first. Order. I think we both know that this is not quite a part of the clause 13 stand part debate. If what the hon. Mr MacNeil: Does the hon. Gentleman find it strange Gentleman is saying is not part of that, I call the that a nation would want to regulate its own health Minister. professionals? David Mundell: Thank you, Mr Hoyle, and welcome Mr Reid: The cures for diseases are the same throughout to this debate, which I can see you are already enjoying. the world. The cure for measles in Scotland is not I did not intend to speak for long. I was looking different from the cure in England. forward to the erudite contribution of the hon. Member Several hon. Members rose— for Perth and North Perthshire (Pete Wishart) on why Antarctica should be the responsibility of the Scottish Mr MacNeil: Is the hon. Gentleman making the case Parliament, and how after 12 years of devolution, for worldwide regulation? Antarctica has been discovered to be an important matter for which the Scottish Parliament must have Mr Reid: I was giving way to the hon. Member for responsibility. Angus (Mr Weir). Pete Wishart: I am also disappointed about Antarctica. Mr Weir: I am listening closely to the hon. Gentleman. However, is the Minister pleased that Antarctica will Do we not already reciprocally recognise qualifications now join time and outer space in schedule 5 of the within the EU, and is it not the case that doctors can Scotland Act? come from other parts of the EU to practise in the UK? Therefore, what is the problem with the recognition of David Mundell: I think that schedule 5 of the Scotland Scottish qualifications and Scottish regulation? Act is the appropriate place for Antarctica. 741 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 742

Thomas Docherty: I would speculate that the reason commission also pointed out that the current mixed the Scottish Parliament should have responsibility for economy presented risks in terms of consistency that Antarctica is that there are probably just as many could lead to the fragmentation of standards across the Liberal Democrats in Antarctica as there are now in UK and threaten the mobility of practitioners across all Scotland. four countries, which is a point that Members have raised. The Government agree that there are risks with The Chairman: Order. We are dealing with health the current situation. The Calman commission also professions. We have not quite got to Antarctica yet, so noted that the current processes gave the Scottish Parliament I think we will ignore that part. some influence over the regulation of reserved professions—for instance, where there are orders and David Mundell: I accept your ruling, Mr Hoyle, although regulations relating to the regulation of professions that it is sometimes important to point out to Opposition cover both devolved and reserved matters. The commission members that for the first eight years of the Scottish also took the view that there should be a common Parliament there was a Liberal Democrat-Labour coalition. approach to the regulation of the health professions. Mr MacNeil: I would love to know why the Minister The Government have accepted the arguments made thinks that London rather than Edinburgh should have by the Calman commission, so the clause re-reserves responsibility for whatever portion of Antarctica we are the regulation of all health care professions currently talking about. Is he ashamed of Scotland? Why should regulated by legislation. It also has the practical effect it be London? Why should Scotland not have that of reserving to the Westminster Parliament the subject power? What is he ashamed of? matter of the regulation of any new health professions in the future. The Chairman: Order. We are discussing health. We Notwithstanding the reservation that the clause will are not discussing Antarctica. deliver, the UK Government will continue to agree David Mundell: We have learned tonight that London policy in relation to the regulation of the health SNP has control over Edinburgh SNP, because it is the professions with the Scottish Government. The UK Westminster SNP Members who determine the response Government, through the Department of Health in to the Scotland Bill, and not their colleagues in the England, will continue to engage closely with officials in Scottish Parliament, who have a completely different the Scottish Government—and, for that matter, with point of view on a number of these measures. the Administrations in Northern Ireland and Wales—to develop future policy proposals concerning the regulation The Scotland Act 1998 provides that the regulation of health care professionals. This will ensure that the of certain health professions is a subject matter reserved views of the Scottish people will be taken into consideration to the Westminster Parliament. Clause 13 implements as we go forwards, but in a manner that will deliver a the Calman recommendation to reserve the regulation consistent approach to regulation that works for the of all health professions, not just those specified in the whole of the UK. Scotland Act. The clause re-reserves the regulation of health professions, and I can confirm that the Scottish Mr MacNeil: If in future a certain type of health Parliament’s Scotland Bill Committee has stated that it profession develops that exists only in Scotland, is the is not opposed to the re-reservation of powers to the Minister saying that regulation of it should be done in UK Parliament. The Scottish Parliament will vote on London? the Scotland Bill on Thursday, and we await the outcome of that vote, as I have said previously. Further, devolution David Mundell: The hon. Member for Perth and is not a one-way street, and the Scotland Bill, like North Perthshire (Pete Wishart) was challenged to identify Calman, is about delivering a balanced package that health professions that could exist only in Scotland—and works for the people of Scotland, as the hon. Member failed to do so. The regulation will be dealt with in for Rutherglen and Hamilton West (Tom Greatrex) accordance with schedule 5. When we have had some said. The Scotland Bill does just that: it updates the identification of a health profession that could exist Scotland Act with a two-way transfer of powers. only in Scotland, we will be able to look at what the Since Royal Assent of the Scotland Act, the regulation hon. Gentleman and his colleagues have to say about it. of any health professions not regulated by the legislation listed in section G2 of schedule 5 has been a matter that Mr MacNeil: It would be good practice in shaping falls within the legislative competence of the Scottish and making law to prepare for any eventuality. I put a Parliament. The Westminster Parliament was, therefore, particular type of eventuality to the Minister, but he unable to introduce legislation to regulate such professions has not provided an answer. If there is a certain type of without such legislation also being approved by resolution medical profession that exists only in Scotland, what of the Scottish Parliament. Although the Scottish will happen? Parliament has had the power to introduce for Scotland separate legislation in respect of the regulation of these David Mundell: I am afraid that that represents the health professions and any other health professions not level of debate on re-reservation that we have witnessed included within section G2, it has chosen not to do so tonight. The SNP’s opposition to re-reservation is based and instead has approved the use of the existing, reserved entirely on dogma and political viewpoints rather than machinery orders made under section 60 of the Health on the interests of the people of Scotland. The Calman Act 1999 to regulate new groups of health care professionals. commission looked very closely at these issues and The Calman commission criticised this mixed economy considered that the balance lay with re-reserving the and considered that the current situation was unnecessarily powers. The Government support that re-reservation time-consuming and cumbersome owing to the need to and nothing we have heard in this debate or the previous obtain agreement from the Scottish Parliament. The one—or, I suspect, that we would have heard if we had 743 Scotland Bill7 MARCH 2011 Scotland Bill 744

[David Mundell] Glen, John Lilley, rh Mr Peter Glindon, Mrs Mary Long, Naomi had a debate on Antarctica—would convince any Member Goodman, Helen Lopresti, Jack who looked at these matters either objectively or with Goodwill, Mr Robert Loughton, Tim the interests of the people of Scotland at heart to Graham, Richard Luff, Peter support the SNP position. I hope that SNP Members Grant, Mrs Helen Lumley, Karen Gray, Mr James Main, Mrs Anne will withdraw their frivolous opposition so that the Greatrex, Tom Mann, John Committee will not have to divide on the issue. Green, Damian May, rh Mrs Theresa Question put, That the clause stand part of the Bill. Grieve, rh Mr Dominic Maynard, Paul Griffiths, Andrew McCartney, Jason The Committee divided: Ayes 340, Noes 8. Gummer, Ben McCartney, Karl Division No. 218] [9.47 pm Halfon, Robert McClymont, Gregg Hames, Duncan McGovern, Jim AYES Hamilton, Mr David McGuire, rh Mrs Anne Hammond, rh Mr Philip McIntosh, Miss Anne Adams, Nigel Carmichael, Neil Hammond, Stephen McKechin, Ann Afriyie, Adam Carswell, Mr Douglas Hancock, Matthew McVey, Esther Aldous, Peter Chishti, Rehman Hancock, Mr Mike Menzies, Mark Alexander, rh Danny Clappison, Mr James Hands, Greg Mercer, Patrick Ali, Rushanara Coffey, Dr Thérèse Harper, Mr Mark Metcalfe, Stephen Amess, Mr David Collins, Damian Harrington, Richard Michael, rh Alun Andrew, Stuart Colvile, Oliver Harris, Rebecca Miller, Maria Arbuthnot, rh Mr James Connarty, Michael Hart, Simon Mills, Nigel Bacon, Mr Richard Cooper, Rosie Harvey, Nick Milton, Anne Bagshawe, Ms Louise Cox, Mr Geoffrey Haselhurst, rh Sir Alan Mitchell, rh Mr Andrew Bain, Mr William Crabb, Stephen Hayes, Mr John Moore, rh Michael Baker, Norman Crockart, Mike Heath, Mr David Mordaunt, Penny Baker, Steve Crouch, Tracey Heaton-Harris, Chris Morgan, Nicky Baldry, Tony Cryer, John Hemming, John Morris, Anne Marie Barclay, Stephen Cunningham, Tony Henderson, Gordon Morris, David Baron, Mr John Curran, Margaret Hendrick, Mark Morris, James Barwell, Gavin Dakin, Nic Hendry, Charles Mosley, Stephen Bayley, Hugh Danczuk, Simon Herbert, rh Nick Mowat, David Bebb, Guto Davey, Mr Edward Hilling, Julie Mulholland, Greg Beith, rh Sir Alan Davidson, Mr Ian Hinds, Damian Mundell, rh David Bellingham, Mr Henry Davies, Glyn Hollingbery, George Munt, Tessa Benn, rh Hilary Davies, Philip Hollobone, Mr Philip Murray, Ian Benyon, Richard de Bois, Nick Hopkins, Kris Murray, Sheryll Beresford, Sir Paul Dinenage, Caroline Horwood, Martin Murrison, Dr Andrew Berry, Jake Djanogly, Mr Jonathan Howarth, Mr Gerald Nash, Pamela Binley, Mr Brian Docherty, Thomas Howell, John Neill, Robert Birtwistle, Gordon Dorrell, rh Mr Stephen Huppert, Dr Julian Newmark, Mr Brooks Blackman, Bob Dorries, Nadine Hurd, Mr Nick Newton, Sarah Blomfield, Paul Doyle, Gemma Jackson, Mr Stewart Nokes, Caroline Blunt, Mr Crispin Doyle-Price, Jackie James, Margot Nuttall, Mr David Boles, Nick Drax, Richard Jamieson, Cathy O’Brien, Mr Stephen Bone, Mr Peter Duncan Smith, rh Mr Iain Javid, Sajid O’Donnell, Fiona Brady, Mr Graham Dunne, Mr Philip Johnson, Gareth Offord, Mr Matthew Brake, Tom Ellis, Michael Jones, Andrew Ollerenshaw, Eric Bray, Angie Ellison, Jane Jones, Mr David Opperman, Guy Brazier, Mr Julian Ellwood, Mr Tobias Jones, Graham Ottaway, Richard Bridgen, Andrew Elphicke, Charlie Jones, Mr Marcus Paice, rh Mr James Brine, Mr Steve Esterson, Bill Kawczynski, Daniel Parish, Neil Brokenshire, James Eustice, George Kelly, Chris Patel, Priti Brooke, Annette Evans, Graham Kirby, Simon Pawsey, Mark Browne, Mr Jeremy Evans, Jonathan Knight, rh Mr Greg Penning, Mike Bruce, Fiona Evennett, Mr David Kwarteng, Kwasi Penrose, John Bryant, Chris Fabricant, Michael Laing, Mrs Eleanor Perkins, Toby Buckland, Mr Robert Featherstone, Lynne Lamb, Norman Perry, Claire Burley, Mr Aidan Fitzpatrick, Jim Burns, Conor Foster, rh Mr Don Lancaster, Mark Phillips, Stephen Burns, rh Mr Simon Francois, rh Mr Mark Latham, Pauline Pickles, rh Mr Eric Burrowes, Mr David Freeman, George Laws, rh Mr David Pincher, Christopher Burstow, Paul Freer, Mike Leadsom, Andrea Poulter, Dr Daniel Burt, Alistair Fullbrook, Lorraine Lee, Jessica Pugh, John Burt, Lorely Gale, Mr Roger Leech, Mr John Raab, Mr Dominic Byles, Dan Garnier, Mr Edward Lefroy, Jeremy Randall, rh Mr John Byrne, rh Mr Liam Garnier, Mark Leslie, Charlotte Reckless, Mark Cable, rh Vince George, Andrew Lewis, Brandon Redwood, rh Mr John Campbell, Mr Alan Gibb, Mr Nick Lewis, Dr Julian Rees-Mogg, Jacob Campbell, rh Sir Menzies Gilbert, Stephen Liddell-Grainger, Mr Ian Reevell, Simon Carmichael, rh Mr Alistair Gilmore, Sheila Lidington, rh Mr David Reid, Mr Alan 745 Scotland Bill 7 MARCH 2011 746

Reynolds, Jonathan Teather, Sarah Clause 21 Robathan, rh Mr Andrew Timpson, Mr Edward Robertson, Mr Laurence Tomlinson, Justin SPEED LIMITS Rogerson, Dan Tredinnick, David Rosindell, Andrew Truss, Elizabeth Amendment made: 30, page 13, line 26, at end insert— Roy, Mr Frank Turner, Mr Andrew “(3ZD) Regulations made by the Scottish Ministers under Roy, Lindsay Twigg, Derek subsection (2) are subject to the negative procedure.” Rudd, Amber Tyrie, Mr Andrew ( ) In subsection (3A)— Russell, Bob Uppal, Paul (a) the words from “the National Park Authority” to the Rutley, David Vaizey, Mr Edward end become paragraph (a), and Sanders, Mr Adrian Vara, Mr Shailesh (b) after that paragraph insert “, and Sandys, Laura Vickers, Martin (b) such representative organisations as they think Scott, Mr Lee Villiers, rh Mrs Theresa fit.”’.—(David Mundell.) Selous, Andrew Walker, Mr Robin Shapps, rh Grant Wallace, Mr Ben Clause 21, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill. Sharma, Alok Walter, Mr Robert Clauses 22 and 23 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Shelbrooke, Alec Ward, Mr David Sheridan, Jim Watkinson, Angela The occupant of the Chair left the Chair (Programme Simmonds, Mark Weatherley, Mike Order, 27 January). Skidmore, Chris Webb, Steve Skinner, Mr Dennis Wharton, James The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair. Smith, Angela Wheeler, Heather Progress reported; Committee to sit again tomorrow. Smith, Miss Chloe White, Chris Smith, Henry Whittaker, Craig Smith, Julian Whittingdale, Mr John Business without Debate Soubry, Anna Willetts, rh Mr David Spellar, rh Mr John Williams, Mr Mark DELEGATED LEGISLATION Spencer, Mr Mark Williams, Roger Stanley, rh Sir John Williams, Stephen Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Stephenson, Andrew Willott, Jenny Order No. 118(6)), Stevenson, John Wilson, Phil Stewart, Bob Wilson, Mr Rob HOUSING Stewart, Iain Wollaston, Dr Sarah That the draft Housing and Regeneration Act 2008 (Consequential Stewart, Rory Wright, David Amendments to the Mobile Homes Act 1983) Order 2011, which Streeter, Mr Gary Wright, Mr Iain was laid before this House on 31 January, be approved.—(Jeremy Stride, Mel Wright, Jeremy Wright.) Stuart, Ms Gisela Wright, Simon Question agreed to. Stunell, Andrew Young, rh Sir George Sturdy, Julian Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Zahawi, Nadhim Swales, Ian Order No. 118(6)), Swayne, Mr Desmond Tellers for the Ayes: Swinson, Jo Bill Wiggin and MOBILE HOMES Syms, Mr Robert Mark Hunter That the draft Mobile Homes Act 1983 (Amendment of Schedule 1 and Consequential Amendments) (England) Order 2011, which NOES was laid before this House on 31 January, be approved.—(Jeremy Hosie, Stewart Whiteford, Dr Eilidh Wright.) Llwyd, rh Mr Elfyn Wishart, Pete Question agreed to. Lucas, Caroline Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing MacNeil, Mr Angus Brendan Tellers for the Noes: Order No. 118(6)), Robertson, Angus Hywel Williams and Weir, Mr Mike Jonathan Edwards That the draft Mobile Homes Act 1983 (Jurisdiction of Residential Property Tribunals) (England) Order 2011, which was laid before this House on 31 January, be approved.—(Jeremy Wright.) Question accordingly agreed to. Question agreed to. Clause 13 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Motion made, and Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 118(6)), 10.2 pm Proceedings interrupted (Programme Order, 27 January.) CAPITAL GAINS TAX The Chair put forthwith the Questions necessary for That the draft Penalties, Offshore Income etc. (Designation of the disposal of the business to be concluded at that time Territories) Order 2011, which was laid before this House on (Standing Order No. 83D). 31 January, be approved.—(Jeremy Wright.) Clauses 14 to 20 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Question agreed to. 747 7 MARCH 2011 Pfizer (Sandwich) 748

Pfizer (Sandwich) been in Sandwich for 60 years, but has given its staff and the community just 90 days to readjust. We know Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House that significant numbers of staff will be made redundant do now adjourn.—(Jeremy Wright.) soon, with little time for support to be put in place to help them to set up businesses, or to identify investors 10.4 pm who might want to buy some of the assets and keep Laura Sandys (South Thanet) (Con): I thank the those important jobs on the Sandwich site. I pay tribute Minister for taking the time to be present this evening, to the local Pfizer management at Sandwich who are as I know he has been all around the country promoting trying to put in place new opportunities. They, too, have science and our technology base. I also recognise that little time to ensure that jobs stay in Sandwich before he and the Government are taking the announcement redundancies are issued. This is a great disappointment, of the closure of the Pfizer plant in Sandwich exceptionally as there are some very exciting opportunities. The site seriously. and the staff have real potential. I watched what happened previously when large numbers As the Minister knows, following the meeting he of redundancies were announced at the site, and it is called with venture capitalists, there are some potential clear that this Government have distinguished themselves opportunities, such as large management buy-outs. In as a Government of action and commitment. The last addition, the staff are considering setting up businesses, Government did not seem too worried about the closure but will they have enough time to secure the finance and of the Pfizer manufacturing plant at Sandwich, with put the packages in place before there is a dispersal of hundreds of jobs lost. I did not hear the then Prime the talented staff? Minister commit to addressing the loss of UK-based I am not asking Pfizer to change its exit date—2012 skills, nor did I see a taskforce established within days will be when it closes its activities in Sandwich—but to work with the company and keep as many jobs on that does not mean that it has rush to redundancies now site as possible. This Government have not stood by. when so much is being put in place to mitigate the They have not watched from the sidelines; instead they company’s decision. I am not sure that 90 days’ notice have galvanised all their resources to try to mitigate the after 60 years is fair or reasonable. We need more time, impact this closure will have both locally and nationally. the staff and contractors need more time, and our east A fellow Member of this House—an Opposition Kent economy needs more time. Member—said to me, “Well Laura, at least it’s happened The Government also have a strong role to play, and in the south-east. There are lots of jobs and opportunities with Ministers’ support much has already been achieved. for people there, unlike in the north.” May I therefore With the Minister’s leadership and the support of the explain that although Thanet and Dover are located in Prime Minister, the Government moved into action the south-east, they do not look like the south-east? I immediately.The taskforce, under the effective chairmanship represent the 64th most deprived district in the country, of Paul Carter, has already put in place a range of new next door in terms of deprivation to Wigan and Wakefield. opportunities for the site. We are only 30 days into this We calculate that the withdrawal of high-paid jobs at process and this will be an endeavour for those with Pfizer, which is one of the very few high-paying employers, stamina. We are in this for the long haul, so we need the will bring the average wage in our area down to £17,700. Government’s help to realise an exciting future for We will therefore be fighting things out in the conference Sandwich. We need them to back the establishment of a league, with wages that are the 15th lowest in the country. life science centre on the current site at Sandwich, as a Let us add up the total of the potential job losses in national resource, rather than just for our local economy. an area where skills are low and job mobility even lower, We seek economic incentives to support this centre in its and which is still recovering from coal pit closures and early years, and we seek special tax credits for research the demise of the British seaside holiday.Some 2,400 Pfizer and development that reach beyond the current criteria. jobs are at risk, and they are the highest paid jobs in the This life science centre could be at the heart of a wider local economy. There are 1,700 contactors on the site, research and technology zone covering the whole site including technicians, scientists and support staff. It is and going along the A256 corridor. We would also like also expected that we will lose thousands of public the Government to look on this area as one of the sector jobs. Experian calculates that the knock-on impact flagship enterprise zones that the Chancellor advanced of these redundancies could mean that an additional in such a welcome fashion in Cardiff this weekend. 5,000 jobs are at risk. The east Kent economy has been crying out for years The Pfizer closure will also have a significant impact for better transport links: the area is 70 miles from on the voluntary sector. Pfizer has been very generous London, but can take two hours to reach by train. The in the past. At the last count, an annual sum of £250,000 Minister experienced a very lengthy train journey of was donated by Pfizer to voluntary groups locally; two and a half hours because of both a slow train and £460,000 was given by Pfizer staff to charities; and works on the line, so he knows that, per mile, Sandwich 200 local schools were supported to promote science. to London is one of the slowest rail routes in the Every staff member was given five days of paid leave to country. I therefore ask for the Government’s support help with local charity groups. This totals in one year for our bid to get the rail line from London to Thanet much more than the $1 million given as a community upgraded so that we can get to Thanet within the hour. legacy when Pfizer shut its operation in Michigan. It is That would revolutionise our local economy. a body blow to the community, which is so dependent In conclusion, we need more time from Pfizer and we on the voluntary sector. need the Government’s commitment for the long term. We cannot stop Pfizer leaving the site; that is its With that, we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to decision and responsibility. However, I ask the Minister turn our local economy around so that in years to come to help us with our discussions with Pfizer. Pfizer has my east Kent colleagues and I can proudly state, “Yes, 749 Pfizer (Sandwich)7 MARCH 2011 Pfizer (Sandwich) 750 our area is part of the south-east economy. It does look course, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for like the rest of the south-east and our economy can Business, Innovation and Skills and I are waiting for the eventually function like the rest of south-east.” report that he will bring to us, but it is already clear that three key issues have emerged, all of which were touched 10.13 pm on by my hon. Friend the Member for South Thanet in her speech, the first of which is transport connections. Charlie Elphicke (Dover) (Con): I congratulate my It is clear that this is a long-standing problem in the hon. Friend the Member for South Thanet (Laura area and, as she has said, it is one that I personally Sandys) on her heroic efforts to corral and bring together experienced in my painfully slow journey to Sandwich the east Kent MPs, Kent county council, Dover district the other day. council and Thanet district council within 24 hours to make sure that there was a clear plan for a changeover Clearly, there are some important transport challenges, from the large “big pharma” site to the new model of but my hon. Friend will understand that I can make no universities and smaller businesses collaborating and commitment tonight on public expenditure issues, which developing things in the future. I simply wish to support are matters for the Chancellor and the Secretary of her point about the disgraceful transport links that we State for Transport, but she, her colleagues and Kent have to put up with. We need to get the fast line put in county council have made very strong arguments about from Sandwich and Deal through to London, and we the need for a transport upgrade in the area. I understand need Manston and the A256 corridor to be developed. the different things they are calling for, one of which is That would enable us to have more jobs and more an improvement in the rail service. A powerful argument money, and would provide more effective business options has been made that reducing the journey time to London for the people of Dover, Deal, south and north Thanet, to less than an hour would transform people’s perceptions and east Kent as a whole. of the site and its accessibility. The second argument that has been made is about the 10.14 pm case for a new station and how that would encourage investment and would encourage people to move to the The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David area. Willetts): I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for South Thanet (Laura Sandys) on securing the debate. Thirdly, there is the whole issue of the airfield at The presence of other hon. Members in the Chamber is Manston. Occasionally, I think that we have found a reminder of the strength of feeling in Kent about this Boris Johnson’s island. The existence of the runway and issue. The important contribution of my hon. Friend the great significance it could have for improving transport the Member for Dover (Charlie Elphicke) and the presence links has been drawn to our attention. I cannot make of my hon. Friends the Members for North Thanet any commitments tonight, but that logic and the connection (Mr Gale), for Folkestone and Hythe (Damian Collins) between the rail links, the new station and the future of and for Rochester and Strood (Mark Reckless) shows the airfield have all been very well made and I know that the issue affects a wider community than that in from my conversations with Councillor Paul Carter Sandwich. that he will be making those points in his report. We will then consider them very seriously indeed, because We in the Government were deeply disappointed by of the importance of the area and the severe blow that it Pfizer’s decision. I vividly remember the meeting at has had with the withdrawal of Pfizer. No. 10 Downing street with the new chief executive of Pfizer on 24 January. I thought I was going to meet the The second set of local issues concerns employment. new chief executive and learn about his plans for the My hon. Friend put it eloquently. After 60 years of future, so I was shocked and disappointed when he presence in the area, during which time the researchers revealed that he was proposing to announce, in a week’s and staff at Sandwich developed some extraordinarily time, Pfizer’s withdrawal from its Sandwich plant. Of successful drugs, it is understandable that the prospect course, I asked immediately whether anything could be of 90 days’ notice is extremely painful for people. There done in terms of national policy to change his mind and is great interest among the venture capital community whether there was something we had got wrong that and others in what could be done to support MBOs—to needed to corrected, but he was insistent that the decision support new contract research organisations, perhaps was based on Pfizer’s wider global view about the to buy particular physical assets and intellectual property strands of medical activity on which it wished to focus. that has been generated on site. I understand that going Sadly, some of the activities at Sandwich are ones from through that process in the tight time scale of 90 days is which it plans to withdraw. Since that conversation, in very demanding. That is one of the reasons why we in which Pfizer insisted that there was nothing we could the Government have tried to keep ahead of events and do at the national level, the focus has quite rightly been move with all necessary speed. on what we can do for the local community in Sandwich, I will take up with Pfizer the points that my hon. the economy of that part of Kent and, more widely, for Friend made about the need to give sufficient time for the life sciences in our country. I pay tribute again to my such options to be properly explored. As she knows, I hon. Friend the hon. Member for South Thanet and her have already convened a brainstorming session of venture colleagues who are present for the incredibly constructive capitalists and others at the Department for Business, and energetic way in which they have tried to address Innovation and Skills, and I am keeping in close touch that challenge. with the venture capital community. Yes, I will make the We decided immediately to invite Paul Carter, the point to Pfizer that it has an obligation to ensure that leader of Kent county council, to lead a local taskforce such options are properly investigated. that would assess the impact on the local economy and The third thing that is on the agenda for the local look at measures that could be taken so that the local community is the enterprise zone idea. I was at the economy was not damaged severely by this decision. Of Conservative party’s spring conference in Cardiff this 751 Pfizer (Sandwich)7 MARCH 2011 Pfizer (Sandwich) 752

[Mr David Willetts] particular protection to the Medical Research Council’s budget, supported by the patent income it receives from weekend, speaking on growth. The Chancellor gave an successful patents. We know that high-quality medical important speech with a clear commitment to back research is absolutely fundamental to ensuring that we enterprise zones. Again, I cannot give any commitment have a strong life sciences industry. this evening, but I know that my hon. Friend and her That is also why we are looking carefully at how we colleagues and the leader of Kent county council will be can improve the environment for clinical trials in this eloquent in making the case for the area as an enterprise country. I see a great potential future for the Sandwich zone, and I well understand the arguments that they will facility as a place from which clinical trials are run, even put. if no primary pharmaceutical or medical research is There is much work to be done on the exact design of undertaken there. It is a scandal that we have inherited a an enterprise zone—to what extent it is a matter of rate regulatory regime in which it takes 660 days from the relief, liberalising the planning regime or other special decision to test a drug to the first patient receiving it in a tax reliefs. All that, I am sure, will be unveiled at the clinical trial. When we on the Government Benches talk Dispatch Box in a fortnight, when the House may be about the burdens of red tape, it is not simply an even more crowded than it is tonight. We have only a abstract issue; we have a real example of that burden in short time to wait, but both the definition of the scope front of us. The Secretary of State for Health and I for enterprise zones and the choice of the areas where received an excellent report on that in January, and I those will be is important. I know that the case for this know that the Chancellor is very aware of it. I am area of Kent as an enterprise zone will be made powerfully. absolutely committed to working with the Secretary of I see those as the big local issues. We are focusing on State to try to transform the environment for clinical all of them, working with the taskforce—the transport trials so that Britain’s declining market share in clinical issues, the employment issues and the enterprise zone. trials is reversed. We have gone from having 6% of Perhaps I can briefly mention the wider context. Although clinical trials to 2% in the past 15 years. That shocking the decision has been a blow for the local community in decline under the previous Government must be arrested Sandwich, it has led to stocktaking about life sciences and reversed. We are trying to create a better environment as a British-based industry. It is clear now, especially for clinical trials, which could be of direct benefit for when we put the Pfizer decision alongside a similar people at the Pfizer facility in Sandwich. decision by AstraZeneca at Charnwood, that there are We are also looking carefully at the regime for venture some big structural changes going on in the industry. I capital investment, as we need to do everything possible referred to one—Pfizer’s decision to withdraw from to ensure that venture capitalists are keen to invest in some strands of research—but there is another issue as this important sector. Again, we have seen a decline in well. venture capital investment in recent years, which we There is a shift away from in-house research and need to address and turn around. Finally, we must development towards contractual arrangements with ensure that we have an environment in which contract outside research organisations or contractual arrangements research organisations—I suspect that we will hear more with university departments, where firms look for the about those in the years ahead, as they will be an original medical research to take place. Also, increasingly, important part of the industry’s future structure—have the larger companies are waiting to see what small and a tax and regulatory regime that supports them so that medium-size enterprises come up with and buying up Britain becomes Europe’s preferred environment for the SMEs when they have clearly got the product. Just contract-based research. as the disappearance of Bell Labs was a wake-up call If we put together our commitment to the local about changes in the structure of the IT industry 20 years community, our willingness to focus on the specific ago, we are seeing an important change in the structure issues that my hon. Friend the Member for South of the pharmaceutical industry. Thanet raised—transport, employment, redundancy The Government, and I with my responsibilities for arrangements and enterprise zones—and our commitment life science, are committed to making sure that as these to life sciences as an important British strength where structural changes occur, Britain remains at the forefront we can do better and must not settle for decline and of life sciences, and that we are sufficiently nimble contraction, I hope that she will take some comfort footed and skilful that we ensure that as these changes from this debate that she has rightly secured. happen Britain emerges from them with an even stronger Question put and agreed to. life sciences economy than we have at present. That is why we have, for example, protected in cash terms the 10.28 pm science and research budget and, within that, given House adjourned. 53WS Written Ministerial Statements7 MARCH 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 54WS

support councils in carrying out their functions and Written Ministerial which ones serve to create unnecessary burdens and should be removed. Statements A draft list of over 1,200 duties stemming from primary legislation that Departments across Whitehall are responsible for will be available online today at Monday 7 March 2011 http://www.communities.gov.uk/localgovernment/ decentralisation/tacklingburdens/. We aim to build the list further with contributions, comment and challenge from local government and the public. The House will COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT be kept informed of progress. I have placed copies of the initial lists of duties placed on local government both by my Department London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and by other Government Departments in the Library of the House. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Robert Neill): ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE The public bodies review (20 October 2010) concluded that the functions of the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) should be transferred Energy Council (28 February 2011) to the relevant local authority or other London bodies. I am today announcing the first stage of that localisation. The Minister of State, Department of Energy and From 1 April 2011, LTGDC’s planning functions in the Climate Change (Charles Hendry): I represented the London riverside area will be returned to the London UK at the Energy Council in Brussels on 28 February. boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and The Council began with a report by the Commission for part of Newham. This important first step towards on the progress of negotiations in the Council working complete localisation will be effected by the London group on the proposed regulation on energy market Thames Gateway Development Corporation (Planning integrity and transparency. The European Council had Functions) (Amendment) Order 2011 which I am laying given a mandate for rapid completion of the dossier, before Parliament today. The order reflects the coalition which is essential for setting the rules of energy commodity commitment to cutting the costs of quangos and increasing trading in the EU. accountability, and also chimes with our approach to The Council then adopted Council conclusions on the Thames Gateway generally, where we have decentralised the “Energy 2020” strategy and the communication on strategic oversight to local political leaders. energy infrastructure priorities. Commissioner Oettinger I expect further transfers of functions will take place summarised the content of the conclusions and highlighted during 2012. the need for specific actions on 2050 work, including in particular support for infrastructure investment, energy efficiency, and the need to consider how the next financial perspective can best support the transition to 2050. Review of Statutory Duties The main focus of the Council was a discussion of energy efficiency and renewables to contribute to the The Minister of State, Department for Communities EU semester exercise (a new EU initiative to improve and Local Government (Greg Clark): I am today announcing economic policy co-ordination). The EU semester process a comprehensive review of the statutory duties placed will be considered by the spring European Council later on local authorities by central Government. This is a this month. Commissioner Oettinger noted the positive further step in the drive to remove centrally imposed impact that energy efficiency and renewables could have prescription and burdens and free councils up to meet on EU industry. Most Ministers supported the the needs of their communities. Commission’s approach and agreed on the importance Central Government are committed to taking a proactive of energy efficiency. I noted that the forthcoming energy role to identifying and removing bureaucratic burdens efficiency action plan should focus on those areas where and barriers that stifle local decision making. We have action is best taken at EU level or where there is direct already freed local authorities from thousands of targets, added-value in co-operative efforts. ended the costly inspection regime and announced work The Commissioner also updated the Council on the to streamline central data requirements. We now need recent communication on the implementation of the to be clear about the cumulative demands centrally renewables directive and on the southern corridor, where prescribed duties place on local authorities and consider he said that he would present a long-term strategy to carefully whether they can continue to be justified. the Council in the second half of 2011. I noted the UK’s Review of Statutory Duties on local government support for the idea of the southern corridor but the Historically central Government have been prescriptive importance that any strategic work should not delay the about how councils should serve their communities and commercial development of Azeri gas. many functions councils undertake have legal duties Over lunch, there was a discussion of north Africa attached to them, set out in numerous Acts of Parliament. and oil prices, and the internal energy market. The Department for Communities and Local The Energy Council, as the formation of the Council Government will lead a comprehensive review of statutory in session, adopted a decision implementing the UN duties with the aim of determining which duties actually Security Council Resolution imposing sanctions on Libya. 55WS Written Ministerial Statements7 MARCH 2011 Written Ministerial Statements 56WS

HOME DEPARTMENT All types of aircraft will be permitted to operate in the wider restricted zone provided that they can satisfy certain requirements designed to ensure that all aircraft Strengthening Women’s Voices in Government within the zone can be readily identified and monitored by air traffic control. The Minister for Equalities (Lynne Featherstone): In It is envisaged that the measures will be in place from December 2010 the coalition Government published its 13 July to 12 September 2012, to cover the period of equality strategy “Building a Fairer Britain”. In it we both the Olympic and Paralympic games. set out two principles: equal treatment and equal These measures have been designed to help to protect opportunity. We committed to devolving power and key games locations from potential airborne threats. It control to citizens and local communities; giving them is normal practice to implement airspace restrictions more choice and control over their lives and to promote during large-scale events such as major sporting events, greater participation in public life. and similar measures have been put in place for previous We also committed to reforming the institutions that Olympic and Paralympic games. The measures have currently exist to help Government develop and promote been developed to be proportionate and to minimise the its equality policies and legislation. Following the review impact on the aviation community during the summer of public bodies we decided that the functions of the of 2012. Women’s National Commission (WNC) which had the It is not expected that any airports will need to close role of bringing women’s voices to Government should as a result of the measures. There should be no impact be brought back within Government. The WNC closed on scheduled air services, and limited impact on most in December 2010. other types of operation outside the prohibited zone. Today I am publishing a consultation on “Strengthening The Government, the Civil Aviation Authority and Women’s Voices in Government” which sets out our NATS will now work with airspace users and others to proposals for a new approach to engaging and listening ensure that the planned measures, and their potential to women, and invites views and feedback on those impacts, are fully understood and discussed before the proposals. regulations to implement them under the Air Navigation Order 2009 are made later this year. This new approach will modernise the way we engage with women in the UK to ensure that we maintain an Options for airspace controls over other Olympics effective dialogue about the key issues of concern to venues outside the south-east are still being considered women of all ages and backgrounds in the UK today. It and plans for these will be announced later. will transform the way in which their voices are brought Copies of a leaflet entitled “London 2012 Airspace”, to Government, delivering an engagement framework aimed at the general aviation community, showing the which is direct, inclusive and transparent, and which is, coverage of the zones and setting out in more detail the in principle and by design, open to all—individual restrictions that will apply within them, have been placed women, grass roots and local community organisations in the Library. as well as regional and national women’s organisations WALES and wider organisations working on issues in which Wales: Referendum on Law-making Powers women have a key interest. Copies of “Strengthening Women’s Voices in The Secretary of State for Wales (Mrs Cheryl Gillan): Government” will be placed in the Libraries of both On behalf of the Government, I welcome the result of Houses and in the Vote Office. the referendum on enhanced law-making powers for the National Assembly for Wales, which took place on TRANSPORT 3 March. The Government have fulfilled their commitment to Olympic Airspace hold a referendum—requested by Assembly Members—set out in the coalition’s programme for Government. The The Minister of State, Department for Transport referendum has enabled the people of Wales to have (Mrs Theresa Villiers): As part of the commitment to their say in determining the powers the National Assembly deliver a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic games, should have. the Government are today announcing their plans for The “yes” vote will mean that the Welsh Assembly temporary airspace control measures that will apply Government can get on with the job of delivering better over London and the south-east during the games period. public services, and bring forward legislation in devolved The measures comprise an inner prohibited airspace areas without reference to Parliament. The Assembly zone and an outer restricted zone, approximately 60 nautical will be able to legislate on subjects in the 20 areas miles across, centred on the Olympic park. covered by the original devolution settlement, and set Only certain categories of aircraft—those operating out in schedule 7 to the Government of Wales Act 2006. commercial services and subject to full security All the areas previously non-devolved remain non-devolved, procedures—will normally be permitted to operate within and are the responsibility of the Government and the prohibited zone. Certain aircraft involved in, for Parliament. There is no change in this respect. example, police, medevac and Olympic broadcast operations It is now for the Welsh Assembly Government and will be exempted. Other operations at airports within the National Assembly to decide when to bring the this zone may also be considered for exemption subject Assembly’s enhanced powers into force. to strict conditions, which will be assessed on a case-by-case The Government are committed to working closely basis. Similarly, we are working with Battersea heliport with the Welsh Assembly Government and National to agree a basis on which operations there may be Assembly to make these legislative arrangements work allowed to continue. effectively. 735W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 736W Written Answers to Government Procurement Card Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Questions Communities and Local Government what the (a) data of purchase, (b) amount and (c) supplier was in respect of each transaction undertaken by the Audit Monday 7 March 2011 Commission using the Government Procurement Card in (i) 2008-09 and (ii) 2009-10. [43840] Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend direct. Council Tax Benefits Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 7 March 2011: YourParliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply in Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities the absence of the Chief Executive on leave. and Local Government (1) what assessment he has The Audit Commission is unable to provide the information made of the potential for an increase in (a) arrears and requested in the time available to respond to your Parliamentary (b) instances of recovery action following arrears arising Question. However, once this information is collated we will from (i) the replacement of council tax benefit and (ii) forward the data to you. the 10% reduction in the budget for council tax benefit; Health Care Insurance [44745] (2) what arrangements local authorities will be required Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for to make to implement the replacement for council tax Communities and Local Government whether the benefit; and if he will make a statement; [44747] Audit Commission provides health care or health care (3) what plans he has for the implementation of insurance funded from the public purse to any of its reductions in council tax benefit for (a) pensioner staff. [43864] households, (b) working age households in work, (c) working age households not in work and (d) households Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the with dependent children. [44748] Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend Robert Neill: As the Secretary of State for Communities direct. set out in his written ministerial statement of 17 February Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 7 March 2011: 2011, Official Report, column 82WS, the Government YourParliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply in remain committed to retaining council tax support for the absence of the Chief Executive on leave. the most vulnerable in society and will be taking forward The Audit Commission does not provide health care or health plans for councils to develop local rebate schemes. This care insurance funded from the public purse to any of its staff. reform will support the positive work incentives that Health Services will be introduced through the Government’s plans on universal credit. Combined with other incentives—such Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for as the new homes bonus and our proposals for the local Communities and Local Government how much the retention of business rates—these changes will give Audit Commission has paid to Cigna Healthcare and councils a greater stake in the economic future of their Group Life in each of the last three years; and for what local area. purposes. [43927] Government will want to work closely with local authorities and others to understand the particular Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the issues with a local council tax rebate scheme, and a full Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive consultation on the system of local schemes in relation of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend to England will be undertaken in due course led by the direct. Department for Communities and Local Government. Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 7 March 2011: YourParliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply in Ms Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for the absence of the Chief Executive on leave. Communities and Local Government what steps he Cigna Healthcare and Group Life provide dental treatment plans to take to ensure that the local delivery of council insurance that employees can opt to take out and pay for through tax benefit or its replacement will not increase marginal a monthly salary deduction. During 2008/09 the total contributions rates of deduction above (a) 65% before tax and (b) collected from employees and paid to Cigna totalled £20,956.95. In 2009/10 the amount was £23,463.06 and in 2010/11 it was 76% for taxpayers. [44746] £23,869.55. Employees pay the full cost of the insurance cover and there is no charge to the public purse. Robert Neill: Promoting work incentives is at the heart of the programme of welfare reform. In developing Home Ownership its plans for a new system for local council tax rebate schemes, the Government have been clear that the changes Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for should support the positive work incentives that will be Communities and Local Government (1) what his policy introduced through the Government’s plans on universal is on the continuation of Homes and Communities credit. A full consultation on the new system in England Agency capital funding to the home ownership for will be undertaken in due course. people with long-term disabilities scheme; [43777] 737W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 738W

(2) how many homes in (a) the London borough of Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Newham and (b) West Ham constituency are available Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the for people participating in the home ownership for Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend direct. people with long-term disabilities scheme; [43785] Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 7 March 2011: (3) how many people in (a) London, (b) the YourParliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply in London borough of Newham and (c) West Ham the absence of the Chief Executive on leave. constituency are participating in the home ownership The Audit Commission has not made any estimates of the for people with long-term disabilities scheme. [43790] changes in the average salary of local authority chief executives in the last 10 years. Grant Shapps: Home Ownership for People with The Commission published “Tougher at the top? Changes in Long-Term Disabilities (HOLD) enables people who the labour market for single tier and county council chief executives—a are unable to access the Government’s mainstream new discussion paper”in July 2008. This report contains some information build affordable home ownership programme, for example about movements in chief executive salaries during the period 1998/99 to 2007/08 and is available on the Audit Commission because they need to live in a specific location, to select website: a property on the open market suitable to their needs. It http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/nationalstudies/ allows them to purchase on shared ownership terms localgov/Pages/tougheratthetop.aspx with a housing association. HOLD is an “on demand” product. Capital funding Promotional Merchandise is provided by my Department, through the Homes and Communities Agency, to housing providers to assist Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for them with the purchase of suitable properties on the Communities and Local Government how much the open market. This means homes are not available in the Audit Commission has spent on promotional merchandise same way as with the standard new build shared ownership since 2006; how many of each item of promotional product. merchandise were ordered; and how each item was The following table shows the number of HOLD branded. [43857] completions in London and the borough of Newham. Information is not held at constituency level. Robert Neill: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive Area Completions of the Audit Commission to write to my hon. Friend 2008-09 2009-10 2010-111 direct. Letter from Andy McKeon, dated 7 March 2011: London 3 4 4 of which: YourParliamentary Question has been passed to me to reply in the absence of the Chief Executive, who is on leave. Newham144 In the five years from 2006 to 2010, the Audit Commission 1 End September. spent £56,982.37 on promotional merchandise. Information about Source: how many of each item was ordered could only be obtained at Homes and Communities Agency’s Information Management System. disproportionate cost. As announced in the spending review, we are investing The majority of these low unit value items, such as pens, were £4.5 billion to deliver 150,000 new affordable homes. branded Audit Commission. They were used at a range of external This will include support for the provision of shared conferences and exhibitions, and also by staff. ownership property where this is a local priority, including Some of the promotional merchandise was branded Oneplace: through HOLD. the public-facing brand for Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA). It was used to communicate information about the performance of local public services. The work on CAA was led Housing: Construction by the Commission on behalf of the six partner inspectorates. Marketing costs for CAA were supported by a grant from the Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Department for Communities and Local Government. Communities and Local Government what criteria his Department uses to determine the number of houses to be built in Mid Sussex constituency. [44735] ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE Robert Neill: Local authorities and communities should Voluntary Work and Charitable Donations decide the number of houses needed in their area, based on robust evidence. We propose, through the Localism Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West Bill, to remove regional housing targets, and to support Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the local decisions through the New Homes Bonus. We will Electoral Commission, whether the Electoral Commission confirm planning for housing policy in the National has a policy to encourage its employees to (a) volunteer Planning Policy Framework. and (b) donate via payroll giving. [43249]

Local Authority: Pay Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me that it has policies in place to allow staff to undertake Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for volunteering and to donate via payroll giving. Communities and Local Government what estimate the The Commission actively promotes both volunteering Audit Commission has made of changes in the average and payroll giving as part of its induction process for salary of local authority chief executives in the last 10 new starters, as well as through regular internal years. [43847] communications and specialised features on its intranet. 739W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 740W

Staff can request up to five days each year to undertake PRIME MINISTER voluntary work, and the commission was awarded the bronze payroll giving award by the Charities Aid Chequers: Official Visits Foundation for the financial year 2009-10. Mr Watson: To ask the Prime Minister how many times he has visited Chequers since his appointment. NORTHERN IRELAND [44279] Departmental Food The Prime Minister: The majority of my time is spent in Downing street and I regularly spend time in Chequers Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern and my constituency. Ireland if he will estimate the proportion of the Public Bills seafood procured for (a) his Department and (b) the non-departmental public body for which he is Natascha Engel: To ask the Prime Minister how responsible that (i) was on the Marine Conservation many staff of his Office he expects to work on (a) the Society’s list of fish to avoid and (ii) complied with introduction of a public reading stage for Bills and (b) sustainability standards indicated by inclusion in either the introduction of a public reading day within a Bill’s the Marine Conservation Society’s list of fish to eat or committee stage. [41653] by the list of fish species certified by the Marine Stewardship Council in (A) 2010 and (B) 2011 to date. Sir George Young: I have been asked to reply. [45037] The work to introduce a public reading stage and a public reading day, as set out in the Programme for Mr Swire: The Northern Ireland Office does not keep Government and the Cabinet Office’s Business Plan, records on the amount of expenditure on fish nor on will be taken forward by me, working with Parliament. the species purchased. This information could be provided only at disproportionate cost. A number of staff will work on the public reading stage in various capacities in addition to their existing Where possible, my Department always aims to use responsibilities. local Northern Ireland produce that is in compliance with sustainability standards. Trident Departmental Procurement Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Prime Minister pursuant to his oral answer of 9 February 2011, Official Report, Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern columns 296-97, to the hon. Member for New Forest Ireland what the cost to the public purse was of the (a) East on the nuclear deterrent, if he will rule out cancellation procurement and (b) outsourcing function of (i) his of the Trident replacement programme from negotiations Department and (ii) each non-departmental public with the Liberal Democrats in any future hung Parliament. body for which he is responsible in the last financial [41735] year for which figures are available. [43953] The Prime Minister: My answer of 9 February 2011, Mr Swire: Comparable figures for the Department as Official Report, columns 295-96, sets out the position. it is now configured are not available following the completion of devolution of policing and justice functions on 12 April 2010. CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT However, for the period January 2010 to January 2011, the Department incurred costs of £32,746 on its Creative Industries procurement function. In addition a member of staff spends a proportion of her time managing the relationship Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, with our procurement function. During this time, that Olympics, Media and Sport what recent assessment he function established contracts for the Department to has made of (a) lending to and (b) financing of the the value of £1,124,000. The Department has one executive creative industries; and if he will make a statement. non-departmental body (NDPB), which does not have [44876] a separate procurement function. Neither the Department Mr Vaizey: The Department for Culture, Media and nor its NDPB have an outsourcing function. Sport together with the Department for Business, Electoral Reform Services Ltd Innovation and Skills has recently commissioned research into the financing of the creative industries in order to Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for provide evidence for the digital and creative industries Northern Ireland what the monetary value was of growth review which reports to a Budget 2011 timetable. contracts his Department placed with Electoral Departmental Location Reform Services Ltd in each year since 2005. [44223] Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Swire: Elections in Northern Ireland are administered Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport if he will bring centrally by the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern forward proposals to relocate (a) staff and (b) offices Ireland (CEO) who is both the returning officer and of his Department to Brighton; and if he will make a registration officer for all elections in Northern Ireland. statement. [43468] Neither the Northern Ireland Office nor the CEO has awarded any contract to Electoral Reform Services John Penrose: The Department has no plans to relocate since 2005. its staff and offices to Brighton. 741W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 742W

Gambling John Penrose: The Department is currently considering the results of the British Gambling Prevalence Survey Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, 2010 which was published on 15 February. Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what discussions he has We will make an announcement about our next steps had with the (a) Association of British Bookmakers, in due course. (b) Responsible Gambling Strategy Board, (c) Gambling Commission and (d) GamCare on the contents of the Internet: Social Security Benefits Gambling Prevalence Survey 2010 since 11 May 2010; [43053] Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, (2) what meetings (a) on what dates and (b) at Olympics, Media and Sport what estimate he has made which locations he has had with representatives of the of the proportion of (a) all households and (b) households (i) Association of British Bookmakers, (ii) Responsible in which at least one person claims a benefit that will Gambling Strategy Board, (iii) Gambling Commission have home access to the internet by the time of the and (iv) GamCare since 1 January 2011. [43054] proposed digitalisation of the benefits system; and if he will make a statement. [43132] John Penrose: I met the Gambling Commission on 14 February 2011 at DCMS offices to discuss the contents Mr Vaizey: I have not made a specific estimate of of the Gambling Prevalence Survey 2010. I also discussed households with at least one benefit claimant. 73% of the survey results with the chair of the Responsible all households in the UK currently access the internet Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB), Baroness Julia through one of a variety of mechanisms—broadband Neuberger, via telephone the same day and had a meeting connection, dial-up connection via the phone line, mobile, with representatives of Ladbrokes where we discussed wireless or satellite. the survey briefly. Ofcom In addition, the Minister for Sport and the Olympics (Hugh Robertson) met with the Gambling Commission Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for on 10 January at DCMS offices to discuss sports betting Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport what professional integrity. specialist consultancy services were provided to Ofcom Ministers have not met representatives of any other in 2009-10; what the name of each provider was; what organisations to discuss the contents of the Gambling the cost per provider was; how many hours each provider Prevalence Survey 2010. worked; and how many staff each provider supplied. [44034] Mr Lammy: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (1) what steps he Mr Vaizey [holding answer 3 March 2011]: Ofcom plans to take in response to the outcomes of the made use of 31 technical specialist consultants in 2009-10 Gambling Prevalence Survey 2010 relating to trends in as part of its overall annual programme of work. The the level of problem gambling; [43055] following table sets out the suppliers used, the services (2) what assessment he has made of the outcomes of provided and the total sums paid. the Gambling Prevalence Survey 2010 relating to B2 Information provided to Ofcom as part of a tendering terminals in betting shops; and if he will make a process is commercially sensitive. We are unable to statement; [43058] provide a more detailed breakdown of the number of (3) what assessment he has made of the outcomes of hours worked and staff provided by each supplier since the Gambling Prevalence Survey 2010; and if he will disclosure of this may compromise future tendering make a statement. [43059] processes.

Vendor Description Total (£)

Aegis Systems Ltd Spectrum technology research 11,759.40 Analysys Mason Ltd Competition economic analysis 771,521.33 Andrew Chesher Competition economic analysis 49,335.00 BDO Stoy Hayward LLP Financial analysis, BT Charge Controls 9,400.00 Bentley Associates Paralegal support 14,638.34 Critical Research Ltd Diversity research 14,282.13 Deloitte and Touche LLP Spectrum clearance implementation 177,754.61 Dotecon Ltd Spectrum auction expertise 213,869.55 ERA Technology Ltd Technology research 45,783.60 Ernst and Young LLP Competition economic analysis 61,850.00 Essential Research Digital participation and Video on Demand market 153,958.07 research Harris Interactive UK Ltd Online survey 10,420.58 Illuminas Ltd Research on bundling 29,375.73 KPMG LLP TV economic analysis 4,684.26 LECG Ltd Economic analysis 96,915.00 Mediaclarity Digital Ltd Media research and analysis 23,500.00 Mott MacDonald Ltd Telecoms research 42,379.54 743W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 744W

Vendor Description Total (£)

Oliver and Ohlbaum Associates Ltd TV Economic analysis 50,963.28 Oxera Consulting Ltd TV Economic analysis 141,956.14 PA Consulting Group Spectrum research 105,187.50 Plum Consulting Ltd Spectrum economic analysis 72,262.50 PricewaterhouseCoopers Economic analysis 31,033.24 Prodata Partners Ltd Technology research 42,423.50 Sagentia Ltd Equipment advice and study 34,603.75 Saville Rossiter-Base Telecoms and media literacy market research 371,888.94 Steve Carter Telecoms advice 2,350.00 Synovate Ltd Telecoms and TV research 110,481.69 The Brattle Group Competition economic analysis 6,316.38 TNS UK Ltd TV market research 39,675.00 Transfinite Systems Ltd Software training 2,300.01 Value Partners Management Consulting Sports rights analysis, analysis of regulatory changes 63,410.50 on local radio Accounting adjustments Adjustments to prior year charges and accruals (40,512.50) Total 2,765,767.07

Olympic Games 2012: Human Trafficking John Thurso: Expenditure on flowers and plants in the House of Commons in 2010-11 is expected to be Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, £116,391 and estimated expenditure in 2011-12 is expected Olympics, Media and Sport what recent discussions has to be some £87,400. All areas of expenditure are being he had with (a) representatives of non-governmental scrutinised following the Commission’s decision to save organisations and (b) other interested organisations on at least 17% of the cost of the House’s administration measures to prevent human trafficking during the London by 2014-15. 2012 Olympics. [44117]

Hugh Robertson: Regular threat briefings take place between the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER Media and Sport, the right hon. Member for South West Surrey (Mr Hunt), myself and the Olympic Intelligence Electoral Register Centre, a dedicated body comprising representation from across the Government intelligence and law Mr Evennett: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what enforcement apparatus that assesses strategic threats to recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the games. As part of this the Department have been electoral registration officers in improving levels of informed that we are not currently seeing any evidence electoral registration. [44332] of an increase in human trafficking related to the London 2012 games. Mr Harper: The Government have made no such However, we remain vigilant and will be continuously assessment. The Electoral Commission has the power reviewing the threat of human trafficking. The Government to set and monitor performance standards for electoral are determined to deter traffickers from exploiting London services. Since 2008, the Electoral Commission has 2012 and we are building on the considerable expertise monitored the performance of electoral registration the UK has in tackling this issue. Should the intelligence officers (EROs) in Great Britain against a set of standards, indicate an increase in trafficking we shall ensure that and has published annual assessments. The Commission’s the appropriate measures are in place. March 2010 Report ‘Performance Standards for Electoral We regularly engage with non-government organisations Registration Officers in Great Britain’ found that “just with an interest in tackling human trafficking. Government under 96% of EROs met the ‘Completeness and accuracy representatives sit on the Human Trafficking and London of electoral registration records’ standard this year 2012 Network which shares key issues on Olympic compared with 85% of EROs last year”. human trafficking issues, including dedicated sub-groups The Electoral Commission advises and works closely on sexual exploitation and forced labour. with EROs who do not meet these standards in order to improve their performance.

HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION Flowers WALES

Barbara Keeley: To ask the hon. Member for Caithness, St David’s Day Sutherland and Easter Ross, representing the House of Commons Commission, how much the House of Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Commons Commission expects to spend on flowers Wales (1) what the cost to the public purse was of her and plants in 2010-11; and what estimate has been Department’s St David’s Day reception at Gwydyr made of the equivalent expenditure in 2011-12. [43712] house on 1 March 2011; [44572] 745W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 746W

(2) who was invited to her Department’s St David’s (3) for what reasons there is proposed a switch from Day reception at Gwydyr house on 1 March 2011. capital to resource of £636,000 in Request for Resources 3; [44573] [43583] (4) for what reasons there is proposed an increase of Mrs Gillan: The Wales Office’s traditional St David’s £141,066,000 in grant to the Welsh Assembly Government; Day reception has long been used to celebrate our [43588] national day and to bring together representatives of (5) for what reason there is proposed an increase of Welsh society to build relationships that will potentially £636,000 in voted expenditure offset by a reduction in bring great benefits to Wales. Representatives of key capital expenditure; [43593] employers and the big society were invited, along with Members of Parliament and peers of all the main (6) for what reason there is proposed an increase of political parties. The estimated cost to the public purse (a) £1.9 million in voted expenditure in Request for from the event is £780, excluding VAT. Resources 2 and (b) £1.3 million in voted expenditure in Request for Resources 3 owing to an end-year The following hon. Members were invited: flexibility drawdown. [43594] Glyn Davies MP Brooks Newmark MP Mrs Gillan: I am responding as the questions largely Guto Bebb MP relate to Wales Office expenditure. However, the query Alun Cairns MP relating to the Spring Supplementary Estimates for Stephen Crabb MP 2010-11, HC 790, David Davies MP “for what reason there is proposed an increase of (a) £1.9 million in voted expenditure in Request for Resources 2”, Jonathan Evans MP Simon Hart MP is a matter for the Secretary of State for Scotland, the right hon. Member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Roger Williams MP Selkirk (Michael Moore). Mark Williams MP The comprehensive spending review (CSR) 2007 Jenny Willott MP settlement determined under the previous Government Peter Hain MP was based on the presumption that the Wales Office Owen Smith MP would be allowed to bank underspends where they Elfyn Llwyd MP occurred and for those underspends to be carried forward Mark Prisk MP under the end year flexibility (EYF) scheme to be used Vince Cable MP to meet pressures in later years. The £1.3 million EYF drawn down in the Spring Supplementary Estimates Wales: Finance allowed the Wales Office to meet its spending commitments for 2010-11. In addition to the EYF drawdown, the Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales Treasury exceptionally allowed the Wales Office to switch with reference to the Spring Supplementary Estimates unspent capital provision to meet the pressures in the 2010-11, HC 790, (1) for what reasons there is proposed resource budget. an increase of £1,300,000 in voted expenditure due to The increases to the Welsh Consolidated Fund are set an end year flexibility drawdown; [43339] out in the following table. (2) for what reasons there is proposed an increase of Details of changes to the Wales Office DEL are set £636,000 in voted expenditure offset by a reduction in out in the written statement laid in Parliament on capital expenditure; [43340] 14 February 2011, Official Report, column 67WS.

Welsh Consolidated Fund 2010-11 £000 Main estimates Changes Spring supplementary estimates

Expenditure Classified as DEL 15,530,824 108,565 15,639,389

Expenditure Classified as AME 693,635 -322,913 370,722

Total Managed Expenditure 16,224,459 -214,348 16,010,111 Less: Non Voted expenditure: LA Credit Approvals 163,396 0 163,396 Other Non-Voted 6,078 0 6,078

Resource Non Cash 412,257 81,000 493,257 AME Non-cash 555,560 -323,825 231,735

Total Non-Voted TME 1,137,291 -242,825 894,466

Total voted TME 15,087,168 28,477 15,115,645 747W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 748W

Welsh Consolidated Fund 2010-11 £000 Main estimates Changes Spring supplementary estimates

Voted receipts: Contributions from the National Insurance Fund -953,184 58,807 -894,377 NDR Receipts -881,810 14,810 -867,000 Total -1,834,994 73,617 -1,761,377

Plus: Housing Stock Transfer—Blaenau Gwent 45,000 -1,728 43,272 Housing Stock Transfer—Gwynedd 17,329 0 17,329 Housing Stock Transfer—Neath/Port Talbot 0 40,700 40,700

Total grant to Welsh Consolidated Fund 13,314,503 141,066 13,455,569

Wales Office 3,634 1,936 5,570

JUSTICE £ Financial year Budget Spend

Bill of Rights 2009-10 Staff costs 972,000 1,027,500 2009-10 Office costs 19,500 15,500 Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2010-11 Staff costs1 625,000 625,000 whether he plans to review Sections 2 and 3 of the 2011-12 Staff costs 2—— Human Rights Act 1998 as part of his plans to 1 Estimated. 2 establish a British bill of rights. [44008] Not yet available. Since 1 April 2010, the directorate in which the coroners Mr Djanogly: In our Programme for Government, we and burials unit sits has operated a flexible staff resource made clear our intention to establish a commission to model, with staff being moved around the directorate investigate the creation of a Bill of Rights in the UK to meet ministerial priorities. The staff cost for 2010-11 which are thus estimated because they are part of the overall directorate costs. Similarly, other costs are now held at a “incorporates and builds on all our obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights, ensures that these wider level than this unit so cannot be identified separately. rights continue to be enshrined in British law, and protects and The budget for 2011-12 has yet to be agreed and existing extends British liberties.” resources cannot be guaranteed. A statement about the establishment of this commission, All costs across the Department will be subject to the including its terms of reference, will be made to Parliament 23% cuts announced last October in the spending review. shortly. Departmental Manpower

Coroners: Finance Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many staff in his Department were in the civil service redeployment pool on the latest date for Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for which figures are available; and how many of these had Justice how much his Department spent on training for been in the redeployment pool for more than six coroners in 2009-10; and how much was budgeted for months at that date. [44345] (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2011-12. [44026] Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice currently has Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice spent £116,692.53 550 staff seeking permanent redeployment. Of these, on training for coroners in 2009-10. In 2010-11 the 135 have been in the redeployment pool for more than budget allocated to coroner training is £205,000. The six months. These figures represent staff at all grades budget for coroner training for 2011-12 is yet to be including senior civil servants. allocated. While seeking suitable alternative permanent roles, the majority are engaged in work that needs to be done Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for to contribute to the delivery of public services, including Justice how much has been (a) spent on and (b) core frontline activities, policy and project work and budgeted by his Department’s Coroners and Burials other operational roles. Unit for (i) staff costs and (ii) office costs, including training, travel and subsistence for (A) 2009-10, (B) Homicide: Compensation 2010-11 and (C) 2011-12. [44027] Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Mr Djanogly: The Ministry of Justice’s budget and whether provision for compensation for families of spend for the coroners and burials division for financial victims of murder and manslaughter is ringfenced in year 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 are as follows: his Department’s budget. [43834] 749W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 750W

Mr Blunt: Funds are allocated to the Criminal Injuries judgment of the Grand Chamber of the European Compensation Authority (CICA) so that compensation Court of Human Rights in the case of Taxquet v. can be paid to eligible victims of crime under the terms Belgium. [44101] of the criminal injuries compensation schemes. This includes relatives of those killed as a result of crimes of Mr Blunt: The UK intervened in this Belgian case to violence. Specific amounts within the overall allocation make clear its view that the fundamental principle of to CICA are not ring-fenced. UK law that jury deliberations are absolutely privileged Separately the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) funds Victim and juries are not required to give reasons for their Support to provide the national Homicide Service and verdicts is in accordance with the requirements of article provides additional funding to support the families of 6 of the European convention on human rights. homicide victims through the Homicide Fund. In its judgment on 16 November 2010 the Grand Following the MoJ’s spending settlement, Ministers Chamber found that are reviewing all victims’ services and carefully considering “the Convention does not require jurors to give reasons for where best to allocate funds. their decision and that Article 6 does not preclude a defendant from being tried by a lay jury even where reasons are not given for Human Rights the verdict.” The Government are pleased by the approach taken Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice by the Court, which does not indicate any need for what his policy is on the future jurisdiction of the changes to the UK systems of trial by jury. European Court on Human Rights in England and Wales. [44009] Juries: Bexley

Mr Djanogly: The United Kingdom was one of the Mr Evennett: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 11 original signatories to the European convention on how many people resident in the London borough of human rights on 4 November 1950. The United Kingdom Bexley (a) were summoned for and (b) undertook jury is bound by the European convention and has recognised service in each of the last three years. [44129] the jurisdiction and agreed to abide by the judgments of the European Court of Human Rights since 14 January Mr Djanogly: The following table note details on a 1966. In our Programme for Government, we made national level basis for each calendar year from 2007 to clear our intention to establish a commission to investigate 2009, the following: the creation of a Bill of Rights in the UK which (a) how many people have been required for jury service; “incorporates and builds on all our obligations under the (b) how many people have been supplied to the court for jury European Convention on Human Rights, ensures that these service. rights continue to be enshrined in British law, and protects and extends British liberties.” Jury Central Summoning Bureau figures, 2007-09 A statement about the establishment of this commission, 2007 2008 2009 including its terms of reference, will be made to Parliament Total number of summons 412,666 416,689 396,631 shortly. issued Total number of jurors 182,661 183,506 176,351 International Convention for the Protection of All supplied to the court Persons from Enforced Disappearance Source: Jury Central Summoning Board. The Jury Central Summoning Bureau (JCSB) is not Mr David Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for able to supply the information for the London borough Justice when the Government plan to (a) sign and (b) of Bexley as the data cannot be extracted in this way by ratify the UN Convention for the Protection of All the computer system. Persons from Enforced Disappearance. [43718] Residents from the London borough of Bexley could be summoned to one of five different court locations Mr Djanogly: The UK fully supports the need to which also covers other postal areas. protect all people from enforced disappearance and was Annual statistics on jury summons are published by supportive of the aims of the convention upon its the Ministry of Justice in the annual command paper adoption in 2006. “Judicial and Court Statistics”. The most recent edition, However, the convention imposes detailed and complex presenting statistics for 2009, was published in September requirements on those states which choose to sign and 2010. ratify it and the Government are considering how the provisions of the treaty might be implemented in the Legal Aid UK. The UK only signs a treaty once it is confident it can Bob Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice properly implement it and once any necessary changes in how many cases people with frozen bank accounts to legislation have been made so that domestic law is have been recipients of legal aid in financial year compatible with the treaty. 2009-10. [44271]

Juries Mr Djanogly: The Legal Services Commission (LSC) does not record whether a recipient of legal aid has a Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice frozen bank account. A recipient’s bank account may what assessment his Department has made of the potential have been frozen for a variety of reasons and, although implications on the UK system of trial by jury of the this will be considered in certain cases in relation to a 751W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 752W legal aid applicant’s financial eligibility, the LSC’s Number of requisitions (file or part of management information systems do not have any facility Department name a file) for routinely recording this information centrally. Crown Prosecution Service 21 Veterans’ Agency 17 National Archives Civil Aviation Authority 16 British Rail Board 16 Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Nursing and Midwifery Council 15 how many files held in the National Archives have been Ordnance Survey 12 recalled by each central Government department under Department for Culture, Media and 10 Section 4(6) of the Public Records Act 1958 in each of Sport the last three years; and what the name was of each Strategic Rail Authority 9 such file. [43879] Criminal Cases Review Commission 9 Greenwich Hospital 7 Mr Djanogly: On average, 10,000 files are temporarily Boundary Commission for Wales 7 returned to Departments each year largely relating to Privy Council Office 6 the conduct of public business. The National Archives Atomic Weapons Establishment 6 has provided figures for files or parts of files requisitioned Land Registry 6 by Departments during calendar years 2008, 2009 and Central Office of Information 4 2010. Due to the large number of files involved, it is not Charity Commission 3 possible to provide individual file names. However, a National Audit Office 2 file loaned back to a Department is clearly marked as Centre for Environment, Fisheries 1 such on the National Archives document ordering system, and Aquaculture Science ensuring members of the public may request to view the Total 11,196 file should it have been requisitioned. 2009 Number of requisitions (file or part of Cabinet Office 1,620 Department name a file) Foreign and Commonwealth Office 1,283 2008 Ministry of Defence 1,161 Ministry of Defence 2,305 Department of Energy and Climate 833 Change Foreign and Commonwealth Office 1,995 The National Archives 472 Cabinet Office 1,157 UK Atomic Energy Authority 429 Coal Authority 722 Crown Estates 379 Crown Estates 610 Office of Fair Trading 358 The National Archives 604 Ministry of Justice 310 Metropolitan Police Service 383 HM Revenue and Customs 280 Treasury Solicitors 344 Security Services 242 Department for Energy and Climate 326 Change Metropolitan Police Service 240 Department for Work and Pensions 322 British Council 157 Department of Health 248 Department for Work and Pensions 140 UK Atomic Energy Authority 246 Home Office 134 HM Revenue and Customs 227 Department for Business, Innovation 110 and Skills Department for Business, Innovation 201 and Skills English Heritage 94 Home Office 177 Department for Communities and 80 Local Government Security Services 161 Criminal Cases Review Commission 72 Ministry of Justice 140 Welsh Assembly 70 Medical Research Council 98 HM Treasury 69 Health and Safety Executive 92 Medical Research Council 61 British Council 79 Department of Health 60 Department for the Environment 77 and Rural Affairs Prime Minister’s Office 54 HM Treasury 67 Ordnance Survey 50 Department for Communities and 66 Crown Prosecution Service 45 Local Government Veterans’ Agency 35 Northern Ireland Office 58 Central Office of Information 30 Office for National Statistics 37 Natural England 29 Prime Minister’s Office 35 Department for Environment, Food 28 The Royal Parks 33 and Rural Affairs Department of Education 33 Coal Authority 28 Attorney-General’s Office 33 Government Communications 21 English Heritage 29 Headquarters Parliamentary Estates 28 Royal Mint 19 Natural England 25 Nursing and Midwifery Council 19 Welsh Assembly 24 Attorney-General’s Office 19 Royal Mint 24 Privy Council Office 18 Office of Fair Trading 23 Office for National Statistics 17 753W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 754W

Number of requisitions (file or part of Number of requisitions (file or part of Department name a file) Department name a file)

Parliamentary Estates 15 Health and Safety Executive 26 Treasury Solicitors 13 Veterans’ Agency 18 The Royal Parks 10 Natural England 18 Greenwich Hospital 7 Greenwich Hospital 16 Department for Culture, Media and 7 Royal Mint 14 Sport Civil Aviation Authority 10 Northern Ireland Office 7 Coal Authority 10 Health and Safety Executive 6 Nursing and Midwifery Council 10 Strategic Rail Authority 4 Strategic Rail Authority 9 Higher Education Funding Council 3 Higher Education Funding Council 7 for England for England Government Actuary’s Department 3 Treasury Solicitors 5 Atomic Weapons Establishment 3 British Rail Board 5 Food Standards Agency 3 Government Actuary’s Department 5 Charity Commission 3 Office of Fair Trading 3 Intellectual Property Office 2 Northern Ireland Office 2 UK Debt Management Office 2 Department for Culture, Media and 1 National Savings and Investments 2 Sport Department for Education 2 Health Protection Agency 1 Palace of Westminster 2 Criminal Cases Review Commission 1 International Whaling Commission 2 Department for Constitutional 1 Department for International 2 Affairs Development Charity Commission 1 Civil Aviation Authority 1 Welsh Assembly 1 Total 9,165 Total 7,815

2010 Ministry of Defence 1,708 Police Stations Cabinet Office 1,156 Foreign and Commonwealth Office 874 Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for UK Atomic Energy Authority 780 Justice whether approved premises in England and Department for Energy and Climate 582 Wales are required to have alarm links to local police Change stations. [44097] HM Revenue and Customs 386 Crown Estates 343 Home Office 158 Mr Blunt: All approved premises in England and Metropolitan Police Service 157 Wales provide staff with personal alarms which in some Ministry of Justice 142 way link to local police stations. The most common Crown Prosecution Service 117 arrangement is that, if a staff member activates their Department for Work and Pensions 115 personal alarm, this alerts a call centre, which in turn Security Services 104 contacts the approved premises by telephone to confirm HM Treasury 104 whether an emergency has occurred. If there is no British Council 93 response, it is assumed that an emergency has occurred Department of Health 87 and police are alerted. In some cases, there are additional Prime Minister’s Office 70 failsafe procedures such as passwords that have to be Department for Business, Innovation 52 given before the call centre will accept that no emergency and Skills has occurred. Some approved premises instead have The National Archives 52 direct-to-police functions on personal alarms carried by Office for National Statistics 52 staff. A minority of approved premises also have building Government Communications 52 alarm systems which operate in similar ways to the Headquarters personal alarms. The Royal Parks 50 Approved premises provide for enhanced supervision, Privy Council Office 48 particularly of high risk of harm offenders on release Parliamentary Estates 46 from custody. It would be much more difficult to provide Department for Communities and 45 Local Government that level of supervision, were such offenders to be Attorney-General’s Office 44 dispersed into less suitable accommodation in the Medical Research Council 39 community on release from custody. Ordnance Survey 37 Department for Environment, Food 35 and Rural Affairs Prisoners Department for Environment, Food 34 and Rural Affairs Central Office of Information 30 Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Companies House 30 what research his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on any link between income English Heritage 29 inequality and rates of imprisonment. [44253] 755W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 756W

Mr Blunt: The Department has not commissioned or NOMS’ Conduct and Discipline Instruction (PSI evaluated research on the link between income inequality 06/2010) provides a range of options for dealing with and rates of imprisonment. The Department has published staff who fail to meet the required standards of behaviour. information on income before custody, socio-economic The primary objective of the policy is to encourage classification, employment history and benefit take-up improvement in an individual rather than impose a of those sentenced to custody in the latest “Compendium disciplinary sanction and encourages the use of performance of re-offending statistics and analysis”. management processes where appropriate. Prisoners: Pay Each case would be considered on its individual merits, but depending on the nature and potential consequences of the breach, the following sanctions are Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice available: oral warning, written warning, final written (1) what expenditure his Department incurred on (a) warning, regrading, removal from the field of promotion, pay and (b) unemployment pay for prisoners in each financial restitution and dismissal from service. In cases year for which figures are available; and how many where the misconduct is serious but does not warrant prisoners received each type of payment in each such dismissal, a combination of penalties can be awarded. year; [44329] (2) how many foreign nationals received (a) pay, (b) Prisons: Safety unemployment pay and (c) welfare-related benefits while in prison in each year for which figures are available; and what the cost to the public purse was of each such Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for type of payment in each such year. [44330] Justice on how many occasions the Health and Safety Executive has been required to investigate an incident Mr Blunt: The National Offender Management Service’s in a prison in each of the last 10 years; which prison central accounting system has a single accounting code was involved in each case; whether an action plan was for prisoners’ earnings. It does not distinguish between: put in place following each such investigation; and if he prisoners’ pay; unemployment pay; foreign nationals’ will make a statement. [43877] pay; or foreign nationals’ unemployment pay. To separate each of these costs would require examining a high Mr Blunt: The National Offender Management Service volume of local individual records and would thus does not collect central records of visits to establishments incur disproportionate costs. by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to investigate There is no central record of the number of prisoners accidents. including foreign national prisoners who are in receipt of pay or other earnings. To provide this information Prisons: Violence would require examining local records and would thus incur disproportion costs. Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Sentenced prisoners do not generally receive welfare what investigations his Department has undertaken into related benefits. (a) levels of violence in prisons and (b) the causes of The following table shows the total amount spent on such violence in the last three years; and what the prisoners’ earnings over the last five years. outcome of each such investigation was. [43876]

£ million Mr Blunt: NOMS has completed a wide-ranging review of its violence reduction strategy. The review 2006-07 31.3 examined individual approaches to violence management 2007-08 32.5 in prisons to ensure that effective practice is shared and 2008-09 34.3 built upon. 2009-10 35.4 2010-11 135.6 The National Offender Management Service (NOMS) 1 The figures for 2010-11 are based on a forecast as at January 2011. routinely records the numbers and rates of assault incidents. Data for the last three years that are available Prisons: Risk Assessment (2007 to 2009) are detailed in the following table:

Mr Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 2007 2008 2009 what disciplinary sanctions are available to the Prison Population1 80,216 82,572 83,559 Service against prison governors who do not fulfil Assault incidents2 15,272 15,959 15,180 requirements to maintain (a) workplace risk assessments Assault incidents per 190 195 180 and (b) safe systems of work; and if he will make a 1,000 prisoners statement. [43875] Serious assaults on 1,485 1,491 1,319 prisoners Mr Blunt: Under Prison Service Instruction (PSI) Serious assaults on staff 285 283 267 42/2010, governing governors are required to ensure 1 Offender Management Caseload Statistics 2009. 2 Prison violence can be measured in a number of ways. This report focuses on that an assessment of the risks to which their staff and assault incidents including fights. others who may be affected by their undertakings are Notes: exposed is carried out and that measures are in place to 1. These figures are published annually on the MoJ website. The figures for 2010 are currently being verified and will be published later this year. eliminate or control the risk. Any failure to adhere to 2. These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems. Care is taken this Instruction may be dealt with in accordance with when processing and analysing returns but the detail is subject to the the conduct and discipline policy of the National Offender inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system. Although shown to Management Service (NOMS). the last case, the figures may not be accurate to that level. 757W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 758W

The responsibility for commissioning and managing Probation: Redundancy the majority of investigations in to individual incidents, including those relating to violence, is discretionary and Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice delegated to local level under Prison Service Order how many probation trusts in England and Wales have 1300—Investigations. In order to provide the information issued standard notice of redundancy letters to relating to the outcome of each investigation it would probation staff since 1 April 2010. [44324] be necessary to contact all Prison Service establishments, ask them to check their local records and to submit Mr Blunt: Information is not collected centrally from this information to headquarters. This would incur probation trusts to answer this question fully. The disproportionate cost. information that is available to the National Offender Management Service does not distinguish between instances Probation Officers: Training of voluntary or compulsory redundancy. However, the available information indicates that staff redundancies Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for have occurred in 21 probation trusts since 1 April 2010. Justice whether probation staff in England and Wales are required to routinely attend health and safety Sentencing: Crimes of Violence training. [44099] Anna Soubry: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Blunt: The National Offender Management Service Justice (1) what the average length of sentence handed has issued national guidance to probation trusts on down to a person convicted of an offence of breaching health and safety matters. This includes specific guidance an injunction under the terms of Section 3 of the on the health and safety training that trusts are required Protection from Harassment Act 1997 in England and to provide routinely for their staff. Probation Trusts are Wales was in each year since 1998; [44435] required to have in place arrangements to ensure that all (2) what the average length of sentence handed down employees (including contractors’ employees and agency to a person convicted of an offence of putting a person staff) are suitably informed and trained about the hazards in fear of violence under the terms of Section 4 of the and risks in their working environment. Protection from Harassment Act 1997 in England and Wales was in each year since 1998. [44436] Probation: Alarms Mr Blunt: The number of persons found guilty at all Kelvin Hopkins: To ask the Secretary of State for courts, sentenced, given immediate custody, and the Justice whether interview rooms in probation trusts in average custodial sentence length for offences under England and Wales are routinely fitted with alarms. section 3 and 4 of the Harassment Act 1997, England [44098] and Wales, 1998 to 2009 (latest available) is provided in the following table. Mr Blunt: Yes. Interview rooms in probation trusts in Data for 2010 are planned for publication in spring England and Wales are routinely fitted with alarms. 2011.

Number of persons convicted at all courts under section 3 and 4 of the Protection from Harassment Act 19971, sentence breakdown and average custodial sentence length, England and Wales, 1998 to 20092, 3

Offence 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20084 2009

Section 3

Found guilty 14 13 22 14 23 22 18 14 15 25 47 27

Sentenced 14 15 21 18 26 24 19 15 13 24 45 27

Of which:

Other disposals 9 9 15 15 23 21 13 6 7 20 36 23

Immediatecustody5663336964 94

Average custodial 4.3 8.3 4.2 5.7 3.7 3.0 2.8 6.7 3.2 1.5 3.2 3.1 sentence length (months)5

Section 4

Found guilty 522 513 574 590 639 674 717 806 875 814 839 786

Sentenced 514 519 580 594 635 674 725 805 876 818 820 779

Of which:

Other disposals 393 397 410 436 453 548 591 648 716 678 650 609

Immediate custody 121 122 170 158 182 126 134 157 160 140 170 170 759W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 760W

Number of persons convicted at all courts under section 3 and 4 of the Protection from Harassment Act 19971, sentence breakdown and average custodial sentence length, England and Wales, 1998 to 20092, 3 Offence 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20084 2009

Average custodial 9.2 7.9 8.2 9.5 9.4 7.8 8.5 8.3 8.1 8.8 9.1 6.7 sentence length (months)5 1 The following statutes were used for the corresponding offence: Section 3 Breach of the conditions of an injunction against harassment Protection from Harassment Act 1997 Section 4 Putting people in fear of violence Protection from Harassment Act 1997, S.4 Religiously aggravated putting people in fear of violence Protection from Harassment Act 1997, S.4, as amended by Crime and Disorder Act 1996 S.32(1)(b) and (4) Racially or religiously aggravated putting people in fear of violence Protection from Harassment Act 1997, S.4, as amended by Crime and Disorder Act 1998 S.32(1)(b) and (4) Racially aggravated putting people in fear of violence Protection from Harassment Act 1997, S.4, as amended by Crime and Disorder Act 1998 S.32(1)(b) and (4). 2 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences, it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, It is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 4 Excludes data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. 5 Excludes life and indeterminate sentences. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services: Ministry of Justice.

Sponsors Number of young people aged 10-17 receiving their first reprimand, warning or conviction, 2000-01 to 2009-10, England and Wales Reprimand, warning or PND, reprimand, Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for conviction warning or conviction Justice how many regulations sponsored by his 2000-01 89,857 — Department have been (a) introduced and (b) revoked 2001-02 88,902 — since 18 November 2010. [44366] 2002-03 83,266 — 2003-04 88,213 — Mr Djanogly: The only statutory instrument which 2004-05 95,670 97,720 the Ministry of Justice has laid in Parliament since 18 2005-06 107,187 112,730 November 2010 which has regulatory impact is the Legal Services Act 2007 (Levy) (No.2) Rules 2010. 2006-07 110,188 118,164 2007-08 100,105 107,269 No statutory instrument laid since 18 November has 2008-09 79,851 85,354 revoked regulations that have regulatory impact. 2009-10 61,422 64,761

1 These data are taken from the following publication and comes from MoJ’s Police National Computer. The figures have been Youth Justice drawn from the police’s administrative IT system, the police national computer, 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 more information Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice is recorded by the police: how many young people have (a) entered the youth justice system, (b) left custody and (c) been resettled http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/10-17-first-reprimand- after a custodial sentence in each year since 1997. warning-convinction.htm [43832] Custodial episode ending, 2001-02 to 2009-10, England and Wales Financial year Remanded Sentenced Total Mr Blunt: Data are available from 2000-01 and the following tables show the number of young people: 2001-02 5,277 5,828 11,105 (a) aged 10-17 receiving their first reprimand, warning or conviction 2002-03 5,693 5,439 11,132 for the period 2000-01 to 2009-10.1 2003-04 5,796 5,140 10,936 2004-05 5,720 4,917 10,637 (b) Custodial episodes2 ending for under 18-year-olds for the period 2001-02 to 2009-10. 2005-06 5,757 5,278 11,035 2006-07 6,098 5,479 11,577 (c) We do not hold data on the number of young people who 2007-08 5,625 5,563 11,188 have been resettled into suitable accommodation after a custodial sentence. Local authorities have statutory responsibilities to 2008-09 5,221 5,491 10,712 accommodate young people in need of suitable accommodation 2009-10 4,740 4,261 9,001 through the Children Act 1989, the Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 and housing legislation. 2 Custodial episodes ending 761W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 762W

The YouthJustice Board does not count the number of individual most research treats ‘predators’ as a single group and young people leaving custody, but does count the number of further research to better understand the role of individual individual custodial episodes that have ended for under 18-year-olds. predators and the known or likely impact of their Data on the number of episodes ended for 18-year-olds are not control is required. available. An episode refers to a period a young person has spent in A more recent review undertaken by the RSPB, custody for a particular legal basis for detention and it is possible specifically on predation came to similar conclusions. that one young person can start or end more than one custodial Both reports highlight one further important caveat: episode at different points of each year for different offences or that there is a strong interaction with land use change—as for change in legal basis for detention, such as remand to sentence. habitats become degraded, birds are more susceptible to The custodial episodes ending includes remand and sentenced predation. What is clear from the research is that while episodes ending. Those remand episodes that have ended do not necessarily mean that a young person has left custody as they may predation can be important for some species in some be starting a custodial sentence upon the remand finishing. areas, key drivers of change are habitat degradation and fragmentation, and in woodland, changes to habitat The information comes from the YJB’s Secure Accommodation Clearing House System (SACHS) database. structure and so this is where our policies are focused. Improved habitat management also benefits the full These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording system, are subject to range of species associated with the British countryside. possible errors with data entry and processing and can be subject to change over time. Bottle Deposit and Refund Schemes

Martin Horwood: To ask the Secretary of State for ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of the Prime Minister of 15 September 2010, Agriculture: Subsidies Official Report, column 878, on bottle deposit and refund schemes, what progress she has made in considering Mr Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of the introduction of a bottle deposit refund scheme. State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what [43369] recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the level of payments to farmers made as a result of meat Richard Benyon [holding answer 2 March 2011]: This controls; and if she will make a statement. [43554] issue is being looked at as part of the Government’s review of waste policies in England, which is due to Mr Paice: No payments are made to farmers as a report in May. Those consulted in the course of the result of meat controls. review had divergent views on deposit return schemes, which Ministers will need to weigh carefully before Beetles reaching a view.

Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Brighton Food and Rural Affairs what her estimate is of the size of the hazel pot beetle population in the United Kingdom. [43041] Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will bring Richard Benyon: The latest estimates suggest that that forward proposals to relocate (a) staff and (b) offices the UK population of hazel pot beetle comprises five of her Department to Brighton; and if she will make a colonies. These are located at sites in Nottinghamshire, statement. [43470] Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey. Richard Benyon: As part of the spending review, all Birds Departments have been challenged to re-evaluate their business delivery structures, including their people and Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for property, to drive out efficiencies wherever possible. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment DEFRA is keeping its future people and property she has made of the effects of predation on the size of requirements under constant review. No decisions have the songbird population. [44281] been made in respect of future relocations to Brighton.

Richard Benyon: In 2009, DEFRA funded a wide-ranging Corporate Britain research review to identify the causes of decline in wild bird populations. This included an assessment of the impact of predation. It found evidence that predation Lisa Nandy: To ask the Secretary of State for was, at least in some areas, having an impact on ground- Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what (a) meetings, nesting species such as seabirds or wading birds of (b) correspondence and (c) other contact officials of wetland habitats (i.e. not songbirds). Predation was also her Department have had with officials of the Department identified as a potential driver of declines for nine for Business, Innovation and Skills on that Department’s woodland bird species including some songbirds such call for evidence on a long-term focus for corporate as bullfinch. Many bird and other animal species are Britain. [39592] known to predate songbirds. However, despite some studies showing a link to local declines in some bird Mr Paice: My officials in are in regular contact with populations at some individual sites, the evidence that BIS officials on environmental issues relevant to a long predation is driving national declines is mixed. In addition, term focus for corporate Britain. 763W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 764W

Dairy Farming: Nitrate Vulnerable Zones We have published and publicised an Ethical Procurement Policy Statement on DEFRA’s website which will shortly Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, be updated. Its key principles reflect those in the Chartered Food and Rural Affairs what measures her Department Institute of Purchasing and Supply’s, “Ethical Business is taking to promote uptake of the grassland derogation Practices in Purchasing and Supply Management”. It to assist dairy farmers in preparing for implementation will also support other policies of the coalition Government of the Nitrate Vulnerable Zone regulations. [43995] such as delivering the big society and increasing opportunities for SMEs and civil society organisations. Richard Benyon: DEFRA has used multiple channels We are also developing guidance to help procurement of communication to remind farmers of the availability staff to better embed equality and diversity into contracts, of the derogation and how to apply. taking account of the Equality Act 2010. The Department worked with key farming organisations Departmental Redundancy before the opening of the 2011 derogation application window on 1 October 2010 so that they could alert their Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for members and encourage them to apply. DEFRA issued Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate an information bulletin on its website and alerted those she has made of the expenditure on redundancies of who follow the Department on Twitter with an update public bodies sponsored by her Department in each of on 1 October 2010. The derogation was also publicised the next four financial years. [43715] in DEFRA’s Farming Link Online newsletter. DEFRA’s Farming Online team issued email reminders Richard Benyon: In autumn 2010 the Department to those farmers that received the derogations in 2010. (which includes the core Department and its network of Farmers and growers who met the relevant requirements arm’s length bodies) estimated that around £190 million could apply for the 2011 derogation online through (2% of the overall DEFRA budget for the four-year DEFRA’s Whole Farm Approach pages during the spending review period) would be required to fund application window. voluntary exits and redundancies. Furthermore, the Environment Agency issued a factsheet Due to changes to the terms of the compensation during the 2011 application period to all farmers that scheme announced by Cabinet Office in December 2010, received 2010 derogation. A reminder of the deadline DEFRA is confident that the original forecast of and ways to apply was also included in the October £190 million will turn out to be an overestimate. Fertiliser Advisers Certificated Training Scheme quarterly Departmental Research newsletter, ‘Fertiliser Matters’. A text message reminder via the Cross Compliance text messaging service was Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for also sent to urge farmers to reapply for the derogation. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what arrangements DEFRA officials worked again with the key farming are in place to assess the value for money of scientific organisations shortly before the deadline for applications evidence and advice provided by the non-departmental to provide a further reminder to the farmers through public bodies sponsored by her Department. [42160] their communications networks. Richard Benyon: Relationships between DEFRA and Dangerous Dogs its non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) are governed by memoranda of understanding. There are two types of NDPBs: executive NDPBs, which deliver a particular Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for public service and are overseen by a board rather than Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will bring Ministers, and advisory NDPBs, which advise Ministers forward proposals to open the Index of Exempted on particular issues. Dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 to Executive NDPBs have their own chief scientists owner-led applications. [43423] or heads of evidence and their own efficiency targets. Mr Paice: DEFRA is considering a number of options Therefore, DEFRA does not routinely assess the value relating to the control of dangerous dogs and improving for money of evidence and advice provided by such NDPBs. responsible dog ownership. An announcement will be With respect to advisory NDPBs, as part of a wider made shortly. review of its arm’s length bodies, the Department has recently reviewed the role and functions of its 18 scientific and technical advisory bodies. The aim of the review Departmental Conditions of Employment was to improve transparency and accountability. The majority of the scientific and technical advisory bodies Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for will become expert committees. They will all continue Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment to provide independent advice but this change will she has made of her Department’s adherence to each allow for greater co-ordination as the scientific expert of the principles of good employment practice set out committees will work more closely with DEFRA’s Science in the Cabinet Office publication Principles of Good Advisory Council and the Chief Scientific Adviser. Employment Practice. [42620] Sheryll Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Benyon: DEFRA seeks to follow good Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent procurement practice, drawing on advice issued by Cabinet assessment she has made of the (a) effectiveness, Office in the publication Principles of Good Employment (b) openness and (c) accessibility of scientific evidence Practice and professional bodies, and promoting them and advice that inform her Department’s policy decisions. to suppliers and other stakeholders where appropriate. [42170] 765W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 766W

Richard Benyon: With regard to the effectiveness of 3 Note: evidence and advice, DEFRA recently commissioned a http://www.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/assessment/code-of- pilot study to assess how evidence has informed policy practice/index.html decision-making within four case study areas1. The 4 Note: study aimed to evaluate the impact of evidence on http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/bispartners/goscience/docs/g/10- policy making, rather than evaluate the impact—or 669-gcsa-guidelines-scientific-engineering-advice-policy- success—of policy decisions. making.pdf DEFRA’s chief scientific adviser (CSA) provides an 5 Note: independent challenge to the evidence underpinning http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/bispartners/goscience/docs/c/cop- policy decisions to assure himself that policy is informed scientific-advisory-committees.pdf by high-quality, robust evidence. Where specific issues are brought to the CSA’s attention, or where evidence Dog and Cat Population and advice is particularly complex or uncertain, the CSA will assess and give advice on them, to Ministers Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, or senior policy colleagues. Food and Rural Affairs what information her Department DEFRA’s three laboratory agencies (*Fera, VLA and holds on the effectiveness of (a) neutering and (b) CEFAS) are subject to science audits about once every euthanasia as a means of control of the dog and cat five years; the most recent series was completed in 2007. population. [43988] These audits have covered all aspects of scientific work carried out at the agencies including R and D and Mr Paice: DEFRA has not conducted any formal non-R and D to give an independent assessment of research into the effectiveness of using neutering and quality, balance, scope and appropriateness of the science. euthanasia to control the dog and cat population, but I The timing of the next audits will depend on the outcomes think it is fair to assume that without these methods the of the arm’s length bodies review. numbers of these animals would be much larger. No specific assessment of the openness and accessibility Dogs and Cats: Crime of evidence and advice has been carried out recently. For core DEFRA, current practice includes publication Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, of all R and D reports on the DEFRA website2 and Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of encouraging publication in peer reviewed journals. the monetary value of the illegal trade in dogs and cats Statistics are produced in line with the Code of Practice in each of the last four financial years. [43021] for Official Statistics produced by the UK Statistics Authority3. Mr Paice: The Government have made no such estimates. DEFRA has published an ‘Information Strategy’ on Electric Shock Training how it will make its data accessible to everyone and routinely publishes large amounts of data, including Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for statistical datasets; DEFRA will soon improve its Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects publication channels to provide greater ease of use and her Department’s research into electric shock training further increase the number of data offerings. DEFRA devices to be completed; and by whom the research will is also reviewing its data holdings through HM Treasury’s be peer-reviewed. [43422] Review of Government Data which when completed, will also lead to an increase in our publication output. Mr Paice: Our research into electronic training aids is The Government chief scientific adviser (GCSA), due to be completed at the end of June this year. No after cross-Government consultation, re-launched his decisions have yet been made on who will peer-review “Guidelines on the Use of Scientific and Engineering the research results before they are published. Advice in Policy Making”4 in 2010. These include good practice principles relating to openness and transparency Fish: Consumption and DEFRA and its non-departmental public bodies are actively working on their implementation. Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy DEFRA’s scientific advisory committees apply the is on promoting consumption of (a) anchovies, (b) Code of Practice for Scientific Advisory Committees5, herring and (c) sardines. [43991] which has openness and transparency as a key theme. The DEFRA Science Advisory Council’s code of practice Richard Benyon: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) makes clear that it operates a policy of openness in line informs DEFRA of its healthy eating policy and with the requirements of the Freedom of Information recommends consumption of at least two portions of Act 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations. fish a week, including one portion of oil-rich fish such The Science Advisory Council publishes full information as anchovy, herring, sardine and mackerel. on its website. However, stock sustainability is an important * Fera—Food and Environment Research Agency, VLA—Veterinary consideration when recommending the consumption of Laboratories Agency, CEFAS—Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science. fish species. DEFRA has commissioned work to understand 1 the potential for encouraging increased consumption of Note: herring and sardines as part of their ‘Fishing for the http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/docs/policy/evidence-policy- Markets’ project—an initiative to encourage domestic report.pdf consumption of sustainable, under-utilised fish species. 2 Note: The project began last year and research is ongoing. http://randd.defra.gov.uk/ Initial results will be available in spring 2011. 767W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 768W

Floods: Public Expenditure Forestry Commission

Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Food and Rural Affairs what representations she has Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects received on trends in the number of householders with to appoint the members of the expert panel on the homes at risk of flooding refused buildings insurance future of the Forestry Commission; and on what date by insurers after the publication of the comprehensive she expects its first meeting to take place. [43019] spending review. [44020] Mr Paice: The membership of the panel is currently Richard Benyon: The Government have an agreement under consideration. We will make an announcement with the insurance industry, the ‘Statement of Principles’, on the panel’s composition as soon as possible and will which helps safeguard the widespread availability of expect it to meet shortly thereafter. flood insurance. If cover cannot be offered on standard terms, then in almost all cases a solution may be found Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for by householders working through specialist brokers. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what Following a summit with insurers and other flood representations she has received from representatives of risk management partners in September 2010, three the rallying sector on the future of land owned and working groups have been established to consider how managed by the Forestry Commission. [44017] to ensure flood insurance remains widely available after the Statement of Principles agreement expires in 2013. Mr Paice: In February the chief executive of Motor The working groups are collecting data from a number Sport Association UK wrote to Ministers about the of sources, including on the availability of insurance, future of the public forest estate in England. and are due to report this summer. All of the online survey responses to the closed public forest estate consultation questionnaire were Food anonymous. No emailed representations to the dedicated consultation mailbox were from the rallying sector. Zac Goldsmith: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she Forestry Commission: Land plans to take to implement the Food 2030 strategy. [40839] Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much and Mr Paice: Food 2030 usefully set the scene and what type of land the Forestry Commission (a) owns described the key issues facing the food chain. The and (b) leases in each parliamentary constituency in Government are now taking action to meet their objectives Northamptonshire; and what land in each such of supporting British farming, encouraging sustainable constituency she (i) proposes to offer and (ii) is food production, and helping to enhance the considering offering for sale. [38560] competitiveness and resilience of the whole food chain with the aim of ensuring a secure, environmentally Mr Paice [holding answer 7 March 2011]: The estimated sustainable and healthy supply of food with improved area of public forest estate in each constituency in standards of animal welfare. Northamptonshire is given in the following table.

Ownership type2 Constituency1 Total area (Ha) Leasehold Freehold Mixed

Northampton North 0 — — — Northampton South 0 — — — Wellingborough 179 179 — — South Northamptonshire 1,796 397 1,256 143 Daventry 98 98 — — Kettering 61 61 — — Corby 2,064 565 356 1,143 1 Where an area of woodland crosses a constituency boundary the constituency with the greater proportion of the area has been deemed to contain the whole block. 2 The public forest estate is owned by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and placed at the disposal of the Forestry Commissioners under section (3)1 of the Forestry Act 1967.

The consultation on the future of the Public Forest Mr Paice [holding answer 8 February 2011]: The Estate has been halted and all forestry clauses in the consultation on the future of the Public Forest Estate Public Bodies Bill will be removed. An independent has been halted and all forestry clauses in the Public panel of experts will now examine forestry policy in Bodies Bill will be removed. An independent panel of England and report back to Ministers in the autumn. experts will now examine forestry policy in England Forests and report back to Ministers in the autumn. Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) whether the publish a list of the forest sites within the 100,000 acres proposed independent panel to consider forestry policy of land to be sold to which the current consultation in England will have access to (a) research and (b) process does not apply. [39033] administrative support from her Department; [43068] 769W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 770W

(2) whether the proposed independent panel on Mr Paice: The panel’s membership is still being forestry in England will consider written submissions considered. It will include representatives of key from the public; [43069] environmental and access organisations, alongside (3) whether the proposed independent panel on representatives of the forestry industry. It will draw on a forestry policy in England will meet in public; and broad range of expertise to inform its work. whether minutes of the meetings of the panel will be Forests: Cycling published. [43070]

Mr Paice: Administrative arrangements for the panel Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, are still under consideration. Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 20 January 2011, Official Report, column 922W, what Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for assessment she has made of potential changes in permissive Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) on what access for cyclists and equestrians to forests and woodlands dates she met the Chancellor of the Exchequer to managed by the Forestry Commission as a result of the discuss her policy on the disposal of land owned and deliberations of her expert panel on the Forestry managed by the Forestry Commission; [43375] Commission. [43990] (2) whether she has had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on consequential changes Mr Paice: The independent panel being established in programme funding for her Department following to advise on the future direction of forestry policy in her recent decision on the disposal of land owned and England will report with its findings this autumn after managed by the Forestry Commission. [43376] which we will make an assessment of any potential changes. The panel membership and terms of reference Mr Paice: No such meetings or discussions with the have not yet been finalised. It will include representatives Chancellor of the Exchequer have taken place. of key environmental and access organisations alongside representatives of the forestry industry. Mr Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will assess Forests: North East the merits of using Section 16 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to dedicate routes within the Pat Glass: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, public forest estate for cyclists and horse riders. [43561] Food and Rural Affairs what recent representations she has received on the sale of land managed by the Forestry Mr Paice: An independent panel is being established Commission in the North East. [43160] to advise on the future direction of forestry and woodland policy in England, on the role of the Forestry Commission Mr Paice: Since the beginning of October last year, and on the role of the public forest estate. we have received thousands of representations on the It will report its finding in the autumn after which we sale of the public forest estate. will make an assessment of any potential changes. We are not able to break these representations down into those that specify the sale of land managed by the Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Forestry Commission in the North East. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much and what proportion of (a) commercial and (b) heritage Pat Glass: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, woodland in each local authority area is owned (i) by Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has the Forestry Commission and (ii) privately. [44338] had on the sale of land managed by the Forestry Commission in the North East. [43161] Mr Paice [holding answer 4 March 2011]: Only the public forest estate managed by the Forestry Commission Mr Paice: I have not had any recent discussions in England was classified into the four broad but about the sale of any individual forest or wood managed overlapping types of woodland (large commercial, small by the Forestry Commission in the North East. commercial, heritage and multi-purpose) as detailed in Implementing previous sales have been the responsibility the consultation on the future of the public forest estate of the Forestry Commission. All new sales have been in England. suspended as announced by the Secretary of State for The illustrative map that was produced has been Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 11 February withdrawn following an announcement by the Secretary 2011. of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mrs Spelman) on 17 February that the consultation Landfill would end. An independent panel of experts will now examine Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, forestry policy in England and report back to Ministers Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of in the autumn. the costs to the public purse arising from (a) the closure of landfill sites and (b) the opening of waste Tim Farron: To ask the Secretary of State for management facilities in the next 10 years. [43416] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what arrangements are in place to ensure diversity of expertise in the Richard Benyon: The information is as follows: membership of the independent panel of experts convened (a) Nearly all landfill sites are operated by private waste by her Department to examine forestry policy; and management companies. The costs of compliance, aftercare and whether it will include experts on heritage and archaeology. closure therefore fall to the operators and not the public purse, [44726] consistent with the polluter pays principle. 771W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 772W

(b) £2 billion of private finance initiative (PFI) credits have Nitrate Vulnerable Zones been allocated to 32 Waste PFI projects which have a total contract value of £30.2 billion. There are also a number of public-private partnership (PPP) and merchant facilities either Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, built or planned which are privately financed. DEFRA does not Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she made of the provide funds to these projects from the public purse, and they are level of slurry storage capacity in the dairy farming therefore not obliged to inform us of commercial or contractual sector in preparation for the implementation of the data. nitrate vulnerable zone rules. [43295]

Maize: Imports Richard Benyon: Supporting paper G4 (a report written by Entec UK Ltd) to the 2007 consultation on Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for implementation of the nitrates directive informed the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate making of the Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations she has made of the number of instances of the 2008. It estimated that under the option subsequently importation of maize without an EU import licence in chosen, 7,099 dairy farms would need to fulfil the slurry storage requirements. each of the last four years. [43296] As the area eventually designated was 62%, rather Mr Gauke: I have been asked to reply. than the 70% on which the estimates were based, the actual impact is likely to have been less than this. HMRC tell me that from 1 March 2007 to 28 February 2011, where EU import licences were in operation, the This was an estimate for England only, as this is the number of declarations for release to free circulation for extent of the coverage of the regulations. maize accepted without such a licence were as follows: Pet Advertising Advisory Group Declarations Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for 2007 83 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she expects 2008 80 the next meeting of the Pet Advertising Advisory 2009 89 Group to take place. [43022] 2010 102 2011 15 Mr Paice: The Government are not responsible for the Pet Advertising Advisory Group, although officials These declarations were accepted without a licence have attended meetings. We understand that the group because they fell below the regulatory net quantity has decided that it has served its purposes and has not above which such a licence is required. arranged any further meetings. DEFRA is grateful for the work of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group. Members: Correspondence Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when she plans meetings of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group took to reply to the letter reference MM/JH/14/01/2011 of place in (a) 2009 and (b) 2010; and how many such 14 January 2011 from the hon. Member for Bridgend. meetings have taken place in 2011 to date. [43023] [44654] Mr Paice: DEFRA is not a formal member of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group, although officials have Richard Benyon: The Parliamentary Under-Secretary attended some of the group’s meetings. DEFRA, therefore, of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my is not in a position to provide details as to the precise noble Friend Lord Henley, responded to the letter from number of meetings held by the group. the hon. Member for Bridgend on 28 February. Rural Areas: Rallying Nature Conservation Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment Environment, Food and Rural Affairs with which (a) she has made of the contribution of rallying to the civil society and (b) other organisations in Yorkshire rural economy in each of the last four years. [44150] and the Humber the Forestry Commission in Yorkshire and the Humber has had contact in respect of (i) Richard Benyon: The Government recognise the local wildlife conservation, (ii) access or use of its economic benefits that sports, including rallying, can woodlands, (iii) education and (iv) other issues in the generate for rural areas. However, no assessment has last 12 months. [38693] been carried out of the specific contribution of car rallying to the overall rural economy. Mr Paice: The Forestry Commission’s managers of the public forest estate in Yorkshire and the Humber Salmon: Exports have recorded 105 contacts with civil society and 280 contacts with other organisations in the last 12 months. Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Some of these were for more than one reason. I have Food and Rural Affairs how much farmed salmon was placed a list of these contacts, including the reason for exported from the UK to the People’s Republic of contact, in the Library of the House. China in each of the last four years. [43046] 773W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 774W

Richard Benyon: DEFRA does not hold this information charities such as FareShare to ensure that good food centrally. does not go to waste. However, for reasons of safety, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs does make available food which has passed its ‘use by’ date is considered data that include salmon exports, available at: unfit for human consumption. www.uktradeinfo.com but a breakdown of exports of farmed salmon is not Voluntary Work and Charitable Donations available. Salmon: Scotland Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether her Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Department has a policy to encourage its employees to Food and Rural Affairs (1) what assessment she has (a) volunteer and (b) donate via payroll giving. [43237] made of the effects of levels of production of farmed salmon in Scotland on levels of sea lice; [43047] Richard Benyon: Community volunteering and payroll giving form part of the Department’s wellbeing and (2) what assessment she has made of the effects of corporate social responsibility strategy that its management sea lice on farmed salmon stocks in Scotland in each of board implemented at the end of 2007. the last four years; [43048] (3) if she will assess the potential effects on the DEFRA offers all its employees one day paid special welfare of wild salmon of an increase in the levels of leave a year for volunteering, either individually or as part of a team. It publicises details in various ways, in production of farmed salmon in Scotland. [44010] accordance with local practice. These include the staff Richard Benyon: The Scottish Government, through handbook and dedicated Intranet web pages that provide Marine Scotland Science, has in place a research programme comprehensive information on how to volunteer, its assessing the potential impacts of salmon farming on benefits and case study examples. In addition there are wild salmonids. many voluntary public service appointments that attract Escapes of farmed salmon in 2010 were the lowest paid special leave, with specified annual limits, such as since public reporting began, while the Scottish Minister justice of the peace and school governor. for Environment and Climate Change indicated recently The Department also publishes information and guidance a desire to consult on recommendations from an expert on payroll giving through the staff handbook and the group, which would lead to further improvement in the intranet. This encourages employees to take part in the control of sea-lice on salmon farms. Give as you Earn scheme, explains the process involved and provides access to details of over 4,000 charities Sewers that are registered on the Payroll Giving database. Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate Whales: Conservation she has made of the number of sewers which are not adopted by a water authority. [43717] Paul Uppal: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is Richard Benyon: DEFRA’s 2008 impact assessment taking ahead of the meeting of the International of proposals for the transfer of private sewers and Whaling Commission in July 2011 to ensure maximum lateral drains into the ownership of water and sewerage international opposition to commercial whaling. companies estimated that there are approximately 184,000 [44375] km of sewers and 36,000 km of lateral drains that connect to and affect the public sewerage system, but Richard Benyon: Ahead of this year’s International which have not been adopted by water and sewerage Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting, I plan to discuss companies and are not their responsibility. In addition, our support for the moratorium on commercial whaling some 208,000 km of sewers and lateral drains do not with a range of environmental and other organisations, connect to the public sewerage system at all and remain and with anti-whaling countries. the responsibility of their respective owners. DEFRA officials will be meeting the 25 EU IWC Supermarkets: Procurement contracting Governments and other anti-whaling countries in the build-up to the 63rd IWC annual meeting (IWC63). Andrea Leadsom: To ask the Secretary of State for We will also be working with the Foreign and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will examine Commonwealth Office to raise the issue with key IWC the effects on the supply of food of contracts with members prior to IWC63, encouraging support for the supermarkets which require food that is fit for human moratorium and for the UK’s position to ensure the consumption to be destroyed; and if she will make a long-term conservation and protection of whales. statement. [44475] Mr Paice: Government and industry are working to prevent food waste wherever possible throughout manufacturing and supply and in the home. For example, CABINET OFFICE the Courtauld Commitment includes ambitious waste prevention targets and many industry members are Asylum partners in the Love Food Hate Waste campaign. There are no legal provisions which would require Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Minister for the retailers to destroy unsold food that is fit for human Cabinet Office what his most recent estimate is of the consumption. We encourage industry to work with number of stateless people residing in the UK. [44818] 775W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 776W

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Charities responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2011: Office if he will bring forward proposals to strengthen As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I the relationship between charities and the state. [42145] have been asked to reply to your recent question asking what the most recent estimate is of the number of stateless people residing Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office is currently considering in the UK (44818). applications to its Strategic Partners Transition programme. The Office for National Statistics does not have the information This will help ensure that key national representative necessary to make an estimate of the number of stateless people organisations can efficiently and effectively represent in the UK. the ‘voice’ of the VCSE sector to Government, and Big Society Bank provide Government with a conduit to speak to the sector. Hazel Blears: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps he is taking to inform holders of Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet potential dormant accounts prior to funds being Office pursuant to the answer of 16 December 2010, redistributed by the Big Society bank. [39848] Official Report, column 88W, on charities: public expenditure, what progress has been made in examining Mr Hurd: A distribution of funds to the Big Society the exposure of the third sector to public spending Bank will not affect the rights or ability of dormant reductions and ways of mitigating potential impacts. account holders to reclaim their money. [42201] The British Bankers Association (BBA), the Building Societies Association (BSA) and National Savings and Mr Hurd: The Government are committed to supporting Investment (NS&I) provide a free service for customers the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector to trace lost accounts at: to move forward at this difficult time, and continue to www.mylostaccount.org.uk work closely with partners in the sector to understand and mitigate the impacts of any spending reductions. Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet This includes measures to: Office what representations he has received on the Deliver transparency and accountability, so that, for the first legality of using funds from dormant bank accounts to time, the sector has clear and timely information on Government fund the proposed Big Society Bank. [40336] funding. Support best practice, to ensure local funding decisions are Mr Hurd: The Treasury Solicitor’s department has made wisely, and in conjunction with the sector and local communities. been instructed to provide legal advice. Open up public services, incorporating consultation with sector Any spending direction to the Big Lottery Fund to organisations and commissioners on Modernising Commissioning. distribute money from dormant accounts to the Big Support the sector through the transition, by investing £100 Society Bank will be made using the provisions of the million in the Transition Fund to create breathing space for Dormant Bank and Building Society Accounts Act public service providers. 2008, and the Transfer of Functions (Dormant Accounts) Develop the Big Society Bank to help sector organisations Order 2010. access much needed additional resources and investment.

Census Community Development Joan Ruddock: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what steps the Office for National Statistics has Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet taken to engage with community media to promote the Office if he will assess the basis for any link between 2011 Census; and what budget has been assigned for habitual television watching and civic disengagement. publicising the Census through local and community [42125] media. [43253] Mr Hurd: The Department has no current plans to Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the conduct an assessment of the link between habitual responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have television watching and civic disengagement. The Giving asked the authority to reply. Green Paper, published in December 2010, compared the average amount of time devoted to volunteering Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2011: and watching television on a weekly basis. However, the As Director General for the Office for National Statistics paper did not seek to establish a relationship between (ONS) I have been asked to reply to your recent question asking these two activities. what steps ONS has taken to engage with community media to promote the 2011 Census; and what budget has been assigned for publicising the census through local and community media (43253). Deaths As part of the overall census communication and engagement programme, nearly 200 census area managers and community Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet advisors are contacting community and local media to raise awareness of the 2011 Census. Many media organisations have Office what recent estimate has been made of age-adjusted responded positively, recognising the importance of encouraging mortality rate for each income decile. [44095] their audience to participate, and covering the census in news and editorial features. Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the There is no specific budget for local and community media as responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have the budget is defined by the audience that the advertising reaches. asked the authority to reply. 777W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 778W

Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2011: Table 2: Age-standardised mortality rates1 with 95% confidence limits2, for each income deprivation decile3 in Wales4, 20095 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I 95% confidence limits have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking Rate per what recent estimate has been made of age-adjusted mortality Decile 100,000 Lower limit Upper limit rate for each income decile (44095). Most deprived 807 780 834 The tables attached provide the age-standardised mortality 1 Age-standardised mortality rates per 100,000 population, standardised rate per 100,000 population, for each income deprivation decile, to the European Standard Population. Age-standardised rates are in England (Table 1) and in Wales (Table 2), for 2009 (the latest used to allow comparison between populations which may contain year available). different proportions of people of different ages. 2 Confidence intervals are a measure of the statistical precision of an Income deprivation deciles are based on an estimate of the estimate and show the range of uncertainty around the estimated proportion of people with low income in the area of usual figure. As a general rule, if the confidence interval around one figure residence of the deceased rather than on the individual’s own overlaps with the interval around another, we cannot say with certainty actual income, which is not recorded at death registration. Income that there is more than a chance difference between the two figures. scores for areas in England and Wales are available as part of the 3 Based on the income domain of the Welsh Index of Multiple Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2007 and Welsh Index of Deprivation (WIMD) 2008. Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) 2008 respectively. The scores for 4 Figures for Wales exclude deaths of non-residents. lower layer super output areas (LSOAs) were ranked and divided 5 Figures are based on deaths registered in 2009. into deciles, ranging from the least deprived tenth of areas to the Notes: most deprived tenth of areas. 1. The Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2007 is the official measure of deprivation for small areas in England. It was Table 1: Age-standardised mortality rates1 with 95% confidence commissioned by Communities and Local Government (CLG) limits2, for each income deprivation decile3 in England4,20095 and developed by the Social Disadvantage Research Centre at the university of Oxford. It consists of seven domains: income; 95% confidence limits employment; health and disability; education skills and training; Rate per barriers to housing and services; living environment; and crime. Decile 100,000 Lower limit Upper limit More information about the index can be found at the following link: Least deprived 399 395 404 http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/ indiciesdeprivation07 2 439 435 443 2. The IMD 2010 is due to be released on 24 March 2011. 3 468 464 472 3. The Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) 2008 is the official measure of deprivation for small areas in Wales. It was 4 494 489 498 developed for the Welsh Assembly Government by the Assembly’s 5 514 509 519 Statistical Directorate and the Local Government Data Unit (Wales). It consists of eight domains: income; employment; health; 6 547 543 552 education; housing; access to services; environment; and community safety. More information about the index can be found at the 7 597 591 602 following link: 8 659 653 664 http://wales.gov.uk/topics/statistics/theme/wimd/2008/ ?lang=en 9 705 699 712 4. There are 32,482 lower layer super output areas (LSOAs) in Most deprived 784 776 791 England and 1,896 in Wales. The number of LSOAs in each income deprivation decile is detailed in table 3 below. 1 Age-standardised mortality rates per 100,000 population, standardised to the European Standard Population. Age-standardised rates are Table 3: Number of lower layer super output areas (LSOAs) in each used to allow comparison between populations which may contain income deprivation decile, Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2007 different proportions of people of different ages. and Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) 2008 2 Confidence intervals are a measure of the statistical precision of an Decile IMD 2007 WIMD 2008 estimate and show the range of uncertainty around the estimated figure. As a general rule, if the confidence interval around one figure Least deprived 3,249 186 overlaps with the interval around another, we cannot say with certainty 2 3,249 190 that there is more than a chance difference between the two figures. 3 Based on the income domain of the Index of Multiple Deprivation 3 3,248 190 (IMD) 2007. 4 3,249 190 4 Figures for England exclude deaths of non-residents. 5 3,247 190 5 Figures are based on deaths registered in 2009. 6 3,249 190 Table 2: Age-standardised mortality rates1 with 95% confidence 7 3,247 190 limits2, for each income deprivation decile3 in Wales4, 20095 8 3,249 190 95% confidence limits 9 3,248 190 Rate per Most deprived 3,247 190 Decile 100,000 Lower limit Upper limit 5. Data are extracted from the SOPHIE database using the latest Least deprived 444 426 462 boundaries for consistency. This means that figures for past time 2 469 451 487 periods can sometimes differ from those previously published by ONS for those periods, where boundaries have changed over time. 3 507 489 525 4 545 526 564 Deaths: Children 5 545 526 564 6 588 568 608 John Hemming: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 7 627 605 648 Office how many children have died where child (a) 8 682 659 705 abuse and (b) neglect was recorded as a contributory 9 742 717 767 factor in each year since 1990. [44779] 779W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 780W

Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the has been made of the amount of remittances from British Yemenis responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have to Yemen in each of the last five years. [44259] asked the authority to reply. The UK Balance of Payments (Pink Book, table 5.1, p79) Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2011: includes statistics for ‘other payment by households’, which includes data on remittances. However, ONS does not publish estimates As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I analysed by country because they are not considered to be of have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking sufficient quality and so, figures for Yemen are not available. how many children have died where child (a) abuse and (b) neglect was recorded as a contributory factor in each year since 1990 [44779]. Suicide The information collected at death registration provides statistics on deaths which were caused by specific conditions or injuries. It Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet is not possible to obtain from these mortality statistics the contributory Office what recent assessment he has made of suicide factors of child abuse or neglect. rates in each socio-economic group. [44807] Internationally accepted guidance from the World Health Organisation requires only those conditions that contributed Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the directly to the death to be recorded on the death certificate. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have Medical practitioners and coroners are not supposed to record all of the diseases or conditions present at or before death, and asked the Authority to reply. whether a condition contributed is a matter for their clinical Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2011: judgement. As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I When a death has been investigated by a coroner further have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking information may be available to ONS in the form of coroner’s about suicide rates in each socioeconomic group (044807). inquest text but this information cannot be extracted without The table attached provides age-standardised mortality rates by disproportionate costs. the National Statistics Socio-economic Classification (NS-SEC) Further information on child mortality statistics is published where suicide was the underlying cause of death, for men aged on the Office for National Statistics website: 25-64 in England and Wales, for 2001-03. http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/Product. asp?vlnk=15362 The corresponding rates for women are not shown as the analysis by NS-SEC focuses only on major causes of death, both Population: Yemen because of resource limitations and because of the reduced reliability of rates based on small numbers. Suicide is a large Keith Vaz: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office enough cause of death for men to have come within the scope of what estimate has been made of the amount of the analysis quoted, but not a large enough cause for women. remittances from British Yemenis to Yemen in each of More recent estimates are not available because it is not the last five years. [44259] possible to obtain sufficiently reliable population denominators by NS-SEC class (in addition to age and sex) for analysis by individual causes of death, except at the time of the decennial Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Census. The figures attached were based on deaths registered in responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have 2001-03, the 2001 Census, and ONS population estimates for asked the authority to reply. England and Wales for the years 2001-03. Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2011: These figures were published in Health Statistics Quarterly As Director General for the Office for National Statistics (volume 38, page 27) in 2008. Details can be found at: (ONS), I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary http://www.statistics.gov.uk/downloads/theme_health/ Question to ask the Minister of the Cabinet Office what estimate HSQ38_Final_WEB_file.pdf

Age standardised1 mortality rates from suicide and events of undetermined intent2, by NS-SEC class, men aged 25-64, England and Wales Rate per million NS-SEC analytic class Rate Lower 95% confidence interval Upper 95% confidence interval

1 Higher managerial and professional occupations 74 68 81 1.1 Large employers, higher managers 47 40 55 1.2 Higher professionals 94 85 105 2 Lower managerial and professional 111 104 118 3 Intermediate 175 158 193 4 Small employers and own a/c workers 154 143 166 5 Lower supervisory and technical 136 127 146 6 Semi-routine 243 229 258 7 Routine 268 255 282

All men in England and Wales 188 184 192 1 Age standardised mortality rates per million population. Standardised rates allow comparison between populations which may contain different proportions of people of different ages. 2 Suicide was defined using the International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes X60-X84 and Y10-Y34 (excluding Y33.9 where the Coroner’s verdict was pending).

Third Sector: Finance strengthen charities and civil societies in each year since 1997. [42072]

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Mr Hurd: The Office of the Third Sector (now the Office what funding his Department provided to Office for Civil Society) was established in the Cabinet 781W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 782W

Office in May 2006. Since then, expenditure by the recently published ‘Giving’ Green Paper seeks to increase Cabinet Office on programmes to support civil society levels of giving and mutual support in all sectors of our organisations has been reported separately in the Cabinet society, catalysing a culture shift that makes social Office annual report and accounts. Each year, note 11 action a social norm. This consultation period for the of the accounts breaks down this expenditure by Green Paper will close on 9 March and the Government programme. will publish a White Paper on Giving after this. Unemployment: Airdrie Voluntary Organisations: Finance

Pamela Nash: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Stella Creasy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what recent estimate he has made of the number Office what factors he took into account in setting the of workless households in Airdrie and Shotts deadline for applications to the Transition Fund by constituency. [44804] voluntary organisations; and whether he discussed such factors with representatives of (a) the voluntary sector Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the and (b) local government. [44037] responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Mr Hurd: The Transition Fund was open to applications Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2011: on 30 November 2010 with a deadline of 21 January 2011. When setting this timetable, the Government were As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I particularly mindful to balance the urgent need to support have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what recent estimate has been made of the number of workless organisations facing financial hardship with requiring households in Airdrie and Shotts constituency (44804). some evidence of the cuts they face. Big Fund, the The figures requested come from the Annual Population Survey delivery partner, held a consultation event on 11 November (APS) household datasets. The latest data currently available is 2010 to seek views about the implementation of the for 2009. The attached table shows estimates for Airdrie and Transition Fund. A wide range of organisations attended Shott constituency. the consultation event including frontline civil society As with any sample survey, estimates from the APS are subject organisations, infrastructure organisations, national to a margin of uncertainty. This is captured in a confidence umbrella bodies representing civil society, representatives interval, defined by lower and upper bounds, such that the from the Local Government Association and central interval formed between the bounds would contain the true value Government. for 95% of all possible samples. Number of workless households1 in Airdrie and Shott constituency Voluntary Work Thousand Estimate Lower bound2 Upper bound2 Nicholas Soames: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what recent assessment he has made of barriers January to 648to volunteering. [38838] December 2009 1 Households containing at least one person aged 16-64, where all Mr Hurd: In 2008-09 the Governments Citizenship individuals aged 16 or over are not in employment. Survey showed that the main barriers to volunteering 2 95% confidence interval. were, work commitments (cited by 55% of those that Source: did not volunteer), family responsibilities (30%), lack of APS household dataset spare time (26%) and not hearing about opportunities Voluntary Organisations to help (20%). Encouraging social action, including volunteering is Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet one of the three aims of the Governments vision for a Office what progress has been made on establishing a big society. To support this aim, in December 2010 the Big Society day. [41812] Government published the Giving Green paper. The Green Paper sought to start a debate on how we can Mr Hurd: The Government have been working to make social action a norm and encourage more people build a culture of social action. As part of this, a Giving to give their time, including removing barriers to Green Paper was published in December 2010 containing volunteering. a range of ideas to encourage the giving of time and The Government are also committed to reducing money, and these ideas will be developed in a White bureaucracy for charities, social enterprises and community Paper to be published in due course. The civil service organisations. To achieve this the Cabinet Office and recently committed to a new volunteering initiative that Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) will encourage hundreds of thousands of professionals have set up a joint taskforce to investigate how to reduce to volunteer for at least one day each year. The Government the bureaucratic burdens on civil society organisations, are working with external organisations to encourage particularly small organisations. The taskforce is chaired this culture of giving outside the civil service and take by Lord Hodgson and will report to Ministers in spring forward the idea of a Big Society day. 2011.

Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if he will develop and publicise a national Office what research his Department has (a) commissioned scheme to monitor corporate giving. [41983] and (b) evaluated on the effect of volunteering on the (i) well-being and (ii) employability of (A) newly Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office has no plans to publicise unemployed and (B) long-term unemployed people. a national scheme to monitor corporate giving. The [41039] 783W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 784W

Mr Hurd: The Cabinet Office has not directly Department’s development of its policy on (a) giving, commissioned and evaluated research related to the (b) volunteering and (c) the Big Society. [41834] effect of volunteering on unemployed people. However, we have confidence that volunteering offers volunteers a Mr Hurd: The Behavioural Science Team was consulted range of benefits that would have a positive impact on in relation to the proposals in the recent Green Paper on unemployed people. giving of time and money. One of the discussion essays This is supported by the Department for Work and published alongside the Green Paper was authored by Pension’s report ‘Evaluation of the six month offer: A the Head of the Behavioural Insight team, David Halpern. report of quantitative findings’, published in October Access to the Behavioural Insight Team is available to 2010. This found that of those job seekers allowance staff in the Office of Civil Society. customers who took up a volunteering placement under the six month offer initiative: Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 67% felt they were more motivated to find work; Office whether he has made an assessment of 74% felt better about themselves as a result; geographical variation in (a) levels of volunteering and 79% were more enthusiastic about taking on further voluntary (b) the number of charities; and if he will make a opportunities in future; and statement. [41890] 60% said they felt they had a better chance of finding a job as a result. Mr Hurd: Data from the 2009-10 Citizenship Survey, conducted by the Department for Communities and Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Local Government, shows a regional variation in Office what role behavioural science has played in his volunteering as follows:

Percentage Region Formal volunteering Informal volunteering Once a month Once a year Once a month Once a year

North East 23 36 28 51 North West 20 34 26 47 Yorkshire and Humber 25 38 28 52 East Midlands 26 40 26 51 West Midlands 27 41 31 53 East of England 27 44 37 63 London 20 35 26 49 South East 28 45 30 61 South West 31 49 32 60

Data from The UK Civil Society Almanac 2010 recommend how to reduce its impact. This will contribute published by the National Council for Voluntary to the Government’s aim of making it easier to run a Organisations shows regional variations in the number charity, social enterprise or voluntary organisation. of general charities as follows:

Region Number of organisations—2007-08 Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what use his Department has made of time-use North East 4,818 studies in establishing volunteering patterns across (a) North West 14,029 socio-economic, (b) age, (c) gender and (d) race Yorkshire and Humber 11,023 groups. [41977] East Midlands 11,617 West Midlands 12,467 Mr Hurd: The Department has not made use of time East of England 17,515 use studies to establish volunteering patterns across London 23,081 socio economic, age, gender and race groups. This South East 25,616 information is collected through the Citizenship Survey, South West 18,555 as conducted by the Department for Communities and Total 138,721 Local Government. The information is in the public domain and available in the 2008-09 Citizenship Survey Encouraging social action, including volunteering is Volunteering and Charitable Giving Topic Report: one of the three aims of the Government’s vision for a Big Society. To support this aim, in December 2010 the www.communities.gov.uk/documents/statistics/pdf/ Government published the Giving Green paper. The 1547056.pdf Green Paper sought to start a debate on how we can make social action a norm and encourage more people Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet to give their time, including removing barriers to Office pursuant to the answer of 27 January 2011, volunteering. Official Report, columns 453-4W, on voluntary work, In addition, the Cutting Red Tape taskforce, led by what the evidential basis is for his Department’s expectation Lord Hodgson of Astley Abbots, is considering the red that levels of volunteering will increase over the next tape that affects civil society organisations and will three years; and if he will make a statement. [42200] 785W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 786W

Mr Hurd: The Giving Green Paper, published in TREASURY December 2010, contained a preliminary analysis of existing research. It showed that people are held back Carbon Emissions from volunteering due to a range of barriers, these include: too much bureaucracy, the lack of time or not Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer having the right information. The Green Paper also what assessment he has made of the contribution of outlined the Government’s initial ideas for catalysing a fiscal measures to reduce levels of waste to landfill to culture shift towards a more giving society, including: the Government’s carbon emission reduction targets. the creation of an £80 million Volunteering Fund, which [44001] comprises a volunteering match fund and a volunteer infrastructure programme. These programmes will both Justine Greening: The landfill tax and the landfill provide support to organisations to take on more volunteers, allowance trading schemes aim to reduce the volume of and encourage individuals to take up these new waste sent to landfill. The annual volume of waste sent opportunities. to landfill has reduced from 95.8 million tonnes to A public consultation on the Green Paper will run 43.9 million tonnes since landfill tax was introduced in until 9 March 2011 and will feed into a White Paper to 1996. be published in spring 2011. This White Paper will set As a result, direct emissions from waste in 2011 are out a number of policy proposals aimed at increasing projected to be 2.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent all forms of giving, however we cannot anticipate details lower than if the level of waste sent to landfill had not in advance of its publication. changed. Fiscal Policy: Food Working Hours Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Laws: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what assessment he has made on the effects on fiscal what was the average number of hours worked by (a) policy of rising global food and commodity prices. adults aged 18 to 65 and (b) employed adults aged 18 [43993] to 65 in each year since 1981. [44521] Justine Greening: The Office for Budget Responsibility Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the (OBR) produced its latest forecast for the public finances responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have in its November Economic and Fiscal Outlook 2010, asked the authority to reply. available here: Letter from Stephen Penneck: http://budgetresponsibility.independent.gov.uk/econ-fiscal- As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I outlook.html have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking what The OBR will publish an updated assessment of the the average number of hours worked by a) adults aged 18 to 65 and b) employed adults aged 18 to 65 is in each year since 1981. 044521. public finances at the Budget on 23 March 2011, which The table provided shows average actual weekly hours derived will include any effects from changing food and commodity from the Labour Force Survey. Estimates are for quarter four of prices. each year from 1992 to 2010. Estimates prior to 1992 are not Green Investment Bank available. Average actual weekly hours of work, people aged 18 to 65 Quarter 4 each year, Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 1992 to 2010—United Kingdom what meetings he has had with (a) the Deputy Prime Hours per week Minister and (b) other Ministerial colleagues on Population1 In employment2 capitalisation and accounting practices for the proposed 1992 23.5 34.2 Green Investment Bank. [43266] 1993 23.5 34.1 Justine Greening [holding answer 2 March 2011]: 1994 23.5 35.1 Treasury Ministers have frequent meetings with their 1995 24.5 35.1 ministerial colleagues as part of the process of policy 1996 24.9 35.4 development and delivery. It is not the Government’s 1997 24.3 34.1 practice to provide details of all such meetings. 1998 24.4 34.0 1999 24.8 34.3 Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund 2000 25.1 34.6 2001 25.1 34.5 George Freeman: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer 2002 25.1 34.4 (1) what plans he has for the future use of revenues 2003 24.9 34.1 raised through the aggregates levy following the closure 2004 24.5 33.5 of the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund; [43658] 2005 24.6 33.7 (2) what plans he has for the future funding of 2006 24.7 33.7 environmental projects following the closure of the 2007 24.8 33.8 Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund. [43657] 2008 23.7 32.6 2009 23.1 32.4 Justine Greening: Responsibility for the Aggregates 2010 22.6 31.7 Levy Sustainability Fund (ALSF) lies with the Department 1 Average actual weekly hours worked by people in main and second job for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Following including paid and unpaid overtime for the population as a whole. the spending review settlement in October 2010 DEFRA 2 Average actual weekly hours worked by people in main and second job has decided to discontinue the ALSF programme of including paid and unpaid overtime for people in employment. Source: work from 1 April 2011, after careful consideration Labour Force Survey. across its priorities. 787W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 788W

Value for money and significant environment projects Mr Hoban: Policy advice, recommendations, suggested will continue to be funded where it is affordable for the options, and opinions are generally withheld from Department to do so, in the context of tighter budget publication, so that: allocations. However, DEFRA is funding a project to decision-making is based on the best advice available and a full help ensure that the findings from money already invested consideration of all the options; in ALSF research and development are accessible to advice can be broadly based—there may be a deterrent effect those who can put them into practice and achieve the on experts or stakeholders who might be reluctant to provide potential improvements in environmental performance. advice because it might be disclosed; Revenue from the aggregates levy will go into the the impartiality of the civil service is protected—it might be Consolidated Fund and help support general public undermined if advice was routinely made public as there is a spending. £0.3 billion is forecast to be raised in 2010-11. risk that officials could come under political or public pressure not to challenge ideas in the formulation of policy, thus In the spending review the Government committed to leading to poorer decision-making; increase central Government environmental spending Ministers and officials can conduct rigorous and candid risk by 21% between 2010-11 and 2014-1 5, including: assessments of their policies and programmes including considerations Up to 1 billion of investment to create one of the world’s first of the pros and cons without there being premature disclosure commercial scale carbon capture and storage demonstration plants; which might close off discussion and the development of better £2 billion investment in flood defences better protecting 145,000 options; households by 2014-15; there is a free space in which it is possible to “think the Over £200 million for the development of low carbon technologies unthinkable” and use imagination, without the fear that policy including offshore wind technology and manufacturing at port proposals will be held up to ridicule or public criticism; and sites; and the collective responsibility of the Government is not undermined £2.9 billion of international climate finance to help developing by disclosure of interdepartmental consideration and views of countries pursue low carbon growth and adapt to the impacts of other Ministers (which may reveal disagreement). climate change. The document referred to has been withheld for these In addition the Government have committed to setting reasons. up a UK-wide Green Investment Bank, initially capitalised with £1 billion of Government funding together with Banks: Regulation additional significant proceeds from the sale of Government owned assets. The new institution will make a radical Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer new contribution to financing green infrastructure through (1) what sanctions will apply if Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds having an explicit mandate to tackle risk that the market Banking Group or RBS do not meet their commitments cannot currently adequately finance. on pay disclosure as part of the Project Merlin agreement; [42277] Arch Cru (2) what sanctions will apply if the remuneration committees of Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Banking Group David T. C. Davies: To ask the Chancellor of the or RBS do not confirm to the Financial Services Authority Exchequer what steps the Financial Services Authority that their pay deals conform with the commitments is taking to investigate the collapse of the Arch Cru given in relation to pay as part of the Project Merlin fund. [44334] agreement. [42278]

Mr Hoban: The Financial Services Authority (FSA) Mr Hoban: [holding answer 1 March 2011]: As a is investigating the issues surrounding the suspension result of the Government’s discussions, the four largest and winding-up of the Arch Cru funds, but is prevented UK banks have committed that the total remuneration under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 paid in 2010 will be lower than it was in 2009 and lower from disclosing details of its supervision of individual than it would have been otherwise. The Remuneration firms, for reasons of confidentiality. Where the FSA Committee Chair of each bank will write to the Financial takes enforcement action against an authorised firm, it Services Authority (FSA) to confirm that this commitment makes the details of this action public. has been met. These banks have also committed to Bank Services world-leading pay disclosure arrangements which when taken together with the FSA’s sector-wide regime make the UK’s disclosure arrangements the toughest of any Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if major financial centre. The Government expect that he will bring forward proposals to prevent banks from these commitments will be met. Going forward, the offsetting losses incurred since autumn 2008 against Government will consult on extending the disclosure their tax liabilities. [44012] requirements to other large banks in the UK.

Mr Hoban: The Government keep all taxes under Mr Umunna: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer review. with reference to paragraph 1.3.4 Project Merlin—Banks’ Banks: Pay Statement, (1) what steps he plans to take to determine whether sufficient demand for lending among UK businesses has materialised; [44750] Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 11 February (2) who will determine whether sufficient demand for 2011, Official Report, column 494W, on banks: pay, for lending to businesses has materialised; [44857] what reasons the release of the document would (3) what process will be used to determine whether prejudice the effective conduct of public affairs; and if sufficient demand for lending to businesses materialises. he will make a statement. [41599] [44858] 789W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 790W

Mr Hoban: The Bank of England will report, on a Justine Greening: The following table gives the number quarterly basis, the banks’ total new lending to all of civil servants employed by HM Treasury on 31 May businesses (and within that, to SMEs) under the definitions 2010 and 31 December 2010 (the latest complete month used for Project Merlin. for which figures are currently available) and the number In addition, the Business Finance Taskforce, led by of staff who have left or joined the Department between the British Bankers’ Association, has agreed to 17 new those two dates. commitments in order to improve the banks’ relationship HM Treasury employees with their business customers. The banks will provide a Date Headcount Full-time equivalent new Lending Code and a transparent appeals procedure for declined loan applications, among other actions. 31 May 2010 1,401 1,362.8 These commitments will be evaluated by a regular survey 31 December 2010 1,372 1,333.0 of small businesses and their experience of access to Leavers 244 240.2 finance, which will be published by the British Bankers’ Association. Economic Growth: EU Action Child Benefit: Fraud Priti Patel: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the cost to the UK of Guto Bebb: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer implementing the EU’s 2020 Strategy for economic what recent steps his Department has taken to prevent growth; how many (a) directives and (b) regulations child benefit fraud. [44270] he expects to emanate from the 2020 Strategy; and whether he expects there to be any transfer of powers Justine Greening: HM Revenue and Customs’ (HMRC) from the UK to the EU as a result of any instrument approach to tackling child benefit error and fraud is arising from the 2020 Strategy. [44415] two-fold; to prevent fraud from entering the child benefit system and, where it already exists, to remove it. Mr Hoban: The Europe 2020 Strategy sets out an HMRC requires each customer to provide documentary overarching policy framework for promoting growth evidence of each child being claimed for, such as an across the EU including seven “flagship initiatives” in original birth or adoption certificate. Those documents key areas such as innovation and employment and a are subject to strict verification before a claim is paid. series of policy initiatives in areas such as trade policy HMRC deploys a specialist compliance team to tackle and the Single Market. error and fraud already in the system. The team undertake The Government supports the broad aims of the a range of interventions targeting non-compliant customers, Europe 2020 Strategy, and considers that it is essential challenging information they provide and stopping claims for the EU-level reform agenda to focus narrowly on a where appropriate. few key issues which will have the greatest impact on growth, such as the Single Market and trade policy, Corporation Tax reducing regulatory burdens for business and driving innovation in the EU. Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what estimate he has made of the (a) corporation tax While the Commission has published consultation and (b) proportion of gross profits paid in corporation documents or proposals in a number of areas, it has not tax by the banking sector in (i) 2007-08, (ii) 2008-09 yet come forward with draft legislation in many areas. As a result, at this time, it is not possible to provide a and (iii) 2009-10. [44014] meaningful or accurate estimate of the cost of implementing Mr Hoban: HM Revenue and Customs(HMRC) do the Europe 2020 Strategy, or the number of directives not currently publish statistics on corporation tax (CT) or regulations emanating from it. paid by the banking sector, or gross profits. HMRC The Government have been clear that the strategy does publish historical financial services sector CT receipts must respect member states’ competence as defined by which will include the banking sector. This information the Treaties, and that any future changes that move a is regularly updated and published in table 11.1, on the power or an area of policy from the UK to the EU, will HMRC National Statistics website. The latest update is be subject to a referendum. The June European Council available here: conclusions state that any policy recommendations http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/stats/corporate_tax/table11_1.pdf addressed to member states: “shall be fully in line with relevant Treaty provisions and EU Departmental Manpower rules and respect member states’ competences in areas such as education”. Mr Redwood: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) how many (a) actual and (b) full-time Electoral Reform Services equivalent staff have left his Department’s employment since May 2010; [42308] Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Chancellor of the (2) how many (a) actual and (b) full-time equivalent Exchequer what the monetary value was of contracts staff his Department employed on the latest date for his Department placed with Electoral Reform Services which figures are available; [42389] in each year since 2005. [44226] (3) how many (a) actual and (b) full-time equivalent staff were employed by his Department in May 2010. Justine Greening: The Treasury has not placed any [42405] contracts with Electoral Reform Services since 2005. 791W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 792W

European Committee Mr Hoban: The matter concerned is the responsibility of the Financial Services Authority (FSA), whose day- Mr Cash: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to-day operations are independent from government pursuant to the answer of 1 February 2011, Official control and influence. Report, European Committee B, column 9, for what There is no automatic or guaranteed bonus for staff reasons the Financial Secretary to the Treasury stated at the FSA. However, the FSA has an annual individual that the only legal action had been struck down. incentive plan which extends to all full-time staff and is [39868] based on individual performance throughout the year. Individual incentive payments are designed to recognise Mr Hoban: [holding answer 11 February 2011]: The and reward the FSA’s highest performers. The FSA is statement was inaccurate; the admissibility of the case not able to confirm any further details as the 2011 pay brought against the Council by Mr Thomas Ax is review process, which rewards performance for 2010, currently under consideration. I have since written, as I has not yet been completed. committed to do in the course of the debate, to the right hon. Member for Stone with a correct account of the matter. This has no material effect on the broader issue, Mileage Payment Allowance which is that the Government believe that EU Council Regulation No. 407/2010, establishing the European Dr Wollaston: To ask the Chancellor of the Financial Stabilisation Mechanism, is consistent with Exchequer what plans he has for the future level of the the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. mileage payment allowance. [43711] The Government are not aware of a significant body of legal opinion supporting the opposite view. Justine Greening: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given in response to the hon. Member for Ochil Financial Institutions and South Perthshire (Gordon Banks) on 13 September 2010, Official Report, column 785W. Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what his policy is on the extension of net lending targets to the covered by the Project Merlin agreement. Northern Rock: Financial Health of Friendly Societies [43999] Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Hoban: On 9 February 2011 the Government what recent meetings he has had on the (a) possible announced that the five Merlin banks agreed to make remutualisation of Northern Rock and (b) financial available the appropriate capital and resources to support health of friendly societies; and if he will make a gross new lending to UK small and medium-sized statement. [43920] businesses, of £190 billion, should sufficient demand materialise. Mr Hoban: Treasury Ministers and officials have Increasing the amounts that the banks are willing to meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the make available to businesses over the next year in new public and private sectors as part of the process of lending will help to give businesses the confidence that policy development and delivery. As was the case with they need to seek finance from their bank and ensure previous Administrations, it is not the Government’s that the banks are focused on providing that flow of practice to provide details of all such meetings. credit to businesses. UK Financial Investments Limited (UKFI) manages This goes much further than the previous Government the Government’s investments in financial institutions and delivers a commitment from all five major retail on an arm’s length and commercial basis. The development banks to lend to UK businesses. These five banks and execution of strategies for disposing of the represent around 90% of the UK SME banking market. Government’s shareholding in Northern Rock is part of UKFI’s remit. Financial Services Authority: Equality UKFI will look at the full range of alternatives for divestment, and will explore options based on maximising Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer value for the taxpayer, maintaining financial stability if he will revise the objectives of the Chief Executive of and paying due regard to promoting competition. All the Financial Services Authority to include the exit strategies for Northern Rock plc will be considered. promotion of corporate diversity. [43919] The final decision on the sale of Northern Rock will be made by the Chancellor. Mr Hoban: The objectives of the chief executive are UKFI and Northern Rock plc are in the process of set by the chairman and the board of the Financial jointly appointing advisers to examine all possible exit Services Authority (FSA). The FSA’s day-to-day operations strategies. Advisers will be appointed in the field of are independent from government control and influence. corporate finance, tax and accountancy. On the financial health of friendly societies, despite Financial Services Authority: Incentives the challenges faced by much of the wider financial sector, most mutuals have emerged from the financial Mr Thomas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer crisis relatively unscathed. The Government support how many staff at the Financial Services Authority the mutual proposition of which friendly societies are were entitled to receive a bonus in 2010-11; and if he one part, however, they also recognise some specific will make a statement. [43884] challenges this model will face over the coming years. 793W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 794W

Personal Savings: Government Assistance Mr Gauke: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) measure error and fraud retrospectively. Information is Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) published annually and cannot be broken down by whether his Department has plans to introduce month. Information for 2010-11 is not yet available. Government-backed individual saving accounts enabling HMRC has a target to reduce the combined levels of investment in environmental industries; [43676] error and fraud to no more than 5%, from 8.9% in (2) whether his Department made a recent assessment 2008-09, the latest published estimates, by the end of of the (a) availability and (b) gross monetary value of March 2011. individual saving accounts enabling investment in The Trust Statement that accompanied HMRC’s 2009-10 environmental industries; [43677] accounts explains in more detail how the Department (3) what his policy is on issuing Government-backed measures the overall level of tax credits error and fraud, bonds for investment in low-carbon industries; [43678] published at: (4) whether he has met representatives of the Sustainable www.hmrc.gov.uk/about/hmrc-accs-0910.pdf Investment and Finance Association to discuss the creation of Government-backed individual saving accounts enabling HMRC published a joint strategy with the Department investment in environmental industries; [43679] for Work and Pensions to help drive down error and fraud across the benefits and tax credits system. The (5) whether he has met representatives of the UK publication can be found at: investment industry to discuss the creation of Government- backed individual saving accounts enabling investment www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/tackling-fraud-and-error.pdf in environmental industries. [43680]

Mr Hoban: The Government are undertaking analysis Tax Relief: Dairy Farmers into how investment in green industries can be increased. The ISA market is competitive and a number of providers have chosen to offer green, environmental or Mr Bain: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if ethical ISAs. When ISA providers provide information he will provide tax relief to assist dairy farmers in to HMRC on account holders it does not include preparing for implementations of the Nitrate Vulnerable information on whether an investment is environmental Zone regulations in each of the next four financial or not and so no estimate of the value of accounts years. [43994] investing in environmental industries is available. The Government are currently considering how best Justine Greening: The extension of Nitrate Vulnerable to encourage additional investment in green infrastructure Zones, which protect vulnerable ecosystems and the through the Green Investment Bank, and are aiming to quality of drinking water in the UK, was undertaken announce their detailed proposals in May.When considering through a phased process. The extension was announced issuing new bond instruments the Government consider: in October 2008, and the new regulations introduced on consistency with the debt management objective (minimising 1 January 2009 for implementation from 1 January long-term cost, subject to risk) and the principles on which 2010. debt management is based; impact on liquidity and the good functioning more generally The Government have appointed a Taskforce on of the gilt market; Farming Regulations which will report early this year the likely size of demand for the new instrument; and on ways to reduce regulatory burdens on farmers. an assessment of the cost and resource commitment required for implementation in comparison with the potential size of demand. Taxation: Aviation Treasury Ministers have meetings with a wide variety of organisations in the public and private sectors as part of the process of policy development and delivery. Angus Robertson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer It is not the Government’s practice to provide details of (1) if he will take steps to ensure that air passenger duty all such meetings. exemptions for passengers departing from the Highlands and Islands are maintained in implementing his proposals Refrigerators: Recycling to introduce a per plane tax; [44196] (2) what consultation his Department plans to undertake Andrew George: To ask the Chancellor of the in the Highlands and Islands on his proposals to replace Exchequer if he will introduce financial incentives to air passenger duty with a per plane tax; [44197] increase the use of remanufactured refrigerated display cabinets. [44376] (3) whether he plans to review the military exemptions from air passenger duty; [44198] Justine Greening: All taxes are kept under review and (4) whether his proposals for a per plane tax will announcements on tax policy are made at Budget. apply to cargo flights operating within the Highlands and Islands region. [44199] Tax Credit: Fraud

Mr Frank Field: To ask the Chancellor of the Justine Greening: I refer the hon. Member to the Exchequer what his estimate is of the monetary value answer given to the hon. Member for Central Suffolk of tax credits claimed fraudulently in each month since and North Ipswich (Dr Poulter) on 22 November 2010, May 2010. [43906] Official Report, column 83W. 795W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 796W

Taxation: Gambling which received seed funding from DFID over the period 2002 to 2010 will be deposited in the Library of the Roger Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the House. Exchequer what rate of gross profit tax is paid by (a) All DFID’s funding for development awareness raising adult gaming centres, (b) onshore gaming websites and work is currently being reviewed to determine its (c) offshore gaming websites. [44390] effectiveness and to assess whether, and if so how, DFID should continue to use aid funds in the UK to Justine Greening: Adult gaming centres pay Amusement promote awareness of global poverty and public Machine License Duty and VAT on their gaming machines. involvement in efforts to address this. More information The licence fee payable varies depending on stake and on this review is available on the Department’s website prize limits. at: Online gaming websites, licensed in the UK, pay a http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Get-Involved/Making-a-difference/ remote gaming duty of 15% on gross profits. Dev-aware-Review/ I expect the review to be completed by the end of March 2011. Ministers will then look closely at its outcomes and assess the relevance of these activities to INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT the UK’s development objectives, in order to determine the future of DFID’s development awareness work in British Overseas NGOs for Development the UK.

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Civil Society Challenge Fund International Development how much funding his Department has provided for the Bond organisation in each of the last five years; and what reports he has Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for received from that organisation on the effect of its International Development pursuant to the answer of 7 December 2010, Official Report, column 210W, on the activities on levels of poverty. [43898] Civil Society Challenge Fund, which trade unions Mr O’Brien: Department for International Development received funding from the Civil Society Challenge (DFID) funding to Bond from 2006-07 to 2010-11 is as Fund in 2009-10; and how much each such trade union follows. received. [43930]

£ Mr O’Brien: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 17 January 2011, Official Report, column 527W. The 2006-07 450,000 requested information is available in the Library of the 2007-08 454,000 House. 2008-09 479,261 2009-10 558,599 Departmental Expenditure 2010-11 627,180 It is a requirement for all non-government organisations Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for who receive DFID funding to provide annual reports International Development what expenditure (a) his and annual audited accounts. DFID has received and Department and (b) each public body sponsored by reviewed annual reports for Bond in the last five years. his Department incurred on engaging external audit DFID has also received an independent evaluation of services in each of the last three years; and to which Bond’s work for the period 2008-10 which is available service providers such payments were made in each on the Department’s website: year. [43750] www.dfid.gov.uk Mr O’Brien: Expenditure by the Department for Bond’s impact on poverty is indirect. Bond’s focus is International Development (DFID) on engaging external primarily to strengthen the quality and effectiveness of audit services for the last three financial years were as its membership, consisting of 370 UK-based international follows, with totals aggregated per provider: development organisations. Broadcasting £000 Service provider 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Statutory audit International Development with reference to his National Audit 281 281 256 Department’s report on Building support for Development Office—resource Strategy—Impact of strategy, expenditure and activities, accounts August 2009, page 6, which broadcast programmes receive seed funding from his Department. [43977] Project audits— aggregated per provider RSM Bentley Jennison — 72.5 253.5 Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International Baker Tilly — — 50.5 Development provides seed funding to broadcast European Commission — — 33 programmes through our support to the Commonwealth Pannell Kerr Forster 20 6 25 Broadcasting Association (CBA). DFID’s current KPMG — 9.5 16.5 agreement with CBA is for three years and was entered PricewaterhouseCoopers 35 17 16 into in December 2009. A list of broadcast programmes 797W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 798W

DFID’s non-departmental public body, the £000 Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, does not have Service provider 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 procurement or outsourcing functions and has not incurred Akinbola Williams ——13any such expenditure in the last financial year. Deloitte Consulting MC Global Audit — 8.5 8 Environment Protection COI — — 8 ACNABIN — — 7 NAO — — 7 Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Howlader Yunus and ——6.5International Development what recent discussions he Co. has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the International ——6.5Government’s policy on the recommendations of the Organisation Development UN Environment Programme report, Towards a Green S.F. Ahmed and Co. — — 6.5 Economy. [43694] A. Quasem — — 5 A. wahab — — 4 Mr O’Brien: The United Nations Environment Institute of Internal 120.5Programme (UNEP) released their report “Towards a Auditors Green Economy—Pathways to Sustainable Development FGS McClure Watters — 42.5 — and Poverty Eradication” on 21 February 2011. Ernst and Young — 36 — I will raise the report on 8 March at the ‘Green Deloitte — 24 — Breakfast’ meeting hosted by the Secretary of State for OECD — 23 — Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and initiate a CABI 3 13 — preliminary discussion on the recommendations. Graham Carr — 3 — Vincent Ahwi and Co. 8.5 — — Wachira Irungu and 3—— Music Associates Total 350.5 577 717 Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how much his Department DFID’s non-departmental public body, the has spent on the Music for Change World Music Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC), has Matters project; what music has been produced; and if incurred no expenditure on auditing services in the last he will place in the Library a recording of the music three years. CSC delegates financial transactions to two produced to date. [43974] partner organisations, the Association of Commonwealth Universities and British Council; both bodies are subject to external audit. Mr Andrew Mitchell: The Department for International Development (DFID) spent £184,550 on the World Departmental Furniture Music Matters project, implemented by the non-government organisation Music for Change, through the Development Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Awareness Fund. The project—set up under the previous International Development what (a) furniture, (b) Government—started in July 2006 and closed in March paintings and (c) other items costing over £100 were 2010. The project produced a range of training materials purchased for the private offices of Ministers in his for teachers, including a DVD with music as part of a Department between May 1997 and May 2010. [43984] teaching resource pack. This pack will be placed in the Library of the House. Mr O’Brien: The Department for International All DFID’s existing funding for development awareness Development (DFID) has not incurred expenditure on raising work is currently being reviewed to determine its paintings as where these are required they are obtained effectiveness and to assess whether, and if so how, on free loan from the Government Art Collection. DFID should continue to use aid funds in the UK to Expenditure on furniture and other items over £100 promote awareness of global poverty and public obtained for Ministers’ private offices in the period involvement in efforts to address this. More information 1 May 1997 to 1 May 2010 is not readily available and on this review is available on the Department’s website at: cannot be obtained without incurring disproportionate cost. http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Get-Involved/Making-a-difference/ Dev-aware-Review/ Departmental Procurement I expect the review to be completed by the end of March 2011. Ministers will then look closely at its Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for outcomes and assess the relevance of these activities to International Development what the cost to the public the UK’s development objectives, in order to determine purse was of the (a) procurement and (b) outsourcing the future of DFID’s development awareness work in function of (i) his Department and (ii) each non- the UK. departmental public body for which he is responsible in the last financial year for which figures are available. National Union of Teachers [43954]

Mr O’Brien: The 2009-10 budget for the Department Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for for International Development’s (DFID’s) central International Development what funds his Department procurement function was £1.6 million. DFID does not has given to the National Union of Teachers in each currently have any separate outsourcing functions. year since his Department’s formation. [43987] 799W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 800W

Mr O’Brien: I refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 7 The Department for International Development’s (DFID’s) December 2010, Official Report, column 215W. The office in Sudan is currently working closely with the EU requested information is available in the Library of the delegation on this. House. The UN is pivotal to the delivery of the UK’s All DFID’s funding for development awareness raising humanitarian assistance to Northern Sudan, for example work is currently being reviewed to determine its through the Common Humanitarian Fund (CHF). Thus effectiveness and to assess whether, and if so how, far in 2011, the UK has provided £30 million to the DFID should continue to use aid funds in the UK to CHF, of which 46% will be spent in Northern Sudan. promote awareness of global poverty and public Beyond our work through these specific multilateral involvement in efforts to address this. More information channels, I have recently announced the results of the on this review is available on the Department’s website at: UK’s Bilateral Aid Review. Over the next four years, the http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Get-Involved/Making-a-difference/ UK Government will work with North and South Dev-aware-Review/ Sudan to promote growth, employment and accountable I expect the review to be completed by the end of and transparent government; we will help 1 million March 2011. Ministers will then look closely at its people escape from poverty; get 240,000 children through outcomes and assess the relevance of these activities to primary school; give over 500,000 people access to clean the UK’s development objectives, in order to determine water and sanitation; and provide life-saving health and the future of DFID’s development awareness work in nutrition support to up to 10 million people. the UK. Trades Union Congress Sub-Saharan Africa: Agriculture Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for International International Development if he will place in the Development if he will assess the potential use of biochar Library a copy of the Mini Learning Fund report of in assisting carbon and nitrogen fixation in smallholder June 2006 appended to the report on the strategic grant farms in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. agreement between his Department and the Trades [44018] Union Congress. [43896]

Mr O’Brien: The Department for International Mr Andrew Mitchell: I will arrange for a copy of the Development (DFID) is considering funding research report to be deposited in the Library of the House. All on the use of biochar to assist carbon capture and soil existing Department for International Development (DFID) improvement in smallholder farms in sub-Saharan Africa funding to the Trades Union Congress will end on 31 and elsewhere. The existing—mainly technical—research March 2011. suggests that biochar can deliver benefits in terms of improved soil performance, carbon capture, crop nutrients and plant disease control. However, there is currently Woodcraft Folk Scotland little understanding of how this will work for smallholders in Africa. DFID is considering strengthening this evidence Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for base, in collaboration with the Department for International Development what assessment his Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Department has made of the effectiveness of its funding for Woodcraft Folk Scotland; and if he will make a Sudan: International Assistance statement. [43897]

Lindsay Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Andrew Mitchell: In March 2009 Woodcraft Folk International Development if he will take steps with his Scotland was awarded £24,812 for a three year project EU and UN counterparts to make improvements to the which aims to raise awareness among young people in lives of the people of northern Sudan. [44740] Scotland of the global effects of climate change. The funding is provided through the Development Awareness Mr Andrew Mitchell: I last discussed support to Northern Fund Mini Grants Scheme which is managed by the Sudan with my EU colleagues at a meeting of Development International Development Education Association of Ministers and EU Commissioner Piebalgs on 22 February Scotland (IDEAS). 2011. I have also in recent months discussed UN delivery All DFID’s funding for development awareness raising across Sudan with the Heads of UN Agencies including work is currently being reviewed to determine its Helen Clark, Administrator of the United Nations effectiveness and to assess whether, and if so how, Development Programme (UNDP) and Baroness Amos, DFID should continue to use aid funds in the UK to Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs. The promote awareness of global poverty and public UK will continue to work with EU and UN counterparts involvement in efforts to address this. More information to promote economic development and improve lives in on this review is available on the Department’s website both North and South Sudan. at: Sudan is currently not eligible to money from the http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Get-Involved/Making-a-difference/ 10th round of the European development fund. However, Dev-aware-Review/ the UK has led on the creation of a special fund for I expect the review to be completed by the end of Sudan using undisbursed money from previous rounds. March 2011. Ministers will then look closely at its outcomes Some of this special fund will go to Northern Sudan for and assess the relevance of these activities to the UK’s use in its marginalised areas: the three states of the development objectives, in order to determine the future East, the North-South Border Areas, and in Darfur. of DFID’s development awareness work in the UK. 801W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 802W

WOMEN AND EQUALITIES Lynne Featherstone: The Compact between this coalition government and civil society organisations was agreed Departmental Food and launched on 16 December 2010. It was accompanied by guidance on accountability and transparency for the Mr Bain: To ask the Minister for Women and first time, ensuring that Government Departments as Equalities if she will estimate the proportion of the well as civil society organisations are clear about the seafood procured for the Government Equalities Office level of commitment and the implications for not following that (a) was on the Marine Conservation Society’s list the Compact. The Government Equalities Office considers of fish to avoid and (b) complied with sustainability policy that is relevant to civil society organisations from standards indicated by inclusion in either the Marine a Compact perspective, ensuring that it is adhered to, Conservation Society’s list of fish to eat or by the list of and where it is not possible for whatever reason, that fish species certified by the Marine Stewardship this is explained to the sector in an open and transparent Council in (i) 2010 and (ii) 2011 to date. [45040] manner.

Lynne Featherstone: The Government Equalities Office does not procure any seafood. DEFENCE Departmental Procurement Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations Mr Raab: To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities what the cost to the public purse was of the Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (a) procurement and (b) outsourcing function of the what assessment he has made of the outcome of the Government Equalities Office was in the last financial NATO Surge in Afghanistan. [44868] year for which figures are available. [43966] Dr Fox: It is too early to say definitively what the Lynne Featherstone: The Government Equalities Office outcome of the International Security Assistance Force does not have a procurement section or an outsourcing (ISAF) surge has been but the signs are encouraging. function. The increase in both ISAF and Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) has enabled us to continue to take the Females fight to the insurgency through the winter months. This has led to the momentum of the insurgency being arrested and reversed in many areas. In addition, we Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for Women and expect the formal process of transition to Afghan-led Equalities what arrangements the Government security to begin shortly. Equalities Office has in place to monitor the status of These gains are not irreversible and we should expect women in society. [44210] levels of insurgent activity to rise again in the spring but Lynne Featherstone: The Inter Ministerial Group on as the insurgency is degraded and the ANSF are built Equalities, chaired by the Home Secretary as Minister up there is some cause for cautious optimism. for Women and Equalities is responsible for overseeing Air Force: Military Bases the progress of the Government’s Equality Strategy, published in December 2010. A report on the progress of the implementation of the Strategy will be published Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State annually. The Government considers information from for Defence what assessment he has made of the effect a range of sources including research, surveys and of meteorological differences between RAF bases direct engagement with women in order to understand located in the UK on their operational sustainability. developments which relate to women’s status in society [43931] and to inform policy development. Nick Harvey: Weather conditions are one of many The Equality and Human Rights Commission is factors in military aviation and an assessment of the required to monitor and report on the progress that percentage of flying days lost to bad weather at RAF society is making in relation to equality, including gender stations across the UK was carried out in 2009 as one of equality. The Commission published its first Triennial the elements of a study into the UK Military Emergency Review in October 2010. Diversion Aerodrome capability. In addition, the Government will shortly publish a consultation document setting out our vision for a new Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State approach for how Government engages and listens to for Defence for how many days each RAF base located women which will include more direct engagement and in the UK was closed as a result of (a) adverse weather use of social media. This new approach will seek to conditions and (b) other factors in each of the last five capture views on the range of issues which affect women’s years. [43932] lives. Nick Harvey: No RAF stations have closed because Third Sector of adverse weather conditions or other factors during the last five years. However, some of the RAF stations’ Chris Ruane: To ask the Minister for Women and runways have experienced temporary closures during Equalities what account she has taken of the Compact this period. Details of the runway closures are not between the Government and Civil Society in policy centrally available and could be provided only at development. [42600] disproportionate cost. 803W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 804W

Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State helicopters. These figures include a pro rata share of the for Defence what criteria were used to determine that cost of instructors, fuel, aircraft and simulator support, RAF Leuchars should undertake Quick Reaction Alert station and airfield support, recruitment, selection, student North duties. [43933] pay and shared training costs. Information relating to the costs for individual Nick Harvey: RAF Leuchars began undertaking Quick operational conversion units is not held centrally and Reaction Alert North duties over 40 years ago. Official could be provided only at disproportionate cost. records relating to the decision to use the station are no longer held by the Ministry of Defence. Aircraft Carriers: Decommissioning

Air Force: Redundancy Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what estimate he has made of the potential Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for savings to his Department from the decommissioning Defence what assessment he has made of the effect of of aircraft carriers in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13, (c) the redundancies in the Royal Air Force announced on 2013-14 and (d) 2014-15. [43901] 1 March 2011 on harmony guidelines in that force. [44425] Mr Robathan: Savings from the withdrawal from service of HMS Ark Royal in December 2010 are Nick Harvey: Tranche one of the RAF redundancy estimated at £10 million in financial year 2011-12, programme announced on 1 March 2011 is not expected £25 million in 2012-13, £35 million in 2013-14 and to impact upon the RAF’s operational capability or £35 million in 2014-15. Savings from the withdrawal Harmony Guidelines. The reductions have been targeted from service of HMS Illustrious in 2014, which is our at trades and branches that are not currently experiencing present planning assumption, are estimated at £5 million the highest breach of Harmony Guidelines. in 2013-14 and £30 million in 2014-15. Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Armed Forces: Conditions of Employment (1) which courses RAF pilots in training and served with (a) a redundancy and (b) a transfer notice were Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for undertaking; and what the (i) mean and (ii) median Defence what recent discussions he has had with the number of weeks they were from course completion; Chiefs of Staff Committee on the contribution of the [44838] Military Covenant to the effectiveness of the armed (2) what criteria were used to determine which pilots forces; and if he will make a statement. [44103] in training were to be (a) made redundant and (b) transferred in the last six months; [44839] Mr Robathan: The Secretary of State for Defence and (3) how many pilots in training at RAF Valley were other Defence Ministers have regular meetings with the served with redundancy notices in the latest period for Chief of the Defence Staff and the Chiefs of Staff at which figures are available; and what courses they were which a variety of subjects are discussed. Among them on. [44881] are the effectiveness of and support offered to the armed forces, including issues covered by the Covenant. Nick Harvey: The RAF is currently in the process of selecting up to 170 RAF trainee pilots to be removed Armed Forces: Criminal Records from the flying training pipeline. The criteria being used to assess the pilots will be a combination of the service Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence need, officer qualities, ground based pilot aptitude testing whether criminal convictions of members of the armed and flying performance to date. forces are recorded on the Police National Computer. Those students affected will currently be undertaking [41019] one of the following courses: initial officer training, elementary flying training or type-specific training for Mr Robathan [holding answer 16 February 2011]: either fast-jet, rotary or multi-engine. Further details Yes. Recordable offences on the Police National Computer relating to those being removed from the training pipeline are those offences under section 42 of the Armed Forces will not be available until the selection process is complete. Act 2006 for which the corresponding offences under the law of England and Wales are also offences that are Air Force: Training recordable under regulation 3 of the National Police Records (Recordable Offences) Regulations 2000. Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for In addition, there are a number of service offences Defence what the cost to the public purse of training a that are recordable. These are offences under the following Royal Air Force pilot was in the latest period for which sections of the Armed Forces Act 2006: figures are available. [44301] a. Section 11(1)—Misconduct towards a superior officer; b. Section 14—Using force against a sentry, etc.; Nick Harvey: A pilot is considered to be fully trained c. Section 24(1)—Damage to or loss of public or service once they have successfully completed the flying training property; pipeline and an operational conversion unit where student d. Section 27—Obstructing or failing to assist a service policeman; pilots train to fly specific aircraft types. e. Section 28—Resistance to arrest, etc. (only in relation to a To put a pilot through the flying training pipeline conviction under section 28(1)(b) or (c)—using violence or threatening costs (per pilot) £3.2 million for fast jet aircraft, £0.6 behaviour); million for multi-engine aircraft and £0.8 million for f. Section 29—Offences in relation to service custody; 805W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 806W

g. Section 30—Allowing escape, or unlawful release of prisoners, Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence etc. (but only where the conviction is under section 30(4)(a)); how many former members of the armed forces have h. Section 39—Attempts to commit any offences specified been placed on the sex offender register. [41323] above; and i. Section 40—Encouraging or assisting the commission of any Mr Robathan [holding answer 17 February 2011]: offence above (apart from an attempt). This information is not held as it would require a convicted individual to declare themselves as a former Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence member of the armed forces. whether the relevant foreign police force is informed in cases where a member of the armed forces who has been convicted of a criminal offence is subsequently Bermuda: Armed Forces posted overseas. [41322] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Robathan [holding answer 17 February 2011]: Defence what resources his Department provides for No. There is no legislative requirement to do so. soldiers in the Bermuda Regiment. [43891]

Armed Forces: Manpower Nick Harvey: The Bermuda Regiment is funded entirely by the Bermuda Government. The Ministry of Defence Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for provides two Army personnel from the Royal Anglian Defence how many armed forces personnel in each Regiment to advise and assist the Bermuda Regiment service are due to renew their contracts in the next and this arrangement is also largely funded by the 12 months. [43405] Bermuda Government.

Mr Robathan [holding answer 2 March 2011]: Armed Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for forces personnel do not renew a contract of employment Defence (1) whether there is any mechanism for in its traditional form. If a current engagement is coming soldiers in the Bermuda Regiment to obtain uniforms to an end, for reasons such as voluntary release or directly from his Department; [43892] normal expiration of service, they may be offered or apply to extend their service if they meet the relevant (2) what arrangements there are for soldiers in the eligibility criteria. Approval of that extension will only Bermuda Regiment to procure their uniforms; and if be given if it is in the interests of the service. he will make a statement. [43893]

Armed Forces: Redundancy Nick Harvey: There is no mechanism in place for soldiers in the Bermuda Regiment to obtain their uniforms Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for from the Ministry of Defence. Defence pursuant to the written ministerial statement The Bermuda Regiment is self-funded by the of 1 March 2011, Official Report, columns 21-22WS, on Government of Bermuda and has its own process for the armed forces redundancy process, what definition procuring uniforms and other equipment. of personnel (a) recently returned from operations and (b) preparing to deploy on operations he uses. [44393] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what arrangements there are to make British Mr Robathan [holding answer 4 March 2011]: Those Army training manuals available to soldiers of the engaged in combat operations for which they are in Bermuda Regiment; and if he will make a statement. receipt of operational allowance, are within six months [43894] of deploying or are recovering from those operations, for example on post-operational leave or rest and Nick Harvey: The Bermuda Regiment can apply for recuperation, on the day when the redundancy notices British Army training manuals through their UK Defence are issued will not be made redundant unless they have Attaché, who will pass the request to the appropriate voluntarily applied for redundancy. training establishment or issuing authority where it will be vetted and processed accordingly. Armed Forces: Sexual Offences Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence Defence how many places on British Army training whether the relevant foreign police force is informed in courses have been allocated to soldiers of the Bermuda cases where a member of the armed forces who has Regiment in each of the last 10 years. [43895] been convicted of an offence and placed on the (a) Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements and (b) sex offender register is subsequently posted overseas. Nick Harvey: No places on British Army training [41321] courses are directly allocated to the Bermuda Regiment or any other Defence force. Should soldiers from the Mr Robathan [holding answer 17 February 2011]: Bermuda Regiment wish to attend a training course, No. Recording on the violent and sex offenders register they must apply to the appropriate training authority is a United Kingdom requirement under the Sexual and places are allocated according to availability and Offences Act 2003. This legislation does not require a priority. government to inform an overseas police force of someone The number of soldiers of the Bermuda Regiment who has been required to register who is then posted to who have attended British Army training courses in that country. each of the last 10 years is shown in the following table: 807W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 808W

Defence Number of Bermuda Regiment personnel attending training Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for 2000-01 15 Defence what measures his Department has put in place 2001-02 13 to respond to (a) terrorist attacks using unconventional 2002-03 18 materials, (b) major tidal or coastal flooding and (c) a 2003-04 21 severe influenza pandemic since May 2010. [43942] 2004-05 14 2005-06 12 Nick Harvey: Defence holds a range of specialist 2006-07 19 capabilities which can be deployed to support the police 2007-08 8 in the event of a terrorist attack in the UK. I am 2008-09 18 withholding the details of those capabilities as their 2009-10 8 disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces. Blue Force Property Defence also plays a full part in cross-Government work to address potential civil emergencies including Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for severe flooding and the possibility of an influenza Defence what (a) financial and (b) other assistance his pandemic. Defence has a long history of providing a Department is offering to serving and former members wide range of support in the event of a civil emergency of HM armed forces who have lost money as a result of where the civil community requires specialist capabilities property deals undertaken with (i) Blue Force Property or additional capacity. Defence has provided assistance and (ii) Blue Force Services; and if he will make a during severe weather outbreaks, including flooding statement. [41704] and during the flu pandemic outbreak during 2009. This support continues to be available through the long Mr Robathan [holding answer 28 February 2011]: We established mechanism of military aid to the civil authorities. have issued advice through the chain of command for Defence: Finance those service personnel who may be affected. However, the Ministry of Defence cannot provide any financial Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for assistance to serving or former members of HM armed Defence what plans he has for spending by his forces who have lost money as a result of a private Department to enhance the UK’s ability to tackle civil company going into liquidation. Serving personnel who emergencies. [43940] believe they may be affected should consult their chain of command. Former service personnel can contact Nick Harvey: I refer the right hon. Member to the their local citizens advice bureau or the insolvency answer I gave on 29 November 2010, Official Report, practitioners B and C Associates. column 580W. Civil Emergencies: Community Relations Defence has a long history of providing assistance in the event of a civil emergency, providing specialist capabilities which may not be available in the civil Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for community or augmenting civil capacity if it is overwhelmed Defence (1) how much his Department has spent on by the scale of an event. Military assistance is normally measures to develop community resilience to civil provided on a reimbursement basis at the request of, emergencies since May 2010; and how much he has and in support of, other Government Departments. allocated for such purposes over the comprehensive spending review period; [43971] Defence: Information and Communications Technology (2) what measures his Department has put in place to develop community resilience to civil emergencies Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for since May 2010. [43973] Defence what progress he has made on the development of the cyber operations memorandum of understanding; Nick Harvey: I refer the right hon. Member to the and if he will make a statement. [43939] answer I gave on 29 November 2010, Official Report, column 580W. Nick Harvey: International engagement is critical to the Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s response to the challenges Defence has a long history of providing a wide range it faces in cyberspace. As part of a wider international of military support to the civil authorities in the event programme which is coordinated by the Cabinet Office, of a civil emergency. Defence normally provides support the MOD is working with key allies to develop an where the civil community requires specialist capabilities enhanced relationship on Defence-related cyber issues. it does not have or additional capacity due to the It is anticipated that this activity will result in development severity of the emergency, such as during the severe of new memorandum of understandings with key allies. weather which affected large parts of the United Kingdom in December 2010. Defence engages closely with local Departmental Manpower and regional responders and resilience organisations through its network of joint regional liaison officers Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for who provide advice and guidance on the provision of Defence how many staff in his Department were in the Defence capabilities. Civil Service redeployment pool on the latest date for Military support when provided at the request of, which figures are available; and how many of these had and in support of, other Government Departments, is been in the redeployment pool for more than six normally provided on a reimbursement basis. months at that date. [44347] 809W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 810W

Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) manages Performance is judged by line management with assistance its surplus staff by using the Redeployment Pool (RDP). from senior officials, stakeholders, remuneration committees and This service enables those who are or who will become in some cases internal audit. surplus to be given priority consideration for vacancies. The total values of non consolidated end of year performance Staff in the RDP usually continue to work in their last pay made by the Department, the total numbers paid and the directorate or are redeployed to cover short-term tasks. values of the highest awards are shown below: The RDP is also used by staff returning from overseas Value of Highest Average postings, including civilians supporting the armed services payments Numbers of award paid award paid in operational theatres. The MOD is currently subject Grade (£) payments (£) (£) to a freeze on external recruitment and the RDP helps us to fill vacancies from within existing staff resources. SCS 1,594,500 195 15,000 8,177 Snr FTA 838,393 27 84,563 31,052 The latest available data are as at 1 January 2011, Below 40,248,079 58,096 5,635 693 when there were 1,320 people in the RDP. Of these, 650 SCS had been in the RDP for more than six months. These figures are rounded to the nearest 10. The total value of non consolidated in-year performance payments made by the Department through the SBS, the number paid and the value of the highest award is shown below:

Departmental Pay Value of Number of Highest award Grade payments (£) payments paid (£)

Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Below SCS 4,030,103 8,573 2,000 Defence how much his Department paid in bonuses to civil servants in 2009-10; how many bonuses were paid; These figures update information provided in previous answers what the aggregate monetary value of those bonuses to the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington 24 June 2010 (Official Report column 289W), and the hon. Member for Witham was; and what the highest bonus paid was. [37331] 11 November 2010 (Official Report column 439W).

Mr Robathan: Officials in the Ministry of Defence Electoral Reform Services are currently collating the information requested. I will write to the hon. Member. Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for Substantive answer from Andrew Robathan to Angus Defence what the monetary value was of contracts his Robertson: Department placed with Electoral Reform Services in I undertook to write to you in my response to your Parliamentary each year since 2005. [44215] Question about civil servants’ bonuses on 7 February (Official Report column 27W). Mr Robathan: The Ministry of Defence’s central A close and effective link between pay and performance is an contracts database has no record since 2005 of payments important element of the reward arrangements for the Civil Service. The payments reflect the individual’s performance during to Electoral Reform Services. the previous year, and are therefore a direct and immediate award to those who have achieved challenging objectives. The performance Ex-servicemen: Radiation Exposure element of pay is known, colloquially but misleadingly, as a bonus. In fact, the performance-related element of pay is an integral part of an individual’s pay and not an addition to it: it is Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for funded from the core pay bill. The non-consolidated element of Defence for what reason there is a difference between pay has increased over the years as consolidated pay awards have the 6,000 recorded exposures to radiation in the UK formed a lower percentage of the total pay bill. They are a cost atomic tests reported to the House on 19 December effective way of rewarding staff because there is no assumption 1984, Official Report, columns 389-98, and the number that the awards will be repeated the following year, so they do not of recorded exposures admitted to by his Department add to future pay bill growth, and because they are not pensionable. in recent High Court proceedings. [43771] The MOD also operates an in-year non-consolidated payment scheme, the Special Bonus Scheme (SBS), which rewards eligible MOD civilians for exceptional performance of a specific task or Mr Robathan: The figures given in 1984 in relation to for the achievement of a professional qualification the use of the number of recorded exposures to radiation covered which benefits MOD and the individual. all the UK atomic tests. The personal injury group For the Senior Civil Service (SCS), performance incentives are action is not concerned with all the tests and therefore paid primarily as non-consolidated performance payments. Any the figure provided in the Ministry of Defence’s defence award is based on a judgment of how well an individual has is different. performed against their peers, with groups of proposed awards judged by panels of senior staff, who make awards to the individuals HMS Victory who have made the greatest in-year contribution to business objectives. Senior Fixed Term employees are individuals who are recruited Mr Andrew Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for through fair and open competition from outside the civil service. Defence what representations he has received from the Those employed as Senior Fixed Term Appointees (FTAs) are on National Museum of the Royal Navy on the future individual contracts and have a higher percentage of pay set to management of the wreck of HMS Victory 1744. performance awards which are judged against stringent and stretching [43740] delivery based objectives. Some of these payments are paid in stages, and it is now usual to pay only part of the performance award immediately with the remainder deferred for two to three Mr Robathan: The National Museum of the Royal years and judged against the delivery of medium to longer term Navy has made no representations on the future objectives. management of the wreck of HMS Victory. 811W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 812W

Military Aircraft Hill, are covered in the UK/US Cost Sharing Arrangement (CSA) dated 1973. This document updated the initial Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for CSA from 1953. The Ministry of Defence has made the Defence what estimate he has made of the potential site at RAF Menwith Hill available to the USVF since 1960. savings resulting from a reduction in the initial order of Joint Stroke Fighters from 138 to 40 in (a) 2011-12, Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) 2012-13, (c) 2013-14 and (d) 2014-15. [43902] Defence pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2011, Official Report, column 990W, on USA: military bases, Peter Luff: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I what the location is of each area on United States gave on 3 November 2010, Official Report, column Visiting Forces bases which is held on a leasehold basis. 853W,to the hon. Member for Moray (Angus Robertson). [44651]

Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Robathan: The following table details the areas at Defence what the condition was of each of the five the United States Visiting Force bases which are held on BAe 125 aircraft sold by his Department in 2007; and a leasehold basis: how many hours had been flown in the aircraft in total Area Total Hectares at the date of sale. [43986] RAF Pumping Station (3 separate 0.01 Peter Luff: Prior to their disposal in 2007, the five Croughton areas) BAe 125 aircraft (Dominie T1 RAF variant) had been 0.01 in service for over 40 years and were no longer fit to fly. 0.059 Towards the end of their service life they had been used for ground training of RAF personnel. Before being sold through a widely advertised competition, all equipment RAF Fairford Landing Lights 0.041 and systems that could be used on other in-service aircraft was removed. RAF Vehicle Holding Area 1.28 Lakenheath While in service, each airframe had been flown for Leased Area of Lords Walk 0.908 between 12,000 and 17,000 hours, a total for the five aircraft of 72,496 hours. RAF Waterworks Access 0.074 Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Mildenhall Defence how many VC10 aircraft 101 Squadron has; how many are in service at present; and what their Military Aircraft: Operating Costs commitments are. [44336] Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Nick Harvey [holding answer 4 March 2011]: 101 Defence what the operating cost per flight hour is of Squadron is the only squadron to operate the VC-10 the (a) Tornado GR4, (b) Tornado F3 and (c) aircraft. The number of VC-10 aircraft in the in-service Typhoon FGR4 aircraft. [44688] fleet is 13. In-service aircraft include all bar those which are redundant, declared as surplus or awaiting disposal. Peter Luff: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I The number of VC-10 aircraft available to 101 Squadron gave on 14 September 2010, Official Report, column from the in-service fleet will vary from day to day as 928W,to the hon. Member for Moray (Angus Robertson). part of normal fleet management activities including routine and mandated maintenance programmes. VC-10 Military Exercises aircraft operate from a number of locations around the world carrying out a range of military tasks. Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence whether his Department has plans to conduct Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State joint exercises with (a) Indian, (b) Sri Lankan and (c) for Defence what arrangements his Department has for Indonesian military personnel. [45112] passing on to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office the costs to the public purse of military transport Nick Harvey: The United Kingdom is committed to commissioned by that Department. [44401] an enhanced partnership with India and we have an extensive defence relationship which includes regular Nick Harvey [holding answer 4 March 2011]: Charging bi-lateral exercises across all three services. This year, for any assistance will be in accordance with Her Majesty’s planning is under way for an Army exercise between Treasury guidance in “Managing Public Money”. July and August in the UK and a Navy Command post exercise in the autumn in India. There are no plans for Fabian Hamilton: To ask the Secretary of State for joint exercises with Sri Lanka or Indonesia. Defence on what date his Department reached agreement with the US administration on freehold arrangements Navy affecting (a) buildings, (b) fixed assets and infrastructure and (c) the site at Menwith Hill. [44650] Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the potential effects on Mr Robathan: Arrangements covering the freehold of (a) the Royal Navy and (b) his Department’s policy on buildings, fixed assets and infrastructure at all United the deployment of a private anti-piracy fleet in the Gulf States Visiting Force (USVF) sites, including RAF Menwith of Aden by the shipping industry. [43665] 813W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 814W

Nick Harvey: Her Majesty’s Government (HMG) is Change (DECC) and other Departments to deliver the aware of ongoing debate in the private sector on the commitments in the strategic defence and security review possible contribution that private military security (SDSR). companies could make to the international community’s counter-piracy response. HMG remains open to proposals The Government are committed to publishing a building which seek to assist in combating piracy off the Horn of stability overseas strategy by spring 2011. This strategy Africa. will look wider than just security and will examine how we can prioritise and use our defence, diplomatic and Any proposal of this nature would need to operate in development tools to support inclusive politics, economic a clear framework and be properly co-ordinated and growth and stronger institutions as the base for building de-conflicted with all international naval forces operating global stability and resilience. in the region, including the three multi-national counter- piracy missions in which the Royal Navy operates. Such The UK considers the Nuclear Non-proliferation a concept would also need to comply with applicable Treaty (NPT) the cornerstone of the international nuclear international law. non-proliferation regime. We announced a number of significant disarmament measures in the SDSR, which Nimrod Aircraft demonstrated our commitment to the NPT. We are also working closely with both nuclear and non-nuclear Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for weapon states to make progress on the May 2010 Review Defence what estimate he has made of the potential Conference Action Plan, which covers all three NPT savings resulting from the cancellation of Nimrod in pillars (disarmament, non-proliferation and peaceful (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13, (c) 2013-14 and (d) uses). 2014-15. [43978] The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) is the key international instrument for biological Peter Luff: I refer the hon. Member to the answer disarmament. MOD’s overriding interest in the BTWC given by the Minister for the Armed Forces, the hon. is to minimise the risks that biological weapons will be Member for North Devon (Nick Harvey), on 13 January used by state and non-state actors against UK interests, Official Report 2011, , column 445W,to the hon. Member including our deployed UK forces. We aim to do this by for Glasgow South (Mr Harris) and the hon. Member ensuring that the BTWC is being strengthened in a way for Stalybridge and Hyde (Jonathan Reynolds). that increases its deterrent, transparency, confidence Radio Frequencies building, and investigative value. The UK is working closely with the EU and allied partners towards the seventh review conference of the BTWC in December Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for 2011, with the UK objective: of strengthening the Defence what fee he expects his Department to pay convention. Ofcom for the use of its spectrum holdings in the financial year 2011-12. [44743] The chemical weapons convention is a successful international instrument for chemical disarmament which Peter Luff: £155 million. has already seen the verifiable destruction of more than 63% of the world’s declared chemical weapons. MOD RAF Valley expertise and engagement underpins the leading role the UK takes with the EU and allies in the work to Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for implement and strengthen the convention. Defence what civilian contractors work at RAF Valley; The Global Threat Reduction Programme (GTRP), and in what capacity. [44880] the UK’s contribution to the G8 Global Partnership against the Spread of Weapons and Materials of Mass Nick Harvey: The Ministry of Defence does not Destruction, remains a priority for the UK. It is a key record the number of civilian contractors at RAF Valley element in the UK’s work to ensure that chemical, as this is a matter for the contractor. Contractors provide biological, radiological and nuclear materials and expertise an extensive range of support services including: estates are out of reach to terrorist groups or hostile states. As and facilities management; aircraft maintenance and part of GTRP, the MOD’s biological non-proliferation support; flying training delivery; search and rescue programme continues to develop in scale and geographical maintenance and operational support; hotel, catering range to support these aims. Projects have included and leisure; and bird control. activities such as, strengthening biosafety and biosecurity, Strategic Defence and Security Review promoting the use of biological agents for peaceful purposes, and contributing to implementation of the BTWC. DECC delivers the nuclear and radiological Mr Jim Murphy: To ask the Secretary of State for elements of the programme, while the MOD managed Defence what measures his Department has put in place the now-complete programme of assistance to Russia to meet its commitment in the Strategic Defence and with chemical weapons destruction. Security Review to (a) strengthen international commitments to non-proliferation treaties and (b) refocus The GTRP also provides assistance that enables countries critical programmes for building security overseas. to meet their international commitments including to [43967] United Nations Security Resolution 1540 (UNSCR 1540), which requires the adoption and enforcement of controls Nick Harvey: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is to prohibit non-state actors from acquiring the ability working closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth to deliver a chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear Office, the Department for Environment and Climate attack. 815W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 816W

Vanguard Submarine ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Departmental Expenditure Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Islington North of 16 February 2011, Official Report, Energy and Climate Change what expenditure (a) his column 806W, how much of the £330 million allocated Department and (b) each public body sponsored by to the programme to replace the Vanguard submarine his Department incurred on engaging external audit in financial year 2010-11 has been spent in each cost services in each of the last three years; and to which category to date. [43510] service providers such payments were made in each Nick Harvey: To the end of February 2011, £219.05 year. [43761] million had been consumed on the Vanguard submarine replacement programme, comprising Resource Department Gregory Barker: The National Audit Office provides Expenditure Limit of £178.18 million, and Capital the external audit service for the Department and its Department Expenditure Limit of £40.87 million. four executive non-departmental public bodies. The costs of this work for the last three completed financial Warships years are given in the following table. In the case of the Department these are notional and no actual payment Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for is made. The Department and the Committee on Climate Defence what the current location is of (a) HMS Change were established during 2008-09 so figures for Ocean, (b) HMS Bulwark and (c) HMS Albion; and 2007-08 are not applicable. what the current duties of each are. [44280] £000 Nick Harvey: On 3 March 2011, HMS Ocean was in 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08 the south coast exercise area conducting operational Department of Energy 190 200 n/a sea training. HMS Bulwark has recently come out of a and Climate Change refit period and is conducting trials and training from Civil Nuclear Police 44 44 42 Devonport. HMS Albion is currently alongside at Authority Devonport for routine maintenance and is available for Coal Authority 57 39 75 operational tasking. Committee on Climate 27 20 n/a Change Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Nuclear 976 960 880 Defence what the (a) name and (b) type is of each (i) Decommissioning frigate and (ii) destroyer to be decommissioned over the Authority next five years. [44737] Departmental Leaseback Arrangements Mr Robathan: Under our present planning assumptions, the following frigates and destroyers will be withdrawn Stewart Hosie: To ask the Secretary of State for from service over the next five years: Energy and Climate Change what assets his Department has sold and leased back over the last 12 months; what Frigates and destroyers the sale price was of each asset so sold; and what HMS Campbeltown Type 22 frigate estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of HMS Cumberland Type 22 frigate leasing back each such asset over the period of the lease. [45080] HMS Cornwall Type 22 frigate HMS Gloucester Type 42 destroyer Gregory Barker: The Department for Energy and HMS Liverpool Type 42 destroyer Climate Change has not sold and leased back any assets HMS York Type 42 destroyer in the last 12 months. HMS Edinburgh Type 42 destroyer Departmental Procurement Although the decision to withdraw the Type 22 frigates was taken as part of the strategic defence and security review, we had already planned to withdraw the Type 42 Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy destroyers and replace them with the Type 45 destroyers. and Climate Change what the cost to the public purse was of the (a) procurement and (b) outsourcing function Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for of (i) his Department and (ii) each (A) non-departmental Defence what estimate he has made of the number of public body and (B) non-ministerial department for ships required to counter (a) immediate and (b) which he is responsible in the last financial year for long-term threats to the UK. [44738] which figures are available. [43958]

Nick Harvey: Our future requirement for naval forces Gregory Barker: The costs of the procurement function was assessed during the strategic defence and security in my department and the non-departmental public review and set out in the White Paper “Securing Britain bodies I am responsible for are presented in the following in an Age of Uncertainty: The Strategic Defence and table. Security Review (Cm 7948)”. Potential short-term threats In all cases there is no separate outsourcing function to UK interests are continually reviewed and the Royal in the organisations for which I am responsible. The Navy’s present force structure is judged to be sufficient costs of administering outsourcing arrangements is included to meet our immediate security requirements. within the procurement functions of those organisations. 817W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 818W

Infrastructure Planning Commission in England can Cost of procurement function Organisation (2009-10) (£) consent a sub-sea cable as associated development if it forms part of the infrastructure for an offshore generating Department of Energy and 261,000 station by granting a deemed FEPA Licence or marine Climate Change1 licence under (respectively) section 149 or 149(A) of the Nuclear Decommissioning 443,947 Planning Act. Authority1 Civil Nuclear Police Authority1 301,000 I consider these arrangements to be adequate at this stage and do not intend to require applications for Coal Authority2 193,053 sub-sea cables to be included in the list of nationally Committee on Climate Change2, 0 3 significant infrastructure projects in the Planning Act. 1 Source: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/back-office- Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy benchmark-information-200910 and Climate Change whether he took into account the 2 Source—Internal records effect on the time taken to achieve electricity connections 3 Committee on Climate Change does not have a separate by means of underground cables of the failure of National procurement function, procurement is undertaken by finance staff, costs of procurement activities are not separately identified. Grid and relevant landowners to come to agreement under existing planning arrangements in specifying the Information is not held by the Department for the list of projects classified as nationally significant Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), a non- infrastructure projects under section 14(1) of the Planning ministerial department for which I am responsible. As Act 2008. [43345] an organisation with fewer than 250 staff, Ofgem was not included in the Cabinet Office benchmarking study Charles Hendry: Installation of underground cables which makes the costs of procurement functions publicly is permitted development under the Town and Country available. Details could be provided only at disproportionate Planning Act (General Permitted Development) Order cost. (1995) as amended. In view of these permitted development Electoral Reform Services rights there is generally no need for proposals for the underground cable elements of a project to be caught by the Planning Act regime, although (in England) it Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for would be possible for the developer to include aspects Energy and Climate Change what the monetary value of an underground scheme other than the cable itself was of contracts his Department placed with Electoral (such as sealing end compounds) in a Planning Act Reform Services in each year since 2005. [44217] application as associated development. Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and Energy Supply: Wychavon Climate Change has not spent anything with Electoral Reform Services since its creation in October 2008. Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Electricity Energy and Climate Change how many households in the Wychavon District Council area did not have a mains supply for (a) electricity and (b) gas in the latest Tessa Munt: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy period for which figures are available. [43775] and Climate Change if he will use powers under Section 14(3) of the Planning Act 2008 to include electricity Gregory Barker: Data on the number of households network infrastructure projects that are underground or by local authority without an electricity or gas mains sub-sea in the list of nationally significant infrastructure supply are not available. projects. [43229] An estimate of the number of households off the gas Charles Hendry: Installation of underground cables grid at Government office region can be derived using is permitted development under the Town and Country data from the English House Survey (EHS), produced Planning (General Permitted Development) Order (1995) by DCLG. In 2008, based on the EHS, there were as amended. In view of these permitted development around 281,000 households in the West Midlands that rights there is generally no need for proposals for the did not have a mains gas connection. The number of underground cable elements of a project to be caught households without a mains electricity connection is by the Planning Act regime, although (in England) it too small to be reliably estimated from a sample survey would be possible for the developer to include aspects such as the EHS. of an underground scheme other than the cable itself (such as sealing end compounds) in a Planning Act Energy: Housing application as associated development. Other than in these specific cases, in view of these permitted development Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for rights I do not consider there to be a case to require Energy and Climate Change how he expects energy developers to obtain consent for installation of underground efficiency improvements to be measured following the cables under the Planning Act regime, which would repeal of the Home Energy Conservation Act 1995 by amount to a significant extra burden on developers. the provisions of the Energy Bill. [44631] Applications for sub-sea cables are considered by the Marine Management Organisation under the Food and Gregory Barker: The Government reports, in October Environment Protection Act 1985 (FEPA)- to be superseded each year, on progress in meeting the UK carbon budgets in April this year by a new marine licensing regime (sector by sector) in response to the Committee on under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. The Climate Change’s annual progress reports every June. 819W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 820W

In addition to these existing reporting mechanisms, redress. Only companies that have been certified and from 2012 there will be detailed reporting of energy authorised to carry the Green Deal quality mark will be efficiency measures to support the forthcoming Green work under the Green Deal. The details of this framework Deal and the future Energy Company Obligation. The are being discussed with the Green Deal installation Energy Bill seeks powers for reporting purposes allowing stakeholder advisory forum, and will be set out in due the Secretary of State to define what information should course in secondary legislation. be reported and how often, including detailed information on measures delivered in individual properties. Energy: Private Rented Housing

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what discussions he has Energy and Climate Change pursuant to the Answer of had with Ministerial colleagues on preparations for the 17 February 2011, Official Report, column 911W, on recruitment, training and deployment of (a) independent energy: housing, what consideration he has given to energy surveyors and (b) appropriately qualified installers measures to increase the level of take up of cost- to assess home energy use in homes participating in the effective abatement measures in the private rented Green Deal. [44871] market; and if he will make a statement. [44625]

Gregory Barker: I am working closely with the Gregory Barker: The Green Deal will enable the take appropriate ministerial colleagues across Government up of cost effective abatement measures at no upfront to ensure that robust and high quality standards are in cost. Commercial organisations will want to market place for all assessors and installers operating under the their Green Deal to raise awareness of its benefits Green Deal. At the end of 2010, DECC and the amongst landlords and tenants alike. We will continue Department for Communities and Local Government to work with landlord associations and industry groups issued a Call for Evidence seeking views on how to to ensure all communication channels are used. improve the energy performance of buildings in support Environment Protection of the Green Deal, including qualifications arrangements for energy assessors. We have also set up advisory forums for both the assessment and installation stages Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for of the Green Deal. Through these forums we will work Energy and Climate Change what definition of with the private, public and voluntary sectors to ensure zero-carbon technology (a) his Department uses and that industry is appropriately supported and prepared (b) is used in the Revised Draft Overarching National to train and recruit the necessary people ahead of the Policy Statements on Energy; and if he will make a Green Deal launch. Further information on the forums statement. [44315] is available at: Gregory Barker: DECC does not have a definition of http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/ consumers/green_deal/green_deal.aspx zero carbon technology and the revised draft energy National Policy Statements do not define or use this Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for term. Energy and Climate Change what assessment his DECC has a definition of the term carbon neutral: Department has made of the need for incentives to through a transparent process of calculating emissions, encourage households to take part in the Green Deal. reducing those emissions and offsetting residual emissions [44872] – net carbon emissions equal zero. Further information can be found at: Gregory Barker: The Green Deal will be a market led http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/lc_uk/ initiative and we expect providers to develop packages neutrality/neutrality.aspx that are attractive for consumers including a range of Environment Protection: Metals marketing incentives. However, to help gauge potential take-up we have commissioned a number of pieces of social research to assess how to make the Green Deal Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy most attractive to consumers. The research will be completed and Climate Change (1) what assessment has been prior to this autumn’s consultation on the Green Deal. made of the potential cost to firms developing green technologies of sourcing rare earth metals from (a) Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for China, (b) the US, (c) Canada and (d) South Africa; Energy and Climate Change what steps he plans to take and if he will make a statement; [44518] to oversee the work of energy-saving installers under (2) what assessment has been made of the effects on the Green Deal; by what means they will be selected; the environment of importing rare earth metals from and what steps he plans to take to measure their cost (a) China, (b) the US, (c) Canada and (d) South and performance. [44877] Africa for use in the green technologies industry; and if he will make a statement. [44519] Gregory Barker: It will be key to the success of the Green Deal that all work to install energy efficiency Gregory Barker: I refer the hon. Member to the measures is carried out to a high standard. We are answer I gave her on 4 March 2011, Official Report, therefore establishing a Green Deal installer certification Column 616W. framework, which will ensure that all work has carried I understand that China is the dominant supplier of out by companies using competent individuals, following rare earth metals, although a number of other countries the necessary technical guidance, and supported by (including the US, Japan and Australia) have their own appropriate customer care procedures and routes of reserves which are likely to become available after 2014. 821W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 822W

Given this and my understanding that the use of rare Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs earth metals is almost non-existent in commercial scale turbines in this country, there is no evidence that such Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for assessments are needed at present. I am happy to consider Energy and Climate Change whether his Department any evidence to the contrary. receives any revenue from electricity feed-in tariffs. [44581] Fuel Poverty Gregory Barker: At present DECC does not generate Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for any low carbon energy from its estate and therefore Energy and Climate Change whether he has any plans does not derive any revenue from electricity feed-in to revise his Department’s definition of fuel poverty. tariffs. [44575]

Gregory Barker: The coalition government announced BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS in the spending review that, to ensure the available resources are focused most effectively in tackling the Access to Learning Fund problems underlying fuel poverty, an independent review of the fuel poverty target and definition would be Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, initiated. We expect the review to get under way shortly Innovation and Skills how much has been allocated to and to receive a final report from the review by the end the Access to Learning Fund in (a) each of the last five of the year. years and (b) each of the next four years; and if he will make a statement. [44579] Industrial Diseases: Compensation Mr Willetts: The Access to Learning Fund (ALF) is a discretionary fund that provides additional support for Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for higher education students facing financial hardship. Energy and Climate Change how much his Department ALF is administered by individual Higher Education spent contesting claims by sufferers of chronic obstructive Institutions and Further Education Colleges who make pulmonary disease prior to the introduction of the their own decisions about how best to target their compensation scheme in 1999. [44261] allocation, taking into account their student population and their knowledge of local circumstances. In the Charles Hendry: The liabilities for British Coal were academic year 2009-10 (the most recent year for which transferred to the Department on 1 January 1998. On we have data) the ALF was used to help around 89,000 23 January 1998 the Honourable Mr Justice Turner full or part-time students. gave Judgment against the British Coal Corporation in The ALF budget is announced one year at a time: the respect of 8 lead actions in which damages were sought allocation for 2011/12 is £40 million. The following for personal injury and damage predominantly in respect table shows how much funding was allocated by the of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and chronic Department to ALF in each of the past five years. bronchitis. During the period January 1998 to September Reductions in the ALF budget should be viewed in the 1999 claims for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease context of improved statutory support for students. which were registered against the British Coal Corporation were not progressed individually pending the negotiation Academic year Allocation (£ million) and finalisation of the Claims Handling Agreement. During this period the Department spent c£552,000.00 2006/07 64 on legal fees (solicitors and experts) to meet the 2007/08 56 Department’s obligations for negotiating the Claims 2008/09 50 Handling Agreement with a Steering Group representing 2009/10 45 the interests of claimants. The Claims Handling Agreement 2010/11 40 was signed off on 24 September 1999. Charity Research Support Fund Oil: Offshore Industry Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding from Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the public purse has been allocated to the Charity Energy and Climate Change if he will consider the Research Support Fund in each of the last five years for merits of introducing legislative proposals to repeal all which figures are available; and how much such funding existing enabling legislation promoting further oil he plans to allocate in each year of the Comprehensive exploration in hard-to-reach areas in UK waters. Spending Review period. [44606] [44629] Mr Willetts: The Government recognise the significant Charles Hendry: No, I envisage no such proposals. contribution made by charitable funders of research. We have robust regulatory systems in the UK to protect The charity support element of quality-related (QR) the environment and ensure safe working. It is very research funding, provided by the Higher Education much in Britain’s interests for as much as possible of Funding Council for England (HEFCE), has recognised our future oil and gas supplies to be produced here, the public benefit arising from research funded by charities. rather than in other countries which may not maintain HEFCE funding for this element is set out in the the same standards. following table. 823W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 824W

Amount (£ million) £

2006-07 135.7 2005-06 0 2007-08 180.0 2006-07 587.50 2008-09 184.9 2007-08 352.50 2009-10 192.1 2008-09 470.00 2010-11 197.5 2009-10 460.00 2010-11 470.00 The “Allocation of Science and Research Funding 2011-2015” published on 20 December 2010 confirmed Gangmasters: Licensing that HEFCE will protect support for institutions leveraging funding from external sources, such as the charitable and business sectors. HEFCE announced on 2 February Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for that they would maintain the charity support element Business, Innovation and Skills whether his Department of QR at £197.5 million for 2011-12. It will be for the plans to end licensing for employment agencies and HEFCE board to determine the levels of funding to gangmasters operating in the sectors covered by the deploy in future from within its overall research allocation. Gangmasters Licensing Authority. [41680] The “Allocation of Science and Research Funding 2011- 2015” is available at: Mr Paice: I have been asked to reply. http://www.bis.gov.uk/news/topstories/2010/Dec/science- The Government have no plans to end licensing of research-and-hefce-funding labour providers in the sectors regulated by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority. Citizens Advice Bureaux: Finance Higher Education: Finance Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills which organisations his Department Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, consulted in developing its policy on future funding of Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of citizens advice bureaux in accordance with paragraph the effectiveness of the University Modernisation Fund; 2.4 of the Compact between Government and civil and if he will make a statement. [44715] society organisations; what feedback his Department has given to the consultees in accordance with paragraph Mr Willetts: The University Modernisation Fund 2.5 of the Compact; and what assessment he has made provided teaching grants in the 2010/11 academic year of the effect of that policy on local efforts to inspire and for an extra 10,000 student places. Under the rules of encourage social action and to empower communities the scheme, teaching costs for subsequent years would in accordance with paragraph 2.2 of the Compact. be met from efficiencies within those institutions taking [44447] up the places, rather than from Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) grant. In addition, £20 Mr Davey: The Department for Business, Innovation million was invested in projects to increase the take-up and Skills supports the Citizens Advice Service in England and effectiveness of shared services in the sector. Although and Wales and in Scotland through grant in aid funding all of the additional places were taken up and projects to the umbrella organisations and that funding is being are in place to utilise the shared services element of the maintained in 2011/12. However, funding for local citizens fund, it is too early to make an assessment of its advice bureaux is not a matter for central Government effectiveness. but for local authorities who are better able to determine the structure and level of funding of advice services in Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for their area which meets local needs. Business, Innovation and Skills how much has been allocated to the University Modernisation Fund in (a) Local spending decisions are, and will continue to be, each of the last five years and (b) each of the next four for local authorities. However, the Government do not years; and if he will make a statement. [44716] expect local authorities to respond to this freedom by passing on disproportionate cuts to other service providers, Mr Willetts: The University Modernisation Fund especially the voluntary sector. Local authorities should announced in the budget of March 2010 was intended work through funding changes with the voluntary sector, to provide funding for 2010-11 only. The emergency and have due regard to their local compact. Budget in June 2010 set the level of funding at £152 million.

Electoral Reform Services Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many universities Daniel Kawczynski: To ask the Secretary of State for were awarded New University Challenge funding from Business, Innovation and Skills what the monetary the Higher Education Funding Council for England in value was of contracts his Department placed with the latest period for which figures are available. [44879] Electoral Reform Services in each year since 2005. [44214] Mr Willetts: The New University Challenge was a policy of the previous government. No universities have Mr Davey: Central records show that the value of received funding from the Higher Education Funding contracts placed with Electoral Reform Services in each Council for England (HEFCE) for this policy and financial year by the Department and its predecessors HEFCE did not receive specific allocations to spend on since 2005 has been: this policy. In the forthcoming Higher Education White 825W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 826W

Paper, the Government will set out reforms which will Local Enterprise Partnerships: East of England reduce barriers to new providers and better enable student choice to determine the nature and place of Mr Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State for delivery of higher education. Business, Innovation and Skills if he will place in the Holiday Leave Library a copy of bids submitted by the Greater Cambridge and Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for as at 21 January 2011 under the auspices of the Regional Business, Innovation and Skills what steps he has taken Growth Fund; and if he will make a statement. [44441] to provide information to small employers on statutory holiday entitlement. [43663] Mr Prisk: It is not possible to place copies of bids in the Libraries of the House as the information has been Mr Davey: Information and guidance about statutory provided to us in confidence and the Department would annual leave entitlements is available to employees on like to respect this confidentiality. However, a summary the Business Link website which is designed to be of bids received in Round 1 of the Regional Growth helpful to businesses of all sizes. This site also has an Fund is available on the BIS website: interactive tool to assist with the calculation of annual www.bis.gov.uk/RGF leave provisions. Information is also available from ACAS online and through their helpline and on the Direct.gov Neurology: Research website. Insolvency Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how much funding Ed Balls: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, from the public purse has been allocated to research Innovation and Skills how many people have been into neuroscience in each of the last five years; and how declared insolvent in each (a) region and (b) much such funding will be allocated in each year of the constituency since May 2010. [44860] Comprehensive Spending Review period. [44725]

Mr Davey: Regional insolvency figures are only compiled Mr Willetts: Both the Medical Research Council annually, and data for 2010 will not be available until (MRC) and Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research summer 2011. Council (BBSRC) fund research into aspects of The latest publication down to local authority level neurosciences. Each council is a non-departmental public covers all types of individual insolvency in England and body which receives its grant in aid from the Department Wales from 2000 to 2009 and can be found on the for Business, Innovation and Skills. Insolvency Service website at: The total annual spend for BBSRC research relevant http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/otherinformation/statistics/ to neuroscience for the past five years is detailed in the regionalstatisticsmenu.htm following table.

Total annual spend £ million 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10

BBSRC funding for research relevant to neuroscience1 28.3 31.8 35.2 39.5 40.4 1 Includes funding through the following mechanisms: responsive mode, initiatives, fellowships to HEIs and BBSRC institutes and core strategic funding to BBSRC institutes.

BBSRC does not have fixed allocations for neuroscience priorities. A precise level of funding for future neuroscience funding. Future funding of neuroscience research by funding cannot be stated since, until BBSRC has received BBSRC is dependent on the quality and strategic relevance applications and their relevance and quality has been of grant applications. Funding will be allocated over assessed, it will be difficult to determine, but as a broad the next four years in relation to relevance to BBSRC’s estimate, not an allocation, which is all that is possible strategic priorities and BBSRC’s four-year spending at this stage, BBSRC believe that their total neuroscience review settlement. A smaller part of that neuroscience funding might run at approximately £36 million/year. research historically funded by BBSRC now falls within BBSRC’s current strategic priorities. It is likely therefore, The total annual spend for MRC research relevant to that there will be a reduction in BBSRC funding over neuroscience and mental health for the past five years is the next spending review period for neuroscience research detailed in the following table. that is considered to fall outside BBSRC’s strategic

Total annual spend

£ million

2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10

MRC funding for research relevant to 108.1 108.7 121.7 141.5 155.4 neuroscience and mental health 827W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 828W

The MRC’s Delivery Plan for the spending review Mr Davey [holding answer 4 March 2011]: The period 2011/12 to 2014/15 outlines plans to increase Government have made no assessment yet of the effects funding in research into mental health, neurodegeneration, of the replacement of the May Day bank holiday with a and addiction. The MRC therefore expects to see an bank holiday in October for any sector. increase in funding for neuroscience, but the exact level In the recent Tourism Strategy, DCMS has announced of funding will be dependent on the quality and strategic plans to conduct a full consultation and impact assessment relevance of grant applications received. on possibly moving the May Day bank holiday. Further details on the consultation will be published in due course. New Businesses Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has Business, Innovation and Skills when his Department made of the effects of the replacement of the May Day plans to review the Technology Strategy Board rules on bank holiday by a bank holiday in October on the (a) research contracts with start-up businesses and micro- horticultural and (b) do-it-yourself retail sectors. businesses. [44571] [44149]

Mr Willetts: The Technology Strategy Board only Mr Davey: [holding answer 4 March 2011]: The issues research and development contracts in relation to Government have made no assessment yet of the effects the Small Business Research Initiative scheme and the of the replacement of the May Day bank holiday with a terms and conditions of these contracts are determined bank holiday in October for any sector. by public procurement rules. In the recent Tourism Strategy, DCMS has announced The Technology Strategy Board also issues grant offer plans to conduct a full consultation and impact assessment letters to businesses under activities such as Collaborative on possibly moving the May Day bank holiday. Further R and D and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) details on the consultation will be published in due which operate within state aid rules and are consistent course. with the terms and conditions designed and operated by the then DTI who previously delivered such interventions. Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for However, the Technology Strategy Board operates these Business, Innovation and Skills what recent representations interventions flexibly, recognising the dynamics of the he has received on the replacement of the May Day sector at which they are targeted resulting in for example, bank holiday by a bank holiday in October. [44170] a feasibility studies scheme to enable small and micro companies to buy in expertise from universities in the Mr Davey [holding answer 4 March 2011]: The area of the creative industries; and shorter term, flexible Government regularly receives representations requesting KTPs focused on smaller companies not requiring a additional bank holidays or for existing ones to be more in depth, longer term project. moved to a new date. The Technology Strategy Board will be the subject of In the recent Tourism Strategy DCMS has announced a formal five-yearly review in 2012 which will assess its plans to conduct a full consultation and impact assessment performance including its ability to engage with a range on possibly moving the May Day bank holiday. Further of businesses. details on the consultation will be published in due course. Post Offices: Closures Students: Finance

Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Mr Ruffley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills how many sub-post office branches Innovation and Skills what proportion of students normally closed (a) in total and (b) in each local authority area resident in the Suffolk local education authority area in the East of England in each year since 1997. [44237] applied for (a) student loans and (b) grants for the (i) 2008-09, (ii) 2009-10 and (iii) 2010-11 academic years. Mr Davey: The information requested is an operational [44203] matter for Post Office Ltd. I have therefore asked Paula Vennells, the managing director of the Post Office Ltd, Mr Willetts: It is not possible to provide the proportions to respond directly to my hon. Friend and a copy of her requested because figures for higher education courses reply will be placed in the Libraries of the House. in further education colleges are not available at local authority level. Public Holidays The number of full-time students, residing in the local authority of Suffolk when they applied for financial Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for support, who were awarded student loans or grants in Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has academic years 2008/09 to 2010/11 is shown in Table 1. made of the potential effect on the economy of the Figures for academic year 2010/11 are provisional and replacement of the May Day bank holiday by a bank subject to change; final figures will be published in holiday in October. [44148] November 2011.

Table 1: Students awarded student loans or grants who were living in Suffolk local authority when they applied for financial support Academic years Type of financial support 2008/09 2009/10 2010/111

Loans2 10,100 11,100 11,000 829W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 830W

Table 1: Students awarded student loans or grants who were living in Suffolk local authority when they applied for financial support Academic years Type of financial support 2008/09 2009/10 2010/111

Grants and Allowances3 6,200 6,600 6,000 1 Provisional. 2 This includes maintenance and tuition fee loans 3 This includes Higher Education grants, Special Support grants, Maintenance grants, Tuition Fee grants, Disabled Student allowances, Travel grants, Childcare grants, Dependants grants, Parental Learning allowances and Adult Dependant grants. Source: Student Loans Company

Mr Thomas: To ask the Secretary of State for ATOL Scheme Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Access to Learning Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Fund; and if he will make a statement. [44717] Transport what timescale he has set for the completion of reform of the ATOL scheme. [43145] Mr Willetts: The Access to Learning Fund (ALF) is a discretionary fund that provides additional support for Mrs Villiers: On the 3 February 2011, I announced higher education students facing financial hardship. the Government’s ’in principle’ decision to reform the The Government have provided an ALF budget of £40 Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (ATOL) scheme. A million for academic year 2010/11. ALF is administered public consultation on the details of the reform, including by individual higher education institutions and further draft secondary legislation, is planned for spring 2011. education colleges who make their own decisions about Implementation of the new secondary legislation is how best to target their allocation, taking into account aimed for late 2011 or early 2012. The Government is their student population and their knowledge of local also considering the use of primary legislation to complete circumstances. In the academic year 2009-10 (the most further ATOL reforms, although no decision on this recent year for which we have data) the ALF was used has yet been taken. to help around 89,000 full or part-time students. Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Summertime Transport whether including click-through arrangements in the ATOL scheme would require primary legislation. Mike Freer: To ask the Secretary of State for [43146] Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has assessed the likely effect on faith communities of proposed Mrs Villiers: On 3 February 2011, I announced to the changes to daylight saving hours. [44645] House the Government’s ’in principle’ decision to reform the Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (ATOL) scheme to Mr Davey: The Government are aware of a range of ensure consumers are protected in the changing holiday arguments regarding the effect of moving the clocks market. Subject to consultation, the intention is for the forward by one hour on families including faith reforms to be implemented by new secondary legislation communities. As the Prime Minister has made clear the in late 2011 or early 2012. Government could not support any change in this area These reforms should mean that Flight Plus holidays unless there was consensus throughout the UK. organised by a ‘click through arrangement’ by travel agents or tour operators are protected under the ATOL scheme. The Government is currently considering the case for new primary legislation that would be needed TRANSPORT to bring all holidays organised by ’click through arrangements’, including those sold by airlines, into the Air Travel Trust Fund ATOL scheme. Aviation Paul Maynard: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he expects the Air Travel Trust Fund Kwasi Kwarteng: To ask the Secretary of State for to next report a surplus. [43144] Transport what recent representations he has received from the aviation industry on the effects of Government Mrs Villiers: The Air Travel Trust Fund meets the policy on that sector. [43281] cost of refunds and repatriation arising from the insolvency of travel companies which are covered by the Air Travel Mrs Villiers: The Secretary of State for Transport, Organisers License (ATOL) scheme. The deficit of the the right hon. Member for Runnymede and Weybridge Fund was reported as £31.8m in the Funds’ annual (Mr Hammond), receives regular representations from accounts for the year ending 31 March 2010. a wide range of organisations on matters relating to One of the objectives of the reforms to the ATOL Government aviation policy. scheme, which I announced to the House on 3 February We are committed to producing a sustainable framework 2011, is to reduce the Fund’s deficit and return it to for UK aviation which supports economic growth and financial sustainability. It is expected that the Fund will addresses aviation’s environmental impacts. During the be in surplus within 3 years of the reforms being policy development process, we will open a dialogue implemented. The precise timing depends on a number with a variety of stakeholders to seek their views and to of factors, including the frequency and cost of travel draw on the expertise of those who best understand the company insolvencies. benefits and impacts of aviation. 831W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 832W

Aviation: Pilots Aviation: Working Hours

Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for what assessment he has made of the likely effects on Transport what his policy is on the maximum amount safety of the European Aviation Safety Agency’s plans of time airline pilots should be expected to fly in 24 to reform flight time limitations. [41406] hours. [43765] Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of Transport what assessment he has made of the effects 28 February 2011, Official Report, column 176, given to on the safety of UK air travel of the European Aviation the hon. Member for North Down (Lady Hermon). Safety Agency’s proposals for flight time limitations. [41509] Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what his policy is on the maximum amount Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Members to my answer of time airline pilots should be expected to fly in one given to the hon. Member for Coventry South (Mr Cunningham) of 7 February 2011, Official Report, day. [43899] column 51W.

Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for 28 February 2011, Official Report, column 176, given to Transport if he will assess any potential risk to UK air the hon. Member for North Down (Lady Hermon). travel posed by the European Aviation Safety Agency’s plans to reform flight time limitations. [42062]

Aviation: Security Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of 17 February, Official Report, column 966W. Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans he has to introduce a personnel advanced Dartford-Thurrock Crossing: Finance screening system at UK airports; and if he will make a statement. [41407] John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) what capital expenditure his Department incurred on the Dartford Crossing in 2010-11; and Mrs Villiers: There are no plans to introduce a personnel what such expenditure it expects to incur in each of the advanced screening system at UK airports. next four financial years; [42270] One of the basic tenets of aviation security in the UK (2) what estimate he has made of the revenue is that everyone entering the security restricted area of generated by tolls at the Dartford Crossing in (a) an airport, including staff, is subject to security screening. 2010-11 and (b) each of the next four financial years. The Department specifies the standards that must be [42269] met, and the methods that may be used, by industry in respect of the screening of passengers and staff. All Mike Penning [holding answer 28 February 2011]: security measures are kept under review. Details of income and expenditure for the Dartford- Thurrock Crossing charging scheme are published annually, Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for with accounts for the year to 31 March 2010 published Transport what research his Department has (a) on 31 January 2011. Accounts for 2010-11 will be undertaken and (b) commissioned on the threat to published in due course. airport and airline security from air crew. [41510] Copies of the 2009-10 accounts are available from the Library of the House and from the following link: Mrs Villiers: The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/hc1011/hc07/ 0711/0711.asp (JTAC) is responsible for assessing the threat to UK aviation interests from international terrorism. JTAC The Department for Transport made clear in its has assessed the full range of threats to civil aviation, spending review announcement that investment at Dartford but I cannot comment on individual assessments. is a priority, and that subject to consultation, it intends to increase the levels of road user charges in 2011 and When making their assessment of the risk of an 2012 to allow for future investment, including the attack, Department for Transport officials take into implementation of free-flow charging technology, and account information on threat vulnerabilities and potential to help fund proposals for a new, additional crossing. impacts of attack. Detailed impacts of such investment on future revenue and capital expenditure will be set out as details of such Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for measures are announced. Transport whether he plans to bring forward proposals to enable UK airports to determine their own security Dartford-Thurrock Crossing: Tolls procedures for air crew. [43900] John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Villiers: I refer the hon. Member to my answer of Transport what estimate he has made of the effect on 2 March 2011, Official Report, column 460W, given to revenue generated of suspending tolls at the Dartford the hon. Member for Eastbourne (Stephen Lloyd). Crossing in periods of severe congestion. [42271] 833W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 834W

Mike Penning [holding answer 28 February 2011]: (a) actual and (b) full-time equivalent staff to have left The Highways Agency is developing an operational the Department’s employ since May 2010. The total protocol to suspend the road user charges at the Dartford includes both permanent and non-permanent employees. Crossing during emergency incidents or when congestion (a) The number of actual staff that have left the is particularly severe. Department since May 2010 is 1,264 (453 of whom The revenue implications from use of the protocol from the central Department). are dependent on the number of occasions where traffic (b) The number of full-time equivalent staff that conditions are such that charges are suspended, and the have left the Department since May 2010 is 1,162 (439 duration of charge suspension period. of whom from the central Department). We aim to publish details and introduce the use of Departmental Regulation the protocol as soon as it is possible to do so this year. Departmental Manpower Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many regulations sponsored by his Mr Redwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Department have been (a) introduced and (b) revoked how many (a) actual and (b) full-time equivalent staff since 7 December 2010. [44361] have left his Department’s employ since May 2010. [42296] Mike Penning: The Department has introduced 19 regulations since 7 December 2010 and the full listing is Norman Baker: The central Department and its seven listed here, correct to 23 February 2011. Of these 19, executive agencies identified the following number of four revoked or replaced existing legislation.

DFT regulations introduced between 7 December 2010 and 23 February 2011 Title Reference number In force

The Bus Lane Contraventions (Approved Local Authorities) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) 2010 No. 2790 31 December 2010 and Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions Designation (No. 4) Order 2010 The Severn Bridges Tolls Order 2010 2010 No. 3002 1 January 2011 The Cornwall Council (Havle North Quay) Bridge Scheme 2010 Confirmation Instrument 2010 No. 3032 6 January 2011 2010 The M1 Motorway (Junctions 10 to 13 Improvement Connecting Roads) Scheme 2010 2010 No. 2824 9 January 2011 The Traffic Management (Northamptonshire County Council) Permit Scheme Order 2010 2010 No. 2823 10 January 2011 The Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health and Safety at Work) (Asbestos) 2010 No. 2984 10 January 2011 Regulations 2010 The Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Health and Safety at Work) (Artificial Optical 2010 No. 2987 10 January 2011 Radiation) Regulations 2010 The Motor Fuel (Composition and Content) and Merchant Shipping(Prevention of Air 2010 No. 3035 14 January 2011 Pollution from Ships) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 The Fixed Penalty (Amendment) Order 2010 2010 No. 2720 1 February 2011 The Road Safety (Financial Penalty Deposit) (Amendment) Order 2010 2010 No. 2721 1 February 2011 The Road Safety (Financial Penalty Deposit) (Appropriate Amount) (Amendment) Order 2010 No. 3016 1 February 2011 2010 The River Mersey (Mersey Gateway Bridge) Order 2011 2011 No. 41 1 February 2011 The Shrewsbury (Kingsland) Bridge (Revision of Tolls) Order 2011 2011 No. 71 1 February 2011 The Motor Vehicles (Insurance Requirements) Regulations 2011 2011 No.20 4 February 2011 The Road Safety Act 2006 (Commencement No. 6) Order 2011 2011 No. 19 4 February 2011 The Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Non-Interoperable Rail System) (London Underground 2011 No. 70 14 February 2011 Metropolitan Line S8 Vehicles) Exemption Order 2011 The Cobham Motorway Service Area Trunk Road Order 2011 2011 No. 247 23 February 2011 The M25 Motorway (Cobham Motorway Service Area Temporary Special Road) Scheme 2011 2011 No. 248 23 February 2011 The Cobham Motorway Service Area Trunk Road (Connecting Roads) Order 2011 2011 No. 249 23 February 2011

Driving Standards Agency There has not yet been any direct effect on the Agency from the comprehensive spending review. Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport Great Western Railway: Electrification what effect the outcome of the comprehensive spending review will have on the review of the Driving Standards Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Agency; and if he will make a statement. [44520] Transport when he expects to announce plans for the electrification of the main railway line into Wales. Mike Penning: The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) [43737] is a trading fund and recovers most of its costs through user charges for its services, such as the driving test. Mrs Villiers [holding answer 3 March 2011]: On DSA sometimes receives loans from Department for 1 March, the Secretary of State for Transport, my right Transport to undertake specific activities and receives hon. Friend, announced plans for electrification of the funding for the prevention of fraud, both of which are Great Western Main Line to Bristol and Cardiff and reviewed on an annual basis. the delivery of a new fleet of intercity trains. 835W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 836W

I expect passengers from South Wales to enjoy the Southeastern cancellations benefits of this significant investment from 2016 onwards Reporting period Trains cancelled with the full service from the end of 2017. July to August 2008 307 Owen Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for August to September 2008 335 Transport if he will publish the full business case on September to October 2008 391 which he based his decision to extend the electrification October to November 2008 376 of the Great Western Line from Didcot to Cardiff, November to December 2008 480 including (a) the case for extension to Swansea and December to January 2009 320 (b) the case for electrification between Bath and January to February 2009 510 Bristol. [44646] February to March 2009 2,489 March 2009 570 Mrs Villiers: I am prepared to deposit, in the Library April to May 2009 276 of the House, details of the business case work which May 2009 285 assisted the Department for Transport in determining May to June 2009 282 the further extension of electrification of the Great June to July 2009 368 Western Main Line. Other factors, including affordability July to August 2009 264 and operational aspects, have also been considered as August to September 2009 229 part of the decision making process. September to October 2009 365 October to November 2009 497 London and Southeastern Railway: Cancellations November to December 2009 550 December to January 2010 3,643 Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for January to February 2010 1,308 Transport pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member February to March 2010 1,154 for Bexleyheath and Crayford of 14 February 2011, March 2010 432 Official Report, columns 638-40W, on Southeastern, April to May 2010 380 how many rail services operated by Southeastern have May 2010 536 been cancelled in each month of the current franchise May to June 2010 532 agreement. [43566] June to July 2010 563 July to August 2010 374 Mrs Villiers [holding answer 2 March 2011]: The requested information is available only for the four August to September 2010 458 week rail industry reporting periods, and is as follows: September to October 2010 832 October to November 2010 333 Southeastern cancellations November to December 2010 1,071 Reporting period Trains cancelled December to January 2011 1,099 April 2006 368 Note: Period 10 2010-11 (12 December 2010 to 9 January 2011) is the latest April to May 2006 409 data available. There are 13 rail periods in a year, usually four weeks May to June 2006 398 in length. June to July 2006 370 July to August 2006 257 Railway Stations: Public Service Announcements August to September 2006 206 September to October 2006 333 Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for October to November 2006 336 Transport which public service announcements are November to December 2006 488 required at railway stations. [44460] December to January 2007 330 January to February 2007 763 Mrs Villiers [holding answer 4 March 2011]: There is February to March 2007 421 a requirement for public security announcements to March 2007 548 be made at rail stations as part of the National Rail Security April 2007 722 Programme. Under this programme, announcements April to May 2007 855 are set at a level proportionate to the prevailing threat May to June 2007 158 and vulnerability, and are kept under constant review. June to July 2007 263 July to August 2007 309 The Department for Transport’s code of practice August to September 2007 181 ‘Accessible Train Station Design for Disabled People, Version 2’, issued in September 2010, sets out various September to October 2007 380 requirements concerning the making of announcements. October to November 2007 430 The number of announcements made will vary depending November to December 2007 363 on the level of service at any given station. December to January 2008 384 January to February 2008 428 February to March 2008 298 Railways: Construction March 2008 331 April 2008 434 Christopher Pincher: To ask the Secretary of State for April to May 2008 419 Transport what assessment he has made of the likely May to June 2008 275 frequency of replacement of track sections on High June to July 2008 420 Speed Two. [43442] 837W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 838W

Mr Philip Hammond: I refer my hon. Friend to the Commission and other Member States to develop a Infrastructure Maintenance Strategy section of the proposal for effective regional action in the event that Technical Appendix, available at: no international measure has been agreed by the end http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/ of 2011. Since coming to power, the Government has cancelled Railways: Fares plans for a third runway at Heathrow and has made clear that it will refuse permission for additional runways Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for at Gatwick and Stansted. The Government has also Transport what estimate he has made of the revenue to stated its intention to create a sustainable framework accrue to (a) train operating companies and (b) his for aviation in the UK, which supports economic growth Department attributable to the increase in rail fares by and addresses aviation’s environmental impacts. The the retail prices index in the next four financial years. Government will issue a scoping document in March [42733] 2011 setting out strategic directions on aviation policy. In the meantime, at a European level the UK is fully Mrs Villiers: The retail prices index is part of the on-track to implement the Aviation EU Emissions Trading ongoing formula for capping rail fares and is taken into System from the beginning of 2012, and continues to account automatically in the levels of premia/subsidy push internationally for more ambitious global action through the franchise agreements with each train operator. through the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Separately, the Government are about to engage with the industry in negotiations on the effect on subsidy/premia of the change in the cap on regulated fares from RPI+1 to RPI+3 for the three years from Jan 2012 to Jan 2014. FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE It would prejudice these discussions to make further details public. Bermuda Sea Rescue Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for to visit Bermuda. [43826] Transport what private finance initiative contracts exist in respect of coastguard services in Scotland; and what Mr Bellingham: The Secretary of State for Foreign the monetary value is of such contracts. [45001] and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond (Yorks) (Mr Hague), has no Mike Penning: No private finance initiative contracts immediate plans to visit Bermuda. However, I hope to exist in respect of coastguard services in Scotland. visit Bermuda later this year. Shipping Brighton

Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Simon Kirby: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what the registered tonnage of the merchant Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will bring fleet under the UK flag was on the most recent date for forward proposals to relocate (a) staff and (b) offices which figures are available; and what the average of his Department to Brighton; and if he will make a tonnage per ship of the UK Flag Registry is. [44736] statement. [43479]

Mike Penning: As of 28 February 2011, the registered Alistair Burt: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office tonnage of UK registered merchant ships 100 gross has no plans to relocate staff or offices to Brighton. tons (GT) and over was 17,030,315 GT. Like other Departments we liaise closely with the There were 1,489 ships giving an average tonnage per Government Property Unit to determine the level of ship of 11,437 GT. operational demand for working space in the UK, and to ensure value for money. Shipping and Aviation: Carbon Emissions Cote d’Ivoire: British Nationals Abroad Nicola Blackwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps he is taking to reduce carbon Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for dioxide emissions attributable to (a) shipping and (b) Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent aviation. [42861] discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the safety of British nationals resident in Cote d’Ivoire. Norman Baker: The Government recognises the [43829] importance of addressing CO2 emissions from shipping and aviation and we are taking a broad range of measures Mr Bellingham: We advise against all travel to Cote to reduce these. d’Ivoire. British nationals have since December 2010 The Government is playing an active role in the been advised to leave the country by commercial means International Maritime Organisation’s work on technical, if it is safe to do so. Our Political Counsellor in Abidjan operational and market based measures to reduce carbon is in close contact through the consular warden network dioxide emissions from shipping on a global basis, and with those British nationals who have not heeded this has submitted a proposal for an emissions trading system advice. This conduit allows us to communicate updates to cap shipping emissions in an efficient and cost-effective on the security situation and any further changes to our way. The UK is also working with the European travel advice. 839W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 840W

We continue to liaise with colleagues in other Libya Departments and international partners to ensure that our information is accurate and our contingency plans Ian Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign are up to date. The safety of British nationals in Cote and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he d’Ivoire is our foremost priority. has made of the quality of intelligence assessments by his Department relating to Libya. [43908] Departmental Disciplinary Proceedings Alistair Burt: The policy of successive governments Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign has been not to comment on matters relating to intelligence and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer to or national security. the hon. Member for Witham of 27 October 2010, Libya: British Nationals Abroad Official Report, columns 339-40W, on departmental disciplinary proceedings, how many UK-based officials working in (a) the UK and (b) overseas posts were Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State dismissed on disciplinary grounds in the last five years; for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when his and what the overseas post was in each case. [44156] Department first discussed with the Ministry of Defence the provision of assistance for the evacuation Alistair Burt: There were fewer than five dismissals in of UK citizens from Libya. [43701] total, on disciplinary grounds, in each of the last five years for UK-based Foreign and Commonwealth Office Mr Hague [holding answer 3 March 2011]: The Foreign (FCO) staff working in both the UK and at our overseas and Commonwealth Office works closely with the Ministry posts. For reasons of confidentiality, and to avoid the of Defence on consular contingency planning. The two possibility of revealing the identities of individual staff, Departments have been in close and regular contact the FCO, in line with Cabinet Office guidance, does not since the beginning of the crisis in Libya, including on disclose more detailed information when overall numbers the role of the Ministry of Defence in the provision of amount to fewer than five. assistance for the evacuation of UK citizens from Libya. Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Egypt for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he first received information that commercial carriers were Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for cancelling flights to and from Libya as a result of the Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what official visits recent unrest in that country. [43702] Ministers from his Department have made to Egypt since 1997; and for what purpose. [43981] Mr Hague [holding answer 3 March 2011]: On 20 February, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Alistair Burt: Previous visits to Egypt by Foreign and (FCO) in London contacted British Airways who confirmed Commonwealth Office Ministers since 1997 include: that they had no plans to suspend their scheduled Lord Green, February 2011 as part of the recent delegation led services to Tripoli. Both sides agreed to stay in close by the Prime Minister contact, particularly should that change. In the evening The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of 21 February British Airways informed the FCO that (Mr Hague), November 2010 they were now cancelling their flights to and from The Member for Bury South (Mr Lewis), January 2010 Libya, on safety and security grounds. BMI took the Bill Rammell (former Member for Harlow), May 2009 decision to suspend their scheduled service on the morning Lord Malloch-Brown, November 2007, 30 June-1 July 2008 of 22 February, also on safety and security grounds, and November 2008 and promptly informed us, though at the time it was a The Member for South Shields (David Miliband), November decision taken a day at a time. Our embassy in Tripoli 2007 had also been in regular contact with both airlines on Ministers take part in regular meetings and overseas the ground. Tripoli airport remained open and operating visits to discuss a range of matters with interlocutors. with scheduled flights continuing on 22 February by a range of other airlines.

Iran: Warships Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what aircraft Mr Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign have been used for each evacuation of British nationals and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has from abroad in 2011. [43703] received on the passage of Iranian warships through the Suez Canal; whether he has had discussions with Mr Hague [holding answer 3 March 2011]: Since his (a) Egyptian and (b) Israeli counterpart on this Monday 21 February the British Government have issue; and if he will make a statement. [R] [43819] arranged 17 flights to help British Nationals leave Libya. Nine flights were organised by the Foreign and Alistair Burt: I am aware of the recent passage of Commonwealth Office, including three to provide onward Iranian navy vessels through the Suez Canal. Iran was travel to the UK, and one that had initially been chartered trying to provoke a reaction through a symbolic but by BP. Eight were operated by the Ministry of Defence. superficial act. But it knows, and others in the region A range of civil and military aircraft were used, including recognise, that there are real limits to it’s power and BAe 146s, Boeing 737s and C130s. In addition, the influence. We continue to discuss Iran with a wide range Foreign and Commonwealth Office assisted British of international partners including Israel and Egypt. nationals who wanted to leave Libya by facilitating 841W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 842W commercial flights and arranging seats for British nationals landing permission on 22 February. By mid-morning on flights organised by other countries. Previously in on 23 February, a few countries had taken the risk of 2011, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office had also flying to Tripoli without prior landing permission, seeking chartered two flights to take British nationals out of landing permission from the control tower instead. No Cairo, supplementing commercially available options. sanctions had been taken against them. We therefore informed the operator and requested them to fly in on Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for this basis. The operator agreed. However at this point it Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many (a) became apparent that the charter plane had developed a British and (b) non-British nationals have been technical fault, preventing it from taking off. This fault evacuated from Libya on RAF aircraft to date. [43886] was repaired as quickly as possible and the plane departed London Gatwick on the evening of 23 February. Alistair Burt: I refer the hon. Member to my written ministerial statement of 3 March 2011, Official Report, Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for columns 35-36WS, on Libya: Consular Response in Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimate he which I updated the House on the efforts the Foreign has made of the number of UK nationals evacuated and Commonwealth Office has made to help British from Tripoli on flights organised by other governments nationals depart Libya. since 15 February 2011. [44409]

Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State Alistair Burt: Our records show that other Governments, for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the terms including those of other EU member states, have helped of reference are for his Department’s review of aircraft over 150 British nationals to leave Libya. evacuation procedures; how it will report; and by what date he expects it to report. [44402] Libya: Foreign Nationals

Mr Hague [holding answer 4 March 2011]: The Prime Mr Frank Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Minister and I have both told the House that there are Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many lessons we will wish to learn from this evacuation. I non-UK nationals have been evacuated from Tripoli on have therefore commissioned a review, with the aim of flights arranged by his Department since 15 February examining the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO)’s 2011. [44408] arrangements for leading the evacuation of British nationals in a crisis. The review will consider the contingency Alistair Burt: Approximately 180 non-UK nationals arrangements that the FCO in London and all Posts have been evacuated from Tripoli on Foreign and have in place, and the triggers and procedures for moving Commonwealth Office chartered flights. to a crisis footing and mounting civilian and military evacuation operations. Members: Correspondence The review will consult widely across Government, with the airline industry, major multinationals with Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for British staff in high risk locations, private security Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) when he plans companies, the Association of British Travel Agencies to reply to the letter of 1 February 2011 from the hon. and other key travel industry figures, the Red Cross and Member for Walsall North on a constituent whose other emergency management organisations, and our daughter is in Pakistan; [44852] international partners. (2) what steps he plans to take to ensure that the hon. The review will be completed and presented to FCO Member for Walsall North receives a reply to his letter Ministers as soon as practically possible. of 1 February 2011 regarding a constituent whose daughter is in Pakistan, UKBA CTS reference: M2320/11. [44853] Mr Douglas Alexander: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date Mr Lidington: The Minister for South Asia, my hon. and at what time his Department first placed the order Friend the Member for North East Bedfordshire (Alistair for the charter aircraft to evacuate British nationals Burt), replied to the hon. Member for Walsall North’s from Libya which was subsequently delayed at Gatwick letter on 28 February 2011. Airport. [44403] New Zealand: Earthquakes Mr Hague: [holding answer 4 March 2011]: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) was in Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for discussions with brokers throughout 21 February about Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance charter options. I took the decision to authorise FCO has been provided to New Zealand following the recent charters at 10 pm that evening. The FCO then placed earthquake in Christchurch. [44956] the order with the brokers and, following intense discussions, flight options were confirmed with them at 11.52 pm Mr Jeremy Browne: Officials from our high commission the same evening. The aircraft operator and FCO staff in Wellington, led by our high commissioner, were on the ground advised that landing permissions were quickly deployed to Christchurch to liaise with the New taking up to 48 hours to process. This first charter flight Zealand authorities and provide consular assistance to was therefore arranged to depart from Gatwick airport British nationals. In response to a request from the New at 9 am on 23 February. Despite strenuous efforts by the Zealand Government, we immediately sent a self-sufficient operator and by embassy staff on the ground, and like a search and rescue team of 63 experts drawn from the number of other countries, we were unable to secure British emergency fire and rescue services. 843W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 844W

In addition, the New Zealand Government have accepted course. We actively support a process which involves our offer of support in the process of Disaster Victim building trust and confidence between North and South Identification. A 10-man team, specially tailored to Korea. We are monitoring the situation closely, and support the New Zealand authorities, is in Christchurch stand ready to help advance talks. and providing essential support and expertise in helping to identify any potential British victims and bolster the Pakistan: Religious Freedom New Zealand authorities in their wider identification process. Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make North Africa: British Nationals Abroad urgent representations to the government of Pakistan on the killing of the Minister responsible for religious Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for minorities in that country and treatment of those who Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many British oppose blasphemy laws in that country. [44472] nationals were evacuated from (a) Tunisia, (b) Egypt and (c) Libya by other EU member states during the Alistair Burt: The assassination of Shahbaz Bhatti recent political events in those countries; and if he will was an appalling and cowardly act, striking at the heart make a statement. [44174] of democracy and freedom of expression in Pakistan. The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Alistair Burt [holding answer 4 March 2011]: We Affairs, my noble Friend Baroness Warsi and I have co-operate closely with a range of international partners made public statements condemning his murder, and on consular crisis response. Our records show that the Prime Minister has written to President Zardari to other governments, including those of other EU member express his condolences and his support for the Government states, have helped over 150 British nationals to leave of Pakistan’s effort to strengthen democracy. We continue Libya. It is likely that additional British nationals were to make clear the need to ensure that the blasphemy evacuated by their employers or our international partners laws are not misused including against minorities. We without formal notification to the Foreign and continue to support the case for reform of those laws. Commonwealth Office. British nationals left Egypt through a variety of different means, including flights organised Sudan: British Nationals Abroad by other nations. Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State North Africa: EU Nationals for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the risk to UK nationals in Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Abyei region of Sudan. [44294] Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many non-British European citizens have been evacuated from (a) Tunisia, Mr Bellingham: The increase in violence in Abyei (b) Egypt and (c) Libya using his Department’s resources over the last few days is very concerning. Our assessment during the recent events in those countries; and if he of the security situation in Abyei had already led us to will make a statement. [44175] advise against all but essential travel to Abyei. There are currently very few UK nationals in Abyei and we ask all Alistair Burt [holding answer 4 March 2011]: Our UK nationals visiting Sudan to register with our embassy officials and armed forces have helped over 1,800 foreign via the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website. We nationals to leave Libya and Egypt. We did not mount will continue to monitor the situation closely. an official evacuation from Tunisia. In the case of Egypt, the two charters organised by the Foreign and Tunisia Commonwealth Office (FCO) from Cairo also brought out a number of EU citizens. In the case of Libya, Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for nearly 30 EU citizens were among those evacuated on Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the (a) dates the FCO chartered flights from Tripoli and approximately and (b) purposes were of each visit to Tunisia by 200 further EU citizens were evacuated by UK military Ministers in his Department since 1997. [43929] transport. Alistair Burt: I visited Tunisia between 28 and North Korea: South Korea 30 November 2010. Previous visits by Foreign and Commonwealth Ministers Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State since 1997 include: for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary, February 2011 plans to take in conjunction with his international Bill Rammell (former Member for Harlow), February 2009 counterparts to deal with the security situation The right hon. Member for South Shields (David Miliband), between North Korea and South Korea. [44473] February 2008 Mr Jeremy Browne: We regularly discuss the situation The right hon. Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean, January 2005 and September 2003 with both North and South Korea. The Prime Minister has been in close touch with President Lee Myung-bak The right hon. Member for Neath (Mr Hain), April 2000 of the Republic of Korea, and spoke to him following Derek Fatchett (former Member for Leeds Central), May 1998. the attacks last year. In addition, senior Foreign and The purpose of my visit was to support UK objectives Commonwealth Office officials regularly meet North in a range of areas including the safety of British Korean counterparts to relay our message that North nationals travelling to Tunisia, trade, counter-terrorism, Korea faces increasing isolation unless they change regional stability and political reform. 845W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 846W

Turks and Caicos Islands Bilaterally, the Government are committed to a united, prosperous and stable Yemen. We are one of the largest Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for bilateral donors to Yemen. Our aid programme aims to Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many address the most immediate causes of poverty, conflict applications for permanent residence certificates the and instability, and to create a more favourable environment Turks and Caicos Islands Government has received in for sustained development, through projects which focus each of the last five years. [43890] on support for basic service delivery, more accountable and responsive state institutions, and economic opportunity. Mr Bellingham: The Immigration Department of the Multilaterally, the UK takes a leading role in the Friends Turks and Caicos Islands is not able to provide accurate of Yemen, a group which co-ordinates the efforts of the statistics for the number of applications for permanent international community to assist the Government of residence certificates received over the past five years. Yemen. The next meeting of the group is scheduled for The Turks and Caicos Islands Government is currently 22-23 March in Riyadh. The meeting should assess carrying out extensive reforms within the Immigration progress against agreed objectives from the last meeting Department. This includes the work of registering and in September 2010 and to discuss certain key themes: responding to applications received in the last five years, Political inclusion through the process of the National Dialogue including those which were not dealt with under the with a view to the holding of free and fair parliamentary elections; previous administration. Clearly identified development objectives set out in a Development I understand that approximately 2,000 applications Plan for Poverty Reduction and supported by an appropriate for permanent residence certificates were received between funding mechanism; 2006 and 2010. Action to address threats to internal security and resolve underlying political grievances. Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs on what date he expects the embargo on new permanent residency applications in the Turks and Caicos Islands to be lifted. [43976] WORK AND PENSIONS

Mr Bellingham: The Turks and Caicos Islands Cold Weather Payments: Stockton on Tees Government are currently carrying out extensive reforms within the Immigration Department. This includes the work of registering and responding to applications Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for received in the last five years, including those which Work and Pensions how many people in the weather were not dealt with under the previous Administration. station area covering Stockton North constituency qualified for cold weather payment on the most recent The Government understand that the Turks and Caicos date for which figures are available. [43519] Islands Government will shortly announce a timetable for lifting the moratorium and accepting new applications. Steve Webb: The available information is given in the Yemen: British Nationals Abroad table. Estimated number of benefit units that received at least one cold weather Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for payment for weather stations linked to postcode districts in Stockton North Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions constituency he has had with ministerial colleagues on the safety of Weather station 2010-11 British nationals resident in Yemen. [43830] Albemarle 148,600 Linton on Ouse 85,600 Alistair Burt: I have spoken regularly with ministerial Loftus 56,100 colleagues in the Department for International Development Notes: (DfID), the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Home 1. The information provided is Management Information. Our preference is to Office on developing events in Yemen. We are watching answer all parliamentary questions using Official/National Statistics but in this case we only have Management Information available. It is not quality assured events closely and urge an immediate halt to the violence. to the same extent as Official/National Statistics and there are some issues with In consultation with DfID, MOD and Home Office, the data, for example, figures given are estimates. Actuals are not available. Estimates for 2010-11 may be revised after the end of the cold weather payment we will continue to work closely together to ensure the season, but will still be estimates not actuals. safety of British nationals in Yemen. We urge all British 2. A cold weather payment is made to an eligible customer when the average nationals in Yemen to ensure they maintain regular temperature has been recorded as, or is forecast to be, 0°C or below over seven consecutive days at the weather station linked to the customer’s postcode. contact with our embassy in Sana’a. (When the temperature criterion is met, the weather station is said to trigger.) 3. Each of the weather stations is linked both to an area within Stockton North Yemen: Foreign Policy constituency and also to an area outside Stockton North constituency. Estimated numbers given are for the weather station as a whole, not for the part of Stockton North constituency linked to the weather station. Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for 4. If there is a further trigger for any of the weather stations this winter, that will Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the Government’s not change the estimates of the number of benefit units that received at least policy is on Yemen; and if he will make a statement. one cold weather payment in 2010-11. 5. Cold weather payments are made to benefit units. A benefit unit can be a [44337] single person or a couple and can include children. 6. Some benefit units received more than one payment in a year. Alistair Burt [holding answer 4 March 2011]: The 7. Estimated numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100. Sources: Government, along with the international community, Postcode districts in the Stockton North constituency: analysis of National assess that the Government of Yemen needs to take Statistics Postcode Directory. urgent action to tackle its economic, security and political Postcode district to weather station links: Department for Work and Pensions records. challenges. The Government support a comprehensive Records of triggers and estimates of potential qualifiers by weather station: approach to helping Yemen overcome these challenges. Department for Work and Pensions records. 847W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 848W

Departmental Food Maria Miller: The change in the standard interest rate used to calculate support for mortgage interest Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and applies to all customers who receive that help as part of Pensions when he expects his Department to meet the their benefit. Government’s commitment to source food that meets The Department has published an equality impact British or equivalent standards of production. [43309] assessment on the change, and this has included an assessment of the impact on disabled customers, including Chris Grayling: The Department has a private finance those participating in the home ownership for people initiative contract with Telereal Trillium for the provision with long-term disabilities scheme. of fully fitted and serviced accommodation. This includes The document was published on the Department’s the provision of catering, which is delivered by Eurest, a website at: subcontractor to Telereal Trillium. http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/support-for-mortgage- The majority of food sourced by the Department interest.pdf already meets the Government’s commitment to source Employment and Support Allowance: Medical food that meets British or equivalent standards of Examinations production. The commitment has not been met in the sourcing of pork which, while meeting EU standards, Sandra Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for does not meet British or equivalent standards as it Work and Pensions for what reason medical evidence is attracts a price premium. The Government’s commitment not sought from the GP of a claimant of employment are subject to there being no overall increase in costs. and support allowance as part of the work capability assessment. [43524] Disability Living Allowance Maria Miller: Initial claims to employment and support Mrs Moon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work allowance must be supported by appropriate evidence and Pensions what recent discussions he has had with which is usually in the form of a fit note provided by the (a) local authorities and (b) managers of residential claimant’s GP. In addition to this, processes are in place care homes on removal of the mobility component of to ensure that further medical evidence may be requested disability living allowance for those in local authority- from GPs when it is likely to help provide advice on benefit funded residential care homes; and if he will make a entitlement. Any evidence provided by a customer’s GP statement. [43133] or consultant is very important and will be fully considered. Employment: Young People Maria Miller: In recent months, Ministers in the Department have met disabled people who are care home residents, their families and care home staff, as Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State well as local authorities, disability organisations and for Work and Pensions (1) what steps he plans to take other groups to discuss reform of disability living allowance, to increase youth employment; [43813] including reform of the mobility component. (2) if his Department will bring forward proposals In addition, disabled people and their representatives for a successor scheme to replace the Youth Guarantee have had an opportunity to put forward their views in a from April 2011. [43815] DLA reform consultation document, which received Chris Grayling: The Government do not intend to over 5,000 responses from individuals and 500 responses introduce a successor scheme to replace the Young from organisations. Person’s Guarantee, but are determined to deal with the We have taken account of the many representations legacy of youth unemployment. we have had from disability organisations and other From summer 2011 the Work Programme will offer a groups and are now reviewing mobility provision in flexible, personalised programme built around the needs care homes as part of our wider reform of DLA. of individuals, including young people. Jobseekers aged 18 to 24 will access the Work Programme after nine Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Work months of unemployment. Those young people with and Pensions when he expects to respond to his the most serious barriers to employment will access the Department’s consultation on the disability living programme from three months into their claim. allowance. [43150] In addition to this, from April Jobcentre Plus advisers Maria Miller: The consultation on the reform of will have more discretion to work with young people to disability living allowance closed on 18 February. We help them make the move into employment, and will be received over 5,000 responses from individuals and over given greater freedom to determine what support will 500 from organisations. The Government plan to publish be provided to meet both customer and labour market their response in the spring. need. This might include, for example, work experience, volunteering, an apprenticeship, a further education Disability: Mortgages course or other training. Funeral Payments Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions whether an equality impact assessment Iain Stewart: To ask the Secretary of State for Work was undertaken in respect of proposals to reduce the and Pensions if he will review his Department’s public support for mortgage interest rate for people participating literature on funeral payments to ensure that the information in the home ownership for people with long-term disabilities it contains is accurate, concise but comprehensive and scheme. [43788] readily understood. [42421] 849W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 850W

Steve Webb: The Department’s public literature is (Transitional Provisions, Housing Benefit and Council reviewed regularly to ensure that it meets the required Tax Benefit) (Existing Awards) Regulations 2010″. standard for both usability and comprehension. Page 9 onwards of this document detailed the expected Officials have recently reviewed the Department’s costs and benefits. All costs and benefits are presented literature on funeral payments for policy clarity and as Net Present Values in 2009-10 prices, and include some minor amendments have been made to the funeral costs and benefits occurring between 2009-10 and 2013-14. payment claim form SF200 which will be implemented The economic impact of the policy (Net Present Value) in April 2011. The Department’s leaflets will also be is £1,000 million (excluding one-off costs). Positive reviewed by September 2011. number represents benefits. This impact assessment covers just the impact of migration cases and not all ESA cases Incapacity Benefit going forward. Jobcentre Plus Gemma Doyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the cost Stephen Lloyd: To ask the Secretary of State for of assessing and reassessing claimants’ incapacity benefits Work and Pensions how many people in each region through the work capability assessment in the latest were referred for job training by Jobcentre Plus to a period for which figures are available. [44719] training provider in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and what proportion this Chris Grayling: A full appraisal of the expected costs represented of the number of those on jobseeker’s and benefits of the reassessment of incapacity benefit allowance in each region. [39859] claims was made in 2010 and is detailed in the ″Impact Assessment of Employment and Support Allowance Chris Grayling: The information requested is as follows:

Number of referrals to contracted employment provision from April 2009 to March 2010 by region and the number of individuals who had an active claim for jobseeker’s allowance at any point between April 2009 and March 2010 Referrals v Individuals Starts v Individuals Region Referrals Starts JSA active claims (%) (%)

East Midlands 83,634 51,880 260,691 32 20 East of England 70,410 29,744 291,920 24 10 London 165,506 100,564 500,136 33 20 North East 86,313 52,657 190,409 45 28 North West 149,098 89,064 454,992 33 20 Office for Scotland 62,353 43,088 323,458 19 13 Office for Wales 54,602 35,852 184,334 30 19 South East 74,414 42,601 391,783 19 11 South West 81,336 41,640 246,582 33 17 West Midlands 119,448 70,998 382,528 31 19 Yorkshire and Humberside 109,951 60,384 350,282 31 17 1,057,065 618,472 3,577,115 30 17

Jobcentre Plus: Glasgow This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and By way of clarification, Jobcentre Plus does not provide services Pensions (1) what assessment he has made of the likely in Northern Ireland, therefore data is not available for the whole of the UK, but for Great Britain (GB) only. For this answer, GB is change in the level of provision of Jobcentre Plus in defined as England, Scotland and Wales. (a) Glasgow, (b) Scotland and (c) the United Kingdom in each of the next four financial years; Our financial plans for the next four years are at an early stage and are still being refined. Whilst we can provide information [43716] about the position at the GB level for Jobcentre Plus, we have not (2) whether he has set an objective for the level of yet set efficiency targets below this level (i.e. for Scotland or efficiency savings to be achieved by the Jobcentre Plus Glasgow) for 2011/12. network in (a) Glasgow, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK The Spending Review, 2010 announced that DWP would deliver in each of the next four financial years. [43689] 26% savings in real terms from its core budget over the four year period to 2015. Jobcentre Plus will contribute to achieving this Chris Grayling: As the administration of Jobcentre level of savings. Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre In 2011/12, we will do this by working more efficiently. For Plus, Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. example, we will make much more use of our online services (e.g. Member with the information requested. Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) online). We are implementing ideas Letter from Darra Singh: from our staff to make improvements in our processes and help improve productivity. We will also make savings in our back office The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions and support functions. In our jobcentres, we will enable our asking what assessment has been made of the likely change in the personal advisers to work more flexibly to provide personalised level of provision of Jobcentre Plus in (a) Glasgow, (b) Scotland support to customers and we will work more closely with external and (c) the United Kingdom in each of the next four financial providers under the new Work Programme. years; and whether an objective has been set for the level of efficiency savings to be achieved by the Jobcentre Plus network in To help achieve the level of efficiencies required, we will be (a) Glasgow, (b) Scotland and (c) the UK in each of the next four reviewing our Jobcentre network as part of an overall service financial years. delivery plan. We will look at which locations we will deliver 851W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 852W services from and how best to do so, working with other local Chris Grayling: The information requested is in the services such as councils, credit unions, and training providers to following table. join up our services better and share premises where possible. In some cities, we have a number of jobcentres close to each other Jobseeker’s allowance claimants aged 16-24 years in Coventry local authority and it is sensible to look at opportunities to reduce our costs here. area: January 2008 to January 2011 We are also reviewing our network of Contact Centres and Number Benefit Centres 2008 Once we have developed our plans, including Equality Impact January 1,890 Assessments, we will share these with local stakeholders, including MPs, as part of our normal consultation arrangements for service February 1,990 delivery, before any decision is taken. March 2,105 Jobcentre Plus expects its jobcentre network to remain one of April 2,080 the largest in government, with services still delivered in many May 2,125 small and rural towns as well as major cities. June 2,110 July 2,220 Jobseeker’s Allowance and Travel Concessions August 2,270 September 2,245 Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Work October 2,120 and Pensions (1) what information he holds on schemes November 2,250 which allow those on jobseeker’s allowance to access December 2,470 discounted bus, train or tram fares; [43016] (2) if he will bring forward proposals for a national 2009 scheme to enable those on jobseeker’s allowance to January 2,705 receive discounted public transport fares. [43017] February 3,055 March 3,185 Chris Grayling: The administration of Jobcentre Plus April 3,270 is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, May 3,320 Darra Singh. I have asked him to provide the hon. June 3,255 Member with the information requested. July 3,350 August 3,360 Jobseeker’s Allowance: Airdrie September 3,530 October 3,465 Pamela Nash: To ask the Secretary of State for Work November 3,270 and Pensions how many and what proportion of the December 3,285 working age population of Airdrie and Shotts constituency is in receipt of jobseeker’s allowance. 2010 [44841] January 3,410 February 3,470 Mr Hurd: I have been asked to reply. March 3,320 The information requested falls within the responsibility April 3,125 of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the Authority May 3,025 to reply. June 2,890 Letter from Stephen Penneck, dated March 2011: July 2,815 August 2,860 As Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Question asking September 2,860 how many and what proportion of the working age population of October 2,805 Airdrie and Shorts constituency are in receipt of jobseeker’s November 2,695 allowance. (044841) December 2,700 Since August 2010 labour market statistics are no longer based on a working age definition. These statistics are now based on 2011 people aged 16-64 years. January 2,835 The Office for National Statistics (ONS) compiles the number Notes: of claimants of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) from the Jobcentre 1. Caseload data are rounded to the nearest five. Plus administrative system. 2. Data are published at: For January 2011 the number of people aged 16-64 years https://www.nomisweb.co.uk Source: resident in Airdrie and Shotts constituency claiming JSA is 3,311 Count of unemployment-related benefits, Jobcentre Plus computer systems and the proportion is 6.0 per cent. (computer held cases only). National and local area estimates for many labour market statistics, including employment, unemployment and claimant count are available on the NOMIS website at: http://www.nomisweb.co.uk Maternity Payments

Jobseeker’s Allowance: Coventry Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) how many families in the Jobcentre Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Plus Social Fund budget areas covering Livingston for Work and Pensions how many 16 to 24 year olds in constituency received the Sure Start maternity grant in Coventry claimed jobseeker’s allowance in each of the 2009-10; and what the total monetary value was of such last three years for which figures are available. [43814] grants; [44710] 853W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 854W

(2) what estimate he has made of the number of low prescriptions and (c) winter fuel payments to a (i) income families having a second or subsequent baby in woman and (ii) man aged 65 years in the latest period the Jobcentre Plus Social Fund budget areas covering for which figures are available. [44856] Livingston constituency who will not be eligible for the Sure Start maternity grant from 1 April 2011. [44711] Steve Webb: The information requested is not available. Such information as is available is as follows: Steve Webb: The Jobcentre Plus Social Fund budget (a) There is around £1 billion a year spent on area covering Livingston constituency is Springburn concessionary travel. The monetary value to each person Benefit Delivery Centre. In 2009-10, the number of issued a concessionary travel bus pass could be estimated Sure Start maternity grant awards made in Springburn to be, on average, approximately £100 per annum. Benefit Delivery Centre was 13,200 with a total monetary (b) The Department of Health does not collect the value of £6.7 million. information requested on prescription charge exemptions. The number of awards made for a second or subsequent (c) For winter 2010-11 most women and men aged maternity in 2009-10 in Springburn Benefit Delivery 65 years will receive a winter fuel payment of up to £250 Centre is estimated to be 52% of all awards, namely depending on their household circumstances. Some eligible 6,900. people who live with another qualifying individual will Notes: receive the winter fuel payment at the shared rate of 1. The information provided is Management Information. Our £125. This includes the temporary increase of £50 for preference is to answer all parliamentary questions using Official/ winter 2010-11. National Statistics but in this case we only have Management Information available. It is not quality assured to the same extent Pension Service: Post Offices as Official/National Statistics and there are some issues with the data, for example, the number of awards does not include awards processed clerically which had not been entered on to the Social Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Fund Computer System by the end of 2009-10. and Pensions what recent discussions he has had with 2. The average award size is greater than £500 (the award for one Post Office Ltd on piloting a document verification baby) because of multiple births. service for the Pension Service. [41100] 3. Both numbers have been rounded to the nearest 100. 4. The changes will take place from 11 April. Steve Webb: As set out in the Government policy statement ″Securing the Post Office Network in the Sources: Digital Age″ published on 9 November 2010, the Pensions 1. Department for Work and Pensions Social Fund Policy, Budget Disability and Carers Service have been working closely and Management Information System (for total number of awards in Springburn Benefit Delivery Centre and monetary values). with the post office on plans to pilot a new document verification service for pensions customers. Plans are 2. The estimate of 52% was obtained by analysing families in Great Britain with a child (or children) aged under one from the advancing and I expect the initial pilot to be up and Department for Work and Pensions Income Support and Jobseeker’s running in the spring. Allowance Quarterly Statistical Enquiries for August 2009. (This was considered the most appropriate available data at the time the Pensioners: Poverty analysis was done.) Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Older People: Concessions for Work and Pensions how many pensioners have been lifted out of poverty in (a) Coventry South constituency and (b) the UK since 1997. [43293] Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many (a) women and (b) Steve Webb: The most commonly used measure of men aged 65 years received (i) free bus travel, (ii) free pensioner poverty relates to those with incomes below prescriptions and (iii) winter fuel payments in the latest 60% of contemporary median income, After housing period for which figures are available. [44855] costs. Estimates of the number of pensioners who have been lifted out of poverty are not available, as each year Steve Webb: The information requested is not available. different households are surveyed to produce low income Such information as is available is as follows: statistics that are published in the Households Below (i) The Department for Transport does not maintain figures Average Income series. However, information is available regarding the number of older people receiving free bus travel. about the net change in the number of pensioners with However, the National Travel Survey 2009 estimates that 76% of eligible people (older and disabled) take up the bus pass. According incomes below 60% of contemporary median income. to the Office for National Statistics at the mid-point of 2009, (a) Pensioners in Coventry South constituency there were 4.7 million women and 3.7 million men aged 65 and The Households Below Average Income figures only over living in England and this indicates that 8.4 million people aged 65 and over living in England are eligible to free off-peak bus allow a breakdown of the overall numbers in poverty at travel. Government office region level. Therefore, information (ii) The Department of Health does not collect the information is available for the west midlands Government office requested on prescription charge exemptions. region, but not available for the Coventry South (iii) In winter 2009-10, the latest year for which information is constituency. Three-year averages are used to report available, 308,290 women and 307,170 men aged 65 years received regional statistics as single-year estimates are subject to a winter fuel payment (figures are rounded to the nearest 10). volatility. Figures are rounded to the nearest 100,000 and percentages to the nearest whole percentage point. Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for In the three-year period 1997-98 to 1999-2000 there Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the were around 300,000 pensioners in the west midlands average monetary value of (a) free bus travel, (b) free with incomes below the 60% contemporary median 855W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 856W

(equivalent to 28% of pensioners in the region). The Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for latest information relates to the period 2006-07 to 2008-09 Work and Pensions what estimate his Department has in which there were around 200,000 pensioners in made of the number of pensioners living in poverty in poverty (16%). Dartford constituency in each of the last five years. [44107] Between the periods 1997-98 to 1999-2000 and 2006-07 to 2008-09, there has been a reduction of around 100,000 Steve Webb: The most commonly used measure of pensioners in the west midlands Government office poverty relates to those with incomes below 60% of region with incomes below 60% of the contemporary contemporary median income, after housing costs. median income. This equates to a 12 percentage point reduction in pensioner poverty. Estimates of poverty, published in the households below average income series, only allow a breakdown of (b) Pensioners in the UK the overall numbers in poverty at Government Office At a national level, we do not need to use the three-year Region level. Therefore, information is available for the averages and can use the individual yearly figures. However, South East of England Government Office Region, but figures for 1997-98 cover Great Britain only, as Northern not available for the constituency of Dartford. Ireland data did not become available until the following Three-year averages are used to report regional statistics year. as single-year estimates are subject to volatility. Numbers of pensioners are quoted to the nearest 100,000 and In 1998-99 there were around 2.9 million pensioners percentages are quoted to the nearest whole percentage in poverty in the UK, which equates to around 29% of point. all pensioners. The 2008-09 UK figures show that around 1.8 million pensioners were in poverty, equating to 16%. The following table shows the number and percentage of pensioners living in households in the South East of Between 1998-99 and 2008-09 the number of pensioners England with incomes below 60% of contemporary in the UK with incomes below 60% of the contemporary median income, after housing costs, for time periods median income reduced by 1.1 million. that cover the last five years.

Three year period Number of pensioners (million) Percentage of pensioners

2004-05 to 2006-07 0.2 16 2005-06 to 2007-08 0.2 16 2006-07 to 2008-09 0.2 16 Notes: 1. These statistics are based on households below average income (HBAI) data sourced from the Family Resources Survey (FRS). This uses disposable household income, adjusted using modified OECD equalisation factors for household size and composition, as an income measure as a proxy for standard of living. 2. All estimates are based on survey data and are therefore subject to uncertainty. Small differences should be treated with caution as these will be affected by sampling error and variability in non-response. 3. The reference period for households below average income figures are single financial years. Three survey years have been combined as regional single year estimates are subject to volatility. 4. Numbers of people in low-income households have been rounded to the nearest 100,000, while proportions have been rounded to the nearest percentage point. 5. Disposable incomes have been used to answer the question. This includes earnings from employment and self-employment, state support, income from occupational and private pensions, investment income and other sources. Income tax, payments, national insurance contributions, council tax/domestic rates and some other payments are deducted from incomes. 6. The household level poverty threshold is defined as the 60% of median equivalised disposable household income.

Pensions Officials from all interested Departments are working closely to steer the direction of the research, which will Nick Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work explore the possibilities for a commercially viable business and Pensions what progress he has made on proposals model for a new account, which would be designed to for a single flat-rate pension. [43202] meet the needs of low-income consumers by supporting positive financial management, smoothing expenditure Steve Webb: The Government are currently looking and enabling access to better value services and products. at options for simplifying the state pension system—no Remploy decisions have yet been made. Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Post Office Card Account and Pensions what discussions his Department has had with trade unions representing Remploy employees on Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the future of the company. [43182] and Pensions with reference to the Coalition agreement, page 13, what steps he has taken to implement the Maria Miller: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I proposal to ensure that direct debit discounts are available gave on 26 January 2011, Official Report, column 389W. to Post Office Card Account holders. [41099] Remploy: Voluntary Redundancy

Steve Webb: We are awaiting the outcome of new Chris Evans: To ask the Secretary of State for Work research exploring the options for all consumers to have and Pensions how many employees of Remploy took the opportunity to benefit from direct debit discounts. voluntary redundancy in the last 10 years. [43183] 857W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 858W

Maria Miller: The number of people who have taken In response to parts (B) and (C), the gender and age voluntary redundancy in the last 10 full financial years caseloads of housing benefit and council tax benefit are is contained in the following table: as follows: Table 2: Single claimants of housing benefit in GB—November 2010 Number Female (single) Male (single) 2000-01 211 All 2,436,560 1,369,060 2001-02 14 60 24,350 22,370 2002-03 33 61 25,840 23,130 2003-04 11 62 27,240 24,290 2004-05 7 63 29,880 26,380 2005-06 4 64 27,300 23,490 2006-07 3 65 24,700 20,320 2007-08 1,346 Source: 2008-09 452 Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE). 2009-10 1 Table 3: Couple claimants of housing benefit in GB—November 2010 Source: Number Remploy. All 982,720 Social Fund 60-64 80,210 Source: Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE). Cathy Jamieson: To ask the Secretary of State for Table 4: Single claimants of council tax benefit in GB—November Work and Pensions what funding his Department has 2010 allocated to social fund (a) budgeting loans, (b) crisis Female (single) Male (single) loans and (c) communicare grants for each of the next All 2,925,090 1,414,750 three years. [43504] 60 30,690 24,590 61 33,670 26,300 Steve Webb: HM Treasury allocates funding for the 62 36,380 28,230 social fund. The budget for the discretionary social 63 41,000 31,740 fund is allocated annually and the details for 2011-12 64 38,340 28,620 will be announced in a written ministerial statement shortly. 65 35,730 24,210 Source: Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE). Social Security Benefits Table 5: Couple claimants of council tax benefit in GB—November 2010 Number

Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for All 1,442,060 Work and Pensions how many and what proportion of 60-64 146,910 (a) men and (b) women aged (i) 60, (ii) 61, (iii) 62, (iv) Notes: 63, (v) 64 and (vi) 65 years are in receipt of (A) 1. The data refers to benefit units, which may be a single person or a couple. 2. The figures have been rounded to the nearest ten. Totals may not sum due to guarantee credit, (B) housing benefit and (C) council rounding. Proportions are rounded to one decimal place. tax benefit. [44272] 3. Housing benefit figures exclude any extended payment cases, An extended payment is a payment that may be received for a further four weeks when they start working full time, work more hours or earn more money. Steve Webb: In response to part (A), the gender and 4. Age groups are based on the age on the count date (second Thursday in the month). Age breakdowns are given for single recipients by single year of age. age caseloads of pension credit (guarantee credit) are as Age bands for couples are based on the age of the oldest person. Single year of follows: age is not readily available. 5. SHBE is a monthly electronic scan of claimant level data direct from local Table 1: Claimants of pension credit (guarantee credit) aged 60-65 in GB—May authority computer systems. It replaces quarterly aggregate clerical returns. The 2010 data is available monthly from November 2008, and November 2010 is the most Number of claimants recent available. All Males Females 6. Housing benefit and council tax benefit are both household benefits. Populations of households by age are not available, and therefore proportions cannot be All aged 60-65 499,280 274,410 224,870 calculated. Source: 60 64,950 34,780 30,170 Single Housing Benefit Extract (SHBE). 61 82,970 46,160 36,810 62 92,500 52,420 40,080 Social Security Benefits: Fraud 63 102,020 58,210 43,820 64 85,140 48,520 36,620 65 71,700 34,320 37,380 Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Notes: and Pensions how many cases of suspected fraud were 1. Caseload figures are rounded to the nearest ten; figures may not sum to totals reported to the National Benefit Fraud hotline in due to rounding. 2009-10; how many such cases (a) were referred to the 2. Figures include those in receipt of savings credit alongside guarantee credit. 3. Figures are for claimants only and exclude partners of recipients. Fraud Investigation Service and (b) resulted in a (i) 4. Populations of benefit units (households) by age are not available, and so prosecution and (ii) conviction with a custodial proportions cannot be provided. sentence. [44443] 5. The age condition for eligibility for pension credit has increased alongside state pension age for females since April 2010 as part of the Equalisation of Pension Age. Chris Grayling: Every call to the National Benefit Source: DWP Information Directorate: Work and Pensions Longitudinal Study 100% Fraud Hotline is examined by the Department. Where data. there is enough evidence to indicate potential benefit 859W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 860W fraud the case is passed to either the Fraud Investigation the overall monetary effect is set out on page 15 of the Explanatory Service for further investigation or to our customer Memorandum to The Travel Concessions (Eligibility) England compliance teams in Jobcentre Plus who will scrutinise Order 2010 No. 459 which can be found at the following link: the relevant benefit claim and make adjustments to http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/459/pdfs/ entitlements as necessary. uksiem_20100459_en.pdf In 2009-10, 253,708 cases of suspected benefit fraud (c) The annual winter fuel payment estimated to be paid in were reported to the National Benefit Fraud Hotline of winter 2020-21 to a man or woman, aged 56 in 2011 under the which 46,258 were referred to the Fraud Investigation current legislation is £200. Where more than one qualifying person lives in the household, a shared rate of £100 would be Service for further action. payable. Information on the number of these reported fraud cases referred from the National Benefit Fraud Hotline that were prosecuted and convicted with a custodial State Retirement Pensions: Age sentence is not available. However, in 2009-10 8,198 cases were prosecuted for fraud against DWP benefits of which 7,040 received a criminal conviction. A total Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work of 1,340 of these convictions resulted in a custodial and Pensions what (a) public awareness campaigns sentence of which 929 were suspended. and (b) consultation his Department has undertaken for individuals affected by his plans to bring forward Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations the increase in the pension age for women. [44245]

Sandra Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Steve Webb: The information requested is as follows: Work and Pensions what the average fee paid to ATOS for carrying out a work capability assessment was in (a) We have placed information on Direct Gov and DWP websites. We plan to write to men and women born between 6 the latest period for which figures are available. [43523] April 1953 and 5 April 1954 and men born between 6 December 1953 and 5 April 1954 who are affected by the proposed changes Chris Grayling: Information relating to the average to bring forward the State Pension age to 66. Officials are considering fee paid to Atos Healthcare for carrying out a work how best to communicate with people born on or after 6 April capability assessment is commercially sensitive and release 1954 so that they can plan for their retirement and are investigating of this information would prejudice the interests of a number of options. We will balance the need to communicate Atos Healthcare and the Department’s future dealings effectively with the need to ensure value for money to the taxpayer. with Atos Healthcare or other service providers. (b) We announced the proposal to review the increase in State Pension age in the Budget and we gave a written ministerial Social Security Benefits: Payments statement to Parliament on 24 June 2010, Official Report, columns 21-22WS. A call for evidence was published and received substantial Kate Hoey: To ask the Secretary of State for Work national and regional press coverage. We received 352 responses from individuals and 46 from organisations. and Pensions when he expects to announce the award of the contract for processing green giro payments. [41101] Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment his Department made of Steve Webb: The Minister for Employment, my right the required implementation period for changes to the hon. Friend the Minister of State (Chris Grayling) retirement age to allow individuals sufficient time to announced the outcome in a written ministerial statement adjust their financial arrangements. [44246] on 3 March 2011, Official Report, column 43WS. State Retirement Pensions Steve Webb: The notice period given to individuals affected by bringing forward the increase of state pension to 66 has to be balanced against the need to ensure that Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for the state pensions system is sustainable and fair to each Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of generation. In order to address the rapid increases in the likely effects of the implementation of proposals to life expectancy, it will not be possible to give a notice increase the state pension age on the average monetary period similar to those given for previous increases in value of (a) free prescriptions, (b) free bus travel and state pension age. (c) winter fuel payments for a (i) woman and (ii) man currently aged 56 years over their lifetime. [44865] The increase to 66 will be phased in so that people whose state pension age increases most will have a Steve Webb: Under proposals current before Parliament, longer notice period. men and women aged 56 in 2011 will reach state pension age in 2021 rather than in 2020 as under current legislation. Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Work The age at which pensioner benefits can be received is and Pensions what information his Department holds already set to increase in line with the female state for benchmarking purposes on the experience of other pension age. The information requested is not available. countries who have increased their pension age. [44247] Such information as is available is as follows: (a) The Department of Health does not collect the information requested on prescription charge exemptions. Steve Webb: Information on other countries which (b) The Department for Transport does not hold information already have a State Pension age of 66, or will have done on the monetary value of free bus travel to eligible people over so before the UK’s current legislated timetable, is in the their lifetime. The changes in state pension age impact on the cost Government’s White Paper ‘Asustainable State Pension: of providing the England-wide off-peak bus travel concession and when the State Pension age will increase to 66’. 861W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 862W

State Retirement Pensions: Females Donations via payroll giving DWP operates a flexible payroll giving scheme which Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for provides the opportunity for all employees to give regularly Work and Pensions if he will estimate the cost to the on a tax-free basis to charities and good causes of their public purse of limiting increases in women’s state choice. pension ages to a maximum of 12 months in addition Employees can give money on a regular basis to a to the timetable set by the Pensions Act 2005 in each charity, or charities by tax-free deductions from their financial year to 2015-16. [42066] pay. The donations are made from gross pay. Employees may contribute to a maximum of four registered charities Steve Webb: Women’s state pension age is already (or other organisations registered as charitable by HM increasing from 60 to 65 by 2020 under the Pensions Revenue and Customs). They have the option to make Act 1995. Under the Pensions Act 2007, the state pension monthly donations or a one-off deduction. The minimum age for both men and women is due to increase to 66 donation for both is £12.00 per annum and there is no between 2024 and 2026, followed by two further increases maximum limit. at 10-year intervals. As the proposed changes to women’s state pension age contained in the Pensions Bill do not start to take HOME DEPARTMENT effect until April 2016, there can be no additional cost to the public purse in each financial year to 2015-16. Crime Levels

Sir Peter Bottomley: To ask the Secretary of State for Graeme Morrice: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if he will estimate the cost to the the Home Department what assessment she has made public purse of retaining the existing state pension age of trends in the levels of crime recorded by the British for women to determine the age of eligibility for Crime Survey since 1997. [44041] pension credit in each financial year to 2015-16. [42067] Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Steve Webb: The qualifying age for pension credit is Home Department what assessment she has made of already increasing from 60 to 65 by 2020 along with the trends in the levels of crime recorded by the British existing women’s state pension age under the Pensions Crime Survey since 1997. [44053] Act 1995. It is currently around 60 and three months. Nick Herbert: The two main measures of crime—the The cost of retaining the current women’s state pension British Crime Survey and police recorded crime—provide age (around 60 and three months) as the qualifying age either a partial or confusing picture of trends in crime for pension credit is in the table: since 1997. That is why I have asked the National Increase in spend on pension credit Statistician to lead an independent review of how they £ million (2010-11 prices) are produced and we await her report later in the year. This Government believe that it is crucial for the 2011-12 69.1 public to have the information they need to hold local 2012-13 212.7 services to account. The new police.uk website gives 2013-14 359.7 communities access to monthly street level crime and 2014-15 506.0 antisocial behaviour data—in line with our commitment 2015-16 649.5 to greater transparency across public services. Total 1,797.0 Antisocial Behaviour Voluntary Work and Charitable Donations Rachel Reeves: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she plans to publish the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Work outcome of the Government’s review of antisocial and Pensions whether his Department has a policy to behaviour powers. [44044] encourage its employees to (a) volunteer and (b) donate via payroll giving. [43248] James Brokenshire: We published a consultation document which outlined the findings of the review of Chris Grayling: The information is as follows: antisocial behaviour powers on 7 February 2011. Volunteering Our review of the current tools and powers found that they are bureaucratic and do not work effectively. The Department is very proud of its commitment to For example, the most recent statistics on ASBOs showed volunteering. Staff are consistently encouraged to engage that 56% have been breached; many more than once. in their community. The Department has been running its volunteering scheme—Community 5,000—for around Police Services four years. It has recently doubled its commitment by encouraging staff to sign up to 10,000 volunteering Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for the days a year. The Department’s senior management are Home Department what definition of the term front leading the way actively taking part and encouraging line her Department uses in relation to police services. others to join in. [44046] For many years, the Department has also granted a set amount of paid leave for staff to serve as magistrates Nick Herbert: Frontline officers and staff are generally and school governors. Many staff take up this opportunity. those directly involved in the public crime fighting face 863W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 864W of the force. This includes neighbourhood policing, The UK Border Agency takes very seriously the need response policing and less visible functions such as to respect and provide for the mental health needs of criminal investigation. vulnerable individuals seeking asylum in the UK. Throughout their asylum application, all individuals Police Numbers: Crime Levels receive the same free access to NHS services and additional support that is available to the general public. Siobhain McDonagh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research her Department Injuries has commissioned and evaluated on any relationship between numbers of police officers and levels of crime. [44056] Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many (a) physical assaults, (b) Angela Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the verbal assaults, (c) injuries and (d) serious injuries Home Department what research her Department has have been reported by (i) Metropolitan police force commissioned and evaluated on any relationship officers, (ii) Nottinghamshire police force officers and between numbers of police officers and levels of crime. (iii) all police officers in England and Wales in each year since 1997. [43721] [44062]

Nick Herbert: The Government believe that police Nick Herbert: Information on verbal assaults is not forces can make savings while protecting the frontline. available centrally. The offence classification of ‘Assault We do not accept that reducing costs will cause an on a constable’ was added to the Police Recorded Crime increase in crime. What matters is how resources are series from 1 April 1998, however the type of assault cannot used and how officers are deployed. be separately identified as the data collected are on an aggregate basis and does not cover assaults with injury. Asylum Seekers: Glasgow Separate data on the numbers of police officers on duty who were assaulted and resulting injury for John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Metropolitan police, Nottinghamshire, and the total for Home Department how many cases of attempted the 43 police forces in England and Wales from 2005-06 suicide by asylum seekers in Glasgow were reported to to 2007-08 and 2008-09 to 2009-10 are provided in her Department in the last 12 months. [44063] tables A and B respectively. Police officer assault numbers for 2004-05 and previous periods were published by Damian Green: The UK Border Agency received four HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) and can be reports of attempted suicide by asylum seekers in Glasgow seen in the HMIC annual report, available in the Library over the last 12 months. of the House.

Table A: Assaults1 on police officers on duty, 2005-06 to 2007-08

2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Fatal Serious Minor or Fatal Serious Minor or Fatal Serious Minor or Police force area injury injury no injury injury injury no injury injury injury no injury

Metropolitan 0 228 2,168 0 237 2,060 0 210 1,912 police

Nottinghamshire 0 2 221 0 3 221 0 1 168

England and 3 423 11,592 0 506 10,993 1 502 10,890 Wales total2,3

1 Provisional data collated on behalf of HMIC. Serious assaults are those for which the charge would be under sections 18 and 20 of the offences Against the Person Act 1861. Other assaults include those with minor or no injury. Recording practices may vary over time and between forces. 2 Cleveland were not able to provide data for 2005-06. Cumbria were not able to provide data for 2006-07 and 2007-08, North Yorkshire and South Wales were not able to provide data for 2005-06 to 2007-08 3 Derbyshire in all years and Devon and Cornwall in 2005-06 only were not able to separately identify the degree of assault. Table B: Assaults1 on police officers on duty, 2008-09 to 2009-10 2008-09 2009-10 Minor or no Minor or no Police force area Fatal injury Serious injury injury Fatal injury Serious injury injury

Metropolitan police 0 179 1,941 0 177 1,720 Nottinghamshire 0 0 177 0 0 110 England and Wales 1 439 9,882 0 381 7,794 total2,3,4 1 Provisional data collated on behalf of HMIC. Serious assaults are those for which the charge would be under sections 18 and 20 of the offences Against the Person Act 1861. Other assaults include those with minor or no injury. Recording practices may vary over time and between forces 2 Data on ‘minor or no injury’ for Cleveland were not available for 2008-09. 3 Cumbria and North Yorkshire were not able to provide data for 2008-09. 4 Cheshire, Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, Hampshire and North Yorkshire were not able to provide data for 2009-10. 865W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 866W

Anti-Terrorism Control Orders Damian Green: In the last five years, deprivation orders have been issued against a total of nine individuals. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the In 2010 orders were issued against five individuals. Home Department whether she plans to publish draft In 2009 orders were issued against two individuals. legislation and guidance on terrorist protection and In 2008 no orders were issued. investigation measures prior to seeking parliamentary In 2007 an order was issued against one individual. approval for the extension of arrangements for control In 2006 an order was issued against one individual. orders. [43277] This information has been provided from local Nick Herbert [holding answer 4 March 2011]: We will management information and is not a National Statistic. introduce the legislation as soon as possible. It was not As such it should be treated as provisional and therefore practical to introduce the Bill before the debates on subject to change. renewal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005. Counter-terrorism Review Asylum: Domestic Violence Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department pursuant to the oral statement of 26 Home Department (1) what provision her Department January 2011, Official Report, column 306, on the Counter- makes for the accommodation of asylum seekers with terrorism Review, when she expects to introduce the children who have experienced domestic violence; legislative proposals required to implement the outcome [43402] of the Counter-terrorism Review. [44030] (2) what provision her Department makes to assist Nick Herbert: The Protection of Freedoms Bill, which married or partnered asylum seekers who have was introduced on 11 February, is being used for the experienced domestic violence. [43403] changes to terrorism stop and search, local authority use of investigatory powers and pre-charge detention. Damian Green: The UK Border Agency guidance for The draft emergency 28 day pre-charge detention Bills supported asylum seekers who experience domestic violence (Draft Detention of Terrorist Suspects (Temporary is set out in Policy Bulletin 70: Domestic Violence. Extension) Bills) were published as a Command Paper Requests for assistance from domestic violence victims at the same time. and their dependants are dealt with promptly with safe and secure accommodation offered immediately. The The Government intend to introduce legislation replacing UK Border Agency will support the victim with their the control order regime as soon as possible. In the decision to report the incident(s) to social services and/or interim, we are seeking to renew the control order the police. A case conference may be convened, if legislation (Prevention of Terrorism Act 2005) until the appropriate, or local protocols enacted involving relevant end of the year to allow time for new legislation on the corporate partners to agree an action plan, subject to replacement regime to be considered. the permission of the victim. On the wider question of communications data, the Government intend to ensure that as far as possible, Automatic Number Plate Recognition they are only accessed through the revised regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. We will bring forward specific legislation to this effect in a future communications Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for the data Bill. Home Department if she will take steps to encourage greater use of automated number plate recognition technology by police forces better to facilitate the policing Counter-terrorism: Finance of (a) offences related to driving while uninsured or untaxed and (b) other road traffic offences. [44282] Mr Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of the new funds James Brokenshire: Automatic number plate recognition recently announced for surveillance of terrorist technology is an effective and valuable tool that plays suspects will be distributed to (a) the Special Branch an important role in dealing with the menace of uninsured and (b) SO13. [43031] or untaxed vehicles and other road traffic offences, as well as a wider range of criminal matters by targeting Nick Herbert: We do not provide detailed breakdowns criminals through their use of the roads. The police of what money we provide for specific security activities service is already well aware of the value of ANPR, but as this would provide detailed information about our decisions on when and how to use that technology are capabilities and techniques which could undermine national operational decisions for individual police forces in the security. context of dealing with the full range of local policing issues. Crime: Victims

Citizenship Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many people in England Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the were a victim of crime in each year from 1997 to 2010; Home Department how many deprivation of citizenship [42996] orders have been issued in each of the last five years. (2) how many people in England were a victim of [43724] serious crime in each year from 1997 to 2010. [42997] 867W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 868W

Nick Herbert [holding answer 28 February 2011]: Damian Green: The Home Office do not contract There are two main sources of official statistics on directly for food supplies but procure catering services crime in England and Wales: police recorded crime and through wider FM or operating service contracts. We the British Crime Survey (BCS). have as part of Department for Environment, Food and The BCS provides an estimate of the number of Rural Affairs (DEFRA) led initiatives in this respect crimes where the victim was an adult resident in households contacted the relevant suppliers and have received some and published figures are available for England and initial responses indicating that the proportion of food Wales on trends since 1997 in the annual statistical already procured that meets British standards is in the bulletin “Crime in England and Wales 2009/10” (Tables region of 70% to 100%. However, as this does not cover 2.01 and 2.02), a copy of which is available in the House all the suppliers or all food groups, we will be working of Commons Library. However, the main BCS crime with the suppliers to continue to understand exactly count does not include all crimes experienced by victims what proportions do meet British production standards resident in households, with homicide and sexual offences and what potential there is to increase this percentage. notable omissions. In addition, child victims and other The Home office will be contributing to the DEFRA victims not resident in households have previously been led report on this matter which is planned for June 2011. excluded from the survey. Departmental Official Residences The police recorded crime series covers all crimes reported to the police but is restricted to the subset of crimes that are notifiable and has been affected by Jon Trickett: To ask the Secretary of State for the changes in levels of public reporting, police recording Home Department what estimate she has made of the practices and also policing activity. Published figures cost to the public purse of residences used by Ministers are available for England and Wales on trends since in her Department in the latest period for which figures 1997 in the annual statistical bulletin “Crime in England are available. [43218] and Wales 2009/10” (Table 2.04). Damian Green: No costs have been incurred by the The annual statistical bulletin provides detailed Department on official residences since May 2010. breakdowns of crimes by offence types but there is not an official classification of “serious crime”. Departmental Pay

Crimes of Violence: Women Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will take steps to ensure that Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the her published departmental organisational chart Home Department what steps the Government is includes the names and responsibilities of all staff paid taking to tackle violence against women and girls. over £58,200 per annum in her Department and in the [44233] non-departmental public bodies and agencies for which she is responsible. [43533] Lynne Featherstone: The ambition of this Government is to end all forms of violence against women and girls. Damian Green: The level of salary disclosure in ‘Call to End Violence Against Womenand Girls’, published organisational structure charts already helps enable the in November 2010, sets out the Government’s guiding public to hold Departments to account for their use of principles in this area over the spending review period, public funds. There are no current plans to extend the including a commitment from the Home Office to provide scope of salary disclosure when structure charts are £28 million of funding for specialist services. updated. A detailed set of supporting actions together with a Departmental Public Bodies full response to Baroness Stern’s review into the way rape complaints are handled by public authorities will Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the be published on International Women’s Day, on 8 March. Home Department what expenditure (a) her Department and (b) each public body sponsored by her Department Departmental Food incurred on engaging external audit services in each of the last three years; and to which service providers such Mr Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home payments were made in each year. [43749] Department when she expects her Department to meet the Government’s commitment to source food that Damian Green: The external audit fee costs recorded meets British or equivalent standards of production. in the published annual Home Office Resource [43317] Accounts were:

£000 Financial year 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

(a) Home Office and agencies 911.0 979.0 1,064.0

(b) NDPBs IPCC 38.0 41.0 45.0 ISA 10.0 30.0 40.0 869W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 870W

£000 Financial year 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

NPIA 180.0 155.0 162.0 OISC 17.0 22.0 27.0 SIA 27.5 31.0 46.0 SOCA 211.0 142.0 153.0

Home Office, agencies and 1,394.5 1,400.0 1,537.0 NDPBs consolidated

The only supplier of external audit services to the According to internal UK Border Agency management Home Office, Home Office agencies, and Home Office information, there are currently no stateless persons in non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) is National immigration detention. Additionally, the National Offender Audit Office (NAO). Management Service (NOMS) do not separately record It should be noted that: the number of stateless persons in prison in their published NDPBs make near-cash/non-ringfence payments to NAO for statistics. their external audit services. Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the The Home Office and agencies record a notional Home Department what assessment she has made of (ringfence/non-cash cost) in their accounts for external the time taken in transferring immigrants diagnosed audit fee costs. with a mental illness from detention centres to appropriate Departmental Regulation healthcare settings; and what steps her Department is taking to reduce the time taken in such transfers. [43429] Gordon Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what regulations her Department Damian Green: All detainees have access to secondary introduced between 18 November 2010 and 8 February health care services, including mental health provision. 2011. [42080] Responsibility for providing secondary health care treatment for immigration detainees rests with primary care trusts, Nick Herbert: The following statutory instruments in including the hospitalisation of those with acute mental the form of regulations were introduced between health illness. There have on occasion been unacceptable 18 November 2010 and 8 February 2011. delays in such detainees being provided with a bed, and The Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (No.2) Regulations the UK Border Agency has therefore been working with 2010 (S.I. 2010/2807) on 21 November 2010 the Department of Health and Ministry of Justice’s The Police Authority (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2010 Mental Health Unit to refine processes so that primary (S.I. 2010/2826) on 24 November 2010 care trusts deliver treatment promptly. The Licensing Act 2003 (Premises licences and permitted temporary activities) (Forms and notices) (Amendment) Regulations Entry Clearances: Overseas Students 2010 (S.I 2010/2851) on 29 November 2010 The Immigration (Biometric Registration) (Amendment) Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/2958) on 13 December 2010 Home Department what plans she has for the The Private Security Industry Act 2001 (Exemption) (Aviation publication of responses to the consultation on her Security) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/3018) on 20 December 2010 proposals for student visas. [42095] The Police Authority (Amendment No. 3) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/3030) on 21 December 2010 Damian Green: A consultation on the student The Police Federation (Amendment) Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/ immigration system closed on 31 January. Responses to 230) on 4 February 2011 the consultation are currently being considered. The Detention Centres results of the consultation, including an overview of the consultation responses, and an impact assessment will Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the be published in due course. Home Department how many stateless persons (a) are resident in the UK, (b) are lawfully resident in the UK, Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the (c) are held in immigration detention because they (i) Home Department how many people who were have no leave to remain and (ii) are subject to removal granted settlement in 2010 initially entered the UK on proceedings after having served a prison sentence and student visas. [43263] (d) are serving sentences in UK prisons. [43393] Damian Green [holding answer 2 March 2011]: The Damian Green: The Office for National Statistics do UK Border Agency published research entitled “The not have the information necessary to make an estimate Migrant Journey” in September 2010, which provides a of the number of stateless people in the UK. Estimates breakdown of those granted settlement in 2009 by their of the UK population by nationality are available from original route of entry. The report is available in the the Annual Population Survey but there is no coding for Library of the House. stateless persons. Published tables are available on the The UK Border Agency is currently planning to Office for National Statistics website at: update the data in this report, once the data has been http://www.statistics.gov.uk/statbase/Product.asp?vlnk=15147 finalised, the relevant datasets combined and checked, 871W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 872W and the analysis undertaken. The updated statistics for Rate of currently recorded homicides1: 2000-01 to 2009-102—England and 2010 will be made available later this year once this Wales, recorded crime work has been carried out. Offences per million population Year2 Number Conor Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for the 2001-02 15.2 Home Department how many students from outside 2002-033 17.9 the EU were granted visas to study at each (a) privately- 2003-04 14.6 and (b) publicly-funded further education institution 2004-05 14.7 that had been (i) awarded and (ii) not awarded highly 2005-06 13.3 trusted status by the UK Border Agency in the most 2006-07 13.3 recent year for which figures are available. [43489] 2007-08 13.8 2008-09 11.8 Damian Green: The information requested is not held 2009-10 11.3 1 As at 28 September 2010; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available. cost. 2 Data are shown according to the year in which offences were initially recorded as homicide. This is not necessarily the year in which the offence took place, or the year in which any court decision was made. Hacking 3 Calculation includes 172 victims of Dr Harold Shipman.

Housing Benefit: Fraud Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether data losses have been reported to her Department by the security services as a result of Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for the computer hacking by media organisations in the last 12 Home Department what plans she has to allow local months. [42235] authorities to access police data systems for the purpose of reducing housing benefit and council tax fraud. Nick Herbert: No data losses have been reported to [44873] the Home Office by the security services as a result of computer hacking by media organisations in the last Nick Herbert: There are arrangements already in 12 months. place by which a Government Department or other public body may make request to the Association of Chief Police officers (ACPO) for access to police data Hizb ut-Tahrir systems for the purposes of crime detection or prevention.

Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for the Human Trafficking Home Department what recent consideration she has given to the proscription of Hizb ut-Tahrir under the Mr Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Terrorism Act 2000. [41384] Department when she plans to announce the Government’s strategy on human trafficking; and if she will make a Nick Herbert: The Government do not normally statement. [44274] comment on whether an organisation is, or is not, under consideration for proscription. However, Hizb ut-Tahrir Damian Green [holding answer 4 March 2011]: is an organisation about which the Government have Combating human trafficking is a key priority for the significant concerns and their activities are closely Government. We are committed to tackling organised monitored. crime groups which profit from this human misery and to protecting victims. We intend to publish our new Homicide strategy on human trafficking in the spring.

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Illegal Immigrants: Employment Home Department what the homicide rate was in each of the last 10 years. [44811] Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many civil penalties have been Nick Herbert: Available information is from the Homicide imposed on employers for employing illegal workers Index as at 28 September 2010. It relates to offences since the introduction of the provision; and how much currently recorded as homicide in England and Wales was (a) levied and (b) collected in each quarter since and was published in table 1.01 of the latest homicide the introduction of the provision. [43916] chapter, which is available online at: http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs11/hosb0111.pdf Damian Green [holding answer 3 March 2011]: Since The following table shows the number of homicides the introduction of the illegal working civil penalty per million population for each year in the period regime on 29 February 2008 to 31 January 2011, a total 2000-01 to 2009-10. Data are shown according to the of 5,661 notices of liability for a civil penalty have been year in which offences were initially recorded as homicide; issued to employers. this is not necessarily the year in which the offence took The following table shows the amounts levied and place or the year in which any court decision was made. collected in each quarter since the first penalty was Data for 2010-11 are scheduled to be published in issued in May 2008 under Section 15 of the Immigration, January 2012. Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. 873W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 874W

£ Percentage of EEA Percentage of non- Quarter Amount levied Amount collected queues within target EEA queues within waiting time target waiting time 2008 May 2010 99.9 98.5 April to June 3.44 million 15,000 June 2010 99.5 94.6 July to September 4.70 million 322,000 July 2010 99.2 91.3 October to December 3.14 million 508,000 August 2010 99.5 97.3 September 2010 99.3 87.4 2009 October 2010 99.5 96.1 January to March 5.43 million 465,000 November 2010 99.4 97.1 April to June 4.46 million 649,000 December 2010 99.5 96.1 July to September 8.60 million 907,000 January 2011 99.4 95.2 October to December 4.37 million 1.22 million The monthly performance target was not met for non 2010 EEA passengers on three occasions over the 12 month January to March 5.80 million 1.46 million period. April to June 5.47 million 1.61 million Performance against passenger clearance targets will July to September 4.47 million 1.70 million be published at a national level from April 2011 onwards October to December 3.20 million 1.80 million as part of the Government’s Transparency Framework. Note: This data is derived from local management information and is therefore Lord Macdonald of River Glaven provisional and subject to change. It is important to note that the amount levied does not represent the recoverable value of illegal working civil penalties debt, since civil penalties may be reduced, cancelled or increased after consideration Keith Vaz: To ask the Secretary of State for the of objections submitted to the CPCT and reduced or cancelled after consideration of Appeals submitted to the county courts in England, Wales and Northern Home Department when she last met Lord Macdonald Ireland and the Sheriff’s Courts in Scotland. of River Glaven QC. [42094] Immigration Controls Mrs May: I last spoke to Lord MacDonald of River Glaven QC on 25 January 2011. Henry Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans she has to consult on Members: Correspondence proposals to reduce levels of net migration through routes other than student visas. [44049] Mr Winnick: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she expects to respond to the Damian Green: We have already set out our approach letter from the hon. Member for Walsall North of 12 this year to economic migration. We will shortly announce January 2011 on correspondence from the Chair of the proposals for reforming the student visa system, following West Midlands police authority. [39513] consideration of responses to our recent public consultation. We will launch further consultations on settlement and Nick Herbert [holding answer 10 February 2011]: I the family routes later this year. responded to the hon. Member’s letter on 21 February Immigration: Heathrow Airport 2011. A copy of the letter has been placed in the House Library. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for the Missing Persons Home Department how long on average immigration queuing times for (a) EU and (b) non-EU nationals Vernon Coaker: To ask the Secretary of State for the were at Heathrow airport in each of the last 12 months; Home Department what recent estimate she has made what targets have been set for such queuing times; how of the number of police forces which are complying frequently these targets have not been met in the latest with the Police Code of Practice for Missing Persons period for which figures are available; and if she will Data. [44164] take steps to publish regular information on queuing times for immigration. [43738] Nick Herbert: As of 3 March 2011 the number of Home Office police forces who are complying fully with Damian Green [holding answer 3 March 2011]: The both aspects of the code of practice is 19. national target set out in the UK Border Agency business plan for passenger clearance is to clear 95% of European These figures reflect data held centrally on that date. economic area (EEA) passengers within 25 minutes and The data are management information and have not 95% of non-EEA passengers within 45 minutes. The been formally assessed for compliance with the Code of performance against those targets for Heathrow over Practice for Official Statistics. the last 12 months is set out in the following table: Operation Viper Percentage of EEA Percentage of non- queues within target EEA queues within Jesse Norman: To ask the Secretary of State for the waiting time target waiting time Home Department what plans she has for the future February 2010 100.0 99.3 funding arrangements for Operation Viper. [44206] March 2010 99.9 98.8 Nick Herbert: We plan to set aside specific grant April 2010 99.7 96.7 funding to ensure that the collaborative response to 875W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 876W organised crime is maintained throughout England and during the summer of 2010 on technical improvements Wales. A decision will be made shortly on how the to the means by which funding is allocated to all local funding allocated for this purpose will be disbursed. authorities. This included the police allocation formula (PAF), which is used to allocate funding to police Police: Accountability authorities. All police authorities, forces and policing partners Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for the were able to submit representations setting out their Home Department (1) how she plans to redistribute views on the proposed changes. Home Office Ministers funds from the Neighbourhood Policing Fund following took into consideration all representations made as part the introduction of police and crime commissioners; of this consultation, as well as recommendations from [41885] the police allocation formula working group. They decided (2) what assumptions her Department has made for to make three technical changes to the formula: business planning purposes of the likely change in the Rolling Rule 2 Grant, the Crime Fighting Fund and the Basic number of police community support officers in each Command Unit Fund into Police Main Grant; police force area in (a) 2011-12 and (b) 2012-13. Changing the measurement of bar density; [42098] Using updated Activity Based Costing (ABC) data Nick Herbert: The Government believe that police There are currently no plans to review the formula community support officers are a part of the policing further. family providing a visible, uniformed presence on our Police: Length of Service streets. We have maintained the Neighbourhood Policing Fund for a transitional period until the introduction of police and crime commissioners (PCCs) except for London, Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for where the Metropolitan Police Authority will have full the Home Department how many police officers in autonomy over this funding from 2011-12. each police force had served 30 or more years as of 1 January 2011. [42346] From 2013-14 the Neighbourhood Policing Fund (NPF) will be subsumed into the police main grant and Nick Herbert [holding answer 28 February 2011]: PCCs will have full discretion over this funding. The available data are provided in the table which shows Police: Defamation the number of police officers in each police force area with 30 years service or more, as at 31 March 2010. The length of service for police officers for 2011 is not yet Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the available. Home Department what provision her Department makes Police officers in each police force area with 30 years service or more on 31 for (a) financial and (b) other support for police 1 officers who take legal action as a result of experiencing March 2010 Number defamation in the course of their duties. [42199] Avon and Somerset 47 Nick Herbert: The Home Office does not allocate Bedfordshire 26 funding to the police for this purpose and does not British Transport police 244 provide any other support to officers under these Cambridgeshire 16 circumstances. This is a matter for the relevant police Cheshire 2— authority. Cleveland 60 Cumbria 17 Police: Demonstrations Derbyshire 67 Devon and Cornwall 52 Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Dorset 20 Home Department what assessment she has made of Durham 36 the proportionality of the use of CS gas by police Dyfed-Powys 24 officers against protestors in Oxford street on 29 Essex 79 January 2011. [42964] Gloucestershire 11 Greater Manchester 64 Nick Herbert: A decision to use CS spray rests with Gwent 15 the individual officer in line with the legal framework Hampshire 72 which provides that a police officer may only use such Hertfordshire 40 force as is reasonable or necessary in order to prevent Humberside 26 crime, or effect or assist in the lawful arrest of offenders Kent 78 or suspected offenders. Lancashire 50 Leicestershire 34 Police: Finance Lincolnshire 16 London, City of 31 Conor Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for the Merseyside 122 Home Department what plans she has to revise the Metropolitan police 1,154 funding formula for grants to police authorities; and if Norfolk 7 she will make a statement. [44526] Northamptonshire 17 Northumbria 34 Nick Herbert: The Department for Communities and North Wales 21 Local Government led on an overarching consultation North Yorkshire 12 877W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 878W

Police officers in each police force area with 30 years service or more on 31 the Policing Public Order Report published by Her 1 March 2010 Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary in February Number 2011. Nottinghamshire 57 Police: Voluntary Work South Wales 53 South Yorkshire 20 Staffordshire 40 Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the Suffolk 13 Home Department what estimate she has made of the Surrey 35 number of (a) people who volunteered and (b) hours Sussex 41 given by volunteers in police services in the latest Thames Valley 64 period for which figures are available; and if she will Warwickshire 11 make a statement. [41975] West Mercia 81 West Midlands 198 Nick Herbert: There were 16,772 special constables West Yorkshire 126 (headcount) in the 43 forces of England and Wales as at Wiltshire 29 30 September 2010. Data on the hours of duty performed Total 3,260 by special constables for 2009-10 are not available centrally. 1 This table contains full-time equivalent figures that have been rounded to the The Home Office does not collect figures on any nearest whole number. 2 other voluntary police staff other than special constables. Cheshire is unable to provide length of service figures. The latest provisional police service strength statistics Police: Liverpool relate to 30 September 2010 and were published on 27 January 2011. They are available at: Mrs Ellman: To ask the Secretary of State for the http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/policeorg1.html Home Department if she will assess the likely effects of Full annual statistics for 31 March 2011 are expected her proposals to reduce the police grant on the level of to be published in July 2011. crime in Liverpool. [41939] Policy: Bureaucracy Nick Herbert [holding answer 28 February 2011]: The Government do not accept that reducing costs will Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the cause an increase in crime. What matters is how resources Home Department what plans she has to implement are used and how officers are deployed. the recommendations of the report by Jan Berry on Reducing Bureaucracy in Policing. [43722] Police: Mass Media Nick Herbert: We are already implementing Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the recommendations from Jan Berry’s report on Reducing Home Department what reports she has received on Bureaucracy in Policing, including returning certain the use of private investigators by media organisations charging decisions to the police, a more proportionate to follow serving police officers in the course of their approach to inspections, and revising the police performance duties; and if she will make a statement. [42195] development reviews. We are continuing to take forward work that will reduce unnecessary police bureaucracy. Nick Herbert: We have received no such reports. Sponsors Police: Public Order Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for the Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many regulations sponsored Home Department what plans she has to produce by her Department have been (a) introduced since 18 standard national guidelines on policing public order November 2010 and (b) revoked since 2 February events. [43730] 2011. [44365]

Nick Herbert: The Association of Chief Police Officers Nick Herbert: The following statutory instruments in published updated guidance on public order policing in the form of regulations have been made by the Department December 2010. The Government are currently considering on or after 18 November 2010.

S.I. No. S.I. Title Made date

2010 No. 2807 The Immigration and Nationality (Fees) (No. 2) Regulations 2010 21 November 2010 2010 No. 2826 The Police Authority (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2010 24 November 2010 2010 No. 2851 The Licensing Act 2003 (Premises licences and permitted temporary activities) (Forms and 29 November 2010 notices) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 2010 No. 2958 The Immigration (Biometric Registration) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 13 December 2010 2010 No. 3018 The Private Security Industry Act 2001 (Exemption) (Aviation Security) Regulations 2010 20 December 2010 2010 No. 3030 The Police Authority (Amendment No. 3) Regulations 2010 21 December 2010 2011 No. 230 The Police Federation (Amendment) Regulations 2011 4 February 2011 2011 No. 300 The Police Act 1996 (Equipment) Regulations 2011 9 February 2011 2011 No. 448 The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) (England, Wales and Scotland) Regulations 2011 18 February 2011 2011 No. 544 The Immigration (Accession and Worker Registration) (Revocation, Savings and Consequential 24 February 2011 Provisions) Regulations 2011 879W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 880W

The following statutory instruments in the form of regulations are revoked by the Department since 2 February. None of the revocations are yet in force.

(1) Regulations revoked (2) References (3) Extent of revocation (4) Revoking instrument

The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) (England, Wales and Scotland) S.I 2010/1144 Regulation 3(a) S.I 2011/544 Regulations 2010

The Immigration (European Economic Area) Regulations 2006 S.I. 2006/1003 Paragraph 7 of Schedule 5 S.I 2011/544

The Accession (Immigration and Worker Authorisation) Regulations S.I. 2006/3317 Paragraph 1 of Schedule 2 S.I 2011/544 2006

The Accession (Immigration and Worker Authorisation) (Amendment) S.I. 2007/475 Regulation 3 S.I 2011/544 Regulations 2007

The Accession (Immigration and Worker Registration) (Amendment) S.I. 2007/928 The whole Regulations S.I 2011/544 Regulations 2007

The Accession (Worker Authorisation and Worker Registration) (Amendment) S.I. 2007/3012 Regulation 3 S.I 2011/544 Regulations 2007

The Accession (Immigration and Worker Registration) (Amendment) S.I. 2009/892 The whole Regulations S.I 2011/544 Regulations 2009

The Accession (Worker Authorisation and Worker Registration) (Amendment) S.I. 2009/2426 Regulation 3 S.I 2011/544 Regulations 2009

Telecommunications: Databases else who may be identified as a possible victim in the light of the ongoing consideration of the evidence. Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent progress she has Terrorism: Biological Weapons made on the Intercept Modernisation Programme; and if she will make a statement. [42550] Grahame M. Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what recent reports she has Nick Herbert: The Interception Modernisation received on the development of biological weapons by Programme was a programme under the last Government. al-Qaeda in Afghanistan; and if she will make a statement As made clear in the strategic defence and security on the Government’s preparedness for a biological attack; review, the Government will continue to build on an [42330] existing programme of work to preserve the ability of (2) what measures are in place to respond to a the law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies biological attack by international terrorists; and whether to obtain communications data and to intercept such measures include the stockpiling of vaccines; communications within the appropriate legal framework. [42331] We will legislate to ensure this is compatible with the Government’s approach to civil liberties and use of (3) what types of biological terrorist threat she has communications capabilities. As set out in the Home assessed as posing the greatest risk to the UK; [42332] Office’s structural reform plan, details of this legislation (4) whether emergency service personnel are routinely will be announced in Parliament in due course. vaccinated against potential biological terrorist threats; [42333] Telephone Tapping: Newspaper Press (5) what her policy is on the vaccination of emergency services personnel as part of the preparedness plans for Mr Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for the the London 2012 Olympics. [42334] Home Department if she will request a report from the Metropolitan Police Commissioner on how many current Nick Herbert: Reports on development of biological and former hon. Members are listed in the evidence file weapons by al-Qaeda in Afghanistan would be classified. for the News of the World telephone hacking inquiry The Home Office works across Government to examine held by the Metropolitan police. [42196] all available information and intelligence. The risk that different types of biological terrorist threats pose to the Nick Herbert: No. The Metropolitan police investigation UK and the response that is appropriate to those risks is ongoing. The police have recently said that in the light is regularly reviewed and re-assessed. of fresh evidence they have identified some individuals The Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act (ATCSA) who had previously been advised that there was little or 2001, Part 7, legislates the security of dangerous substances no information held by the MPS relating to them and that may be targeted or used by terrorists and covers that they are taking urgent steps to notify these individuals biological agents which pose the greatest risk to the of developments. They have undertaken to contact anyone UK. Schedule 5 of the Act lists the biological pathogens 881W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 882W and toxins to which the provisions of Part 7 apply. This and other related statutory partners and we are keen to covers both human and animal pathogens and not only ensure steps are taken, at key opportunities to reinforce the wild-type or ’intact’ micro- organisms and toxins, Compact compliance issues with those partners. but also genetic sequences derived from or coding for such substances. Selection of materials has been dependent Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the upon a number of factors and is undertaken by a team Home Department what steps her Department has of government and academic experts. taken to support the big society initiative. [42643] Over the past six years, the UK has built up capability to prepare for a CBRN terrorist attack. Initial programmes Nick Herbert: The Home Office is fully supportive of are largely complete, however we are currently undergoing the big society vision. It is clear that communities are a programme of work to review and potentially augment safer places when local people are actively involved in and improve this capability. maintaining order and have a say in how they are A wide range of possible incidents or attacks has policed and how other services are provided. Baroness been considered. Following this process, the UK Health Newlove was appointed the Government’s Champion Departments have established an appropriate stockpile for Active, Safer Communities in October 2010 and she of vaccines, medical countermeasures and specialist will be making recommendations to Government about equipment to be used to protect and treat the public. what needs to change in order to encourage and support For reasons of national security, it would be inappropriate more people to get actively involved in keeping their to specify what particular countermeasures are held communities safer. and where they are located. The Government have also taken steps to ensure that Government have taken steps to protect emergency there is more information in the hands of the public. service personnel against such threats. A cohort of Through the Police.uk website we have recently given frontline health workers has been vaccinated to deal communities across England and Wales easy access to with any initial suspected or confirmed cases of smallpox. street level crime and antisocial behaviour data for their No additional plans are in place specifically in response area, alongside key neighbourhood policing information, to the impending London 2012 Olympics, although such as details of their local neighbourhood policing risks are regularly reviewed based in part on the threat team, details of their next beat meeting and how to get level in the national risk assessment (NRA). involved. There is no current plan to make a statement on these We are replacing police authorities with directly elected issues due to the classified nature of much of the police and crime commissioners. Police and crime information in this area. commissioners will give accountability at the police force level and regular beat meetings will give direct accountability in neighbourhoods. Terrorism: Coventry Translation Services Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were convicted of terrorist offences in Coventry in (a) 2009 Patrick Mercer: To ask the Secretary of State for the and (b) 2010. [42869] Home Department on how many occasions police officers in (a) the Metropolitan police, (b) Nottinghamshire Nick Herbert: The Home Office does not collate police and (c) all police forces in England and Wales statistics in this way. However, the Home Office does required the services of a translator in each year since publish statistics on arrests and outcomes under the 1997; and how many languages were involved in each Terrorism Act 2000 (Operation of Police Powers under force in each such year. [43769] the Terrorism Act 2000 and Subsequent Legislation: Arrests, Outcomes and Stops and Searches). The link to Nick Herbert: Information is not collected centrally the last edition of the publication is provided as follows: on the number of occasions interpretation and translation http://rds.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs10/hosb1810.pdf services have been required by individual police forces nor on the languages for which such services were Third Sector required. A project, led by the Ministry of Justice, is under way to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the arrangements across the whole of the justice system, Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for the including interpretation and translation services provided Home Department what account she has taken of the to the police. Compact between the Government and Civil Society in policy development. [42601] Young People: Protection Nick Herbert: The Home Office considers the role of the Compact to be central to the relationship between Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for the the Department and civil society organisations. We Home Department how many people were barred from strive to ensure that Compact principles are firmly working with children and vulnerable adults by the embedded within Home Office policy development, not Independent Safeguarding Authority on the grounds of only when engaging with our stakeholders, but also in (a) harm to and (b) risk of harm to 16 and 17 year exemplifying better financial management of grants. A olds in (i) 2009 and (ii) 2010. [44038] senior Home Office official has been identified to act as ’Compact Champion’ for my Department. This role Lynne Featherstone: The Independent Safeguarding extends beyond the core Home Office to its agencies Authority (ISA) does not collect data in the form requested. 883W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 884W

The ISA operates under powers established in the transparency, while the Family Justice Review is considering Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, which defines what changes are needed to the system so that it best a child as anyone who has not attained the age of 18. benefits all children and families involved in proceedings. The ISA can bar individuals who demonstrate harm or a risk of harm to children in general rather than those Children: Carers defined by any specific age category. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what estimate he has made of the number of EDUCATION carers working with children in each region. [40195] Adoption Tim Loughton: The requested information is not collected centrally. Julian Sturdy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what steps he plans to take to increase the Children: Parents number of successful adoption applications. [38927] Dr Phillip Lee: To ask the Secretary of State for Tim Loughton: The Government expects the adoption Education what steps he is taking to ensure equality of system to work effectively for all looked after children access of parents to their children in divorce cases. who would benefit from this permanence option. I want [44396] to see more children adopted where this is in their best interests, less delay, timely matching (particularly for Tim Loughton [holding answer 4 March 2011]: At black and minority ethnic children) and better collaboration present, a statement of arrangements for children is between local authorities and the voluntary sector. filed with the petition in any divorce proceedings where I want more people to consider being adopters. That there is a child of the family under the age of 18. It is why, for instance, the Department provides funding allows the petitioner to inform the court of the proposed to the British Association for Adoption and Fostering’s arrangements for the children. The respondent can sign National Adoption Week, which raises awareness of the statement to show their agreement if they wish. If and dispels myths about adoption. I also want local the parties need a court order to decide the contact or authorities and other adoption agencies to think hard residence arrangements after a divorce, this is applied about how they respond to people who enquire about for in separate proceedings under section 8 of the adopting a child. Those who are not needed by the Children Act 1989. agency in question should be directed to another adoption One of the principles within which the current Family agency so that the interest of potentially suitable people Justice Review is operating is that the positive involvement is not lost. The revised statutory adoption guidance of both parents should be promoted post-separation. which I will be issuing shortly makes this clear. The review is looking in particular at how to promote contact for non-resident parents. The Review Panel, Children in Care: Adoption which is independently chaired, is due to issue its interim report for consultation on 31 March, followed by a final John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for report in the autumn. We shall be considering carefully Education if he will take steps to ensure that the care its recommendations. system only seeks adoption in cases where children cannot return to their parents. [35976] College of Social Work

Tim Loughton: The law is very clear that children Meg Munn: To ask the Secretary of State for should live with their parents wherever possible. Where Education what recent discussions he has had on the a child is suffering, or is at risk of suffering, significant establishment of the College of Social Work. [35710] harm, the local authority has a duty to safeguard and promote the child’s welfare. Local authorities cannot Tim Loughton: In 2009 the Social Work Task Force remove children from their parents (without the parents’ recommended the establishment of an independent College consent) without first referring the matter to a court, of Social Work to articulate and promote the interests and they cannot place a child for adoption (without the of good social work. It will give the profession itself parents’ consent) without a placement order made by strong, independent leadership; a clear voice in public a court. debate, policy development and policy delivery; and Local authorities must demonstrate that they have strong ownership of professional social work standards. explored options for supporting the family before they The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for apply for care proceedings. But I do want to see more Education has oversight of this work and in the past children who really are unable return to their birth month has had several conversations relating to the family safely find a stable and happy home with adoptive College with the chief executive of the British Association parents. That is why I have written to local authorities of Social Workers, has met Moira Gibb—the chair of to ask them to do everything possible to increase the the Social Work Reform Board, and met the interim number of children appropriately placed for adoption, co-chairs of the College of Social Work last month. and why I have set up a Ministerial Advisory Group on Adoption to provide expert advice on a range of practical Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for proposals to improve practice and issued revised guidance. Education whether he has sought legal advice on the The review by Professor Munro is looking at the use of the title of College of Social Work by his whole issue of safeguarding, frontline practice and Department’s College of Social Work. [41231] 885W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 886W

Tim Loughton: Legal advice has been provided to (a) the statutory deadlines laid down by the Act and Ministers on related matters. This advice is, in the (b) the internal performance management targets set Department’s view, subject to legal professional privilege. by his Department. [44723]

Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Tim Loughton: The Ministry of Justice publishes Education what role he envisages for the Social Care quarterly and annual statistics on the performance of Institute for Excellence in the operation of the College about 40 central Government monitored bodies in dealing of Social Work. [41234] with requests under the Freedom of Information Act. Statistics for the second and third quarters of 2010 Tim Loughton: The Social Care Institute for Excellence covering the period April to September can be found on (SCIE) has been asked to facilitate the establishment of the Ministry of Justice website at: the College of Social Work, providing administrative http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/freedomofinformation support and expertise in a developmental phase of two quarterly.htm years. Neither Government nor SCIE seek to influence and copies are available in the House Libraries. the form or function of the emerging college. SCIE will have no role in the governance of the College that The statistics for the fourth quarter of 2010 will be emerges. published on 28 April 2011 in the ‘Annual Report on Freedom of Information in Central Government 2010’. Statistics for the first quarter of 2011 will be published Departmental Correspondence at the end of June 2011. Monitoring of compliance of requests under the Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Freedom of Information Act is in accordance with the Education how many letters from hon. Members his statutory deadlines set out in that Act and takes no Department received between 11 May 2010 and 28 account of any internal correspondence deadlines. February 2011; and how many such letters have received a substantive reply to date within the internal performance management targets set by his Department. [44724] Departmental Information Officers Tim Loughton: The Department’s correspondence target is to answer correspondence from hon. Members Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for within 15 working days of receipt. Between 11 May Education how many (a) press officers, (b) internal 2010 and 28 February 2011 5,678 letters were received, communications officers, (c) external communications of which 1,160 had a substantive reply within the officers, (d) communications strategy officers and (e) Department’s target. other positions with a communications remit were employed by (i) his Department, (ii) its agencies and (iii) each other non-departmental public body sponsored by his Departmental Domestic Visits Department on the most recent date for which figures are available. [38956] Ian Austin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what specialist sports schools and colleges Tim Loughton: [holding answer 9 February 2011] The each Minister in his Department has visited since their annual Cabinet Office ’Back Office Benchmarking’ survey appointment. [32078] publishes the number of staff employed in communications roles by government departments, agencies and non- Tim Loughton: [holding answer 21 December 2010]: departmental public bodies. Since May 2010, the Secretary of State for Education has visited three schools with a specialism in sport: The survey also includes staff numbers employed in Harefield Academy in Hillingdon, City of London key back office functions including Human Resources, Academy in Southwark, and Consett Community Sports Finance, Procurement, ICT,Property, Legal and Knowledge College. The Minister of State for Schools, the hon. and Information Management. Member for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton (Mr Gibb) The most recent survey, for the financial year 2009/10 has visited Royal Alexandra and Albert School in Reigate. was published in December 2010 at The Minister of State for Children and Families, the http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/resource-library/ hon. Member for Brent Central (Sarah Teather) has back-office-benchmark-information-200910 visited Lyng Hall Specialist Sports College and Community School in Coventry The Secretary of State was impressed with the way Departmental Travel the academies were making maximum use of the freedoms afforded to them by their academy status to improve Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for provision for their pupils, both within their sport specialism Education how much his Department has spent on and across the whole curriculum. Ministerial travel since May 2010. [35204] Departmental Freedom of Information Tim Loughton: Since May 2010, this Department is Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for committed to publishing quarterly online information Education how many requests under the Freedom of on all ministerial overseas travel, including cost. The Information Act 2000 his Department received published information can be viewed at: between 11 May 2010 and 28 February 2011; and how http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/departmental information/ many such requests received a substantive reply within transparency/a0065263/ministers-quarterly-returns 887W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 888W

The information for October to December 2010 will compliance with (a) domestic, (b) European and (c) be published in due course. Information regarding the other international human rights requirements in each cost of ministerial rail and taxi travel is not recorded year since 1997; and if he will make a statement. separately and can be provided only at disproportionate [18748] cost. I refer the hon. Member to the reply given on the Tim Loughton: The Department for Education does 2 February 2011, Official Report, column 839W, on not collate information on the costs of compliance with the Department’s expenditure on services provided by human rights requirements. The Department takes account the Government Car Service. of the domestic and international human rights framework in developing all its policies and practices, as it does All travel by Ministers is undertaken in accordance other relevant legal obligations; an accurate estimate of with the ministerial code. the total cost of compliance with human rights obligations Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme could not be made without incurring disproportionate cost.

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Members: Correspondence Education what recent discussions his Department has had with the organisers of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme on the promotion of that scheme in Mr Baron: To ask the Secretary of State for Education schools. [38499] when he plans to respond to the letter from the hon. Member for Basildon and Billericay of 17 December Tim Loughton: The Department has had no recent 2010, concerning Mr Larrett. [43568] discussions with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme about the promotion of their programme in schools Tim Loughton [holding answer 2 March 2011]: My and have not been approached to do this. I support the hon. Friend the Minister of State for Schools (Mr Gibb) valuable work of the scheme and I know the positive replied to the letter on 1 March. influence it can have on young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Progress Project

Family Intervention Projects Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what assessment he has made of the performance Andy Burnham: To ask the Secretary of State for of the Progress project against its objectives in (a) Education how many families have received assistance England and (b) each region. [41010] from family intervention projects in 2010-11 to date; and what estimate he has made of the number to Tim Loughton: [holding answer 15 February 2011] receive such assistance in (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and The Progress project, which aims to build the capacity (c) 2013-14. [43368] of those working with young people in the voluntary and community sector, has been run by the Children’s Tim Loughton [holding answer 2 March 2011]: The Workforce Development Council since October 2010. latest official statistics show that 4,870 families received Data on the performance of the project is not currently a family intervention up to 31 March 2010. Figures for available. However, the project is being independently families supported up to 31 March 2011 will be published evaluated and the report is expected in the Spring. in September. We are not able to provide estimates for the number of families to receive support in future Pupils: Disadvantaged years. Decisions on this are determined locally, reflecting local needs. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what research his Department has (a) commissioned Fee Schools: Public Expenditure and (b) evaluated on the effect of levels of social capital on levels of educational attainment. [38315] Emma Reynolds: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much he has allocated to capital Tim Loughton: The Department has not commissioned expenditure on free schools over the Comprehensive research to examine the effect of levels of social capital Spending Review period. [39719] on levels of educational attainment. The Centre for Research on the Wider Benefits of Learning (a research Mr Gibb [holding answer 10 February 2011]:] £50 million centre previously sponsored by the Department) has has been set aside in 2010-11 to meet the capital needs however published a report on this topic in 2007; “The of free schools. Beyond that, provision forms part of development and impact of Youngpeople’s social capital the overall spending review settlement for schools. in secondary schools”. This reports on three types on Allocations for free schools have yet to be decided and social capital and how they impact on education and will be dependent in part on the conclusion of the wider outcomes. capital review which we intend to publish in the spring. The Department has evaluated the evidence in the related area of deprivation and education. This looks at Human Rights culture and social capital and the experience of schooling. The research evidence was published in a topic note Priti Patel: To ask the Secretary of State for “Deprivation and Education – The Evidence on Pupils Education what estimate he made of the cost to his in England: Foundation Stage to Key Stage 4” in March Department and its non-departmental public bodies of 2009. 889W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 890W

Schools: Food These provisions impose reporting restrictions on the media preventing the publication or broadcast of any Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for information likely to identify the teacher concerned. Education what plans he has for regulations pertaining Publication includes social networking sites. This follows ″ to the quality and provision of food in schools. [41277] the commitment in the Schools White Paper The Importance of Teaching″ to protect teachers from malicious Sarah Teather: The current school food standards allegations by legislating to grant teachers anonymity were put in place because there was evidence that the when they are the subject of an allegation that they have quality of food in schools was not good. The standards committed a criminal offence by or on behalf of a pupil have only been fully implemented since September 2009 at the school. after a phased introduction and they are still relatively new—we want to allow a period of ‘settling in’ before reviewing them. We will do this after the School Food Teaching Methods: Reading Trust’s study of the provision and consumption of food at lunch time in secondary schools has reported. Annette Brooke: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what recent progress has been made in Sixth Form Education expanding the Every Child a Reader scheme. [42228]

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Mr Gibb [holding answer 28 February 2011]: The whether he undertook an assessment of the likely effect Government committed £89 million of central funding on the (a) curriculum, (b) enrolment advice, (c) to continue all three Every Child Programmes for 2010-2011. on-programme support, (d) mentoring, (e) counselling, In the future, funding for these programmes will form (f) health advice, (g) progression guidance, (h) careers part of the overall schools budget, and it will be for guidance and (i) provision of non-certificated enrichment local authorities (LAs), in consultation with their Schools activities of post-16 students in his decision to reduce Forum, to decide on 2011-12 allocations to schools, the funding for entitlement to 30 funded learning hours. taking account of previous levels of funding. [34897] There are 138 LAs involved in the Every Child a Reader (ECaR) programme this year, with 14 LAs Mr Gibb [holding answer 24 January 2011]: We have choosing not to participate. Latest figures held by the had to make some difficult choices in order to tackle the Department (from autumn 2010) show that 21,979 children budget deficit. Our first priority has been to protect the are involved in the ECaR programme. core education programmes offered by schools and colleges. This covers the whole range of courses including A levels, vocational qualifications, foundation learning and apprenticeships that equip young people with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child knowledge and skills they need to progress. In addition, the savings we have made have enabled Natascha Engel: To ask the Secretary of State for us to increase funding for the more disadvantaged and Education what reviews relating to children and young those needing additional support. £150 million of the people he has established since the UN Committee on funding that has been released from reducing the entitlement the Rights of the Child issued its concluding has been used to increase by almost a third the proportion observations on the UK on 3 October 2008; and how of funding in the national funding formula which addresses many of those reviews included an explicit reference to deprivation. Schools and colleges will have the freedom the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in their to use this additional investment in the way they see fit terms of reference. [19586] in order to provide the activities that contribute to improved retention, attainment and successful progression. Sarah Teather: This Government are committed to In addition we will also be re-investing over £200 million the UNCRC and to the implementation of the Convention in increasing the size of programmes for students working in the UK. The Department routinely invites the Children’s below level 2 to give them the opportunity to gain level Commissioner and non governmental organisations, 1 and 2 qualifications. whose thinking is informed by the UNCRC, to feed into all significant consultations and reviews. It also involves Teachers: Misconduct children and young people in the development and review of policy. Mr Offord: To ask the Secretary of State for All reviews led by the Department for Education and Education what plans his Department has to introduce its predecessor Department since the UN Committee a mechanism to provide anonymity for any teacher published its Concluding Observations in October 2008 who is subject to an allegation of misconduct by a relate to children and young people and touch their pupil. lives in some way. A list and terms of reference are not provided on the grounds of disproportionate cost, but Tim Loughton: The Government has included provisions there have been significant reviews on matters that in the Education Bill intended to provide teachers in affect children and young people, such as the impact of schools with protection from false allegations by giving the commercial world, sex and relationships, mental them a legal right to anonymity when accused by or on health, safeguarding and major policy statements on behalf of pupils at their school that they have committed key areas such as education and child poverty.In particular, a criminal offence until the point they are charged, the review of the Office of the Children’s Commissioner minimising the destruction that false accusations can asked how the role can be configured to better demonstrate wreak. Government’s commitment to UNCRC. 891W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 892W

Voluntary Work and Charitable Donations positive results, including avoiding criminal activity. While it is for local areas to determine where to target Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for investment most effectively, the Government continue Education whether his Department has a policy to to support and promote a range of evidence-based encourage its employees to (a) volunteer and (b) targeted services for young people at risk of involvement donate via payroll giving. [43235] in criminal activity. In addition, the Government are also reviewing the Tim Loughton: The Department for Education has a current set of antisocial behaviour powers to ensure policy to encourage its employees to volunteer, offering that all local agencies have a toolkit that provides a up to two days of paid special leave per year for non- strong deterrent and is quick, practical and easy to use. statutory volunteering (such as being a trustee of a charity, or being a reading mentor at a local school). This is agreed with an individual employee’s line manager. The Department also offers up to six days of paid HEALTH special leave per year for school governors and up to 18 days of paid special leave per year for being a Justice of the Peace. Cancer: Health Services The Department is currently looking to encourage more employee volunteering, in line with the principles Gareth Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for of the Big Society. Health what recent discussions his Department has had The Department has a Charitable Giving Scheme on late diagnosis of rarer cancers; with whom; on what which enables employees to give tax-free donations dates; with what outcomes; and if he will make a regularly to a charity or charities of their choice through statement. [44109] the payroll. Information on the scheme is available to all employees through the Department’s intranet. Paul Burstow: We received responses from a range of Written Questions: Government Responses groups representing rarer cancers during the development of ‘Improving Outcomes: A Strategy for Cancer’ which John Hemming: To ask the Secretary of State for was published in January 2011. Information regarding Education what estimate his Department made as to the engagement with stakeholders is published at annex the number of columns and lines required in Hansard A of the strategy. A copy of the strategy has already for a published reply to written parliamentary question been placed in the Library and is available on the 20371. [36364] Department’s website at: www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/ Tim Loughton: The Department does not estimate PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_123371 the number of columns and lines required to publish a As set out in the strategy, through the National reply in Hansard. If a response to a PQ is longer than Awareness and Early Diagnosis Initiative, we are planning Hansard would normally publish (over 4 pages of tables), to work with charities which represent patients with notification will be printed that the response is available rarer forms of cancer to assess what more can be done in the Library of the House. The response will be to raise awareness of rarer cancers and promote earlier available to Members in the Library and on application diagnosis. to the House of Commons Information Office. Young People: Crime Prevention Departmental Expenditure

Mr Llwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what measures he is considering to prevent Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for the involvement of young people in criminal activity. Health what expenditure (a) his Department and (b) [34112] each public body sponsored by his Department incurred on engaging external audit services in each of Tim Loughton: The Government are committed to the last three years; and to which service providers such intervening early to prevent young people’s involvement payments were made in each year. [43748] in criminal activity. Using funding from the early intervention grant, Mr Simon Burns: The expenditure for the Department local areas now have greater flexibility and freedom to and each public body sponsored by the Department invest locally in a wide range of universal and specialist incurred on engaging external audit services in each of services that support vulnerable young people to achieve the last three years is shown in the following table:

Table of external auditor fees for the Department and its ALBs, 2007-08 to 2009-10 £000 Organisation 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08

Department of Health1 567 565 542

Special Health Authorities (SpHAs) Information Centre for health and social care 68 70 70 National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence 54 57 45 893W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 894W

Table of external auditor fees for the Department and its ALBs, 2007-08 to 2009-10 £000 Organisation 2009-10 2008-09 2007-08

National Patient Safety Agency 46 52 45 National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse 37 32 32 Appointments Commission 23 28 22 NHS Blood and Transplant 130 138 124 NHS Business Services Authority 148 250 250 NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement 77 60 43 NHS Litigation Authority 80 85 85 SpHAs Subtotal 663 772 716

Non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) Alcohol Education and Research Council 7 3 3 Care Quality Commission2 150 30 n/a Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence 24 22 19 General Social Care Council 81 60 53 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (until April 2008) 48 39 43 Monitor - Independent Regulator of Foundation Trusts3 26 27 25 Human Tissue Authority 35 35 23 Health Protection Agency4 148 207 192 Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency 104 104 98 NDPBs Subtotal 623 527 456

Total All 1,853 1,864 1,714 l The audit fee represents the cost for the audit of the Department’s Consolidated Accounts and the Summarised Accounts of the NHS carried out by the Comptroller and Auditor General. This amount does not include fees in respect of non-audit work. In 2008-09 of the total audit fee of £565,000, £65,000 relates to work undertaken in preparation for International Financial Reporting Standard implementation in 2009-10. It should be noted that the Department of Health audit fee is a non cash charge and therefore notional. NAO are funded directly by Parliament. In addition the NHS Purchasing and Supplies Agency, which is not included in the table, and NHS Business Services Authority had audit fees for 2009-10 and 2008-09 that were non cash. 2 2008-09 was first year and only from 1 October 2008 to 31 March 2009. 3 Monitor also paid for audit of consolidated accounts of £86,000, £52,000 and £53,000 in 2009-10, 2008-09 and 2007-08 respectively. 4 The 2007-08 and 2008-09 fees combine the fees incurred by the Health Protection Agency and National Institute for Biological Standards and Control before their merger on 1 April 2009. Notes: 1. The source of figures is the audited accounts for the relevant year. 2. All bodies were audited by the National Audit Office (NAO).

Departmental Procurement A figure for running outsourcing functions within the Department is not available. There are a number of Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Health branches and directorates within the Department which what the cost to the public purse was of the (a) procurement undertake outsourcing activity. In addition, policy teams and (b) outsourcing function of (i) his Department and throughout the Department have roles identifying, (ii) the (A) agency, (B) non-departmental public bodies specifying and managing outsourcing contracts. Accordingly and (C) non-Ministerial Department for which he is it is not possible to accurately set out the costs and time responsible in the last financial year for which figures allocations of all of these functions across the Department. are available. [43955] The cost for the procurement and outsourcing function Mr Simon Burns: The cost of running the procurement of the Department’s Agency and non-departmental directorate within the Department for the financial year public bodies is shown in the following table: 2009-10 (the last year for which audited figures are available) was £1,553,145.

£ Procurement and outsourcing function Cost of procurement 2009-10 Cost of outsourcing function 2009-10

Alcohol Education and Research Council 0 0 Appointments Commission 0 0 Care Quality Commission 401,000 303,400 Council for Healthcare Regulatory Excellence 18,975 5,841 General Social Care Council 44,009 n/a Health Protection Agency 1,100 0 Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority 0 0 Human Tissue Authority 0 0 895W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 896W

£ Procurement and outsourcing function Cost of procurement 2009-10 Cost of outsourcing function 2009-10

Monitor 00 Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory 0 50,000 Agency1 1 Denotes Executive Agency, estimate of staff cost spread across the Agency.

Doctors: Training GP Consortia

Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for (1) what steps he is taking to ensure that all graduates of Health what recent assessment he has made of the medical schools in the UK are able to gain a place on likely effect of (a) UK and (b) EU competition rules the 2012 Foundation Programme; and if he will make a on the operation of GP consortia. [44028] statement; [41646] Mr Simon Burns: The Health and Social Care Bill (2) what recent discussions he has had with representatives itself does not extend the applicability of current United of the UK Foundation Programme Office on plans for Kingdom or European Union competition law to the responding to any oversubscription to the 2012 Foundation health sector of England. Programme; and if he will make a statement. [41647] However, as national health service providers develop and begin to compete actively with other NHS providers Anne Milton: Each year the devolved Administration and private and voluntary providers, UK and EU and Medical Education England Medical Programme competition laws will increasingly become applicable. Board agree a contingency plan for management of over or under subscription to the Foundation Programme. Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements The contingency plan for managing over or under subscription to the Foundation Programme 2012 is Jeremy Lefroy: To ask the Secretary of State for being reviewed by the UK Foundation Programme Health what the monetary value of payments made to Office in March 2011. other European countries for healthcare provided to British citizens under the European Health Insurance The number of graduates of United Kingdom medical Card was in the latest period for which figures are schools who choose to apply to the Foundation Programme available; and what the monetary value of payments 2012 will not be known until October 2011. received from other European countries under the same scheme was in the same period. [42236]

Drugs: Finance Anne Milton: For 2009-10, under European Union (EU) Regulations 1408/71 and 574/72, the United Kingdom received £27,714,514.77 from member states of the Mr Gray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health European economic area (EEA). Over the same period, how much the NHS spent on medicines for (a) primary the UK paid £131,643,287.52 to other member states. care, (b) secondary care and (c) in total for each of the last five years for which figures are available. [43707] The amounts paid relate to combined claims for temporary visitors (via European health insurance cards) workers temporarily posted abroad by their employer Mr Simon Burns: National health service medicines and referrals for treatment in other EEA countries. Due expenditure in primary care reflects amounts paid to to the nature of the claims system between member pharmacy and appliance contractors and amounts states, it is not currently possible to disaggregate the authorised for dispensing doctors and personal data consistently for all member states by either type of administration in England. Secondary care medicines claim or type of treatment. expenditure includes medical gases. Drugs prescribed in hospitals but dispensed in the community are also included Under EU regulations, claims are made on a calendar in the secondary care figures. year basis, and payments made in any one financial year may relate to one or more prior calendar years. The following table provides details of the NHS medicines expenditure for the last five years. Penny Mordaunt: To ask the Secretary of State for NHS medicines expenditure Health how many disputes arising from the receipt of £ million healthcare in the European Economic Area by UK Primary care Secondary care Total nationals for which a charge was subsequently made have been brought to the attention of his Department 2005-06 7,235 2,764 9,999 in the last five years; whether there are proposals at EU 2006-07 7,593 2,969 10,562 level to reform the European Health Insurance Card 2007-08 7,663 3,274 10,937 system; and if he will make a statement. [44419] 2008-09 7,749 3,647 11,397 2009-10 7,946 3,974 11,920 Anne Milton: The following table shows the number Source: of claims for reimbursement for incurred costs for Prescription Pricing Division of the NHS Business Services Authority, state-provided necessary health care in another member England, Department of Health Finance Division, Foundation Trust state of the European Economic Area (EEA) and year-end accounts. Switzerland over the last five years. 897W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 898W

in the United Kingdom who can already commission Number of claims for Calendar year reimbursement for necessary care unlicensed medicines, known as “specials”, under such a scheme. Safeguards for the patients are provided 2006 10,093 primarily by a combination of professional regulation 2007 10,299 of the practitioner and by the role of the Medicines and 2008 13,328 Healthcare products Regulatory Agency in regulating 2009 18,090 the manufacturers and distributors of the products. 2010 17,755 We also propose that in future practitioners of herbal medicine wishing to use the provisions of section 12(1) Where a citizen has been charged for state necessary of the Medicines Act 1968 to prepare unlicensed herbal treatment provided during a visit to another EEA member remedies on their own premises to meet the needs of state or Switzerland, they can submit a claim to the individual patient identified in consultation should be Department for Work and Pensions, and a reimbursement required to register with the Health Professions Council. is made. The introduction of this requirement should strengthen The Department of Health is not aware of any European safeguards for patients while ensuring consumers continue Union level plans to reform the European Health Insurance to have access to herbal medicines. There will be public Card (EHIC). The Department has, however, raised the consultation on all these proposals. issue of non-acceptance of the EHIC, with the European Commission, in a recent evaluation of how the scheme At 30 April 2011, following the end of the period of is implemented and administered in member states. transitional protection allowed under Directive 2004/24/EC, section 12(2) of the Medicines Act 1968 will no longer be available. This provision permitted the marketing of Health: Tendring unlicensed herbal remedies in the UK without a requirement for patient consultation and incorporated few safeguards Mr Carswell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for patients as to the safety and quality of the product if he will assess the likely effects of implementation of or the provision of information about the safe use of his proposed changes to the NHS on health inequalities the medicine. In future such products will require either in Tendring. [44448] a marketing authorisation or a traditional herbal registration. Anne Milton: The Government have made it clear that tackling health inequalities is a priority, with a focus on equity and fairness. The Government have Homeopathy made a set of proposals to reduce health inequalities in all areas of England. The White Paper, ‘Equity and Excellence: Liberating Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the NHS’, published on 12 July 2010, set out proposals with reference to the Government response to the petition for the establishment of an independent National Health to the Prime Minister which closed on 6 June 2010 on Service Commissioning Board and a new NHS Outcomes the recommendations of the Science and Technology Framework to help tackle inequalities, promote equality, Committee’s evidence check on homeopathy, what evidence and act as a catalyst for driving up quality across all his Department has evaluated on the clinical effectiveness NHS services. of any homeopathic product. [44230] The Health and Social Care Bill 2011 proposes introducing new legal duties for the Secretary of State, Anne Milton: The National Institute for Health and the NHS Commissioning Board and general practice Clinical Excellence (NICE) agreed to consider commissioning consortia to have regard to addressing complementary and alternative medicine treatments, health inequalities. including homeopathy as part of its clinical guidelines programme where appropriate and where suitable evidence Herbal Medicine: Regulation exists. NICE has not recommended a homeopathic treatment as yet. Dr Huppert: To ask the Secretary of State for Health There is information available regarding evidence for what criteria he plans to apply to the regulation of homeopathy on the NHS Evidence website which can unlicensed herbal medicines; and if he will make a be accessed at: statement. [43816] www.evidence.nhs.uk/search.aspx?t=homeopathy

Mr Simon Burns: We recently announced proposals that practitioners wishing to supply unlicensed herbal Hospitals: Admissions medicines should be required to be registered with the Health Professions Council. This will enable us to use a derogation in European medicines legislation which Anne Marie Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for permits national arrangements allowing those designated Health how many patients were admitted to hospital in as authorised healthcare professionals to commission (a) Devon and (b) England in the last 12 months for an unlicensed medicine on their professional responsibility which figures are available. [41552] to meet the special needs of their individual patient. Under these arrangements we would envisage similar criteria applying to practitioners of herbal medicine as Mr Simon Burns: The data requested are shown in is the case with a range of other healthcare practitioners the following table: 899W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 900W

Count of finished admission episodes in Devon primary care trust work alongside ‘Time to Change’, the £18 million charity (PCT) and England for the latest available 12 months sector-led anti-stigma and well-being social marketing Devon PCT England campaign. Shift’s work complements that of Time to November 2009 to October 2010 170,103 14,714,309 Change by focusing on two key audiences, one of which Notes: is the media. 1. A finished admission episode (FAE) is the first period of inpatient The work with the media is aimed at improving care under one consultant within one health care provider. FAEs are media coverage of mental health and in particular counted against the year in which the admission episode finishes. challenging the link made between severe mental illness 2. Admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the year. and violence. 3. The data are provisional and may be incomplete or contain errors Guidance on best practice for reporting mental health for which no adjustments have yet been made. has been distributed to more than 10,000 journalists, Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES), The NHS Information Centre for which focuses on covering violence and suicide. health and social care Training on reporting mental illness and suicide is Hospitals: Babies being delivered to postgraduate students at journalism training colleges and the Shift Speakers Bureau, a bank Mr Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for of people willing to talk about their real life experiences Health if he will assess the merits of the new system for of mental illness, has become an essential resource for bar coded wrist and ankle bands for babies recently journalists and a way of ensuring that people’s voices introduced at Kettering General Hospital for the are heard. purposes of ascertaining its suitability for wider Midwives: Training application across the NHS. [44576] Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Anne Milton: The system introduced at the Kettering Health what assessment he has made of the requirement General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is an excellent for (a) training and (b) employment of midwives in the example of the benefits achievable through use of bar next five years. [44022] code technology in the national health service. The Department encourages the adoption of this and other Anne Milton: The Government recognise that the auto-identity and data capture technologies across the vast majority of our midwives provide excellent care, NHS, based on the use of recognised barcode information however ongoing education and training is vital to standards which have been ratified by the NHS Information keeping standards high. That is why we are working Standards Board. closely with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the Medical Certificates: Offenders independent body with regulatory responsibility for midwifery educational standards, to make sure that training programmes reflect the best possible learning Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health outcomes. how much the Probation Service spent on doctors’ notes for offenders in connection with non-attendance The Government are committed to training the numbers for part of community sentences in each of the last of midwives needed, and is considering ways of helping three years. [44192] to improve midwife recruitment and retention. The final report “Midwifery 2020: delivering Paul Burstow: This information is not collected by expectations” (September 2010) underpins the vision of the Department. how midwives can lead and deliver care in a changing Doctor’s notes, including notes explaining absence health care environment in line with the proposals in from part of community sentences for medical reasons, the White Paper “Equity and Excellence: Liberating the are not provided by the national health service. Doctors NHS” and the supporting consultation document, provide notes privately and may charge a fee for signing “Liberating the NHS: Developing the Healthcare any note or letter where a review of a patient’s medical Workforce”. records is required. As part of the 2011-12 Operating Planning process, the Department is collecting projections on the midwifery Mental Illness: Advertising workforce up to March 2015 from strategic health authorities. This information will be published in due Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health course. what assessment his Department has made on the effects of advertising on (a) adult and (b) child mental Fiona Mactaggart: To ask the Secretary of State for health. [44208] Health how many places for student midwives there were in (a) England and (b) each region in academic Paul Burstow: No such assessment has been made, year 2010-11. [44442] however, Shift, the Department’s programme to reduce the stigma and discrimination directed towards people Anne Milton: There were 5,644 midwifery students in with mental health problems was extended in order to training in June 2010, the latest figures we have available.

NHS midwifery training places commissioned since 2005-06 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Degree 891 983 1,307 1,944 1,977 1,967 Diploma 397 540 412 0 0 0 901W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 902W

NHS midwifery training places commissioned since 2005-06 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

18 months 531 467 352 328 505 526 Total 1,819 1,990 2,071 2,272 2,482 2,493

NHS midwifery training places commissioned, 2008 and 2009 by strategic health authority 2008 2009 Degree 18-month diploma Total Degree 18-month diploma Total

North East 66 20 86 67 25 92 North West 218 39 257 228 35 263 Yorks and Humber 176 35 211 242 27 269 East Midlands 142 15 157 146 33 179 West Midlands 226 69 295 277 53 330 East of England 228 48 276 235 54 289 London 454 0 454 335 176 511 South East Coast 144 59 203 125 53 178 South Central 142 31 173 178 25 203 South West 148 12 160 144 24 168 Source: Quarterly Monitoring Returns.

Musculoskeletal Disorders Musculoskeletal Disorders: Medical Treatments

Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Andrew George: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of expenditure on Health what plans his Department has to improve treatment of problems of the musculoskeletal system in outcomes for those with musculoskeletal problems. the next three years. [44327] [43723] Paul Burstow: The first “NHS Outcomes Framework Paul Burstow: The Department has made no estimate 2011/12”, published 20 December 2010, sets out the of expenditure on problems of the musculoskeletal national outcome goals that will be used to hold the system in the next three years. Decisions on such expenditure proposed NHS Commissioning Board to account for are made at a local level, by primary care trusts in delivering improved outcomes. Although, there is not a 2011-12 and, subject to the passage of the Health and specific outcome indicator for musculoskeletal disorders Social Care Bill currently before Parliament, by general in the NHS Outcomes Framework, we would expect practitioner consortia from 2012-13. progress to be captured under Domain 2: Enhancing the quality of life for people with long-term conditions NHS and Domain 3: Helping people to recover from episodes of ill health or following injury. Chris Skidmore: To ask the Secretary of State for However, the Secretary of State for Health, the right Health if he will publish the external advice received by hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr Lansley), Ministers in his Department prior to 5 May 2010 on will not be setting out how these outcomes should be (a) the 2010-11 operating framework—maximum delivered, it will be for the NHS Commissioning Board price tariff, published on 16 December 2009, (b) the to determine how best to deliver improvements by achievement of efficiency savings and (c) the effects on working with general practitioner (GP) commissioning quality of competition in the NHS. [44749] consortia. The NHS Commissioning Board will have various Mr Simon Burns: There are no plans to publish tools and levers at its disposal to help deliver improved external advice received by Ministers in the previous outcomes, which include the library of the National administration in relation to these issues. Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Quality It is an established convention that Ministers of a Standards; the Commissioning Outcomes Framework, current Administration may not generally see documents which the NHS Commissioning Board will use to hold of a former Administration of a different political party. GP commissioning consortia to account; and other payment mechanisms between the NHS Commissioning NHS: Dairy Products Board, commissioners and providers. The tools and levers available to the NHS Commissioning Thomas Docherty: To ask the Secretary of State for Board are described more fully in both “The NHS Health what estimate he has made of the volume of Outcomes Framework 2011/12”, and “Liberating the milk purchased by the NHS in England in the last 12 NHS: legislative framework and next steps”, which is months for which figures are available; and how much available at: the NHS spent on (a) milk and (b) other dairy products in that period. [44731] www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/ @dh/@en/@ps/documents/digitalasset/dh_123138.pdf Mr Simon Burns: Information on expenditure on www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/ these goods by the national health service is held by PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_122661 NHS Supply Chain (NHS SC), the national supplies Copies have already been placed in the Library. and distribution organisation established by the Department 903W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 904W in 2006. The figures are that the NHS spent £9.5 million NHS: Expenditure on purchasing milk in 2009-10 through NHS SC, and £0.5 million on purchasing other dairy products for the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health same period. NHS SC estimate that this forms what estimate has been made of public expenditure on approximately 50% of the market share for the NHS as health as a proportion of (a) GDP and (b) total a whole. NHS SC does not hold information on the public expenditure in each of the last 10 years for actual volume of these products sold by their suppliers. which figures are available. [44266] Purchases of these products other than through NHS SC will be done at individual NHS trust level or through Mr Simon Burns: The relevant statistics are in the local collaborative procurement hubs. Information on following table. The table has been constructed using expenditure by these routes is not held centrally. HM Treasury statistical information sources.

United Kingdom health spending as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) Public health spending as a UK health public spending (£ Public health spending as a percentage of total managed billion) percentage of GDP expenditure

Accruals 1998-99 outturn 46.9 5.3 14.2 1999-2000 outturn 49.4 5.2 14.4 2000-01 outturn 54.2 5.5 14.9 2001-02 outturn 59.8 5.8 15.4 2002-03 outturn 66.2 6.1 15.7 2003-04 outturn 74.9 6.5 16.4 2004-05 outturn 82.9 6.8 16.8 2005-06 outturn 89.6 7.0 17.1 2006-07 outturn 94.5 7.0 17.2 2007-08 outturn 102.2 7.2 17.5 2008-09 outturn 110.0 7.7 17.4 Source: Tables 4.1/4.2 HM Treasury PESA 2010

NHS: Finance in 2000-01 for adults and in 1997 for children. This survey is currently funded as a rolling programme. Tony Baldry: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Average daily energy intake (kcal) is provided in the what plans he has for the future funding of the nhs.net table. service from 2013. [43772] Energy intake (kcal/day) Mr Simon Burns: The current contract for provision Age of the secure NHSmail email and directory service for (years) 2008-09 2000-01 1997 the national health service in England and Scotland expires in 2013. Expenditure plans for the service in 4-10 1,558 — 1,600 future years have yet to be finalised. 11-18 1,917 — 1,890 NHS: Redundancy 19-64 1,949 1,934 —

Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Patients: Foreigners if he will estimate the number of (a) compulsory and (b) voluntary redundancies in NHS non-clinical staff which will occur in (i) the London borough of Mr Binley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Newham, (ii) West Ham constituency and (iii) London (1) how many foreign patients treated in hospitals who in the next 12 months. [43784] were liable for the cost of their treatment did not pay for treatment in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09 and (c) Mr Simon Burns: This information is not collected 2009-10; [43773] centrally. The hon. Member may wish to contact the (2) how much his Department was owed in payments London strategic health authority directly for estimated for treatment provided to foreign nationals in hospitals figures. in England in (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09 and (c) Nutrition 2009-10. [43774] Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the estimated average calorific intake of (a) Anne Milton: The following table shows the total children and (b) adults was in each of the last 10 years. audited losses, bad debt and claims abandoned for [44379] overseas visitors for years 2007-08 to 2009-10, for England. As well as written-off debt for foreign nationals who are Anne Milton: Average daily calorie (energy) intakes not ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, these for adults and children are available from the National data include written-off debt for UK nationals who are Diet and Nutrition Survey. To date, this data has not not ordinarily resident here. Further, it does not include been collected annually. However, information is available monies owed that hospitals are still in the process of for calorific intake for 2008-09 for adults and children, recovering. 905W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 906W

on the health effects of use of these drugs and the Bad debts and claims abandoned in respect of overseas patients (£) treatment and management interventions for addiction to them. 2007-08 6,468,751 The NTA and NAC reports will be published in the 2008-09 5,204,856 next couple of months. Following publication, we will 2009-10 6,967,780 be engaging widely with interested parties, including the Note: Royal College of General Practitioners, to determine We do not collect data from national health service foundation trusts the future direction of policy and service planning. so figures exclude these sites. Source: NHS Trust Audited Summarisation Schedules. Social Services: Elderly The Department does not hold data on the number Paul Uppal: To ask the Secretary of State for Health of foreign nationals treated. what progress his Department is making on a voluntary scheme for payments towards the cost of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder social care for the elderly. [44318]

Mr Ellwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Paul Burstow: In July 2010, the Government established how many personnel his Department has appointed to the independent Commission on Funding of Care and deal with combat stress; what research studies on this Support to make recommendations on how to achieve issue are being undertaken; and if he will make a an affordable and sustainable funding system or systems statement. [44713] for care and support for all adults in England, both in the home and other settings. Mr Simon Burns: A team of three people work full The Commission is due to report by July this year. time on all military health and veterans’ health issues More information about its work can be found online at: within the Department. These include those which relate www.dilnotcommission.dh.gov.uk to the effect combat can have on the mental health of those who have served in the armed forces. Responsibility The Government will publish a White Paper on social for the health and wellbeing of those currently serving care by the end of 2011. lies with the Ministry of Defence. The Department is Sodium Valproate currently working closely with the 10 strategic health authorities to deliver the improvements to veterans’ mental health services suggested in Dr. Andrew Murrison’s Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for report, “Fighting Fit”. Health if he will request the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency to review the safety of On research, the National Institute of Health Research sodium valproate. [44744] (NIHR) is funding Professor Simon Wessely as a Senior Investigator. Professor Wessely is Director of the King’s Mr Simon Burns: The safety, efficacy and quality of Centre for Military Health Research Unit at King’s all medicines is thoroughly evaluated by the Medicines College London. For the last 10 years, his research has and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency at the time shifted towards various aspects of military health including of licensing and their safety is monitored continuously the physical and psychological consequences of military while they are on the market. service. Sodium valproate is an effective treatment for epilepsy. Important known risks of sodium valproate include Prescription Drugs: Royal College of General effects on the pancreas, liver disorders and the risk of Practitioners birth defects in babies born to women who take sodium valproate during pregnancy. Eric Ollerenshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for The product information for prescribers (the Summary Health whether his Department has consulted the of Product Characteristics) and the Patient Information Royal College of General Practitioners as part of its Leaflet for sodium valproate contains detailed information review of addiction to prescribed medicine. [43713] about its known adverse effects. As new data emerge the product information is updated to reflect the recognised Anne Milton: The Department has commissioned adverse effects. Warnings about the known side effects two reports to investigate addiction to medicines. of sodium valproate are also reflected in the British The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse National Formulary and in the National Institute for (NTA) has been asked to collect evidence through: Health and Clinical Excellence guidance on the treatment an analysis of National Drug Treatment Monitoring System of epilepsy in adults and children. and pharmacy data to investigate prevalence and trends; Standing Commission on Carers structured interviews with targeted primary care trusts and local drug partnerships to better understand the governance of prescribing and the commissioning and provision of services Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for to treat addiction to prescription and over the counter medicines; Health what plans he has for the future of the Standing and Commission on Carers; and if he will make a surveys and structured interviews with dedicated and specialist statement. [44720] providers to determine what is being provided and how local services are configured. Paul Burstow: The Standing Commission on Carers The National Addiction Centre (NAC) is conducting made a significant contribution to the development of a literature review to bring together the published evidence “Recognised, valued and supported: next steps for the 907W Written Answers7 MARCH 2011 Written Answers 908W

Carers Strategy” which we published in November 2010. Women who are concerned about GBS infection are A copy has already been placed in the Library. The advised to talk to their doctor or midwife. Commission will continue to play a valuable role in Current guidance on the prevention of early-onset advising Ministers across Government on the strategic neonatal GBS disease is provided by the Royal College opportunities for improving outcomes for carers, drawing of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The guideline advises upon its members’ extensive networks and experience. I health care professionals on the management of high plan to attend the next meeting of the Standing Commission risk pregnancies and is currently being reviewed and on 16 March, to discuss its work programme for the updated. The National Institute for Health and Clinical year ahead. Once agreed the work programme will be Excellence are currently developing guidance on the placed on the Commission’s webpage. management of early onset infections including GBS. Streptococcus: Screening Vitamin D

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the (a) clinical Health when he expects the Scientific Advisory Committee and (b) cost effectiveness of introducing screening for on Nutrition to publish its advice on the appropriate group B streptococcus for all pregnant women; and levels of vitamin D to be used in supplementation. what steps he plans to take to raise awareness among (i) [44421] pregnant women and (ii) healthcare professionals of group B streptococcus. [44121] Anne Milton: United Kingdom Government policy on nutrition issues is informed by the Scientific Advisory Anne Milton: The UK National Screening Committee Committee on Nutrition (SACN). (UK NSC) advises Ministers and the national health SACN agreed to review the dietary reference intakes service in all four countries about all aspects of screening for vitamin D at its meeting on 15 October 2010. It is policy. The UK NSC reviewed the policy for screening envisaged that the review will take approximately three for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) carriage in pregnancy years to complete. in 2009. The review was the subject of a broad consultation Walking and concluded that the evidence did not support the introduction of screening. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health The UK NSC had previously commissioned a clinical what assessment his Department has made of the and cost-effectiveness study comparing different approaches contribution of walking to mental and physical health. to GBS. The health technology assessment took this [44377] work forward on behalf of the UK NSC and published the results in 2007. The main conclusion was that there Paul Burstow: The benefits of physical activity are was considerable uncertainty on the most effective approach outlined in the Public Health White Paper and associated to GBS. The study results were considered by the UK documents. NSC during the screening policy review in 2009. The The recently published mental health strategy “No UK NSC will review its policy position again on GBS Health Without Mental Health”and associated documents carriage in pregnancy screening in 2012 or earlier if any also highlight the benefits of physical activity in improving significant new peer reviewed evidence emerges. outcomes for mental health and wellbeing. Information for women on GBS is contained in ‘The There are other sources of information that have Pregnancy Book’, a guide to a healthy pregnancy, labour been produced which provide an evidence base that and childbirth, and life with a new baby, which is given includes the health and wellbeing benefits of physical to all pregnant women. Information is also available on activity, for example the Department’s “Confident the NHS Choices website at: Communities, Brighter Futures—a Framework for www.nhs.uk/chq/pages/2037.aspx?categoryid= Wellbeing” sets out the argument and evidence base for 54&subcategoryid=137 prioritising well-being.

3MC Ministerial Corrections7 MARCH 2011 Ministerial Corrections 4MC

proposition that, aside from increases in the basic pension Ministerial Correction and pension credit that have already been explained, the other mainstream social security benefits and statutory Monday 7 March 2011 payments will increase by 3.1%, in line with the annual growth in RPI. There will be no attempt to recoup the value of the 1.5% fudge that we inherited from the previous Government. WORK AND PENSIONS [Official Report, 17 February 2011, Vol. 523, c. 1178.] Social Security Letter of correction from Mr Steve Webb: The following is the response given by the Minister of An error has been identified in the answer given on State, the hon. Member for Thornbury and Yate (Steve 17 February 2011. In the third paragraph of my response Webb) relating to a question from the hon. Member for I meant to say CPI not RPI. Edinburgh East (Sheila Gilmore) during the debate on The correct answer should have been: the Draft Social Security Benefits Uprating Order 2011 on 17 February 2011. Steve Webb: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for raising that point. We are, of course, driven by the Office for Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): Will the National Statistics, so we are not cobbling together our Government give the House a time scale in which it will own index. It is undertaking careful work over the next consider these matters to do with CPI? Obviously, council two years. We will then look at its findings and consider tax also has to be taken into account. whether it is appropriate to use a CPIH-type measure. We are governed by the ONS’s time scales. Steve Webb: I am grateful to the hon. Lady for raising I will comment briefly on benefits for people of that point. We are, of course, driven by the Office for working age. Unfortunately, last year the Government National Statistics, so we are not cobbling together our got themselves into a bit of a mess over uprating. As I own index. It is undertaking careful work over the next have said, RPI was showing negative inflation, mainly two years. We will then look at its findings and consider as a result of falling mortgage interest. As a result, whether it is appropriate to use a CPIH-type measure. benefits such as additional state pensions did not increase We are governed by the ONS’s time scales. at all. They would have done under CPI. Other benefits, I will comment briefly on benefits for people of mainly the disability and carers’ benefits, were the subject working age. Unfortunately, last year the Government of what my notes call a bewildering fudge—I think that got themselves into a bit of a mess over uprating. As I roughly sums it up. In the end, disability and carers’ have said, RPI was showing negative inflation, mainly benefits last year were increased by 1.5%, but on the as a result of falling mortgage interest. As a result, proviso that the pre-election—sorry, that word slipped benefits such as additional state pensions did not increase out again—increase in 2010 would be clawed back in at all. They would have done under CPI. Other benefits, 2011. In other words, that would have happened this mainly the disability and carers’ benefits, were the subject year in this order. [Interruption.] The Secretary of of what my notes call a bewildering fudge—I think that State says that we had to decide whether to pick up the roughly sums it up. In the end, disability and carers’ ticking time bomb of that 1.5% clawback as well. benefits last year were increased by 1.5%, but on the Members will be pleased to know that the 2011 proviso that the pre-election—sorry, that word slipped uprating order before the House today contains no such out again—increase in 2010 would be clawed back in sleight of hand. It is based on the straightforward 2011. In other words, that would have happened this proposition that, aside from increases in the basic pension year in this order. [Interruption.] The Secretary of and pension credit that have already been explained, the State says that we had to decide whether to pick up the other mainstream social security benefits and statutory ticking time bomb of that 1.5% clawback as well. payments will increase by 3.1%, in line with the annual Members will be pleased to know that the 2011 growth in CPI. There will be no attempt to recoup the uprating order before the House today contains no such value of the 1.5% fudge that we inherited from the sleight of hand. It is based on the straightforward previous Government.

ORAL ANSWERS

Monday 7 March 2011

Col. No. Col. No. HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 621 HOME DEPARTMENT—continued Antisocial Behaviour...... 623 Police (Complaints)...... 631 Asylum Improvement Project...... 634 Police Forces (Paperwork)...... 627 Human Trafficking ...... 632 Police Numbers (Crime Levels)...... 632 Human Trafficking ...... 633 Police Numbers (Greater Manchester)...... 628 Illegal Immigration ...... 625 Student Visas ...... 630 Immigration Bail Conditions ...... 629 Student Visas ...... 634 Immigration System...... 621 Topical Questions ...... 635 Local Crime and Policing Website...... 622 WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Monday 7 March 2011

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 53WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 55WS London Thames Gateway Development Strengthening Women’s Voices in Government...... 55WS Corporation...... 53WS Review of Statutory Duties...... 53WS TRANSPORT ...... 55WS Olympic Airspace...... 55WS

ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 54WS WALES...... 56WS Energy Council (28 February 2011) ...... 54WS Wales: Referendum on Law-making Powers...... 56WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Monday 7 March 2011

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 822W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT . 735W Access to Learning Fund ...... 822W Council Tax Benefits...... 735W Charity Research Support Fund ...... 822W Government Procurement Card ...... 736W Citizens Advice Bureaux: Finance...... 823W Health Care Insurance ...... 736W Electoral Reform Services ...... 823W Health Services ...... 736W Gangmasters: Licensing...... 824W Home Ownership...... 736W Higher Education: Finance ...... 824W Housing: Construction...... 737W Holiday Leave ...... 825W Local Authority: Pay...... 737W Insolvency...... 825W Promotional Merchandise...... 738W Local Enterprise Partnerships: East of England .... 826W Neurology: Research...... 826W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 740W New Businesses ...... 827W Creative Industries ...... 740W Post Offices: Closures...... 827W Departmental Location...... 740W Public Holidays...... 827W Gambling...... 741W Students: Finance ...... 828W Internet: Social Security Benefits ...... 742W Summertime...... 829W Ofcom...... 742W Olympic Games 2012: Human Trafficking ...... 743W

CABINET OFFICE...... 774W DEFENCE...... 802W Asylum ...... 774W Afghanistan: Peacekeeping Operations ...... 802W Big Society Bank...... 775W Air Force: Military Bases ...... 802W Census ...... 775W Air Force: Redundancy...... 803W Charities ...... 776W Air Force: Training ...... 803W Community Development...... 776W Aircraft Carriers: Decommissioning ...... 804W Deaths...... 776W Armed Forces: Conditions of Employment ...... 804W Deaths: Children...... 778W Armed Forces: Criminal Records...... 804W Population: Yemen...... 779W Armed Forces: Manpower ...... 805W Suicide ...... 780W Armed Forces: Redundancy...... 805W Third Sector: Finance ...... 779W Armed Forces: Sexual Offences...... 805W Unemployment: Airdrie ...... 781W Bermuda: Armed Forces ...... 806W Voluntary Organisations ...... 781W Blue Force Property ...... 807W Voluntary Organisations: Finance...... 782W Civil Emergencies: Community Relations ...... 807W Voluntary Work ...... 782W Defence...... 808W Working Hours ...... 785W Defence: Finance ...... 808W Col. No. Col. No. DEFENCE—continued ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS— Defence: Information and Communications continued Technology ...... 808W Beetles...... 761W Departmental Manpower...... 808W Birds ...... 761W Departmental Pay ...... 809W Bottle Deposit and Refund Schemes ...... 762W Electoral Reform Services ...... 810W Brighton...... 762W Ex-servicemen: Radiation Exposure...... 810W Corporate Britain...... 762W HMS Victory ...... 810W Dairy Farming: Nitrate Vulnerable Zones...... 763W Military Aircraft ...... 811W Dangerous Dogs ...... 763W Military Aircraft: Operating Costs...... 812W Departmental Conditions of Employment...... 763W Military Exercises ...... 812W Departmental Redundancy ...... 764W Navy ...... 812W Departmental Research...... 764W Nimrod Aircraft...... 813W Dog and Cat Population ...... 766W Radio Frequencies ...... 813W Dogs and Cats: Crime...... 766W RAF Valley...... 813W Electric Shock Training...... 766W Strategic Defence and Security Review ...... 813W Fish: Consumption ...... 766W Vanguard Submarine ...... 815W Floods: Public Expenditure...... 767W Warships ...... 815W Food ...... 767W Forestry Commission...... 768W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 744W Forestry Commission: Land...... 768W Electoral Register...... 744W Forests ...... 767W Forests: Cycling...... 770W EDUCATION...... 883W Forests: North East...... 770W Adoption ...... 883W Landfill ...... 770W Children: Carers...... 884W Maize: Imports ...... 771W Children in Care: Adoption ...... 883W Members: Correspondence ...... 771W Children: Parents ...... 884W Nature Conservation...... 771W College of Social Work ...... 884W Nitrate Vulnerable Zones ...... 772W Departmental Correspondence ...... 885W Pet Advertising Advisory Group...... 772W Departmental Domestic Visits ...... 885W Rural Areas: Rallying...... 772W Departmental Freedom of Information ...... 885W Salmon: Exports ...... 772W Departmental Information Officers ...... 886W Salmon: Scotland...... 773W Departmental Travel ...... 886W Sewers ...... 773W Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme ...... 887W Supermarkets: Procurement...... 773W Family Intervention Projects ...... 887W Voluntary Work and Charitable Donations...... 774W Fee Schools: Public Expenditure ...... 887W Whales: Conservation ...... 774W Human Rights ...... 887W Members: Correspondence ...... 888W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE .... 838W Progress Project...... 888W Bermuda ...... 838W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 888W Brighton...... 838W Schools: Food ...... 889W Cote d’Ivoire: British Nationals Abroad ...... 838W Sixth Form Education...... 889W Departmental Disciplinary Proceedings...... 839W Teachers: Misconduct ...... 889W Egypt ...... 839W Teaching Methods: Reading...... 890W Iran: Warships...... 839W UN Convention on the Rights of the Child ...... 890W Libya...... 840W Voluntary Work and Charitable Donations...... 891W Libya: British Nationals Abroad...... 840W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 891W Libya: Foreign Nationals ...... 842W Young People: Crime Prevention ...... 891W Members: Correspondence ...... 842W New Zealand: Earthquakes...... 842W ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE ...... 738W North Africa: British Nationals Abroad ...... 843W Voluntary Work and Charitable Donations...... 738W North Africa: EU Nationals ...... 843W North Korea: South Korea ...... 843W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 816W Pakistan: Religious Freedom...... 844W Departmental Expenditure ...... 816W Sudan: British Nationals Abroad...... 844W Departmental Leaseback Arrangements ...... 816W Tunisia ...... 844W Departmental Procurement...... 816W Turks and Caicos Islands ...... 845W Electoral Reform Services ...... 817W Yemen: British Nationals Abroad ...... 845W Electricity...... 817W Yemen: Foreign Policy ...... 845W Energy: Housing ...... 818W Energy: Private Rented Housing ...... 820W HEALTH...... 892W Energy Supply: Wychavon...... 818W Cancer: Health Services...... 892W Environment Protection...... 820W Departmental Expenditure ...... 892W Environment Protection: Metals ...... 820W Departmental Procurement...... 893W Fuel Poverty...... 821W Doctors: Training...... 895W Industrial Diseases: Compensation ...... 821W Drugs: Finance ...... 895W Oil: Offshore Industry...... 821W GP Consortia...... 896W Renewable Energy: Feed-in Tariffs...... 822W Health Services: Reciprocal Arrangements ...... 896W Health: Tendring...... 897W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL Herbal Medicine: Regulation ...... 897W AFFAIRS...... 761W Homeopathy ...... 898W Agriculture: Subsidies...... 761W Hospitals: Admissions ...... 898W Col. No. Col. No. HEALTH—continued HOME DEPARTMENT—continued Hospitals: Babies ...... 899W Terrorism: Biological Weapons ...... 880W Medical Certificates: Offenders...... 899W Terrorism: Coventry...... 881W Mental Illness: Advertising ...... 899W Third Sector...... 881W Midwives: Training ...... 900W Translation Services ...... 882W Musculoskeletal Disorders...... 901W Young People: Protection...... 882W Musculoskeletal Disorders: Medical Treatments.... 902W NHS...... 902W HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 743W NHS: Dairy Products...... 902W Flowers ...... 743W NHS: Expenditure ...... 904W NHS: Finance ...... 903W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 795W NHS: Redundancy...... 903W British Overseas NGOs for Development...... 795W Nutrition...... 903W Broadcasting ...... 795W Patients: Foreigners...... 904W Civil Society Challenge Fund...... 796W Post-traumatic Stress Disorder...... 905W Departmental Expenditure ...... 796W Prescription Drugs: Royal College of General Departmental Furniture...... 797W Practitioners ...... 905W Departmental Procurement...... 797W Social Services: Elderly ...... 906W Environment Protection...... 798W Sodium Valproate ...... 906W Music...... 798W Standing Commission on Carers...... 906W National Union of Teachers ...... 798W Streptococcus: Screening...... 907W Sub-Saharan Africa: Agriculture ...... 799W Vitamin D ...... 908W Sudan: International Assistance...... 799W Walking...... 908W Trades Union Congress...... 800W Woodcraft Folk Scotland ...... 800W HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 862W Antisocial Behaviour...... 862W JUSTICE...... 747W Anti-Terrorism Control Orders...... 865W Bill of Rights ...... 747W Asylum: Domestic Violence ...... 865W Coroners: Finance...... 747W Asylum Seekers: Glasgow ...... 863W Departmental Manpower...... 748W Automatic Number Plate Recognition ...... 865W Homicide: Compensation ...... 748W Citizenship...... 865W Human Rights ...... 749W Counter-terrorism: Finance ...... 866W International Convention for the Protection of All Counter-terrorism Review...... 866W Persons from Enforced Disappearance...... 749W Crime Levels...... 862W Juries...... 749W Crime: Victims ...... 866W Juries: Bexley ...... 750W Crimes of Violence: Women...... 867W Legal Aid ...... 750W Departmental Food...... 867W National Archives ...... 751W Departmental Official Residences ...... 868W Police Stations...... 754W Departmental Pay ...... 868W Prisoners ...... 754W Departmental Public Bodies ...... 868W Prisoners: Pay ...... 755W Departmental Regulation...... 869W Prisons: Risk Assessment...... 755W Detention Centres...... 869W Prisons: Safety ...... 756W Entry Clearances: Overseas Students ...... 870W Prisons: Violence...... 756W Hacking ...... 871W Probation: Alarms ...... 757W Hizb ut-Tahrir...... 871W Probation Officers: Training...... 757W Homicide ...... 871W Probation: Redundancy ...... 758W Housing Benefit: Fraud...... 872W Sentencing: Crimes of Violence...... 758W Human Trafficking ...... 872W Sponsors ...... 759W Illegal Immigrants: Employment...... 872W Youth Justice...... 759W Immigration Controls ...... 873W Immigration: Heathrow Airport ...... 873W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 739W Injuries...... 864W Departmental Food...... 739W Lord Macdonald of River Glaven...... 874W Departmental Procurement...... 739W Members: Correspondence ...... 874W Electoral Reform Services Ltd ...... 739W Missing Persons ...... 874W Operation Viper ...... 874W PRIME MINISTER ...... 740W Police: Accountability ...... 875W Chequers: Official Visits...... 740W Police: Defamation...... 875W Public Bills ...... 740W Police: Demonstrations ...... 875W Trident ...... 740W Police: Finance...... 875W Police: Length of Service...... 876W TRANSPORT ...... 829W Police: Liverpool ...... 877W Air Travel Trust Fund ...... 829W Police: Mass Media ...... 877W ATOL Scheme ...... 830W Police Numbers: Crime Levels ...... 863W Aviation ...... 830W Police: Public Order ...... 877W Aviation: Pilots ...... 831W Police Services...... 862W Aviation: Security...... 831W Police: Voluntary Work ...... 878W Aviation: Working Hours...... 832W Policy: Bureaucracy ...... 878W Dartford-Thurrock Crossing: Finance ...... 832W Sponsors ...... 878W Dartford-Thurrock Crossing: Tolls ...... 832W Telecommunications: Databases ...... 879W Departmental Manpower...... 833W Telephone Tapping: Newspaper Press ...... 879W Departmental Regulation...... 834W Col. No. Col. No. TRANSPORT—continued WALES—continued Driving Standards Agency ...... 833W Wales: Finance...... 745W Great Western Railway: Electrification ...... 834W London and Southeastern Railway: Cancellations . 835W WOMEN AND EQUALITIES...... 801W Railway Stations: Public Service Announcements .. 836W Departmental Food...... 801W Railways: Construction...... 836W Departmental Procurement...... 801W Railways: Fares ...... 837W Females...... 801W Sea Rescue ...... 837W Third Sector...... 801W Shipping...... 837W Shipping and Aviation: Carbon Emissions...... 837W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 846W Cold Weather Payments: Stockton on Tees ...... 846W TREASURY ...... 786W Departmental Food...... 847W Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund...... 786W Disability Living Allowance...... 847W Arch Cru...... 787W Disability: Mortgages...... 847W Bank Services...... 787W Employment and Support Allowance: Medical Banks: Pay ...... 787W Examinations...... 848W Banks: Regulation...... 788W Employment: Young People...... 848W Carbon Emissions...... 786W Funeral Payments ...... 848W Child Benefit: Fraud ...... 789W Incapacity Benefit ...... 849W Corporation Tax ...... 789W Jobcentre Plus ...... 850W Departmental Manpower...... 789W Jobcentre Plus: Glasgow ...... 849W Economic Growth: EU Action...... 790W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Airdrie...... 851W Electoral Reform Services ...... 790W Jobseeker’s Allowance and Travel Concessions ...... 851W European Committee...... 791W Jobseeker’s Allowance: Coventry ...... 851W Financial Institutions...... 791W Maternity Payments...... 852W Financial Services Authority: Equality...... 791W Older People: Concessions ...... 853W Financial Services Authority: Incentives ...... 791W Pension Service: Post Offices...... 854W Fiscal Policy: Food...... 786W Pensioners: Poverty ...... 854W Green Investment Bank ...... 786W Pensions...... 855W Mileage Payment Allowance ...... 792W Post Office Card Account ...... 855W Northern Rock: Financial Health of Friendly Remploy...... 856W Societies ...... 792W Remploy: Voluntary Redundancy ...... 856W Personal Savings: Government Assistance ...... 793W Social Fund...... 857W Refrigerators: Recycling...... 793W Social Security Benefits...... 857W Tax Credit: Fraud ...... 793W Social Security Benefits: Fraud ...... 858W Tax Relief: Dairy Farmers...... 794W Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations..... 859W Taxation: Aviation ...... 794W Social Security Benefits: Payments...... 859W Taxation: Gambling ...... 795W State Retirement Pensions...... 859W State Retirement Pensions: Age...... 860W WALES...... 744W State Retirement Pensions: Females ...... 861W St David’s Day ...... 744W Voluntary Work and Charitable Donations...... 861W MINISTERIAL CORRECTION

Monday 7 March 2011

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CONTENTS

Monday 7 March 2011

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 621] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Home Department

Libya and the Middle East [Col. 643] Statement—(Mr Hague)

Scotland Bill [Col. 665] Considered in Committee

Pfizer (Sandwich) [Col. 747] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 53WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 735W] [see index inside back page]

Ministerial Correction [Col. 3MC]