Thursday Volume 576 6 March 2014 No. 132

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Thursday 6 March 2014

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support more experienced companies and companies of House of Commons all sizes with advice, information and practical support to build their exports.

Thursday 6 March 2014 Richard Burden (Birmingham, Northfield) (Lab): The Minister will know that one sector in which exports are The House met at half-past Nine o’clock great for Britain is the motorsport sector. That is to be applauded. However, does he share my concern that some of the exporting that appears to be going on is the PRAYERS exporting of jobs? That is what is happening at Dunlop Motorsport in Birmingham. It seems to be exporting some jobs abroad, when it has been offered alternative [Mr SPEAKER in the Chair] sites in Birmingham and when his Department has been pressing it to stay in Birmingham. Will he redouble his BUSINESS BEFORE QUESTIONS efforts to persuade Dunlop Motorsport to stay in Birmingham, where it should be? STEPHEN LAWRENCE INDEPENDENT REVIEW Resolved, Michael Fallon: My right hon. Friend the Secretary That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, That of State has met the company and it was the subject of she will be graciously pleased to give directions that there be laid a debate in the House recently. We will continue to do before this House a Return of the Report, dated 6 March 2014, of what we can. However, motorsport is an important and the Stephen Lawrence Independent Review: Possible corruption large business sector. I attended the Autosport exhibition and the role of undercover policing in the Stephen Lawrence in Birmingham recently, as the hon. Gentleman probably case.—(Mr Gyimah.) did. More than 45,000 people work in the industry Resolved, across the country and it has a total value of more than That an humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, That £8 billion. We must do everything that we can to ensure she will be graciously pleased to give directions that there be laid that the sector continues to grow. before this House a Return of the Report, dated 6 March 2014, of the Stephen Lawrence Independent Review: Possible corruption Mr Mark Prisk (Hertford and Stortford) (Con): and the role of undercover policing in the Stephen Lawrence case, Exporting in the modern economy requires sustained Summary of Findings.—(Mr Gyimah.) financial support, yet the law in this country restricts to individual transactions the financial support for exports. I urge the Government to change the law so that we can Oral Answers to Questions have the support that is needed for exporters, small, medium and large.

Michael Fallon: I will certainly look at the point that BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS my hon. Friend raises. I pay tribute to his efforts at the Department over two and a half years to back companies of all sizes in their export drive. The Secretary of State was asked— Export Support Services (SMEs) Bank Lending

1. Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con): What steps he is 2. Robert Flello (Stoke-on-Trent South) (Lab): What taking to raise awareness of export support services recent assessment he has made of the availability of among small and medium-sized businesses. [902858] finance and the level of lending by banks to small businesses. [902859] The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Michael Fallon): UK Trade & Investment The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and has an extensive programme of awareness-raising activity Skills (Vince Cable): Gross lending to small businesses that is directed at small and medium-sized businesses. for the 12 months to January was 14% higher than in That includes a national marketing campaign, “Exporting the same period a year ago, although net lending continues is GREAT”. More than 10 million people are expected to contract. The Bank of England’s credit conditions to see the campaign and it should lead to about 3,000 survey reported, however, that: additional businesses working with UKTI. “The overall availability of credit to the corporate sector increased significantly” Karen Lumley: Will my right hon. Friend join me in in the final quarter of 2013. congratulating Clifford Springs in Redditch, which has a great record in exporting springs, for which Redditch Robert Flello: I am really surprised by the answer that is renowned? Will he tell Clifford Springs and other the Secretary of State has given, because small businesses companies what more they can expect from UKTI? in my constituency tell me that they are finding it almost impossible and often totally impossible to access Michael Fallon: I, too, congratulate Clifford Springs the finance that they need. Lending to business is down on its export success, particularly to the United States. after the failure of the Government’s Project Merlin, UKTI has a team of 39 international trade advisers credit easing and funding for lending schemes. It now based in the west midlands. They have supported more emerges that the business bank is just a rebadging of than 1,400 companies across the region, including many existing schemes. Why has the Secretary of State failed companies in my hon. Friend’s constituency. They also to learn from the Department’s mistakes and failures? 1025 Oral Answers6 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 1026

Vince Cable: Of course, there is a continuing credit year before. How does he think those businesses will problem for many small companies. That is very clear. respond to the news that in the past year, Barclays and There is a very different pattern among the significant Lloyds made 508 people millionaires due to the bonuses banks. Lloyds is greatly expanding its lending, as is they paid, at the same time as many small businesses are Santander. Some of the new banks, such as Shawbrook struggling to get access to finance? Is there a discrepancy and Aldermore, are beginning to make an impression. between the Government’s performance on small business That has been cancelled out by RBS, although its new lending and the bonuses that continue to be paid by management have indicated that they wish to expand its those banks? net lending considerably. The business bank is beginning to make a significant impact. It is not a rebadging. It is Vince Cable: There are often bonus levels that are already out in the market, supporting new forms of extreme, but it is important to recall that at the peak of non-conventional business finance. the financial crisis when the Labour party was in charge, Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): there was a bonus pool of well over £12 billion. That Business intentions rely on confidence, and with business has now shrunk to a tiny fraction of that, and at least confidence at a 22-year high, figures from the Office for one bank to which the hon. Gentleman referred— National Statistics show that business investment is up Lloyds—is making a significant improvement in the 8.5% on the previous year. Does that not show that supply of small business lending. business is not only confident about the economy, but about the policies of this Government? EU Regulation Vince Cable: Yes, there is a high level of confidence, and it is reinforced by fact. Indeed, the output and 3. Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): What steps he spending figures are reinforcing the trend that the hon. is taking to reduce the amount of EU regulation which Gentleman describes. There is, however, a continuing affects businesses. [902860] problem regarding credit to the small and medium-sized business sector. We are not complacent about that, and The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation the interventions we are making will help. and Skills (Michael Fallon): The Government continue to press the European Union to reduce burdens on business. Meg Hillier (Hackney South and Shoreditch) (Lab/ We are focused on delivering the business taskforce’s Co-op): Many businesses in my constituency tell me report, their 30 specific recommendations for reforming that their biggest problem is the withdrawal of overdrafts, EU law, and the “compete” principles that should apply and they are sometimes offered big and unwanted loans to all new EU legislation. We have already achieved instead. Is the Secretary of State monitoring that trend, good progress on seven of the 30 recommendations, to ensure that banks are not fiddling the system to and we are seeing growing recognition of the “compete” benefit themselves, and to attack small businesses that principles among major European business organisations have cash-flow issues but do not need big loans? and in the European Parliament. Vince Cable: One positive thing is that we are now getting a growth of specialist institutions that provide Bob Blackman: I thank my right hon. Friend for that small businesses with a type of finance—Aldermore answer. Businesses in my constituency complain not provides asset-based financing or new kinds of invoice only about EU regulations, but about the fact that other financing to deal with cash flow or investment as required. countries do not play by the same regulations, and that However, the hon. Lady is right to say that there is a when our civil servants implement regulations, they particular problem in that area of the market. gold-plate them. What action is my right hon. Friend Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): I recently had the privilege taking to remove that gold-plating and ensure that we of opening the first bank in my constituency to be do the minimum possible to abide by the rules? approved under the new Government fast-track system— Paragon bank—and it was full of praise for the help it Michael Fallon: I think there was too much gold-plating received from my right hon. Friend’s Department. Does in the past, and we have reviewed all 132 directives he share my aspiration that that will herald the beginning implemented in the past two and a half years since we of much greater diversity and choice in the banking tightened the rules on transposition. Of those 132, there sector, and particularly help for small businesses? is only one example of a directive being gold-plated. That is the consumer rights directive where we took the Vince Cable: My hon. Friend is right and I thank her decision to better protect consumer interests in the use for her kind words. Ultimately, what will change the of premium lines. problem is breaking the traditional monopoly of the big four banks. Many new banks are now coming into existence, and the more flexible licensing regime operated Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Do by the regulators is playing a significant part. I believe we have to use this language from The Sun about that 20 new banks have recently been licensed and, gold-plating? There is good regulation and bad regulation, within a few years, I think we will see real competition and we should be in favour of the good and oppose and diversity. the bad. As the Minister’s Department will know, this morning there is a Financial Conduct Authority report Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab): The Secretary of on crowdfunding. Crowdfunding is one way that small State says that he is not complacent, and he has good businesses can get finance, and they have been let down cause not to be. Net business lending was down in eight by the big banks in this country. This regulation comes of the past 12 months, and businesses will hear that from this Government. Is EU regulation able to help us in the past year, lending is down by £11.6 billion on the where the Government cannot? 1027 Oral Answers6 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 1028

Michael Fallon: The business bank is working precisely The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, on supporting crowdfunding with schemes of that kind. Innovation and Skills (Jenny Willott): The Government I agree that there is good regulation to protect consumers have previously considered the case for small businesses and health and safety, but there is also far too much to have rights when buying goods and services that are unnecessary legislation that has been imposed on us by more aligned with consumers, and consulted on this the European Union. The previous Government did question in 2008 and 2012. We have continued to engage absolutely nothing about it, but we are doing something. with representatives of small business on this matter. The Federation of Small Businesses will shortly present a report in this area and I have committed to respond Minimum Wage (Prosecutions for Non-payment) and will read it with interest. Alex Cunningham: I had a visit from the North East 4. Karl Turner (Kingston upon Hull East) (Lab): Federation of Small Businesses on Friday and was told How many firms have been prosecuted for non-payment that it has seen longer and longer delays in getting of the national minimum wage since May 2010. [902861] larger organisations to pay for goods and services, with one—Procter & Gamble—now having payment terms The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and of 180 days. It says the prompt payment code has no Skills (Vince Cable): Since 2010-11, Her Majesty’s Revenue teeth and companies just extend their terms to comply. and Customs has identified £11.3 million in arrears of Is it not time for the Government to intervene to put an wages for 66,000 workers through civil powers, which end to these disgraceful delays and give small organisations are sufficient in the majority of cases. However, for the a better chance of survival? minority that are persistently non-compliant, criminal investigation is appropriate. Two employers have been Jenny Willott: The hon. Gentleman raises an important prosecuted since 2010, with nine prosecutions in total point, and the Government take concerns from business since 2007. about unfair payment terms very seriously. For example, as he says, receiving payments promptly can be critical Karl Turner: Does the Secretary of State agree that to the survival of a small business. That is why the paying Portuguese seafarers working on P&O Ferries in Department launched a discussion paper called “Building and out of Hull £3.96 an hour risks the employment of a responsible payment culture” at the beginning of British seafarers? Will he make sure that the national December. It sought views on what unfair payment minimum wage enforcement team investigates the maritime terms look like and whether legislative or non-legislative sector? measures should be used to tackle them. The consultation closed at the end of January and we are currently Vince Cable: The maritime sector is subject to the analysing the responses. We will announce shortly what national minimum wage if it is operating within the UK we want to do to tackle the issue. jurisdiction. I will happily take up the case that the hon. Gentleman mentions and, indeed, I was aware of accusations of abuse in this sector. Bank Lending

Ian Murray (Edinburgh South) (Lab): We know that 6. Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) (Lab): In the Government do not want to admit that the country how many of the last 24 months net lending to business is engulfed by a cost of living crisis, but that denial is by banks has risen. [902863] made worse when the Chancellor is exposed as giving a hollow and empty promise to raise the national minimum The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew wage to £7 an hour. Indeed, only a few days after he Hancock): The most recent data from the Bank of made that promise, the Conservative party issued a England show that net lending to small and medium-sized memo, under the heading “Common Sense Guide”, businesses was positive in March, June and November, advising on how to avoid paying the national minimum and the bank’s most recent trends in lending and credit wage. Rather than false promises for the lowest paid in conditions reports show that confidence is beginning to our country, would it not be helpful to utilise the return, helped by interventions such as the business Secretary of State’s naming and shaming policy to bank. Gross lending continues to be higher year on expose the national minimum wage deniers in his year, but there is still much more to do. Government and back Labour’s plans for a living wage? Mr Cunningham: When will the Government stop Vince Cable: I thought that the Labour party was still blaming the previous Government and everybody else committed to supporting the national minimum wage. and get the major banks such as Lloyds and HSBC This is an interesting new evolution of policy, which actually lending to small businesses? Small businesses in seems to have been made on the stump. The naming and my constituency and up and down the country are shaming policy has now come into effect and the first suffering very badly. five companies were named at the end of last week. Matthew Hancock: In order to understand the problem that we are having to address, it is important to analyse why it came about. We all know why it came about— Consumer Rights of Small Businesses because of the under-regulation by the Labour party. It is absolutely true that gross lending increased by £4 billion 5. Alex Cunningham (Stockton North) (Lab): What in October 2013—the highest amount since 2009—so recent representations he has received from small businesses we are moving in the right direction. But there is much on their consumer rights. [902862] more to do to clear up the mess left by the Labour party. 1029 Oral Answers6 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 1030

Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): May I report Jenny Willott: As the hon. Lady says, this is a potentially from Northamptonshire that businesses are not having worrying and emerging trend that seems to be on the to go to lending to invest, but generating their own increase. I have already written to the redress schemes cash? The latest survey from the Northamptonshire to ask them to examine the matter. From 1 April, Powys chamber of commerce shows that county council takes over responsibility for the overall “44% of manufacturers and 21% of service sector respondents enforcement of licensing of estate agents, and I will be reporting an improvement” writing to it to ask it to examine the practice. in their cash flow “with 24% proposing to invest in plant and machinery and 44% in Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op): The Minister training.” mentions the Government’s intention for Powys county council, which serves a predominantly rural area, to Businesses are not necessarily dependent on lending take over the regulation of estate agents from April. from banks. Powys has had three different cabinets in as many months, and had to be threatened with intervention by Matthew Hancock: Of course some businesses are the Welsh Government before it could agree a budget dependent on lending and it is very important to ensure yesterday. Given that it cannot seem to get its own that that problem is sorted out, but my hon. Friend house in order, with practices such as double charging rightly raises the fact that many businesses have an and mortgages by tender being put forward by estate increasing amount of cash on their balance sheets. agents, why does the Minister think the council is the Encouraging them to get out and spend that cash and right body to get house sales in order? invest is an absolutely critical reason for increasing business confidence. I am delighted that business confidence Jenny Willott: At the moment, both trading standards is at record levels. Northamptonshire is one of the most and the OFT possess enforcement powers relating to supportive places for business and has recently won an estate agents. From 1 April, we are simplifying the award for exactly that. landscape by transferring the OFT’s powers to the lead authority, Powys county council. There is a precedent Estate Agents for having a lead local authority effectively to address functions across the nation—for example, illegal money 7. Mr David Hanson (Delyn) (Lab): What recent lending teams for England and Wales do this. I have assessment he has made of the number of complaints faith in the ability of our trading standards officers who and the level of consumer detriment relating to estate are extremely effective, well trained and very responsive agents’ practices in England and Wales. [902864] to the needs of members of the public, and I have every faith that Powys county council trading standards 16. Susan Elan Jones (Clwyd South) (Lab): What department will be able to exercise these functions recent assessment he has made of the number of perfectly adequately. complaints and the level of consumer detriment relating to estate agents’ practices in England and Wales. Apprenticeships (Role of Procurement) [902875] 8. Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, (Lab): If he will make it his policy to better use Innovation and Skills (Jenny Willott): Citizens Advice procurement by his Department to increase received 2,831 calls on issues concerning estate agents apprenticeship opportunities. [902865] from February 2013 to January 2014. The Office of Fair Trading investigated 114 complaints against estate agents 9. Mr Michael McCann (East Kilbride, Strathaven from April 2013 to October 2013. Trading Standards and Lesmahagow) (Lab): If he will make it his policy to continues to carry out enforcement activity against better use procurement by his Department to increase rogue estate agents. From 1 April, the Competition and apprenticeship opportunities. [902866] Markets Authority will work with other consumer bodies to monitor the level of detriment relating to estate The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew agents’ practices. Hancock): We consider opportunities for the provision of apprenticeships on an individual basis. Last month, Mr Hanson: There is growing concern about the however, we announced a new college to train the next process of sale by tender, which has the potential to generation of world-class engineers working on the push up costs for both vendor and purchaser. Does the construction of High Speed 2. We hope that that will Minister share that concern? create up to 2,000 apprentices. Crossrail is the largest procurement project across government—indeed, it is Jenny Willott: This particular issue has not been the largest construction project in Europe—and has a raised with me, but I am happy to take it up with the target of 400 apprentices over the life cycle of the enforcement authorities and the two redress schemes. I project as part of its procurement. will ask the Office of Fair Trading and the CMA to consider the matter on behalf of the right hon. Gentleman. Catherine McKinnell: I thank the Minister for his answer, and note his mention of procurement. In 2010, Susan Elan Jones: There is no doubt that there are I introduced a Bill to increase the number of apprenticeships good estate agents out there as well as bad estate agents, by means of public contract procurement. The proposal but it is surely a very bad practice when both buyers and was adopted by the official Opposition, and was taken sellers are charged a fee for the same property. Will the up by my hon. Friend the Member for Denton and Minister condemn the practice? Reddish (Andrew Gwynne) in his Apprenticeships and 1031 Oral Answers6 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 1032

Skills (Public Procurement Contracts) Bill. Does the excellent Nick Linford of FE Week says that they may Minister agree that it would be an excellent way in amount to 20%, and I hear from front-line staff in which to mark national apprenticeship week for the Birmingham that the figure may be 50%. The Minister Government to adopt the policy officially, and to ensure refused to answer a written question on the subject, and that it is rolled out across the board? he dodged a question about it in the House yesterday. Will he now tell us how many staff at the National Matthew Hancock: As I have said, we include apprentices Apprenticeship Service—which is part of the Skills in procurement contracts. Of course procurement must Funding Agency—will lose their jobs in the next year? put value for money at the top of the list to ensure that we spend taxpayers’ money wisely—which, these days, Matthew Hancock: The National Apprenticeship Service we do—but we must also ensure that, in national does a magnificent job in putting together events such apprenticeship week, we celebrate the value that apprentices as national apprenticeship week, and it is important to can bring, and the value that they can often add to ensure that we run it as effectively as possible. I can tell projects. the hon. Gentleman that a record number of people have participated in apprenticeships in the last year, and Mr McCann: I do not thank the Minister for his that they are doing a fantastic job. It is true that we had answer, because he did not answer the question. When to remove some low-quality apprenticeships that were he is considering whether to boost apprenticeships through only six months long. The Opposition claim that they the use of procurement, what is a higher priority for want high-quality apprenticeships, but then complain him: cheaper contracts, or the supply of apprenticeship when we remove low quality. I will not take any lessons opportunities to our people? from them.

Matthew Hancock: As I have said, we are including Businesses in Bassetlaw apprentices in procurement contracts through Crossrail and High Speed 2. We will also be establishing a nuclear 10. John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab): On what date he college, so that it will be local people who, through plans to visit Bassetlaw to inspect and meet local apprenticeships, ensure that Britain maintains the skills businesses. [902869] that will enable us to build infrastructure such as the new civil nuclear power stations. The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills (Vince Cable): I have provisionally booked a Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): For every ministerial visit to Bassetlaw and to neighbouring areas pound spent on an apprentice, £18 is invested in the in Nottinghamshire for early June. economy. Will the Minister join me in welcoming the £16 million new facility at Leeds College of Building, John Mann: I will parlay with the devil to get jobs and which will deliver apprenticeships for 7,500 students investment into my constituency, and I can guarantee and will make a huge difference to apprenticeships in the Secretary of State my personal protection from my the city? constituents and their anger with the coalition. Perhaps we shall be able to have, for the day, a healthier coalition Matthew Hancock: I have been to Leeds to see what is promoting jobs and investment in Bassetlaw. being done with apprenticeships. Building colleges for building is an important part of ensuring that we can Vince Cable: I am not sure I shall need much protection build our buildings in the future, and using apprenticeships because the firms in the hon. Gentleman’s constituency to do that is an important way of improving and are already beating their way to my door. I believe retaining skills, but, crucially, it also gives thousands of 14 companies have availed themselves of the enterprise young people a chance to obtain the skills that they finance guarantee scheme, there have been five start-up need in order to hold a sustainable job and have a secure loans and 17 other companies are using the growth future. accelerator, all in his patch. Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): The building of Hinkley C will create a huge amount of employment National Minimum Wage in and around not only Somerset but Devon. Apprenticeship schemes will certainly work very well 11. Andrew Selous (South West Bedfordshire) (Con): when it comes to building a power station. What his policy is on the future level of the national minimum wage. [902870] Matthew Hancock: I agree with my hon. Friend, and I pay tribute to Bridgwater college, which has put an The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and awful lot of effort into ensuring that we build up the Skills (Vince Cable): Our aim is to maximise the wages courses that will provide us with new nuclear skills. of the low-paid without it costing jobs and ensure the benefits of the recovery are shared by everyone. We Mr Liam Byrne (Birmingham, Hodge Hill) (Lab): fully support an independent Low Pay Commission and National apprenticeship week provides an extraordinary are currently considering this year’s recommendation to opportunity to celebrate the amazing work of our increase the national minimum wage by 3% to £6.50. apprentices, but it is a matter of concern to all Members This would represent the first real increase since the that there are now 5,000 fewer young people studying in financial crisis. In addition, we are considering the Low apprenticeships than there were at the time of the last Pay Commission’s response to how we can restore the election. That is why news of huge staff cuts at the real value of the national minimum wage, which has not National Apprenticeship Service is so worrying. The kept pace with inflation since 2008. 1033 Oral Answers6 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 1034

Andrew Selous: I am looking forward to many of my Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): constituents seeing a pay rise shortly as the minimum Can the Minister confirm that the business support wage rises, but what is the Secretary of State doing to money that is available is capped at £5,000? That might address the worrying productivity gap so that future meet the needs of smaller businesses, but for medium-sized wage rises are based on increases in productivity and or larger businesses that is quite a small amount considering earned output? many of them lost very expensive equipment.

Vince Cable: My hon. Friend is right that if we are to Michael Fallon: The cap is £2,500 for the business sustain real increases in wages whether at the minimum support scheme, although there are other schemes available level or above, there have to be productivity increases and the hon. Lady will be aware that I wrote to her on and many of the problems in the low-paid sectors like 25 February pointing out that Hull has been allocated catering and care are to do with the fact that productivity some £230,000, the fifth largest allocation anywhere in levels are very low. I gather, for example, that in some of the country. the lowest paid sectors the minimum wage is already 90% of the median. That reflects the low productivity in 20. [902879] Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and those industries. Devonport) (Con): Following the floods that took out Dawlish railway line, last week I visited a number of my businesses at my Plymouth railway station, 21. [902881] Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): With families £1,600 a year worse off, has the Secretary including taxi drivers, Spar and some newsagents, who of State got any plans to follow Labour’s lead and have noticed a 40% drop in their footfall. What might incentivise employers to pay the living wage? the Government be able to do to help those people? Michael Fallon: We have announced a £2 million Vince Cable: We have already made it clear that we tourism support package, from which Plymouth will would encourage companies to pay the living wage if benefit. Local workshops and drop-in clinics will deliver they could afford it, but we need to be very clear that practical help on the ground for tourism businesses, this is not a mandated system. Indeed, the Low Pay alongside a focused marketing campaign to boost trade Commission has expressed considerable care in its for Easter and the early summer. VisitBritain is providing recommendations to be sure that in promoting a higher a promotional push abroad to encourage visitors from level of wages at the bottom, which we want to see, we overseas, and I can tell my hon. Friend that it is working do not force large numbers of workers out of work. in partnership with Brittany Ferries on a £10 million campaign to promote the south-west more generally. Flooding (Support for Businesses) Miss Anne McIntosh (Thirsk and Malton) (Con): 12. Mark Garnier (Wyre Forest) (Con): What steps Does my right hon. Friend share my concern that small he is taking to support businesses affected by recent businesses will be excluded from the Flood Re insurance scheme, and that that will have an impact on their floods. [902871] future reinsurance and excess premiums?

The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation Michael Fallon: The Flood Re scheme is there to help and Skills (Michael Fallon): We have funded a £10 million some of the hardest-to-insure areas, but most business business support scheme which is available to businesses insurance is already priced to risk, unlike household that have been flooded or significantly impacted by the insurance, in which cross-subsidies apply. However, I floods. The grant can help businesses with clean-up will certainly look again at the point my hon. Friend costs, drying equipment, temporary accommodation has raised. and marketing. This is part of a wider package that includes 100% business rate relief for three months and Retail Grocery Market new repair and renewal grants. 13. Mr Mark Harper (Forest of Dean) (Con): What Mark Garnier: I am grateful to my right hon. Friend recent assessment he has made of the competitiveness for that answer and for all the Government are doing to of the retail grocery market. [902872] help businesses affected by the floods. In my constituency, 29 businesses, mainly in the town of Stourport-on-Severn, The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, have been directly flooded and a number of others have Innovation and Skills (Jenny Willott): Retail is a highly been indirectly affected. So far, Wyre Forest has not competitive sector, particularly in the grocery market, been included in the first tranche of the direct support with multiple companies competing for market share on grant. Can my right hon. Friend reassure my constituents price, brand and quality. Retailers are quick to respond that those businesses that have been affected will be to changing consumer preferences. The Competition supported when the second tranche is announced next Commission’s 2008 assessment of the groceries sector week? found that it was generally working well and that consumers were receiving the benefits of competition, such as Michael Fallon: Yes. With the first round of funding— value, choice, innovation and convenience. some £5 million—the aim was to get the money out and allocated to local authorities as quickly as possible. We Mr Harper: I am happy to agree with the Minister on are in touch with other local authorities, including that, and I would like to draw to her attention the Wyre Forest district council, and I hope the second behaviour of the Co-operative supermarket in Cinderford round of funding will be allocated very shortly. in my constituency. It is using every trick in the book to 1035 Oral Answers6 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 1036 behave in an anti-competitive manner to block a planning Tom Blenkinsop: I thank the Minister for that answer, application that has been approved by my local council and for that rather startling statistic. Another startling and that is popular with local people. Should not it just statistic is that the number of part-time undergraduates get on with competing on the basis of price and choice, fell by 19% in 2012-13. Does he now regret the trebling rather than on the basis of the quality of its legal team? of tuition fees? Does he understand that it has undermined the number of part-time students and that it is leading Jenny Willott: I fully support competition in the retail to declining social mobility? sector, with its benefits for consumers. The competition regime in the UK is designed to ensure that competition Mr Willetts: This is not to do with the introduction of works in the best interests of consumers; it is not the fees and loans. As I said in answer to the previous intended to protect incumbent businesses from competition. question, the burden of repayment on graduates has The Government remain committed to a town centre fallen. The hon. Gentleman describes a trend that began first policy, but that does not mean that shops cannot be under the previous Government. We believe it is attributable built outside town centres where appropriate. It is up to significantly to their policy of not funding students who local authorities to ensure that their local plans identify already have an equivalent-level qualification. That is the retail needs of their local communities, and that why I have started the process of reversing that by they provide a firm basis for any planning decisions. extending entitlements to loans to more part-time students, and we aim to continue to reverse the damage done by Postgraduate Qualifications Labour’s policy.

14. Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): What steps his Bank Lending Department is taking to encourage UK students to study for postgraduate qualifications at UK universities. [902873] 17. Andrew George (St Ives) (LD): What assessment he has made of the effects on businesses of banks’ The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David lending practices. [902876] Willetts): The Government understand the importance of postgraduate study, which is why we are creating a The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew new postgraduate support fund, worth £75 million over Hancock): Banks’ lending practices—good or bad—can the next two years. This investment will allow universities have an impact on the willingness of small businesses to to pilot innovative programmes to support access and approach their bank. We are alert to any evidence of participation. poor practice, and we take up concerns both with the banks and, where necessary, with the financial services Hugh Bayley: As the Minister knows, the UK will not regulators. remain competitive if we do not reverse the frightening trend of falling numbers of British students starting Andrew George: While bankers are still happily filling postgraduate qualifications, and I fear that the situation their boots with multi-million pound bungs, thousands could get worse as the first cohort of students to have of small and medium-sized enterprises across this land paid much higher undergraduate fees starts to feed are being sucked dry by those same banks. Regulators through the system. How many additional postgraduate are offering only woefully limp regulation at the moment, students will £75 million pay for? What will the Government so is it not now time for Ministers to step in to protect do further to boost the number of British students SMEs from these mis-sold interest rate hedging products? doing postgraduate courses? Matthew Hancock: Of course, we have strengthened Mr Willetts: After 2016, graduates will be paying the regulation of the banking system enormously in the back less per month than under the current arrangements, past three years. As yesterday’s figures from the Financial so that factor should not deter postgraduate study. Our Conduct Authority show, 62% of businesses that might extra funding is paying for 20 programmes, in 20 universities, have been mis-sold interest rate swaps have now been to explore different ways of encouraging more postgraduate told by the banks whether they are owed compensation study. under the scheme regulated by the FCA, and all businesses owed redress will have been made offers by the end of Part-time and Mature Students June.

15. Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East Apprenticeships Cleveland) (Lab): What recent estimate he has made of changes in the number of applications by (a) part-time and (b) mature students since changes in the level of 18. Stephen McPartland (Stevenage) (Con): What student fees. [902874] support his Department is providing to apprenticeships. [902877] The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Willetts): Data are not collected on applications for The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew part-time study in higher education. However, the number Hancock): We are well on our way to delivering the of part-time students enrolling in higher education has agenda of apprenticeship reform. This is national fallen by 42% since its peak in 2008-09. The latest apprenticeship week and, as we know, across the country figures from UCAS show that the number of mature participation has increased by about 80% since the applicants to full-time undergraduate courses has risen election. In Stevenage, participation in apprenticeships over the last two application cycles by 5%. since the election has more than doubled. 1037 Oral Answers6 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 1038

Stephen McPartland: Apprenticeships are a great that job insecurity is related to three factors: whether a opportunity to reduce the gap between education and workplace had been subject to recent redundancies; if employment, and in Stevenage last year more than managers felt that the recent recession affected the 800 young people took up the opportunity of an business; and the number of changes to working terms apprenticeship. Yesterday, I launched a jobs fair so that and conditions experienced by employees. we can push towards 1,000 young people taking up the apprenticeship opportunity this year. Will the Minister Ann McKechin: The Minister will be aware that research join me in congratulating all the local partners—the from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development jobcentres, employers, schools and colleges—on the shows that approximately 1 million people in this country work they are doing? are currently employed on zero-hours contracts. We know that many of these are exploitative, so will the Matthew Hancock: I add to those in that list, all of Minister confirm whether the Government will use the which I congratulate, my hon. Friend, who has obviously opportunity of the forthcoming Queen’s Speech to legislate played an important role in bringing people together. to end the misery that is suffered by so many in our Apprenticeships, especially high-quality ones, can happen communities? only as a partnership between training providers and employers, and of course the Government, with some Jenny Willott: The hon. Lady will know that the of their funding, to give young people the opportunities Government looked at zero-hours contracts last summer, they need. and are currently consulting on related issues such as exclusivity clauses and so on, which are just some of the Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): On Monday, I had problems that people have highlighted. Following on the pleasure of hosting a group of apprentices from from that consultation, we will look at what measures MBDA here in Parliament. The group included Anna need to be taken to ensure that such contracts are used Schlautmann, the manufacturer apprentice of the year, positively and not to cause problems for those who are and Jade Aspinall, Semta’s apprentice of the year. MBDA being exploited by them. has a fantastic apprenticeship programme, so what is Export Support Services (SMEs) the Department doing to promote best practice in apprenticeships? 22. Richard Graham (Gloucester) (Con): What steps Matthew Hancock: These apprentices clearly had an he is taking to raise awareness of export support interesting time, because they met not only the hon. services among small and medium-sized businesses. Lady, but the Minister of State, Department for Business, [902882] Innovation and Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Sevenoaks (Michael Fallon)—and indeed, I also The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation met them. They were extremely impressive, and showing and Skills (Michael Fallon): I refer my hon. Friend to the highlights of the best apprentices is something we the answer I gave some moments ago. should all celebrate across this House. Richard Graham: On my last trade envoy mission to Mike Thornton (Eastleigh) (LD): Figures released Indonesia, I arranged for a film to be made of about a this week show that every time a local company hires an dozen SMEs that were with me before, during and after apprentice their bottom line gets an average boost of the mission in order to show it at later seminars across £2,100. In Eastleigh, that means that new apprenticeships the country to convince small businesses that they can alone provided a local boost of more than £2 million in export successfully to faraway growth markets. Does 2012-13. Will the Minister join me in praising local my right hon. Friend agree that such low-cost films businesses in Eastleigh, such as GE Aviation and Arlington made by different trade envoys in different markets Rail, which have a great track record in delivering could be an attractive tool to encourage SMEs to export? high-quality apprenticeships? Will he also join me in praising the work of my hon. Friend the Member for Mr Speaker: I have just learned something new. I did Burnley (Gordon Birtwistle), who is leading the charge not know that the hon. Gentleman was a trade envoy, on this? but I do now and I am pleased to learn it.

Matthew Hancock: Yes, of course I will join my hon. Michael Fallon: I agree that films can be a useful way Friend. I also join him in paying tribute to my hon. of helping businesses to understand the benefits of Friends the Member for Burnley and for Harrogate and exporting. My hon. Friend will be interested to hear Knaresborough (Andrew Jones), who are apprenticeship that UKTI is producing a series of “Exporting is great” ambassadors and do enormous work, in this House and videos based on companies that feature in its campaign. beyond, to promote apprenticeships. There are currently four videos for Cundall, Angloco, Serious Games and for Lye Cross Farm, which exports Insecurity in the Workplace cheese to France. Mr Speaker: It is always useful to have a bit of 19. Ann McKechin (Glasgow North) (Lab): If his additional information. Department will make an assessment of the main causes of insecurity in the workplace. [902878] Topical Questions

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, T1. [902883] Mr Jim Cunningham (Coventry South) Innovation and Skills (Jenny Willott): The 2011 workplace (Lab): If he will make a statement on his departmental employment relations study measured insecurity.It showed responsibilities. 1039 Oral Answers6 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 1040

The Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and the Secretary of State now explain how he will fix the Skills (Vince Cable): My Department plays a key role in problem without putting under threat the country’s supporting the rebalancing of the economy through scientists, students, universities and colleges? business to deliver growth while increasing skills and learning. Vince Cable: This is an absurd misunderstanding of what is called the resource accounting and budgeting— Mr Cunningham: Will the Secretary of State say what RAB—charge system, which depends on long-term the latest position is regarding Hibu, as he met a small predictions of earnings growth. I assure the hon. Gentleman delegation of MPs some months ago to discuss the that if the recovery of the economy continues as it is, situation? He will know that many of the shareholders the RAB charge estimates will be substantially revised have lost a lot of money, especially those in Coventry. down and the imaginary black hole will very soon disappear. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business, T4. [902888] Mark Menzies (Fylde) (Con): What steps Innovation and Skills (Jenny Willott): The hon. Gentleman is the Department taking to support small and is right that many people have lost significant amounts medium-sized businesses in Lancashire that are keen to of money, and they are clearly keen to see action. The export their goods and services? administrator has a statutory duty to report on the behaviour of Hibu’s directors, and that report is due before the end of May. At that point, the Secretary of The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation State and the Insolvency Service will look at whether and Skills (Michael Fallon): We are committed to helping action needs to be taken to disqualify the directors. Lancashire companies to start exporting or to expand in new markets. Between April and December 2013, UKTI helped nearly 600 businesses across Lancashire T2. [902884] Eric Ollerenshaw (Lancaster and Fleetwood) and I am pleased to see my hon. Friend supporting (Con): Will the Minister join me in congratulating those efforts by partnering with UKTI in delivering a Lancaster chamber of commerce and Lancaster and successful export event for local businesses at the BAE Morecambe college, ably supported by the Lancaster site in his constituency last week. Guardian, on putting on courses for local businesses to demonstrate the benefits of apprenticeships? Does he T3. [902885] Susan Elan Jones (Clwyd South) (Lab): I accept that such local initiatives will build on this know that many of us were waiting with a great deal of Government’s success in putting real apprenticeships interest for the Financial Conduct Authority’s new back on the career map? rules on payday lending, but does the Minister share my disappointment that it did not come up with a The Minister for Skills and Enterprise (Matthew much tougher action plan on advertising? Hancock): I agree wholeheartedly with my hon. Friend. The Lancaster Guardian, like many local newspapers Matthew Hancock: We were clear in our consultation across the country, plays an important role in changing on payday lending that we had put all the options for the culture, supporting apprenticeships and ensuring change on the table. We have taken the consultation that young people know the opportunities that are seriously and that has included my meeting many of the available to them. stakeholders. We will do what it takes, but we will do what works—and what works for businesses large and Mr Chuka Umunna (Streatham) (Lab): In the last small, focusing especially on the needs of small annual report and accounts of his Department, the businesses—but we will not make changes just to satisfy Secretary of State said that the Department remained calls and headlines. We will make sure that the system “on track to deliver against our spending review settlement.” works as properly as possible. However, the head of the National Audit Office said in T5. [902889] Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): the same report that there are significant uncertainties Pendle businesses were delighted when the Government relating to billions of pounds worth of the Department’s published the draft assisted area status map back in assets, which will affect its financial position. Can the December, proposing to include part of Pendle for the Secretary of State explain the discrepancy? first time. The current map, drawn up under the previous Government in 2007, did not include a single Vince Cable: I think the hon. Gentleman is referring part of Pendle, yet the new map will include about 50% to the significant assets that were left with the dissolution of the borough. Will my right hon. Friend update the of the regional development agencies. In fact, the job of House on the progress in bringing the new map into managing that complex process has been extraordinarily force? successful. Michael Fallon: I am glad that my hon. Friend is Mr Umunna: No, I refer to the student loans worth pleased with the draft map. The Government are billions of pounds. Subsequent to the publication of considering responses made in stage two of the assisted those accounts, the NAO published a report that revealed areas consultation to the draft map and the final map that because Ministers have dramatically overestimated for 2014 to 2020 is due to come into effect on 1 July this the number of graduates who will be able to repay the year. loans to pay for the Secretary of State’s higher tuition fees, he has, in effect, blown a hole in the Department’s T7. [902891] Mr Michael McCann (East Kilbride, budget. In fact, the Library estimates that from 2015-16 Strathaven and Lesmahagow) (Lab): A major hotel an extra £600 million a year will have to be found. Will chain in my constituency employs a conveyor belt of 1041 Oral Answers6 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 1042 young people. They are all on zero-hours contracts, tips Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ are pooled and loosely accounted for and if workers Co-op): My constituent, Mr Rundell, paid for an additional have the audacity to question anything they are rewarded guarantee scheme from a high street retailer for an —punished—with fewer shifts. When will the Secretary electrical item on the basis that he would get a replacement. of State stop consulting and start doing something It later turned out that that was not the case. What about exploitation through zero-hours contracts? assessment has the consumer affairs Minister made of the way in which these policies are sold to constituents Jenny Willott: As I said in answer to a previous and to people across the country, because very often question, we are in the process of consulting. It is such a policy turns out not to be what they have been important that we get this right so that we do not promised? penalise employees by getting the rules wrong. Many employees benefit from zero-hours contracts and we Jenny Willott: As the hon. Gentleman will know, the need to ensure that we take the right action rather than Consumer Rights Bill is in Committee and a number of hasty action. We will respond to the consultation and Members here today are on that Committee. One of the make proposals to get rid of the exploitative factor in issues we are looking at is warranties and guarantees zero-hours contracts. and ensuring that consumers are aware of their statutory rights. There is protection for consumers. I recommend T6. [902890] Mel Stride (Central Devon) (Con): that the hon. Gentleman’s constituent contact the Citizens Agriculture matters in my constituency yet the average Advice helpline, which will be able to point him in the age of my farmers is about 60, so we have a desperate right direction to ensure that if he has been mis-sold need to encourage young people to go into farming. I something, he can get the remedies due to him under know that my hon. Friend the Minister for Skills and the law. Enterprise made a statement to the House yesterday about the reforms to the apprenticeship scheme, but Gordon Birtwistle (Burnley) (LD): I thank my right will he outline how his reforms will encourage young hon. Friend for visiting Burnley last week to open a new people to use apprenticeships to go into farming? industrial estate and visit a number of rapidly expanding companies that are embracing the Government’s economic Matthew Hancock: Of course, apprenticeships policy. Does he agree that if the success being achieved increasingly cover the whole economy, including farming in Burnley was replicated across the country, our economic and agriculture. The number of apprenticeships in position would be growing much better? agriculture has increased by a quarter and I am pleased to say that we are working with farmers in our trailblazer reforms of apprenticeships to get them and the agriculture Vince Cable: Yes, I had a very rewarding visit to my sector to write the rules on what training is needed to hon. Friend’s constituency and I think there were broader ensure that apprenticeships work better for them in lessons. Much of the gloom about the economy that is future. being spread by the Opposition is not reflected in many manufacturing towns such as Burnley, which has an unemployment rate well below the national average and John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): Bogus highly successful manufacturing companies, particularly self-employment continues to spread through the in aerospace and the car supply chain. Many other construction industry, in part because the number of towns and cities across the UK are now sharing that HMRC employer compliance inspections has halved in experience. four years. Does the Secretary of State regret that?

Vince Cable: Of course we want to see maximum Seema Malhotra (Feltham and Heston) (Lab/Co-op): compliance. We realise that there are abuses in the The Secretary of State will be aware that business construction industry and I can assure the hon. Gentleman growth in the UK is dependent not just on exports but that we are committing to stepping up enforcement on investors. Recently I went on a visit to India and I action. discussed with businesses, including a Confederation of Indian Industry round table here, issues concerning UKTI. How successful does he believe UKTI is at Mr Robin Walker (Worcester) (Con): I am very pleased creating investment opportunities for medium-sized with the Government’s rapid response in providing businesses from abroad, particularly in our regions, so support for businesses that were directly affected by the that we can see growth and investment partnerships? floods, but evidence is emerging in Worcester of substantial indirect effects from transport disruptions, particularly to small businesses. I understand that Worcester received Vince Cable: UKTI is now regarded as an excellent around £57,000 of funding in the first tranche of the service for business. It has a dedicated unit devoted to floods fund. Can the Minister confirm that as more high value opportunities and big inward investment in evidence emerges, there may be more money to support the UK. I visited India recently and met a substantial local SMEs? number of Indian companies, both in the service sector, such as call centres, and in manufacturing, such as Michael Fallon: I can confirm that a second tranche aerospace, that are targeting the UK to re-shore production of funding will be made available under the business here from India. support scheme, and my Department is talking to all local authorities where businesses have been affected. Mr Philip Hollobone (Kettering) (Con): Tomorrow in Where they have been significantly affected, of course Kettering, with local employers, Tresham institute will we want to help. launch Experience Kettering, a workplace experience 1043 Oral Answers6 MARCH 2014 Oral Answers 1044 scheme for hard-to-place young people aged 18 to 24. and the impact the proposed measures could have on Would the Skills Minister congratulate Tresham institute their business. We are looking at all of that and will on this initiative and send some words of encouragement? bring forward proposals shortly. Julie Hilling (Bolton West) (Lab): Apprentices in Matthew Hancock: I would be delighted to congratulate Bolton West have told me that teachers tried to dissuade Tresham institute on what it is doing to help young them from undertaking apprenticeships, particularly if people into work. Work experience is a vital part of they were high-flying students. What is the Department getting a job and I hope it is also working on the new doing to educate teachers and ensure that proper careers traineeship programme, which is designed to help people guidance is in place? into an apprenticeship or a sustainable job. Matthew Hancock: That is properly a matter for the Department for Education but, as I am also a Minister Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): What impact there I will take this opportunity to explain that we are and what offence does the Secretary of State believe introducing stronger statutory guidance. There was no have been caused to Jewish and Muslim businesses by guidance for schools before, so we have introduced a the statement from the chief veterinary officer today, new legal requirement on them to secure independent threatening to ban the practice of shechita and halal? and impartial advice, and we are introducing stronger statutory guidance to ensure that they do so, alongside Vince Cable: I confess that I have not yet absorbed the new National Careers Service, which this Government the significance of that statement. We will certainly introduced. consider it. Nadhim Zahawi (Stratford-on-Avon) (Con): I will meet representatives of Jaguar Land Rover tomorrow Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): The House to discuss their vision for their Gaydon headquarters. is awaiting the response to the BIS consultation on pub As it is international women’s day on 8 March, I will companies, but now that the London Economics research also be discussing the work they do to encourage women has been exposed as fundamentally flawed and does not and girls to take up science, technology, engineering follow the brief given to it by BIS, and the firm has and maths. The Secretary of State is passionate about charged £26,000 for fieldwork that did not take place, getting more women on boards and, importantly, into will my right hon. Friend ignore this bunkum and listen all sort of industries, so will he join me in celebrating to the Federation of Small Businesses’ research, which international women’s day and reminding businesses shows that the market rent-only option would benefit that they need to do their bit to encourage more women the UK economy by £78 million? into the sciences? The Minister for Universities and Science (Mr David Jenny Willott: As my hon. Friend knows, responses Willetts): My hon. Friend is absolutely right. To encourage to last year’s Government consultation numbered in the more women into science, we have specifically said that thousands. We are looking at all the evidence that was when universities bid for the new capital funding we are put before us, including the research he mentioned. We allocating to them, they will be required to show what also received evidence from thousands of individual tenants they are doing to attract women into those essential who contacted us to tell us about their circumstances subjects. 1045 6 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 1046

Business of the House physical or sexual violence, but under this Government the number of domestic violence cases passed to the Crown Prosecution Service has fallen by 13%. Will the 10.31 am Leader of the House arrange for a debate in Government Ms Angela Eagle (Wallasey) (Lab): Will the Leader of time on how to end the scourge of violence against the House give us the business for next week? women, and ensure that the perpetrators know that they will be brought to justice? The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew If the Prime Minister is good at one thing, it is Lansley): The business for next week is as follows: completely failing to provide answers during Prime MONDAY 10 MARCH—Remaining stages of the Care Minister’s questions. Yesterday, my hon. Friend the Bill [Lords] (day 1). Member for Derby North (Chris Williamson) asked the TUESDAY 11 MARCH—Conclusion of the remaining Government exactly how they are planning to achieve stages of the Care Bill [Lords]. their aim of bringing back fox hunting for their Bullingdon buddies. The Prime Minister guaranteed the House a WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH—Remaining stages of the Intellectual vote, so will the Leader of the House now confirm that, Lords Property Bill [ ], followed by consideration of Lords if the Government intend to use a statutory instrument amendments to the Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous to drive a coach and horses through the Hunting Act Provisions) Bill, followed by, if necessary, considerations 2004, the statutory instrument will be taken on the of Lords amendments. Floor of the House and not upstairs? THURSDAY 13 MARCH—Statement on the publication of the sixth report from the Communities and Local Next Thursday there will be a Back-Bench business Government Committee on local government procurement, debate on the badger cull, which will call for the cull to followed by a debate on a motion relating to the badger be stopped. The Government have already ignored one cull. The Select Committee statement and the subject vote to stop the cull, but the emerging evidence is that for debate were determined by the Backbench Business the trials have been a failure and may even have made Committee. the situation worse. Will the Leader of the House tell us that, if there is another vote to stop the cull, the FRIDAY 14 MARCH—The House will not be sitting. Government will this time abide by the will of the The provisional business for the week commencing House? 17 March will include: On Monday and Tuesday the House will debate the MONDAY 17 MARCH—Consideration of Lords amendments. Care Bill. There is a lot in the Bill on which both sides TUESDAY 18 MARCH—Consideration of Lords amendments. of the House can agree, but unfortunately the Government WEDNESDAY 19 MARCH—My right hon. Friend the are using it as a back-door route to give themselves the Chancellor of the Exchequer will open his Budget power to close any hospital they want. Given that the statement. Leader of the House was the first to use trust special THURSDAY 20 MARCH—Continuation of the Budget administrators in south London, and his successor was debate. embarrassed in the High Court for trying to use them to close services at Lewisham hospital, will he now concede FRIDAY 21 MARCH—The House will not be sitting. that any reconfiguration of hospital services should be I should also like to inform the House that the clinically led and not done for purely financial reasons? business in Westminster Hall for 13 March will be: I congratulate the Leader of the House on finally THURSDAY 13MARCH—AgeneraldebateonCommonwealth day. being able to give us the date of the last-gasp Queen’s Speech of this clapped-out, dysfunctional Government. The House will also be aware that this morning I A Queen’s Speech in June and an extended recess show made a written statement announcing that Her Majesty that this is a zombie Government who have long since the Queen will open a new Session of this Parliament run out of steam. They may think they have cobbled on Tuesday 3 June 2014. together an agreement, but it has lasted less than a day. Today, the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation Ms Eagle: I thank the Leader of the House for and Skills and a Home Office Minister will make totally announcing next week’s business. contradictory speeches on immigration. The events unfolding in Ukraine are of grave concern. There is agreement across the House that Russia’s actions The Chancellor ambushed the Liberal Democrats in are without justification and flout international law. the Cabinet on vetoing a European Union referendum, European leaders are meeting today in Brussels. In view and with the Budget only two weeks away, he is too of the seriousness of the situation, will the Leader of busy fighting with the Mayor of London about who the House confirm that there will be a statement on the will be the next Tory leader to think about his day job. outcome of that meeting in the House on Monday? Will As yesterday was Ash Wednesday, may I suggest that, he also undertake to ensure that the House is kept hard as it may be, they may want to give up squabbling, adequately informed about this rapidly developing situation conniving and plotting for Lent? without having to depend on inadvertent Downing This week the Deputy Prime Minister has been so street leaks? desperate to grab the limelight that without any apparent This Saturday is international women’s day. It is sense of irony he has been busy accusing politicians of important that we reflect on the ongoing fight for having brass necks. He is now so worried about the women’s equality in this country and around the world. Liberal Democrats being completely wiped out in the A shocking report published this week shows that one European elections that he has agreed to a featherweight third of women in the European Union have suffered boxing match with Nigel Farage on television. We have 1047 Business of the House6 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 1048 a Deputy Prime Minister so desperate for attention that the Act that the House passed. It is quite separate from I am surprised he has not photoshopped himself into the question of what should be the position in relation that selfie at the Oscars. to the Hunting Act more generally, whereby the coalition agreement said that under the coalition programme we Mr Lansley: I entirely agree that the events in Ukraine, would look for a debate in the House, and we have not as we discussed briefly last week, continue to be deeply had an opportunity to do that yet. disturbing. It is important, as the Prime Minister made The proper place for Ministers to set out the position clear yesterday, that we continue to set out clearly that on the badger cull is in the debate. The Backbench there will be costs and consequences to the Russian Business Committee has scheduled that debate for next Government if they continue, as they are doing, to Thursday, and I am very happy to let it take place. As breach international law and to intrude on the territorial the shadow Leader of the House knows, Ministers take integrity of Ukraine. Today’s summit in Brussels gives account of Back-Bench motions, and we have done so us an opportunity, which the Prime Minister is using, to in the past in relation to the badger cull. She may recall set out clearly the nature of those costs and consequences. that we brought the issue back before the House before We are looking for de-escalation, and it must be made the badger cull pilots were undertaken, and there was a clear to the Russian Government if that if they do not further vote that endorsed the position taken by the take action to de-escalate and to move back from their Government. position, robust action will follow. When we debate the Care Bill next week we will look The hon. Lady asked about future business. Of course, at clause 119 and further amendments relating to trust I expect my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to special administrators. As far as I am aware, it has update the House following today’s discussions in Brussels always been the case that whatever the trust special and on such events that may occur over the next few administrator brought forward, it was necessary, as was days. As she knows, following the Foreign Secretary’s the case in relation to Lewisham, that it should meet the statement on Tuesday, we will keep the House fully need to put services not only on a financially sustainable informed. I will continue to discuss with my colleagues basis but on a clinically improving basis; the two have to how we can ensure that the views of the House can be be recognised as being linked. In south-east London, it fully expressed. I think that will be helpful and I hope was not possible to sustain the quality of services in the that it will further reinforce internationally the outrage situation in which South London Healthcare NHS Trust that we feel about events in Ukraine. found itself, and that is why the trust special administrator I am delighted that the House will have so many was appointed. The powers that the Secretary of State opportunities to mark international women’s day, including has and the powers that are sought should enable the through the Backbench Business Committee’s scheduling clinical services for patients to be improved, and that is of a debate in this Chamber this afternoon, and this how they will be used. afternoon’s debate on women and the economy in I am grateful for the hon. Lady’s welcome of the Westminster Hall. The Chairman of the Home Affairs announcement of the date of the state opening of Committee and others have secured a very important Parliament. Last year I published the date on 7 March, debate on Monday on the petition relating to female so I managed to make it a day earlier this year; we are genital mutilation. There is a wide range of actions on trying hard to give the House maximum notice. Her this. point about the lack of business is misplaced. I have In the particular instance the hon. Lady mentioned, I announced for next week four days’ business, three of share her concern about the survey that was published which consist of substantial progress on Government this week. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary Bills. I reiterate to her again that I do not regard, and has published a ministerial statement today setting out the House should not regard, days allocated to Opposition that there will be an update of the violence against debates and to Backbench Business Committee debates women and girls action plan, which will be published on as anything other than a substantial use of the House’s Saturday. That will provide an opportunity to highlight time. Debating Government legislation is not our only the progress that we have made in tackling violence purpose in being here. In recent years, and during this against women and girls. Last year, we extended the Parliament, the House has established a very positive definition of domestic violence to include controlling, track record of debating the issues that matter to the coercive behaviour; introduced two new stalking offences; people of this country alongside making progress on and in December launched the This is Abuse campaign Government legislation. to highlight that it is not just physical violence that There is no merit in filling the House with legislation makes a relationship abusive. We have also announced for its own sake. The previous Labour Government put the roll-out of Clare’s law and of domestic violence 53 Bills before the House in one Session. [Interruption.] protection orders, and ring-fenced nearly £40 million of I will stop in a moment. The hon. Member for Huddersfield funding for specialist local support services and national (Mr Sheerman) will have his chance—he always does. helplines to support people in abusive situations. In the penultimate Session of the previous Parliament, The hon. Lady asked about the statutory instrument the previous Government introduced 27 Government relating to the number of dogs used to flush out foxes Bills, while in this Session of this Parliament, this for shooting. I am perfectly happy to discuss this through Government have introduced 24 Government Bills, so I the usual channels. As she will know, it is always our completely refute the proposition that we are not dealing practice to ensure that, where it is requested and sought with business—and ours are rather better Bills, if I may by the House, there is an opportunity for proper debate say so. on and scrutiny of statutory instruments, so we will of The hon. Lady asked about the Deputy Prime Minister’s course look at that. I have to say, however, that I do not debate with Nigel Farage. I am really pleased he is regard this, in any sense, as a debate about undermining doing it, because I think it will be very welcome if the 1049 Business of the House6 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 1050

[Mr Lansley] said that he does not believe the people of Liverpool are being short-changed. Can we please have an urgent Deputy Prime Minister takes the opportunity to set out debate on the Government’s blind spot when it comes to to the people of this country the sheer lack of effort, Liverpool? energy and commitment of UKIP MEPs in the European Parliament. Happily, in my region, David Campbell Mr Lansley: The Government have no blind spot in Bannerman left UKIP, joined the Conservative party relation to Liverpool. On the contrary, many of the and is more responsible in what he does and puts in things we are doing are helping Liverpool. Speaking much more effort, but others have lamentably failed to personally, when I was Secretary of State for Health, represent the people who voted to send them to the two of the most important future building projects to European Parliament in the last election and who I which I gave my personal support were the rebuilding of hope will not make the same mistake again. Liverpool Broadgreen and Alder Hey hospitals. That does not ignore Liverpool; it supports Liverpool in the Several hon. Members rose— continuation of one of its most important services. I will not reiterate the points the Prime Minister made Mr Speaker: Order. As usual, dozens of hon. and yesterday. He set out very clearly the figures for the level right hon. Members are seeking to catch my eye. However, of support received per household in Liverpool relative I remind the House that there are two further ministerial to other places. statements to follow, first from the Home Secretary and then from the Secretary of State for Defence. Thereafter, Dr Matthew Offord (Hendon) (Con): Between 1997 there will be a statement by the Chair of the Defence and 2011, the number of prescriptions for methylphenidate Committee and two debates under the auspices of the hydrochloride—also known as Ritalin—rose from 92,079 Backbench Business Committee. Therefore, there is a to 929,839, which is a 1,000% increase. As the drug is premium on time and, exceptionally—I emphasise the commonly used to treat children with attention deficit word “exceptionally”—it may not be possible today to hyperactivity disorder, may we have an urgent debate get everybody in, which, as the House knows, is my about the effects on society of drugging a generation of usual practice. There is an imperative, therefore, on children? Back and Front-Benchers alike to be brief. Mr Lansley: I know that there have been such debates, Sir Paul Beresford (Mole Valley) (Con): In the light if not in the most recent past. If my hon. Friend and of one of the statements you have mentioned, Mr Speaker, other Members feel strongly about these issues, they and the publication in a few minutes of the Privileges might together choose to ask the Backbench Business Committee report, will the Leader of the House consider Committee to find time to explore them—if not in the a debate on a positive aspect of the relationship between Chamber, then in Westminster Hall. UK police and MPs? I am, of course, referring to the little-known—it should be publicised—police service As my hon. Friend knows, a range of factors affects parliamentary scheme, which has successfully brought the number of prescriptions. During as long a period as police and MPs together. It started in 1999 and operates 1997 to 2010, much of course happened in relation to under the guidance of Sir Neil Thorne. An early, short awareness about such conditions and the overall level of debate would be timely, because the new scheme for this prescribing and treatment for ADHD generally. The year has just commenced. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance in 2006 and the clinical guidelines in 2008 Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for have had an impact on prescribing by clinicians. I say all making a very good point. Just as Members have very that merely to illustrate that there is a range of issues, much appreciated participating in the armed forces but he is right to say that it is sometimes useful for this parliamentary scheme, they have equally benefited from House to take the time to look at them. participating in the police service parliamentary scheme. A meeting was held last week to set out what the scheme Mr Dave Watts (St Helens North) (Lab): Given the has achieved and to look forward. I hope Members will fact that Barclays and Lloyds bank have now created take advantage of it. Many of us benefit from the more millionaires than the national lottery, as reported opportunity to spend time with the police service in our in the Daily Mirror, may we have a debate in the House constituencies, but the scheme offers the opportunity to about why this Government are allowing the banks to understand more systematically the character of policing, continue to rip off customers and Britain? not just in our own constituencies, but elsewhere too. In the context of all the debates we are having about Mr Lansley: It is not this Government; we are doing policing in this country, it would be wonderful if more no such thing. This Government have seen the level of Members demonstrated to the police service their bankers’ bonuses substantially reduced compared with commitment to understand the nature and challenges the rate under the previous Government. It is astonishing. of policing today. I will not go on about this, but when Labour Members were in government they mismanaged regulation of the Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab/Co-op): financial services sector to such a point that we had bust Last month, Liverpool city council won a High Court banks and immense bail-outs, with bonuses wildly out action, which ruled that cuts by the Government to of control, but they have the brass neck to stand up and European funding for Liverpool were unlawful. Last complain about the reduced level of bankers’ bonuses night, Liverpool city council had to agree £156 million- being implemented under this Government. Frankly, worth of cuts, which will impact severely on the provision we are making very clear that where we have shareholdings, of mandatory services, including social care to the bonuses have to be within a very controlled framework, elderly and children, yet yesterday the Prime Minister and they are coming down relative to last year. 1051 Business of the House6 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 1052

Mr Peter Bone (Wellingborough) (Con): We are very Mr Nigel Dodds (Belfast North) (DUP): Some good lucky to have had some excellent Leaders of the House. work has been done in this Parliament to hold down I wonder whether the current Leader of the House fuel duty, and I pay tribute to the Government for that. might make a full oral statement next week on votes in However, may we have a debate on the benefits of this House. As a Member of the House, I have always cutting fuel duty, such as boosting jobs, boosting the thought that when this House votes, the Government economy and helping hard-pressed families? Given that are bound by that vote, but that does not necessarily it would be self-financing, would it not be a good idea seem to happen when Back-Bench motions are debated. to think about it in the run-up to the Budget? Will he make a statement on that next week? Mr Lansley: I will tell the Chancellor of the Exchequer Mr Lansley: I can tell my hon. Friend that it has of the right hon. Gentleman’s thoughts in the run-up to never been the case that a motion in this House binds the Budget. We will, of course, debate those issues the Government, except in so far as a vote is taken on during the Budget debate. I share his sense of how legislation. With the greatest respect to him, whatever important it is to people that fuel duty has been frozen he may believe to be the case, a motion in this House for the entire Parliament, with the result that it will be has never bound the Government, except in such 20p per litre lower than it would have been under the circumstances. escalator put in place by the previous Government. To repeat what I said to the shadow Leader of the House, time and again, even if the Government have Andrew Jones (Harrogate and Knaresborough) (Con): not agreed with what was expressed in a motion passed In the last Parliament, the number of health visitors after a Backbench Business Committee debate, we have dropped by 16%. In this Parliament, that trend has been always taken the motion seriously and responded to it. reversed and the number has gone up by 1,000. There is For example, I recall that hon. Members felt strongly an even faster increase in the number of midwives, about the matter relating to the Royal Regiment of which is up by 1,500, with a further 5,000 in training. Fusiliers. We did not agree with them, but a lot of care Please may we have a debate about the improvements in was taken to explain why we did not agree and to maternity services? That would allow me to highlight respond to the House on that subject. We will continue the recent survey by the Care Quality Commission, to act in that way. which put Harrogate district hospital’s maternity services among the very best in the country.

Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): I Mr Lansley: I am glad to have the opportunity to am very pleased that we will have a debate next week congratulate the staff at Harrogate district hospital. I about the removal of railway rolling stock from the visited it some years ago and know that it is a fine north to improve services in the south, but may we have district general hospital. a wider debate on exactly what the coalition Government have got against the north, and to look at the cuts to My hon. Friend makes a good general point. In major northern cities and northern arts funding, and about 1998 or 1999, the last Labour Government the delay in giving any assistance to areas of the north abandoned universal health visiting services. Because that flooded in December? we are expanding the number of health visitors, by the end of this Parliament, we will again see a universal service for all parents coming home with a new baby, so Mr Lansley: The hon. Lady asks that question when there will be an opportunity for health visitors to work it is this Government who are bringing forward HS2, with every family. That will make a big difference by which will make the biggest difference since the Victorian starting people off on the right track. era in terms of providing capacity and creating high-quality On midwives, for years after 2001, the previous links between northern cities, to the rest of the rail Government ignored the increase of about 16% in the network and beyond London. The Network Rail number of babies being born in this country. There was programme is the largest programme of rail investment nothing like a commensurate increase in the number of since the Victorian era and many of the areas that will midwives. Happily, since 2010, this Government have benefit are in the north of the country. more than kept pace with the increase in the number of babies being born and have been making up that deficit. Tessa Munt (Wells) (LD): A £3-million gamma knife The increase in the number of midwives will help us radiotherapy machine is sitting unused at University further to improve maternity services. College hospital in London because NHS England refuses to send cancer patients there. Will the Leader of Jim Sheridan (Paisley and Renfrewshire North) the House ask the Secretary of State for Health to look (Lab): Notwithstanding the previous comments of the into that as a matter of urgency? Leader of the House on bankers’ bonuses, does he understand that millions of our constituents are at a Mr Lansley: I will, of course, raise that matter with loss to understand why British bankers are acting with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, as the hon. impunity? Out of respect for you, Mr Speaker, I will Lady requests. However, the commissioning of specialist temper my language. If these people continue to hold services is a matter for NHS England under the Health the country to ransom by threatening to leave the and Social Care Act 2012, as she will recall. I completely country, please let the reprobates go. understand what she says. I have seen the latest radiotherapy machines of the kind that she describes, which perform Mr Lansley: The Government have been very clear stereotactic radiotherapy. That is an interesting new that in banks where we exercise a shareholding responsibility treatment, but it is not appropriate in all circumstances. on behalf of the taxpayer, the level of bonuses will 1053 Business of the House6 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 1054

[Mr Lansley] the need for an EIA depends on a proposal’s size and location, and whether it is likely to have a significant come down, bonuses should be paid in a form that can effect on the environment. I hope that when my hon. be recovered if people do not deliver and bonuses Friend looks at the planning regulations—as I know he should often be deferred so that they can be linked will have done—he will be able to challenge if necessary directly to the long-term increase in the value of the whatever decision his local authority may have made. If business and the benefit to customers. Of course, there I may, I will raise the issue with my hon. Friends at the are many banks in which we do not have that shareholding Department for Communities and Local Government, responsibility. Those banks are subject to the law and to and he may wish to have a further conversation with their shareholders, but that is as far as it goes. them about whatever interpretation the local authority What is important is that we have a more competitive has taken. banking system. That is what the Financial Services (Banking Reform) Act 2013 and the measures that we Graham Jones (Hyndburn) (Lab): May we have an are putting in place will achieve. There should be more urgent Government statement on the great train robbery? challenger banks. People can and should make their In east Lancashire we have a brand new line with no own judgments about which banks are providing them trains on it, and last week we found out that the with the right service. trans-Pennine trains are being moved to the Prime Minister’s constituency in the south. It seems to me Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con): This afternoon there is a huge north-south shift, and that the north is a general debate on Welsh affairs will be held in this being short-changed. Chamber. Does my right hon. Friend agree that that is a hugely welcome development, so close as it is to St Mr Lansley: I will ask my hon. Friends at the Department David’s day, and that it should be standard practice to for Transport if they will respond directly to the hon. hold a similar debate every year as part of the programme Gentleman on that issue, and he may wish to raise it at of the House? Transport questions. As far as I am aware—I stand to be corrected—such matters are governed not so much Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend, and in by Government policy but as a consequence of the way this instance credit goes to the Backbench Business train operating companies and Network Rail behave. Committee. It has demonstrated that it is responsive to Members in this House, and the Welsh affairs debate Mr Mark Williams (Ceredigion) (LD): Throughout today is very positive. I hope, for example, that Members the world, 57 million children are denied basic access to will look forward to the changes that the Government primary education, and excellent work has been undertaken are planning to bring forward in the draft Wales Bill, by the Global Partnership for Education. May we have and it might be an opportunity for those on the Opposition a debate on its work, and on the need for our Government Front Bench to explain why they are opposed to further to renew their commitment and replenish its funds in devolution of tax powers to the Welsh Government. June? Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): Last week we debated the impact of welfare reform on people with Mr Lansley: I cannot promise an immediate debate, disabilities. Following that debate, I was contacted by a but I know that hon. Members feel strongly about this deaf constituent, who said that she wanted to follow the issue. The renewal of the millennium development goals debate, but had been unable to do so because of the lack and our determination to try to meet them is something of signing or subtitles. May we have a debate on how we that we can be proud of, but we need to ensure that we can improve accessibility to debates in this House for make progress, because we have not always made the people who are deaf? progress that we want to make collectively. In this country, we can be proud of what we are doing, because—it Mr Lansley: There may be an opportunity to discuss is the first time it has been done by any major country—we that at some point but I cannot identify when it will be. are achieving the goal of providing 0.7% of gross national The hon. Lady makes a good point and if I may, I will income in support of our international development discuss it with colleagues on the House of Commons aid. That enables us to speak with great authority Commission and elsewhere. It might form part of the internationally when it comes to meeting those objectives. agenda when we discuss matters such as parliamentary broadcasting with the BBC. Gavin Shuker (Luton South) (Lab/Co-op): To mark Fairtrade fortnight, I met this morning with farmers Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con): May we have a from the Kuapa co-operative in Ghana who sell Fairtrade statement about the criteria for environmental impact cocoa that goes into Divine chocolate. May we have a assessments to be carried out on wind turbine applications debate in Government time to review what more might to ensure they are properly scrutinised? In my constituency, be done to boost Fairtrade? the local council has decided that such an assessment is not required on a forthcoming planning application in a Mr Lansley: I am interested in what the hon. Gentleman sensitive area, but I fear, in my generosity, that it may has to say and welcome the fact that he was able to meet have misinterpreted current guidance. the producers of Fairtrade chocolate. Hotel Chocolat is close to my constituency, and I would be glad to talk to Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend knows that planning them about their use of Fairtrade chocolate. I cannot regulations set out the procedure for establishing whether promise a debate immediately, but the Backbench Business an environmental impact assessment is required. Not Committee can consider such issues if several Members every wind turbine development will require one, and feel strongly enough to bring them to it. 1055 Business of the House6 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 1056

Martin Vickers (Cleethorpes) (Con): The Government Chris White (Warwick and Leamington) (Con): This have recognised the importance of the Humber estuary week, Dennis Eagle, a local business, was awarded an for the renewable energy sector and in December the £8.5 million grant under the advanced manufacturing Transport Secretary approved a new port facility and supply chain initiative. This will create 52 jobs and energy park. However, two petitions have objected to safeguard another 32 jobs across the supply chain. May the proposal, triggering a special parliamentary procedure. we have a debate on reshoring and supply chains, which To make sure that we get the much needed jobs and are essential to re-establishing the UK as a centre for growth, can the Leader of the House ensure that the manufacturing? process makes progress as quickly as possible? Mr Lansley: What my hon. Friend says is very Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend once again shows his encouraging. I am pleased to have the opportunity to consistent pursuit of the interests of his constituents, join him in congratulating Dennis Eagle on its advanced and I completely understand that. He will understand manufacturing supply chain initiative award. We are in that it would not be appropriate for me to comment on favour of all Eagles, in their place—[Laughter.] He the merits of the project before all the statutory processes makes a good point. Some recent examples of reshoring have been completed. Now that the petitioning period have been very encouraging and demonstrate the tip of has ended, the matter is in the hands of the Chairman the iceberg. Those looking to increase manufacturing of Ways and Means and his counterpart in the Lords, and supply manufacturing jobs no longer need to go and I am sure that they will give it consideration in a abroad to be competitive, and that makes an enormous timely manner. difference. Our backing for skills, apprenticeships, supply Kevin Brennan (Cardiff West) (Lab): This question chains and innovation in new technologies is creating genuinely requires just a yes or no answer. Can the the right environment. On Tuesday, my right hon. Friend Leader of the House confirm, as per the coalition the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and agreement, that there will definitely be a debate and Skills announced further supply chain funding, which is vote on the repeal of the Hunting Act 2004 during this another practical example of well-targeted Government Parliament? support helping UK firms to keep that progress going.

Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman may want a yes or Mr Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) (Lab/Co-op): Is no answer, but he will not get one. As must always be the Leader of the House aware that crowdfunding the case, the answer is subject to the progress of business allows many people, particularly women, to get into and an agreement that we will bring such a measure business start-ups for the first time? This is an area that forward at any time. has not been colonised by men, so, in the week of Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): Earlier this international women’s day, will he arrange an early week, Raquel De Andrade was imprisoned for a string debate? The Financial Conduct Authority released its of offences. She was apprehended at Harrow registry recommendations on the regulation of crowdfunding office trying to marry a Nigerian national who had this morning. Getting the regulation right will provide a overstayed his visa. Her big problem was that she was wonderful opportunity to expand and become the already legally married to three other men who had also international centre for crowdfunding. overstayed their visas, and she was caught when officials became suspicious because she wore the same wedding Mr Lansley: I am glad the hon. Gentleman has raised dress each time. On a serious point, may we have a this matter. I have not had an opportunity to look at debate in Government time on what extra support can what the FCA has had to say. He has, rightly, raised this be given to efforts to combat the menace of bogus and issue before and I hope he finds today’s publication sham marriages? positive. We certainly want to see an improvement in the sources of funding available to small business. He Mr Lansley: It is an abuse, and it is important that it will have heard my right hon. Friend the Secretary of is dealt with. My hon. Friend will recall that we are State for Business, Innovation and Skills say how we taking further powers in the Immigration Bill which is want to achieve additional sources of funding for small now before the House of Lords. I will raise the issue businesses, through not only banks but a wider range of with my colleagues at the Home Office, but I hope that sources. Crowdfunding is for entrepreneurs. There are my hon. Friend will be reassured that we take it seriously. 400,000 more businesses than there were in 2010, many We are legislating on it, and he may have an opportunity of which were set up by women. The hon. Gentleman to raise it further in Home Office questions or in may have an opportunity to raise the issue further in consideration of Lords amendments to the Immigration this afternoon’s Westminster Hall debate on the contribution Bill in due course. of women to the economy. If we can raise the rate of women entrepreneurship in this country to the level in Nic Dakin (Scunthorpe) (Lab): In June 2011, the the United States, it will dramatically increase our prospects House made clear its view that wild animals should not for growth. [Interruption.] be used in circuses. In March 2012, the Government gave a commitment to the House and the country that they would bring forward legislation to deal with the Mr Speaker: It has been suggested to me that we have issue. Can the Leader of the House say when that now had the debate. I think that is perhaps a tad legislation will be brought forward? unkind, but I am grateful for the advice. Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman will not be surprised Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): May we have a that I am not in a position to pre-empt announcements debate on credit rating companies, which can have on the introduction of legislation, especially in the run- a negative impact on some businesses because of false up to the Queen’s Speech. commentary? For example, a company called Experian 1057 Business of the House6 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 1058

[Sir Bob Russell] Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) (LD): May we have a debate on how we can encourage more families claims that a company in my constituency, Fast Food to adopt? Will the Leader of the House join me in Supplies (Anglia), is high risk and has a bad credit welcoming Yorkshire and Humber’s adoption day—which record. That is not true: the business has been operating was staged by an organisation called Being Family—given successfully for 26 years and is expanding, moving into that there are currently 116 children in the Leeds area bigger premises and taking on more employees. who would like to be adopted?

Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend makes an important Mr Lansley: Many of us, as constituency Members, point. Credit rating is used widely by reputable companies, are aware of the benefits of adoption—particularly for of which Experian is one. None the less, it needs to be the youngest children—and the need for it to take place done accurately. I think he and his constituents will find more quickly. I hope the hon. Gentleman will find that that Experian, as a highly reputable company, is as the Children and Families Bill will make a substantial concerned as anybody to ensure that its credit ratings difference. There have been more adoptions in the last are accurate, but the House will appreciate that he is year than there were in the year before, but I expect the representing his constituents’ interests and will continue Bill to help more children for whom it is appropriate to to do so. be adopted, and to be adopted sooner.

John Cryer (Leyton and Wanstead) (Lab): May we Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con): Pendle’s work have a debate on racism, particularly anti-Semitism? force contains one of the highest proportions of The repellent behaviour of Nicolas Anelka, and the manufacturing workers in the United Kingdom. I have pathetic and spineless response of the Football Association, been delighted to encounter an increasing number of remind us that racism is always there and always requires female engineers, including Annette Weekes, the managing vigilance. director of PDS (CNC) Engineering Ltd in Nelson, whom I met most recently last month. As we approach international women’s day, may we have a debate on Mr Lansley: The hon. Gentleman has made an important what more the Government could do to boost the trend point, with which I completely agree. I cannot promise and get more women into engineering? a debate immediately, but there were debates to mark Holocaust memorial day earlier in the year, and I hope that the House will continue to have opportunities to Mr Lansley: I hope that we shall be able to achieve convey its abhorrence of racism and our determination more in that direction, because it is important for us to to tackle it wherever we see it raise its ugly head. do so. I have been very impressed by the number of young women who are entering apprenticeship schemes, often in engineering, not least when I have visited Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): Russia organisations that are operating such schemes. The has abused the sovereignty of Ukraine by marching pathway through qualifications alongside work that into Crimea. Is there any chance of an urgent debate on apprenticeships encapsulate often makes them more the matter next week? interesting and attractive to women than the prospect of simply starting work in engineering and working their Mr Lansley: As I said to the shadow Leader of the way up, and it seems to be more effective. I was involved House, it is evident from the number of questions asked in the promotion of women in science and engineering by Members in response to the Foreign Secretary’s way back. It is a long-standing objective, and we still statement on Tuesday that, in due course, there will be have a long way to go, but I hope that a great many good reason for many of those Members to have an other women will be able to follow the example of opportunity to make a somewhat longer contribution in Annette Weekes. a debate. I cannot promise such a debate next week, because Government legislation will be debated on Stuart Andrew (Pudsey) (Con): I wonder whether my three days out of four and the Backbench Business right hon. Friend has had an opportunity to see a Committee will be using its slot on Thursday, but my report on the BBC website headed “The march of the colleagues and I will think about when it might be best postcode battlers”. It refers to a number of campaigns for one to take place. by residents who are highlighting problems caused by their postcodes. Residents of Tyersal, Thornbury and Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab): May we have a Apperley Bridge in my constituency have long complained debate on the importance of public consultation in the that, given that technically they live in Leeds, their setting of Government policy? This morning, with no Bradford postcode causes numerous problems when consultation and on the basis of a very small and flimsy they are trying to use services such as health and scientific report which is hotly disputed, the chief veterinary education. May we have a debate to establish how officer announced that the Government might be minded widespread the problem is in the United Kingdom, and to ban the practices of shechita and halal. May we have what solutions might be found? a debate on precisely why that has not been subject to any public consultation on the Government’s part? Mr Lansley: The looks on Members’ faces and their nodding heads suggest this is quite a widespread problem, Mr Lansley: I apologise to the hon. Gentleman, but I and I sympathise with my hon. Friend and his constituents, do not recall the chief veterinary officer’s saying such a not least because I live in Cambridgeshire yet my postal thing. I understood that it was said by the new head of address says I am in Hertfordshire and my postcode the British Veterinary Association, who, of course, was says I am in Stevenage, but I am in neither of those not speaking on behalf of the Government. places—I say that with the greatest respect to Stevenage. 1059 Business of the House6 MARCH 2014 Business of the House 1060

We fought for years to get CB postcodes instead of SG Plymouth city council and Devon and Cornwall police postcodes and we have failed thus far. Royal Mail is run a groundbreaking initiative called Encompass, under very clear that there are major costs and consequences which the council rings every primary school each morning associated with trying to change the input codes and to check that children are in school. One sign of domestic they would have to be changed all over the country, but violence is when kids do not turn up. May we have a I know that there are many Members who, with their debate on best practice, so that we can share what constituents, feel this is something worth doing. happens in other communities?

Andrew Bridgen (North West Leicestershire) (Con): I Mr Lansley: I am grateful to my hon. Friend for have recently been contacted by a constituent who highlighting the steps being taken in his constituency expressed extreme disappointment that, having used a and Plymouth by Devon and Cornwall police. As he search engine, he had paid a third-party website for a knows, the Government are committed to working with European health card, which, he later discovered, could the police and other criminal justice agencies to ensure be provided free by the Government. I am aware that a the response to domestic violence and abuse offers the number of Members have similar cases relating to passport best possible protection to victims. My right hon. Friend issues, visas and driving licences. May we therefore have the Home Secretary—who is alongside me on the Front a debate into what Government can do to protect Bench and will have heard what my hon. Friend said—has consumers from unwittingly paying for services that the commissioned Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary Government provide for free? to conduct a review across all police forces of the response to domestic abuse, and we will consider the Mr Lansley: My hon. Friend makes a good point and case for any change to the law against the backdrop of he is not the first Member to raise it at business questions HMIC’s findings and recommendations. recently. My hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff Central (Jenny Willott), the employment relations and consumer affairs Minister, announced on Tuesday that websites Mr Marcus Jones (Nuneaton) (Con): I was recently which try to pass themselves off as legitimate Government honoured to speak at the inaugural meeting of the services will come under the trading standards spotlight. inspirational Nuneaton women’s business club. Will my We have committed an additional £120,000 in this financial right hon. Friend join me in congratulating Lorraine year to the National Trading Standards Board so that it Phimister of Willson Solicitors and Cheryl Stanley of can investigate such websites and be better equipped to Stewart, Fletcher and Barrett accountants on starting take enforcement action against them. I hope that provides this important group, and may we have a debate on how some reassurance to my hon. Friend and other Members. we can encourage more women into business? Government and Members need continuously to identify— and perhaps expose, through the kind of questions my Mr Lansley: I am glad that my hon. Friend is able hon. Friend has raised—the issue to our constituents so directly to follow up the theme of international women’s that they know they need to be careful about potentially day, which is about inspiring change. That is a very misleading false websites. positive approach. In a later debate, he might be able to amplify how the examples of those such as Lorraine Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) and Cheryl show that women can be successful (Con): As has been mentioned, Saturday is international entrepreneurs and make an ever-increasing contribution women’s day. As my right hon. Friend may know, to the economy of this country. 1061 6 MARCH 2014 Ellison Review 1062

Ellison Review The other question that Mark Ellison set out to answer was whether inappropriate undercover activity had been directed at the Lawrence family. Ellison finds 11.24 am that SDS officers were deployed into activist groups The Secretary of State for the Home Department that sought to influence the Lawrence family. On Peter (Mrs Theresa May): With permission, Mr Speaker, I Francis’s allegation that he was tasked with “smearing” would like to make a statement about the Mark Ellison the Lawrence family, Ellison has found no surviving review. In addition, I would like to update the House on record that supports the claim. However, given the lack work to improve standards of integrity in the police. of written records from the era, and since such tasking In July 2012, I commissioned Mark Ellison QC to would have been more likely to have been in oral, rather conduct a review examining allegations of corruption than written, form, Ellison says that he is “unable to surrounding the initial, deeply flawed, investigation of reject” the claims Mr Francis has made. the murder of Stephen Lawrence. I also asked Mr Ellison Aside from the specific claims made by Mr Francis, to examine whether the Metropolitan police had evidence Ellison reports on a separate and “wholly inappropriate” of corruption that it did not disclose to the Macpherson use of an undercover officer during the Macpherson inquiry. In June last year, Peter Francis, a former special inquiry. Ellison finds that an officer, referred to as N81, demonstration squad undercover officer, made a number had been deployed into one of the groups seeking to of allegations about his previous role, including an influence the Lawrence family campaign, while the allegation that he was deployed to gather evidence with Macpherson inquiry was ongoing. Ellison refers to N81 which to “smear” the family of Stephen Lawrence. In as response, I expanded the terms of reference of Mark “an MPS spy in the Lawrence family camp during the course of Ellison’s review, encouraging him to go as far and wide judicial proceedings in which the family was the primary party in as necessary to investigate the new claims. opposition to the MPS”. The House will also be aware of Operation Herne, As part of his deployment, N81 reported back to the which was set up by the Metropolitan police in October SDS personal information about the Lawrence family, 2011 to investigate allegations of misconduct by undercover as well as what is described as “tactical intelligence” police officers in its former special demonstration squad— around the inquiry. In August 1998, the SDS arranged the SDS. Operation Herne is led by Derbyshire’s chief for N81 to meet Richard Walton, then a detective constable, Mick Creedon, and particular elements are inspector involved in writing the Met’s submissions to overseen by the Independent Police Complaints the Macpherson inquiry. SDS files record that they had Commission. Mick Creedon’s investigation has worked a “fascinating and valuable exchange”. Ellison finds closely with Mark Ellison and will publish its own that the opening of this channel of communication was report on the allegations made by Peter Francis later “completely improper”. He finds no discernible public today. benefit to the meeting taking place, and says that had it been disclosed at the time of the inquiry I will now set out the key findings of the Ellison review. The full report has been published and is available “it would have been seen as the MPS trying to achieve some secret in the Vote Office. The totality of what the report shows advantage in the Inquiry from SDS undercover deployment.” is deeply troubling, and I would like also to set out my Ellison finds that if it had been made public in 1998, response. I asked Mark Ellison to review and answer “serious public disorder of the very kind so feared by the MPS three key questions. First: was there evidence of corruption might well have followed”. in the Metropolitan police during the Lawrence In addition, Ellison has reported on the SDS more investigation? Secondly: was that evidence withheld from widely. He comments on the extraordinary level of the Macpherson inquiry? And thirdly: was inappropriate secrecy observed about any disclosure that might risk undercover activity directed at the Lawrence family? exposing an undercover officer. That meant that the On corruption, Ellison finds that specific allegations SDS operated as if exempt from the proper rules of of corruption were made against one of the officers who disclosure in criminal cases, and that there is real potential had worked on the investigation of Stephen Lawrence’s for miscarriages of justices to have occurred. In particular, murder—Detective Sergeant John Davidson. The Ellison says that there is an inevitable potential for SDS allegations were made by a police officer to his superiors officers to have been viewed by those they infiltrated as but were not brought to the attention of Macpherson. encouraging, and participating in, criminal behaviour. Ellison finds that this lack of disclosure was a “significant He refers to officers in criminal trials failing to reveal failure” by the Metropolitan police. Ellison has looked their true identities, meaning that crucial information at the Independent Police Complaints Commission’s that should have been disclosed was not given to the 2006 report into these allegations, as well as the defence and the court; and he finds that undercover Metropolitan police’s own review in 2012. He finds that officers sometimes failed to correct evidence given in both investigations were inadequate. court which they knew was wrong. That means that Ellison also finds the Metropolitan Police Service’s there is a chance that people could have been convicted record-keeping on its own investigations into police for offences when they should not have been. We must corruption a cause of real concern. Key evidence was therefore establish if there have been miscarriages of the subject of mass shredding in 2003, and a hard drive justice. containing some of the relevant data was discovered The Ellison review has also investigated the way in only in November 2013, after more than a year of the which Duwayne Brooks was treated by the Metropolitan MPS searching for it. As a result of this, Ellison has police. The House will recall that Mr Brooks was a close serious concerns that further relevant material that friend of Stephen Lawrence and was with him when he would show corruption has not been revealed because it was murdered. Mark Ellison finds that the MPS’s handling cannot be found or has been destroyed. of a 1993 prosecution against Mr Brooks was unsatisfactory, 1063 Ellison Review6 MARCH 2014 Ellison Review 1064 but he finds no evidence that this was a deliberate wish to harm our children. It is entirely right—and attempt to smear Mr Brooks. Ellison also finds evidence indeed it is a responsibility of Governments—to ensure of inappropriate reporting on Mr Brooks from an that the police and other agencies have effective powers SDS officer. This included intelligence on Mr Brooks’s to tackle those threats, and to ensure that robust legal relationship with the Lawrence family and on the way in frameworks exist for the use of sometimes intrusive which Mr Brooks intended to approach various legal tactics. proceedings, including civil action against the Met. Undercover officers, sometimes working in difficult Ellison says that that line of reporting “should have and dangerous conditions, have helped bring criminals been terminated”, but instead continued from 1999 to to justice. They have stopped bad things happening to 2001. Finally, Mark Ellison finds that the covert recording our country. None the less, the Ellison review reveals of Mr Brooks and his solicitor in a meeting with the very real and substantial failings. The picture that emerges MPS in May 2000, while not unlawful, was neither about the SDS from this report, and from other material necessary nor justified. in the public domain, is of significant failings of judgment The findings I have outlined today are profoundly and of intrusive supervision and leadership over a shocking. They will be of grave concern to everyone in sustained period. Mark Ellison has performed a the House and beyond, and I would like now to set out commendable public duty in revealing these issues. His what I believe needs to happen in response. The Ellison report lays bare issues of great seriousness in relation review makes a number of findings in relation to the not only to Peter Francis, but to the SDS more widely. issue of corruption. Ellison finds that there remain some outstanding lines of inquiry which could be When I asked Mark Ellison to consider the SDS investigated both in relation to alleged corruption by a within the scope of his review, I asked him to tell me in specific officer, and possibly by other officers. That is of his report whether he felt that a public inquiry was the utmost seriousness, and I have asked the director needed to get to the full truth. Although Ellison does general of the National Crime Agency to consider not go as far as recommending a public inquiry, he is quickly how best an investigation can be taken forward clear that in respect of the SDS in general, and the Peter into this aspect of Mr Ellison’s findings and to report Francis allegations in particular, a public inquiry might back to me. Ellison also refers to possible links between be better placed to make definitive findings. an allegedly corrupt officer involved in the Stephen I do not say this lightly, but the greatest possible Lawrence case—DS Davidson—and the investigation scrutiny is now needed into what has taken place. Given into the murder of Daniel Morgan. Ellison finds that the gravity of what has now been uncovered, I have the Daniel Morgan panel may therefore uncover material decided that a public inquiry, led by a judge, is necessary relevant to the question of corruption, and so it is key to investigate undercover policing and the operation of that the Daniel Morgan panel continues its important the SDS. Only a public inquiry will be able to get to the work. full truth behind the matters of huge concern contained Operation Herne has previously found that the Home in Mark Ellison’s report. Office was instrumental in the establishment of the SDS The House will understand that an inquiry cannot be in 1968, in the aftermath of violence at the anti-Vietnam set up immediately. It must wait for the conclusion of war demonstrations in Grosvenor square. It has also the criminal investigation and Ellison’s further work to previously found that the Home Office initially provided identify possible miscarriages of justice. It is right and direct funding for the SDS. The Home Office was the proper that those legal processes are allowed to conclude police authority for the Metropolitan Police at that first. Ellison himself identifies his further review as a time, so the interests of transparency require that we priority before any public inquiry can take place. That all understand what role the Department played. My further work will also inform the inquiry’s precise terms permanent secretary has therefore commissioned a forensic of reference. external review in order to establish the full extent of the Home Office’s knowledge of the SDS. As I have said, the matters that I have announced In identifying the possibility that SDS secrecy may today are deeply concerning. More broadly, it is imperative have caused miscarriages of justice, Mark Ellison that public trust and confidence in the police is maintained. recommends a further review to identify the specific I do not believe corruption and misconduct to be endemic cases affected. I have accepted that recommendation in the police, and it is clear that the majority of policemen and Mark Ellison will lead the work, working with the and women conduct themselves honestly and with integrity. CPS and reporting to the Attorney-General. That will In February last year, I announced to the House mean that proper consideration can be given to those specific measures to address corruption and misconduct, cases and to any implications that may arise. In doing to ensure greater transparency, to provide clearer rules that work, Mark Ellison and the CPS will be provided on conduct, and to improve standards of professional with whatever access they judge necessary to relevant behaviour. That work is on track. The College of Policing, documentary evidence. which has a clear remit of enhancing police integrity, is Operation Herne is a criminal investigation, and it is delivering a package of measures that includes a new only through a criminal investigation that criminal or code of ethics. The code sets out clearly the high standards misconduct charges can be brought. It is vital that we of behaviour expected from police officers. allow Operation Herne to bring its current criminal In addition, the Independent Police Complaints investigations to a proper conclusion, which Chief Constable Commission is being expanded and emboldened so that Creedon informs me should take around 12 months. in future it will have responsibility for dealing with all There are people inside and outside our country serious and sensitive cases involving the police. I can tell who seek to commit serious crimes and to harm our the House that I am reflecting on whether further communities, our way of life, and our nation and who proposals are needed. 1065 Ellison Review6 MARCH 2014 Ellison Review 1066

[Mrs Theresa May] emerging. Understandably, many of us thought that the Macpherson inquiry had answered all the questions I also want to ensure that those who want to report surrounding the investigation into Stephen’s death, but corruption and misconduct are encouraged to do so. I the findings I have set out today are profoundly disturbing. therefore want to strengthen protections for whistleblowers For the sake of Doreen Lawrence, Neville Lawrence, in the police and I will bring proposals to the House in their family and the British public we must act now to due course. address these wrongs. I commend the statement to the We must also ensure that police forces have all the House. capability they need to pursue corruption, so I have today asked the chief inspector of constabulary to look specifically at the anti-corruption capability of forces, 11.43 am including professional standards departments. Yvette Cooper (Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford) Arrangements for undercover officer deployments (Lab): I welcome the statement that the Home Secretary are very different today from those in the early 1990s. has made and the work of Mark Ellison in drawing up Under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, this extremely important but serious and disturbing all deployments must be authorised as both necessary review. The findings of the Ellison review are extremely and proportionate to the issue being investigated. This troubling and the Home Secretary’s statement today is Government have introduced further safeguards. The serious. independent Office of Surveillance Commissioners is Nearly 21 years ago, a young man of 18 was killed by now notified of all deployments and must approve racist murderers. Stephen Lawrence and his family were those that last longer than 12 months. We have also denied justice then and it is clear that they have been increased the rank of the authorising officer so that all denied justice ever since. The findings of the Ellison deployments must be authorised by an assistant chief review are all the more serious because, in the 21 years constable, and those lasting longer than 12 months by a since, repeated attempts have been made to get to the chief constable. truth and to deliver justice but, despite all those attempts, There also needs to be a change in culture and we that still has not happened. We in this House should need to continue the work we have already done to show our support today for the Lawrence family in their reform the police. From this autumn, the police will for continued determination to get to the truth and to the first time have the opportunity to bring in talented justice, but we also know that no family should have to and experienced leaders from other walks of life to keep fighting in this way for so many decades. senior ranks. The College of Policing will provide those individuals with world-class training. Those coming in Let me touch on some of the key findings that the will bring a fresh perspective and approach and will Home Secretary has set out. First, she said that the open up policing culture. I believe that that is one of the Ellison review stated that there were reasonable grounds most important reforms in shaping the police of the for suspecting that one of the officers involved in the future. Lawrence investigation acted corruptly, but that has never been fully investigated. This is extremely serious I have committed to funding a cadre of new direct-entrant and a full investigation is needed of the outstanding superintendents from this autumn until spring 2018, so lines of inquiry identified by the Ellison review. I welcome I challenge all those forces that have not yet signed up the Home Secretary’s confirmation that this will now be to take that opportunity to do so. It is vital that the looked at by the National Crime Agency, and also her public know that policing is not a closed shop. confirmation that links with the Daniel Morgan inquiry We are changing the culture of the police through will be pursued. Will she ensure—I am sure she will—that direct entry, the code of ethics, greater transparency the House and the Lawrence family are kept updated and professionalisation, and we are transforming the with the timetable and course of this investigation? investigation of cases involving the police through reform Secondly, the Ellison review found that the full of the IPCC, but I would like to do more. The current information about corruption and internal corruption law on police corruption relies on the outdated common-law investigations was not given to the Macpherson inquiry, offence of misconduct in public office. It is untenable and also that the Macpherson inquiry may have come that we should be relying on such a legal basis to deal to different conclusions as a result. It found also that with serious issues of corruption in modern policing, so the Metropolitan Police Service’s record keeping was a I shall table amendments to the Criminal Justice and “cause of real concern” and that key evidence was the Courts Bill to introduce a new offence of police corruption, subject of “mass shredding” in 2003. Will the Home supplementing the existing offence of misconduct in Secretary ensure that the NCA looks at whether information public office and focusing clearly on those who hold was wilfully withheld from the Macpherson inquiry or police powers. whether it was wilfully destroyed, and also looks at the In policing, as in other areas, the problems of the wider issue of record keeping within the Metropolitan past have a danger of infecting the present and can lay police? traps for the future. Policing stands damaged today. The Home Secretary will be aware that we have asked Trust and confidence in the Metropolitan police and in before for an updated Macpherson-style review of progress policing more generally are vital and a public inquiry since the original inquiry, because clearly a lot of changes and the other work I have set out are part of the process were made as a result of the Macpherson inquiry. Does of repairing the damage. she not think this would be timely and that it would be Stephen Lawrence was murdered more than 20 years an opportunity to look again at the conclusions of the ago and it is deplorable that his family have had to wait review and whether they would have been different in so many years for the truth to emerge. Indeed, it is still the light of this further information? 1067 Ellison Review6 MARCH 2014 Ellison Review 1068

Thirdly, the review found that undercover operations have previously suggested additional safeguards, including were carried out against those around the Lawrence on pre-authorisation for longer-term operations, because family, and that information from those operations was the current oversight regime has clearly not been effective given to those within the Metropolitan police who were enough in preventing some of the problems that have involved in the legal case brought by the Lawrence arisen. family. It states: I also ask the Home Secretary to look at the implications “The reality was that N81 was, at the time, an MPS spy in the for the Hillsborough inquiry. As she will know, when we Lawrence family camp during the course of judicial proceedings had the discussion three weeks ago, we also raised in which the family was the primary party in opposition to the concerns about whether there was inappropriate surveillance MPS.” or intercept against the Hillsborough families. It is The review also found that the SDS, as the Home hugely important that we get to the full truth about that Secretary mentioned, was inappropriately and unjustifiably and that it comes out at the earliest possible opportunity. reporting on Duwayne Brooks. These findings are deeply disturbing. The Ellison review describes these operations Twenty-one years later, no one should underestimate as completely improper and wholly inappropriate, but the gravity of the institutional failure two decades ago the whole House will be shocked and we should condemn or the seriousness of the continued institutional failure it in the strongest terms. to get to the truth. The Home Secretary has rightly said that we need to get to the truth. Police officers do a vital The Home Secretary is right: these revelations may job, helping to keep the public safe every day. They need mean that there have been miscarriages of justice. So I public trust and confidence, and we all need truth and welcome her decision to instigate a public inquiry into justice. Three weeks ago she made the statement about the activities of the SDS. She will know that we have the failure of the criminal justice system to get to called for an inquiry into undercover policing, and it is the truth and to get justice for the families of Hillsborough right that there should be one. The Home Secretary is victims decades ago, and today we have heard about that right to say that intelligence is a vital part of policing failure over the murder of Stephen Lawrence decades ago. and the Ellison review says so, but it needs to be within a clear legal framework with proper safeguards in place. Families should never have to wait decades to get to It is clear that that did not happen in these investigations the truth. Everyone must recognise that, unless we get and operations by the SDS against the Lawrence family to the truth and get justice, these tragedies will continue and those linked to them at the time. We do not know to cast a long shadow over the vital work that our how wide these miscarriages may go, but we cannot criminal justice system and the police need to do. We have a branch of policing that operated in this way, owe it to the families, but we also owe it to confidence in against the very ethos of policing and justice that it was the justice system. charged with protecting and that the vast majority of police officers across the country have signed up to. Will Mrs May: I entirely agree with the right hon. Lady’s the right hon. Lady discuss further not just with the comments on the significance of the review. Of course, family but with others on the Opposition Benches what as she said, it is not alone in identifying problems with form that public inquiry should take? We would welcome how cases have been treated; the Daniel Morgan case further discussions on that. and the results of the Hillsborough Independent Panel I welcome the Home Secretary’s decision to keep also revealed failings that had taken place. As she said, pursuing the truth. The Macpherson review was set up it is absolutely imperative, in order to ensure that there to get to the truth in the first place. It is important, too, is trust and confidence in the police, which is vital for us that we should also keep pursuing justice. Will she all, that we deal with these failings appropriately and ensure that in pursuing all these lines of inquiry, get to the truth. consideration is given to any lines that could lead to As the right hon. Lady and I have said, the results of prosecutions of the further suspects in Stephen Lawrence’s the Ellison review are truly shocking. I suspect that it murder? will take hon. Members some time to examine all the Finally, I urge the Home Secretary to consider going aspects that Mark Ellison has brought out, but the further in the reforms that she talked about towards the extent to which the report shows that a deep failure end of her remarks. There is a serious question about occurred at the time of the incidents and behaviours he whether the IPCC was able to investigate in the way that examined is obvious from the remarks I have made the Ellison review has done when it carried out an today. It is therefore necessary that we follow that up by inquiry in 2006. The IPCC is the independent body a number of different routes. charged with such investigations and should be able to With regard to the timetable for the further investigation get to the truth, but it was not able to do so. It is bad for I have referred to the director-general of the National justice and for policing not to have a credible body able Crime Agency, I will of course be happy to keep the to get to the truth the first time round. House informed of the results and how it will be taken I agree with the Home Secretary about the importance forward. I would expect the director-general to look at of force-level professional standards. She will know that the various issues the right hon. Lady referred to when forces have raised concerns that resources are being considering how the investigation should take place and transferred from force-level professional standards in what is necessary to ensure that prosecutions, if they are corruption investigations to the IPCC. Clearly, both required, can take place. need to be able to do that important job. I do not think that it will be possible for us to discuss I also ask the Home Secretary to go further on the the form of the public inquiry properly until we have oversight of undercover policing. Clearly that will be seen more of the next stage of Mark Ellison’s work, considered in the public inquiry, but I urge her to look, which is considering the wider issue and the question of in parallel, at further safeguards. As she will know, we miscarriages of justice. However, I will of course want 1069 Ellison Review6 MARCH 2014 Ellison Review 1070

[Mrs May] suspects and hold them separately, or have proper surveillance and gather the evidence that was available to ensure that the public inquiry has the right terms of at the time. We are now sweeping up mistakes that were reference and that it is able to conduct the job that we made later. I pay tribute to all the police who do their want it to do and that the Lawrence family will obviously job properly and find the evidence straightaway so that be concerned that it does. At the right time, I think that justice can be pursued in court. it will be appropriate to have discussions about the form of the public inquiry and its terms of reference. Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for his comments. On the IPCC, as the right hon. Lady said and as I He is absolutely right that we should never forget that said, Mark Ellison finds that its inquiries and work there are police officers out there who do their job were not adequate and that it did not find the corruption perfectly properly with honesty and integrity, and are that is alleged to have taken place. I have already given bringing criminals to justice as a result of their work. the IPCC more resources, more power and more of a We should not forget to pay tribute—he is right to do task. The right hon. Lady referred to transferring resources so—to those who have campaigned for many years from professional standards departments. That is a alongside the family and in the House to ensure that reflection of the fact that we are transferring work to those who were responsible are brought to justice and the IPCC. One concern that people have always had that we can get at the truth. is about the police themselves investigating serious When the right hon. Member for Blackburn (Mr Straw) complaints against them. That is why we are transferring set up the Macpherson inquiry and when its results that responsibility to the IPCC and the resources to were received, everyone assumed that it had been able to undertake it. look at all the evidence and to get to the truth. Sadly, as On the safeguards on undercover policing, we have we now know, that was not the case, and certain matters recently made changes to enhance them so that although that should have been referred to it were not. longer-term deployments—anything over 12 months—must My hon. Friend refers to a particular officer and the be authorised by a chief constable, undercover deployments need to ensure that in further investigations police can be authorised by an assistant chief constable. The experience and knowledge of the case is not lost. That independent Office of Surveillance Commissioners must matter has been drawn to my attention, and I am giving be notified of all deployments, so the oversight framework proper consideration to it. is already stronger. The right hon. Lady rightly raised the concern of Clive Efford (Eltham) (Lab): I welcome the Secretary Hillsborough families that they may have been subject of State’s announcement that there is to be an inquiry to inappropriate surveillance. I understand that a formal into the goings-on within the SDS. However, we should complaint has been made to the IPCC about that, and not be sidetracked from the core issue that initiated the that it is considering how best to investigate the concerns Ellison investigation and review, which is that corruption that have been raised. was an influence over the investigation into the murder There is much still to be done. Change has taken of Stephen Lawrence and that evidence and information place over the years but sadly, what we have seen today were withheld from the Macpherson inquiry. I would is that it is necessary to continue the inquiries and like the Secretary of State to confirm that that will be investigations to ensure that, for the sake of the family addressed in part of the public inquiry where people particularly and for all of us and our trust in the police, have to come and give evidence under oath. we get to the truth. In July 2006, there was a programme on TV called Sir Peter Bottomley (Worthing West) (Con): May I “The Boys Who Killed Stephen Lawrence”. Deputy pay public tribute to the hon. Member for Eltham Commissioner John Yates went on that programme and (Clive Efford) and John Walker for going to see the then said that Detective Sergeant John Davidson was a corrupt Home Secretary, the right hon. Member for Blackburn officer. I contacted the IPCC and the Metropolitan (Mr Straw), which led to the inquiry being set up, and to police and asked to know in what way his activities those who organised the meeting between the family affected the inquiry. In a meeting with the Metropolitan and Nelson Mandela, which gave a profile and quiet police, I was told categorically that his corruption had dignity to reflect properly the way the family had reacted? nothing whatsoever to do with the investigation into the I pay tribute to the family and those with them, including murder of Stephen Lawrence. We now know from the Baroness Howells, who managed to avoid any disturbance, Ellison inquiry that the evidence on that was destroyed, and I add the name of John Philpott, the local Plumstead so on what basis did the Metropolitan police tell me commander who, within 24 hours of the murderous that? I also asked the IPCC to investigate what other attack on Stephen Lawrence and Duwayne Brooks, crimes Detective Sergeant Davidson had been involved organised a community meeting at the town hall and in that may have been corrupted by his illegal activities, said publicly that people knew that Stephen Lawrence and answer got I none. was a good person, not a bad person? When the further All this information needs to be investigated thoroughly inquiries take place, will my right hon. Friend the Home in a full public inquiry. Will the Secretary of State Secretary ask that consideration be given to using Clive guarantee that the public inquiry will not just focus on Driscoll, the police officer who helped to have one the SDS but take in those wider issues, because nothing person convicted, as an adviser, if not a member, so that short of that will be satisfactory to the public or the what the police have known for years can be added in? family of Stephen Lawrence? In both this case and another six years later in Brighton, when constituents of mine, Michael and Jay Mrs May: I recognise the role that the hon. Gentleman Abatan were attacked, the first failing was that the has played in relation to this matter, the concern that he police did not arrest the people who were thought to be has expressed over the years, and the efforts that he has 1071 Ellison Review6 MARCH 2014 Ellison Review 1072 made, as he has just evidenced to us, to ensure that the the Ellison inquiry and for making this statement, which truth will be found in relation to the murder of Stephen I have to say is one of the most shocking and serious Lawrence. statements I have heard by any Minister from any party On the public inquiry, as I indicated earlier, we will be over the whole of the 35 years I have been in this looking at the terms of reference once it is clearer that House? Mark Ellison has been able to do his work in relation to As the Home Secretary and the police authority for the question of the SDS in general and miscarriages of London who established the Macpherson inquiry, I was justice. It is specifically in respect of the SDS and the struck, in the three months it took me to establish that Peter Francis allegations that Mark Ellison identifies inquiry and agree its terms of reference, by the reluctance that a public inquiry might be better placed to make of the Metropolitan Police Service to have any inquiry definitive findings, and that is the background against that focused forensically on the facts, as it had successfully which we will look at the inquiry’s terms of reference. In resisted such calls for four years. I attributed that relation to some of the other aspects that he investigated, defensiveness to a bureaucratic unwillingness to accept he has not highlighted the potential for a public inquiry scrutiny, but it is now clear that there was venality, to find further evidence and get to the truth behind probably at the highest level of the Metropolitan police, certain allegations. As I said, the inquiry will look at by which, against all rules, they refused to offer evidence, undercover policing and the SDS, in particular, but we as they were required to do, to the full judicial inquiry will set the terms of reference in due course when Mark of Sir William Macpherson. I have to say, given what Ellison has had an opportunity to conduct the further the Home Secretary has now said, that had that evidence review that has been proposed in his report and that I been offered, I think it is at least possible that Sir William have accepted as a recommendation. Macpherson and his colleagues would have concluded Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): I welcome not only, as they did, that there had been institutional the thoroughness of the Ellison inquiry and my right racism, but that there had been institutional corruption hon. Friend’s resolute response to it. Does she agree as well. that undercover operations, although sometimes necessary, I had a personal interest in the issue of the SDS and were wholly inappropriate and had no valid purpose that organisation’s activities to go after subversives, when used against the Lawrence family and Duwayne because in 1974 the Security Service informed me of, Brooks, and that that underlines the need not only for and showed me, records that had been kept on my effective accountability for such operations but an ethical family and me from 1960 until 1971, when I finished as framework within which they are conducted? Will she a student activist. When I went to the Home Office, I say any more about how she hopes to protect whistleblowers, said that I did not want to see my file, but that I did whose lives and careers are often shattered when they want to know whether they were carrying on wasting serve the public and the vast majority of honest police money looking at subversives like myself, my family and officers by bringing corruption to public notice? successors. I was assured that that kind of activity was not going on, so I hope very much that this inquiry will Mrs May: I thank my right hon. Friend. In fact, get to the bottom of it. “wholly inappropriate” is precisely the wording that Mark Ellison uses in relation to the use of an undercover May I also say—this is my last point—that I am very officer during the Macpherson inquiry. I think that pleased that the permanent secretary is going to scrutinise many people will be absolutely shocked by the fact that what happened under the previous Government? I will there was an individual who was, in Mark Ellison’s give every possible co-operation to that inquiry, because, words—I used the quote as did the right hon. Member to my certain knowledge, I knew nothing whatever of for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford (Yvette these continuing activities, and had I done so, I would Cooper)— have stopped them immediately. “an MPS spy in the Lawrence family camp” at a time when the family were in opposition to the Mrs May: On the right hon. Gentleman’s last point, MPS in judicial proceedings. I am sure that everybody one of the things that comes through clearly in the recognises that that was wholly inappropriate and that Ellison review is that part of the ethos of the SDS was this is not the behaviour that we expect from the police. precisely that of secrecy, to the extent that very few On the question on whistleblowing, my right hon. people—this is one of the difficulties in establishing Friend makes a very valid and important point. It is exactly who knew—within the Metropolitan police, let crucial. The issue of whistleblowing in various aspects alone outside it, knew. This was kept very tight and of the public sector has been raised in recent times. It is close in terms of those who were even aware that the very important that police officers feel that they are able SDS was in existence, let alone of what it was doing. to raise matters of concern and that those matters of The right hon. Gentleman referred to the specific concern will be properly considered and properly dealt issue of corruption. Everybody will be appalled that with. I have not quite finalised my proposals in this there was an allegation of corruption by an individual area, so I ask my right hon. Friend to have some police officer that was brought to the attention of patience. I will inform the House in due course of how superior officers in the Metropolitan police, yet it was we intend to improve the ability of police officers to be not referred to the Macpherson inquiry. whistleblowers and to feel that they are able to do that and what they feel is absolutely right and of benefit to One has to ask what the thinking was of somebody the vast majority of offers, who operate with integrity. who thought that it was right not to refer the allegation to the Macpherson inquiry. I find it absolutely incredible Mr Jack Straw (Blackburn) (Lab): May I first welcome that that further reference did not take place. As Mark the resolute determination the Home Secretary has Ellison says, it was a significant failure by the Metropolitan shown in pursuing this issue and thank her for establishing police. 1073 Ellison Review6 MARCH 2014 Ellison Review 1074

[Mrs May] Mrs May: I thank the hon. Gentleman for welcoming the public inquiry, and I note his other comments. It is I just want to comment on the issue of culture, which of course the case that the initial investigation into is part of this matter, and also goes back to the question Stephen Lawrence’s murder was deeply flawed. As we about whistleblowing asked by my right hon. Friend the know, it is only recently that the family has seen any Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Sir Alan Beith). The level of justice in relation to the murder of Stephen culture of looking inward and protecting each other Lawrence. It is imperative that the investigations continue, was rife at the time. One of the issues that can be looked and that as we bring forward various other measures, at in the public inquiry is the whole question of Peter we make sure and keep our focus on ensuring that we Francis’s allegations against that background and against get to the truth about the murder of Stephen Lawrence what was actually going on in the SDS at the time. and, obviously, the behaviour of officers in the Metropolitan police and the way in which the investigation and other Several hon. Members rose— matters were conducted. John Howell (Henley) (Con): The allegations are Mr Speaker: Order. May I just say to the House that extremely serious, indeed. Notwithstanding what the we have so far had four questions in 14 minutes? We Home Secretary has said about the general nature of have had questions from Members with very close policing, they show that there is a great need to change personal experience of these matters either as constituency the culture of policing in this country. She has put a lot representatives or holders of ministerial office. I think of faith in bringing in outside talent, but does she really that the House will agree that I have therefore very think that that is enough? properly allowed latitude, because these matters need to be treated seriously, but we have a lot of other very pressing business. I am afraid that I must now insist on Mrs May: Bringing in outside talent is a very important short questions and short answers so that we can proceed part of this process. It will bring different cultures, expeditiously. I know that I will be helped supremely in attitudes and experiences into the police, which will be a this matter by Nicola Blackwood. significant part of changing the culture. I also think that other steps we are taking—such as the code of ethics by the College of Policing, and the transfer of Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con): investigations of serious complaints against the police The findings could not be more serious, and they cannot to the IPCC so that the police do not investigate help but undermine public confidence in the criminal themselves—are all part of the picture. I believe that justice system. This is far from the first time that the opening up senior ranks to people from outside is an competency of the Independent Police Complaints important part of bringing in a more diverse culture, Commission has been put in question. I welcome the experience and approach, which can only be of benefit. steps that have been taken to strengthen the IPCC and the oversight of undercover operations, but I urge the Heidi Alexander (Lewisham East) (Lab): May I thank Home Secretary to go further with the reforms so that the Home Secretary both for the content of her statement the public can have confidence in the oversight mechanisms, and for the tone of what she has said? She mentioned and so that those mechanisms are sufficiently robust the fact that allegations were made to officers in the and sufficiently funded to root out police failings wherever Metropolitan police about corruption during the initial they may be found, not just to put right past wrongs, investigation. Will she confirm that none of the officers but to prevent future wrongs. to whom those allegations were made is still employed by the Metropolitan police? Mrs May: As I have said, I am considering whether any further steps are necessary in relation to the IPCC. Mrs May: If the hon. Lady will permit me, I will The step I am taking, which goes to the heart of what write to her on that matter so that I am absolutely my hon. Friend says, is asking Her Majesty’s inspectorate certain of the facts I give her. of constabulary to look at the current capability of police forces to identify and deal with corruption inside Michael Ellis (Northampton North) (Con): The review their forces. Today, we are talking about events that discloses breathtaking and monumental corruption, and took place in the past, but people need to know that it will take a monumental effort to begin to repair the they can have every confidence that the police will damage that has been caused. Among other things, the identify and root out corruption in the future. report discloses that officers in criminal trials failed to reveal their true identities, and that they failed to correct Mr David Winnick (Walsall North) (Lab): Since the evidence that they knew to be wrong. As a result, there brutal murder of Stephen Lawrence in April 1993—as will doubtless have been miscarriages of justice in other we know, he was murdered for only one reason: the cases, which it will be extremely complicated and difficult colour of his skin; that is why he was put to death—is to root out, but does the Home Secretary agree that that not the very strong and justified impression that much must happen? Does she also agree that the culture of more time was spent investigating the Lawrence family policing needs to change considerably not just in relation and Mr Brooks than in bringing those responsible to to this matter, but generally? Will she look at the report justice? May I simply say that a society based on the of the Home Affairs Committee inquiry into undercover rule of law should feel thoroughly ashamed of what has policing, which has already taken place? Finally, may I been revealed in the Ellison review and of what the suggest that what she said about adding an offence of Home Secretary has said today? A thorough investigation police corruption is extremely important, because the into undercover policing is absolutely essential, and I current offence of misconduct in a public office is welcome the public inquiry. clearly insufficient? 1075 Ellison Review6 MARCH 2014 Ellison Review 1076

Mrs May: I thank my hon. Friend for welcoming the and abuse of stop-and-search powers, which are often new offence, which I, too, think is important. He is targeted at a particular section of the community and absolutely right on the issue of miscarriages of justice: seem to be unfairly used? it is imperative to look into it, and I am grateful to Mark Ellison for undertaking that work. My right hon. Mrs May: My hon. Friend is right that certain communities and learned Friend the Attorney-General has made it are subject to stop and search disproportionately. The clear that every effort will be made to ensure that this Government, the Prime Minister and I are clear that we work can be completed properly and fully. We obviously need changes to stop and search to ensure that people do not yet know quite what the extent of that work will have confidence in it. It is an important tool, but people be, but with his experience of the work that he has must have confidence in its use. already done, Mark Ellison is absolutely the right person to take it forward. As I have said, he will work with the Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): I was an undercover CPS and report to the Attorney-General. If necessary, military officer in 1978. Will my right hon. Friend cases will of course be put to the Criminal Cases confirm that it is absolutely right and proper that undercover Review Commission. operations are continued by the police, and that the men and women who are involved in those operations, Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): Does who act with integrity and sometimes with great courage, the Home Secretary recall that when she began her should be applauded? programme of comprehensive police reform—it was then led by my right hon. Friend the Member for Mrs May: My hon. Friend is absolutely right. Undercover Arundel and South Downs (Nick Herbert), who was in policing is an important tool. It is important that the the Chamber for her statement—many people questioned police can use it. Many undercover police officers act the need for it? I do not think that anyone will say that very bravely and put themselves at great risk in the work today, but does she agree that we owe it to the vast that they do. Such work is important in catching criminals majority of police officers who carry out their duties and in protecting the public. We need to ensure that all with honesty and integrity to state that we know that undercover officers operate with full honesty and integrity, police corruption is limited to a few immoral individuals? and that there is a clear and appropriate legal and supervisory framework so that the boundaries of that Mrs May: I pay tribute to the work on police reform activity are known. Sadly, it is clear from the Ellison done by my right hon. Friend the Member for Arundel review that, in relation to the SDS, there were rather and South Downs (Nick Herbert), and which is being fewer boundaries in that activity than there should have continued by my right hon. Friend the Minister for been. Policing, Criminal Justice and Victims. I hope that everybody sees that it was important to embark on Neil Parish (Tiverton and Honiton) (Con): I commend police reform and, as I have said, we are obviously the Home Secretary for her work to root out corruption taking forward further measures, which is important in the police. Does she agree that we must not only not just for public confidence in the police, but because, restore public confidence in the police force, but boost as my hon. Friend says, we owe it to the majority of the morale of the very good officers who make up the police officers who work with honesty and integrity—day vast majority of the police and ensure that they are seen in, day out—to prevent crime, catch criminals and keep to be doing a good job? us safe. Mrs May: Absolutely. I hope that the majority of Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con): My constituency police officers, who operate with honesty and integrity has a majority BME—black and minority ethnic— day by day, will welcome our commitment to rooting population. Policing is by consent, and it is obviously out any corruption or misbehaviour within the police. crucial that the whole community has confidence in the We owe it to them to ensure that they see that happening chain of command, the policies enacted and operational and know that we value the work that they do. We want decisions made on the ground. With that in mind, does to ensure that all officers operate with honesty and my right hon. Friend agree with me about the misuse integrity. 1077 6 MARCH 2014 Nuclear Submarines 1078

Nuclear Submarines area of the metal cladding that surrounds one fuel element within the core of the reactor. It is not yet clear why that breach has occurred. It might be related to the 12.22 pm age of the reactor, it might be a function of the high The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr Philip Hammond): intensity use to which we have subjected the test reactor Before I make my statement, I am sure that the House or it might be a random event. We do not yet know. will want to join me in sending condolences to the On current plans, the Dounreay test reactor will start family and friends of the sapper from 32 Engineer to be decommissioned in 2015. We are confident that Regiment who sadly died while on duty in Helmand the reactor can be operated safely until that date. We province yesterday as a result of non-battle related may decide to bring forward decommissioning if it will injuries sustained in Camp Bastion. The incident is allow us better to understand the causes of the breach not believed to have involved any enemy action. The through examination of the reactor core. serviceman’s next of kin have been informed and have This occurrence does not present any safety risk. It requested the customary 24-hour delay before further does, however, potentially present additional risks to details are released. future submarine availability. Consequently, I have had With permission, Mr Speaker, I wish to inform the to consider carefully the implications for the Vanguard-class House that I have decided to refuel the nuclear reactor and Astute-class submarines, which use the same design in HMS Vanguard, one of the UK’s four ballistic missile of reactor core. We constantly monitor our submarine submarines, during its planned deep maintenance period, reactors. We have never detected a similar occurrence to which begins in 2015. It will be the second time that that found in the prototype reactor. We are confident Vanguard’s reactor has been refuelled since it entered that if one did occur, we would detect it straight away. service in 1993. I will explain to the House now why I Despite that, we now have to consider the possibility, have reached the decision to conduct a second refuelling. however remote, that the useful operating life of this As many hon. Members will know, alongside the particular design of core may not be as long as previously operational reactors on board our ballistic missile expected. As a result, I have decided that, as a precautionary submarines, a prototype reactor of the same class has measure, we should refuel HMS Vanguard, the oldest been running at the naval reactor test establishment at SSBN and the one with the highest mileage, as it were, Dounreay in Scotland since 2002. Its purpose is to help on her reactor, when she enters her scheduled deep us assess how the reactor cores within our submarines maintenance period in 2015. This is the responsible will perform over time. It has therefore been run for option: replacing the core on a precautionary basis at significantly longer periods and at a significantly higher the next arising opportunity, rather than waiting to see intensity than the cores of the same type in our submarines, if the core needs to be replaced at a later date, which to allow us to identify early any age or use-related issues would mean returning Vanguard for a period of that may arise later in the lives of the operational unscheduled deep maintenance, potentially putting at reactor cores. risk the resilience of our ballistic missile submarine In January 2012, low levels of radioactivity were operations. detected in the cooling water surrounding the prototype The refuelling will increase our confidence that Vanguard core. Low levels of radioactivity are a normal product will be able to operate effectively and safely until the of the nuclear reaction that takes place within the fuel, planned fleet of Successor submarines begins to be but they would not normally enter the cooling water. delivered from 2028. The refuelling will be conducted The water is contained within the sealed reactor circuit, within the current planned dry dock maintenance period and I can reassure the House that there has been no for Vanguard, which starts in late 2015 and will last for detectable radiation leak from that sealed circuit. The about three and a half years. It is therefore expected to independent Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator and the have no impact on deterrent operations. The additional Scottish Environment Protection Agency have been kept cost of refuelling Vanguard is estimated to be about informed. £120 million over the next six years. When the coolant radioactivity was first detected, the A decision on whether to refuel the next oldest submarine, reactor was shut down as a precaution. Following HMS Victorious, when she enters her next planned investigations and a series of trials, and with the agreement deep maintenance period does not need to be made of the relevant regulator, the reactor was restarted in until 2018. It will be informed by further analysis of the November 2012. It continues to operate safely. Both data from the reactor at Dounreay and examination of radiation exposure for workers at the site and discharges the core after the reactor is decommissioned. I have from the site have remained well inside the strictly decided, again on a precautionary basis, that in the prescribed limits set by the regulators. Indeed, against meantime we will take the necessary steps to keep open the International Atomic Energy Agency’s measurement the option of refuelling Victorious. That will involve scale for nuclear-related events, this issue is classed as investment at Devonport and at the reactor plant at level , which is described by the agency as Raynesway in Derby to preserve our ability to conduct “below scale—no safety significance”. nuclear refuelling. The total cost of that investment is The naval reactor test establishment is, and remains, still being scoped, but it is expected to be of the order of a very safe and low-risk site. However, the fact that low £150 million. levels of radioactivity have been detected in the coolant Those costs—perhaps £270 million in total—will be water clearly means that the reactor is not operating met from existing provision for financial risk in the exactly as planned. As one would expect, we have submarine programme budget. They represent substantially conducted extensive investigations to determine how less than 10% of that risk provision and will not impact the radioactivity has entered the cooling water. We on the more than £4 billion of contingency that we are believe that it is due to a microscopic breach in a small holding in the overall defence equipment plan. 1079 Nuclear Submarines6 MARCH 2014 Nuclear Submarines 1080

The implications for the Astute-class submarines will There must be public confidence in the Government be the subject of further analysis, particularly once we to be open and transparent about such matters. A fault, have had the opportunity to examine the core from however small, that develops in a nuclear reactor is Dounreay. As the Astutes are only now entering service, something that the British people, and this Parliament, and thus their cores have seen far less operation, a should have been told about. This is an issue of national decision on whether to refuel any of them will not be security and national importance, and it will cause needed for many years to come. These decisions do not particular concern in Scotland. When did the Scottish affect our plans for the Successor submarine that will Secretary know? Did the Defence Secretary or his right replace the Vanguard class. Refuelling HMS Vanguard hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland discuss does not enable us to further extend the overall life of the issue with the First Minister of Scotland and the the submarine, which is limited by a number of factors Scottish Government? It seems to me that it was incumbent other than the age of the reactor. Neither do these on the UK Government to inform and work with the decisions have any implications for our confidence in Scottish Government on this matter. I accept that the the reactor we are developing for the Successor submarine, Secretary of State briefed me and other colleagues last which is based on a completely different design. night and this morning, and I appreciate his candour, Finally, the House will understand that our naval but does he agree that it has come rather late? reactor cores are a highly specialised, UK-bespoke maritime Let me turn to the specific issues with the PWR2 design, and there is no read across from this occurrence nuclear reactor at Dounreay and the implications for to the performance of naval reactors operated by other the Royal Navy’s fleet submarines and ballistic missile countries, or indeed reactors operating in the UK civil submarines. There will inevitably be concern when the nuclear sector. The safety of the UK’s naval nuclear words “nuclear”, “reactor” and “fault” are used in the reactor at the test establishment at Dounreay, and on same sentence. Can the Secretary of State provide further our submarines, is of critical importance to us, as is the assurance that there has been, and there is now, absolutely maintenance of continuous at-sea deterrence. That is no risk to workers on site, personnel in service, or the why I have taken the decision to apply the precautionary wider public? Having discovered that there was a problem principle, even though there is no evidence at this stage at the Vulcan naval reactor test establishment, on what that the problem detected with the test reactor is likely basis was the decision made to continue running the to present in the operational reactors. We will continue reactor? We know it is now in maintenance. Will he tell to work with independent military and civil regulators the House when a decision will be made about whether to ensure the continuing safety of nuclear operations at to continue running the reactor? I understand that if a Dounreay, Devonport, Faslane and at sea. decision is made to stop running it, it takes three years The Government are committed to maintaining our from the point at which it shuts down to the point at nuclear deterrent as the ultimate guarantee of the UK’s which it has cooled enough to be examined. That is a sovereignty and freedom of action against threats of long time. Has he examined the potential to look at the nuclear aggression, wherever they may come from. Our PWR2 currently being constructed for the later Astute-class submarine-based continuous at-sea deterrent remains boats, and does that provide an opportunity effectively the most capable and cost-effective way of doing that. to X-ray every aspect of the cladding to see if we can The decisions I have announced today are responsible detect any faults? There will be concerns about the and precautionary, and will assure our ability safely to impact that might have on the Astute-class submarines. maintain the UK’s nuclear deterrent into the future. I Will the Secretary of State outline what those are? commend this statement to the House. The decision to maintain a test reactor so that faults could be identified has proven a good one. A fault has been found, however small, in PWR2—the test reactor 12.32 pm in Dounreay. What plans are there to ensure that we Vernon Coaker (Gedling) (Lab): I join the Defence have the same security with PWR3, which will be used Secretary in paying tribute to the soldier from the on the Successor-class submarines? Have there been 32 Engineer Regiment. His death is a reminder of the discussions with our US counterparts to see what lessons service and sacrifice given to our country by the armed or expertise can be borrowed? In the current international forces, and our thoughts are with his family and loved defence and security climate, many people will be asking ones at this time. I thank the Secretary of State for an important question: will this affect the UK’s ability briefing me on this statement last night, and for sight of to maintain continuous at-sea deterrence? Will it be it. These are complicated and sensitive matters, and it is necessary to adjust the operations timetable of the in all our interests that they are debated in a calm and continuous at-sea deterrent? Finally, can the Defence reasonable manner that befits the seriousness of the Secretary confirm the total cost envisaged and that it issue. will have no impact on the rest of the defence programme? If the cost is met by the submarine contingency fund, I will come to the specific issues raised about the will that have any impact on the existing submarine reactor in Dounreay and the nuclear submarines, but I programme? start by asking the Secretary of State why he is making this statement now, and why the House is being told Given that there will be concern about the length of about this matter only today. He says that this issue was time it has taken to inform the House and the public discovered in January 2012, which is more than two about this issue, will the Secretary of State tell the years ago. Does he not think it would have been right to House what plans he has to keep Parliament and the brief the official Opposition spokesperson on defence country involved and updated throughout this process? then? Why did that not happen, and why has it not Does he agree that public confidence and trust on these happened at any time since then until now? Should issues is crucial, and that people should have been told Parliament have known earlier? earlier? There will rightly be anxiety about these matters. 1081 Nuclear Submarines6 MARCH 2014 Nuclear Submarines 1082

[Vernon Coaker] The hon. Gentleman asked whether CASD is affected. It will not be, and that is the point of taking this The British public must be assured that everything is decision today. Refuelling Vanguard during an existing being done to resolve them, and they must be confident planned deep-maintenance period means that the that Britain’s defence and security is paramount and operational rotation of the Vanguard-class submarines will be maintained. That is best done through openness will not be affected. That is the reason we have taken and transparency. that decision. It is not a safety-related decision; it is a submarine availability-related decision. Mr Hammond: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, On the question of cost and as I have said already, we and by and large we agree on the importance of these expect the total cost of the measures I have announced matters, but I am afraid I must start by saying that I am today to be about £270 million, all of which will come not particularly minded to take lectures on transparency from contingency provision within the submarine from someone who was a member of the previous programme that is currently unused. We do not expect it Government. The decisions we have made throughout to have any impact on the wider defence programme. this process from January 2012 have been carefully The contingency within the submarine programme is balanced. I have, of course, considered throughout whether more than adequate—this amount is substantially less it would be appropriate, sensible or helpful to make a than 10% of the total contingency in the programme. public statement, and I remind him that the advice we The hon. Gentleman asked whether I intended to have received throughout from the regulators and experts make further statements. Clearly, I will of course notify is that no safety issues are arising, and that this incident the House if anything of significance happens; if we scores as a level 0 event on the International Atomic make a decision to decommission the reactor at Dounreay Energy Agency’s scale—an event that requires no action early; or if there are any further significant developments and presents no risk. in respect of the reactor while it is running. I stress that we have reacted properly throughout, in consultation We have kept the independent military nuclear safety with the regulatory authorities, and we have dealt with regulator and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency this matter in the same way that any minor incident in a informed of matters, as is proper, and I have no doubt reactor, whether military or civil, would routinely be that there will be people who say that the Scottish dealt with. Government should have been informed. We will see when we hear from the representative of the Scottish Mr James Arbuthnot (North East Hampshire) (Con): National party in a moment whether it will approach My right hon. Friend said that the consequences of this this matter from a responsible and sensible point of announcement for the Astute fleet would be the subject view. Key Ministers within the Government were, of of further review. We all understand that the levels of course, aware of these issues throughout. radioactivity that he has announced are low, but what The hon. Member for Gedling (Vernon Coaker) asked monitoring will be done of the cooling system in our why we decided to restart the reactor. Once it was clear operational Astutes to reassure the crews and all those that there was no safety risk and that a safety case for involved that they are not in any way at risk? restarting it had been built and approved by the regulators, we continued with the operation of the test reactor to Mr Hammond: We carry out daily sampling and fulfil its intended purpose: to have delivered the same analysis of the coolant water in all our nuclear submarines. amount of core burn, and some more, as the most aged operational reactor will have achieved by the end of its Mr Bob Ainsworth (Coventry North East) (Lab): Can service life. I say to the Secretary of State that the fact that some people may react in an irresponsible way is a reason to The hon. Gentleman asked about the reactors being be more open on this issue, not a reason to be less built for the Astute submarines, which are also core H open—as he appeared to suggest in his reply to my hon. reactors. I confirm that after this issue arose, all reactors Friend the Member for Gedling (Vernon Coaker)? in-build were re-examined with the best equipment available, I am grateful for the briefings that the Secretary of to look for signs of anything that might give any further State has given me and others. It will take three years clue as to what has happened with the core H reactor at from the decommissioning of the test reactor to be able Dounreay. to examine fully that hot piece of apparatus. In the The hon. Gentleman also asked about the decision meantime, we will continue to build the same reactors not to have a test reactor for the successor series—the for the Astute class of submarine. Is he satisfied that we PWR3 reactor. There are several technical reasons for will do everything we can in that interim period to make this. The reactor is being built to an entirely different certain that we minimise any risk and that we do not design specification. Because of the way in which technology elongate or widen the safety margins on the reactor has evolved, the engineering tolerances will be much during the manufacturing process or otherwise? less challenging in the PWR3 reactor and we have access to far more advanced computer modelling techniques, Mr Hammond: Of course, as the right hon. Gentleman which can provide an adequate substitute for prototyping. might anticipate, those are questions that I have already However, in view of the concerns that have been expressed asked of the programme managers throughout this about this decision, I have asked the chief scientific process. There are technical factors in the design of the adviser to review again the evidence on which the decision core that limit the scope to change aspects of the not to operate a test reactor was based, and to report design, but now that we are aware that this microscopic back to me on the appropriateness of that decision. I breach has occurred in the test reactor, it will focus the will inform the House in due course of the result of that examination of the as yet uninstalled cores that are review. being built for the Astute class of submarine. 1083 Nuclear Submarines6 MARCH 2014 Nuclear Submarines 1084

The test reactor at Dounreay has been hammered. However, as he would expect, we will plan for every This is the nuclear equivalent of putting an engine on a contingency, and the measures that I have announced test bed and running it flat out at maximum revs to see will allow us to preserve the option of refuelling further what happens. It does not mean that what happens to Vanguard and Astute submarines should that be deemed that engine will happen in a car that is being driven expedient in the future. normally on the roads. It will take approximately three years from the time Sir Nick Harvey (North Devon) (LD): I thank the of decommissioning the reactor to being able to examine Defence Secretary for his statement and commend him it fully. We now have to make a decision about whether on his actions. He has acted, rightly, on the precautionary more will be learned by continuing to run the reactor at principle—and, God willing, he is acting more cautiously Dounreay until its intended decommissioning date in than is necessary. The UK has the highest nuclear 2015 or by decommissioning it a year and a half early standards, but one can never be too cautious on nuclear and thus being able to examine the core a year and a safety. If the decision has been taken to refuel Vanguard, half earlier than we otherwise would. The balance which had not been anticipated or expected, and possibly needs to be struck on that and I will act on the best others, what implications will that have, not for the scientific advice that I receive. operation of Astute but for the timeline of its production at Barrow? Dr Liam Fox (North Somerset) (Con): I commend my right hon. Friend on his decision. What we are Mr Hammond: That is, again, a good question. I am seeing is a vindication of the safety models that have assured that the investment I have announced today to been followed by successive Governments in relation to expand capacity at Raynesway, coupled with the buffer our nuclear submarine programme, and there is certainly already in the supply line—reactors for future Astute no excuse for scaremongering or irresponsible language. class submarines are built ahead of the need to install In fact, we should be proud and reassured that safety is them in the submarines—means that we can take a core, given such a high priority even at the financial cost that which was built with the intention of being installed in he has outlined. Astute, to refuel Vanguard. We will have been able to catch up on the production of cores before we get to a In order to give the House an understanding of the point where there would be any impact on the Astute scale of the problem, will my right hon. Friend give us programme. End result: there will be no impact on the an indication of the percentage core burn of the Vulcan timeline of Astute. test reactor, and how that percentage compares with the percentage burn on the Vanguard submarine? Mr Angus Brendan MacNeil (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) (SNP): The Secretary of State should acknowledge that Mr Hammond: As my right hon. Friend says, Scottish MPs and Scotland’s Parliament have voted Governments of both persuasions over the years have against nuclear weapons and that there is opposition adopted a prudent and precautionary approach to the from the Churches, the Scottish Trades Union Congress safety of our nuclear submarine fleet, and have invested and voluntary organisations. He has said that he will money, where it is necessary to do so, on the basis that plan for every contingency.How will Scottish independence safety always takes priority. As I have said, the decisions alter his plans, when weapons of mass destruction are that I am announcing today are not driven by concerns removed from Scotland’s environment, and when did he about safety. There is no safety risk identified from this consult Scotland’s Government? incident. They are driven primarily by concerns about future submarine availability. Mr Hammond: This is from the man whose defence The information on core burn is classified, but I can policy is based on being able to join NATO, an avowedly reassure the House that the percentage of core burn on nuclear alliance. As I have said many times in the the reactor at Dounreay exceeds by far the percentage House, we do not expect the Scottish people to vote for of core burn on any of our operational reactors. independence and we are not planning for that contingency. However, as one would expect, the Royal Navy operates John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op): an extensive set of contingency plans for dealing with Continuous at-sea deterrence is of course the foundation all sorts of contingent events that may occur. of our deterrent policy. As the Secretary of State knows much better than I do, it requires not only the Vanguard- Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): My right hon. class submarines to be continuously at sea, but the Friend will be aware that the whole of the deterrent Trafalgar and the Astute classes to be around. The programme, both maintenance and build, is characterised worst-case scenario would be the refuelling of all Vanguard by monopolies that are pretty much unavoidable. Does and Astute submarines. Does he have complete confidence he agree that, notwithstanding this actually quite small that CASD would be maintained if that were to happen, hiccup, this arrangement, under Governments of all and what additional capacity would be needed to carry kinds, works well and offers lessons for wider consideration out such an extensive venture? across procurement?

Mr Hammond: The hon. Gentleman asks sensible Mr Hammond: Our track record speaks for itself. questions, but he is verging into speculative matters at Since 1963, the Royal Navy has operated 80-odd cores, this stage. This is a very tiny flaw in a reactor that has both at sea and at shore-based test reactors. Rolls-Royce been hammered at maximum output over a long time. It has acted as the technical authority and delivery partner, is premature to suggest that when we examine the core providing the design and manufacture of cores in an we will find some systemic need to refuel all other arrangement that has been very satisfactory. Nothing reactors of a similar type. That is not the expectation. that I am announcing should in any way be taken to 1085 Nuclear Submarines6 MARCH 2014 Nuclear Submarines 1086

[Mr Philip Hammond] Government, were Scottish Ministers informed by SEPA and, if that was the case, why were Scottish Ministers undermine the success of that relationship, or Rolls-Royce’s informed but Members of this House not? status as a world-leading provider of military reactor cores. Mr Hammond: SEPA was informed in October 2012 and has been involved in the discussions since that Andrew Miller (Ellesmere Port and Neston) (Lab): point. SEPA is an Executive agency of the Scottish Having worked with radiation for a number of years in Government, but it deals with operators in relation to my own career and having followed very closely the the discharge of its regulatory functions on a properly development of the civil nuclear programme, I fully regulated statutory basis and, usually, on a confidential concur with the Secretary of State’s comments on the basis. Clearly, SEPA did not feel that this event, as a underlying science. On level 0 events, similar events, level 0 event, needed to be brought to the attention of such as moving waste material out of civilian sites, are Ministers or anyone in the central Scottish Government. subject to local communication. Why was there not a parallel situation in the case of Dounreay? Why were Oliver Colvile (Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport) local stakeholders not involved? Will he ensure that the (Con): I thank my right hon. Friend for confirming that chief scientific adviser is given the maximum freedom, no lives were ever endangered by this activity. What within the limits of classified information, to share discussions has he had with Babcock to ensure that it scientific findings with the broadest possible group of has the skilled work force in place and is able to deliver nuclear experts? the work? It is important to ensure that that happens.

Mr Hammond: The hon. Gentleman can rest assured Mr Hammond: Obviously, the implications for Devonport that within the circle of nuclear experts—it is quite a are that a line of work, which was expected to end with small circle—there has already been discussion on these the completion of the current refuelling of Vengeance, issues in the past two years. There is no requirement to will now continue at least until 2019, with the refuelling notify level 0 events, but we did notify the Scottish of HMS Vanguard. At this stage, we have not quantified Environment Protection Agency and, of course, the the precise impact on jobs and other activities at Devonport, military nuclear regulator. It is important to note that but it is likely to be modest. Most of the people employed SEPA’s primary focus is on emissions from the site—that on the refuelling programme were expected to be absorbed is, what is in the discharge from the site—and there has elsewhere in the dockyard work force. We are confident been no measurable change in the radiation discharge. that, with the announcements I have made today, there That is the important point for people living in those will be the capacity to carry out the Vanguard refuelling communities. and to retain the ability to carry out the Victorious refuelling if necessary. Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): If the John Robertson (Glasgow North West) (Lab): The defect seen on the Vulcan test reactor at Dounreay were stupidity of both the United Kingdom Government to be identified in one of the Astute or Vanguard-class and the Scottish Government knows no bounds. It is submarines, what would the consequences be, from a clear from the fact that the Scottish Government have safety perspective, for the crew on board those vessels? known about this for nearly two years and the United How would the removal of one or more submarine Kingdom Government have known about it for more affect operational maritime capabilities? than two years that they hold the people of this country Mr Hammond: My hon. Friend asks a good question. in contempt. I live very close to Faslane, and it worries I emphasise again that there are no safety implications me that something could happen that the people of my from this type of event—a submarine could continue to country and my city know nothing about. The Secretary operate safely. This is a tiny amount of radiation in a of State must go and tell people about it, otherwise no coolant that is itself circulating in a closed system inside one will believe anything he says in future about anything the sealed reactor shield, so there is no risk to the to do with nuclear power. submarine crew. If such an event occurred, it would be Mr Hammond: I am not sure about taking any lessons detected almost immediately because of the daily sampling on stupidity. I am afraid that this is scaremongering of and analysis of coolant water. We are already looking at the worst kind. I have told the hon. Gentleman and the the operational implications, in a reactor of this type, of House that no safety issues are at stake, and all the a very minor breach. As I have already told the House, scientific evidence supports the position that I have the test reactor at Dounreay was restarted in 2012 and taken. Level 0 events are not routinely made public; has subsequently run without any further problems. It they are not routinely reported. That has been the is not absolutely clear that the result of such a minor practice of successive Governments, and it is the practice event occurring in an operational reactor would necessarily throughout the civil and military nuclear sector. mean that the reactor would have to be withdrawn from service. Clearly, we would do so on a precautionary Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): The refit for HMS basis while we considered a longer term course of Vanguard will take three and a half years, and that was action, but it is not yet clear that that would have to be planned. Does not that fact, and the requirement for us the long-term state of affairs. to have a permanent at-sea deterrent, support the plans for a fleet of four Successor SSBNs? Tom Greatrex (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (Lab/ Co-op): The Secretary of State has said a number of Mr Hammond: Indeed they do. If we are to maintain times that SEPA was kept informed. Will he inform the our posture of continuous at-sea deterrence, we will House at what stage it was first informed? Given that need to begin replacing the current fleet in the late SEPA is an Executive agency of the devolved Scottish 2020s. That is not primarily to do with the lives of the 1087 Nuclear Submarines 6 MARCH 2014 1088 reactors or the cores; it is to do with the life expectancy Point of Order of other components of the submarines that cannot effectively be replaced. The final decision to replace the 1.1 pm Vanguard-class submarines with Successors will be made Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab): in 2016. On a point of order, Mr Deputy Speaker. This morning the Government published a report on the impact of migrants on British jobs on the Home Office website. Its publication had been delayed for some time, and it was then published at a time when the House was considering the very serious issue of the Ellison review. I think that the House should have been afforded an opportunity to consider the report on immigration, and I seek your guidance on how that could be best achieved. Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Thatisa matter for the Government rather than the Chair. We have had two statements today. However, the hon. Lady has put her point on the record, and I am sure that people will respond to it accordingly. 1089 6 MARCH 2014 Future Army 2020 1090

Future Army 2020 Army 2020 presents a radical vision of the future role and structure of the Army. The Government have said Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Before I call it has to work, as there is no plan B. That is the the Chair of the Defence Committee, it may be helpful challenge that confronts the Ministry of Defence and to the House if I explain again, briefly, the new procedure the Army. We congratulate the new Chief of the General to which it agreed last year. Essentially, the pattern is Staff on his appointment; he has a challenging time the same as for a ministerial statement. The right hon. ahead. We thank the outgoing Chief of the General Member for North East Hampshire (Mr Arbuthnot) Staff for his fantastic work and service over many years. will speak for up to 10 minutes—obviously he is not And we commend the report to the House. obliged to take all that time, unless he considers it necessary—after which I will call Members who rise to John Woodcock (Barrow and Furness) (Lab/Co-op): put questions to the right hon. Gentleman, and will call The Committee has produced a considered report, in him to respond to them in turn. Members can expect to whose formation I was privileged to be involved at a be called only once. Their interventions should be questions, very late stage. Does the right hon. Gentleman believe and should be brief. Front Benchers may take part if that there is a genuine risk that service numbers may fall they feel so inclined. so low as to affect our ability to sustain a force which the country needs to retain an expeditionary capability to intervene when necessary, unless there is a longer-term 1.3 pm strategic rethink of the way in which we fund defence Mr James Arbuthnot (North East Hampshire) (Con) activities? (Select Committee Statement): There is little time available to us, so I shall cut my remarks to the bone in order to Mr Arbuthnot: I do consider that there is that risk, allow other Members to ask questions about the Defence and I consider that it is a twofold risk. There is the risk Committee’s report, “Future Army 2020”—a report that already exists because of the recruiting issues about which speaks for itself. which we have expressed concern, but there is an even We welcome many aspects of the changes that are greater risk of further raids on the defence budget in the being introduced by the Ministry of Defence. We welcome future. I personally believe that the defence budget the increased spending on the reserves, the fact that should increase, but in any event we must guard against reservists will have more training days, and the fact that both those risks. they will work more closely with the regulars. We welcome the Government’s commitment to report annually on Mr Julian Brazier (Canterbury) (Con): My right hon. the state of the reserve forces, although our report calls Friend and I visited the Army recruiting and training on the Government to go further. All those measures centre together. Does he agree that it is truly astonishing will help to tie the armed forces into the public that they that it is only since the arrival of the new director defend, and to reduce what we describe as the disconnect general, Major General Chris Tickell, that really obvious between the armed forces and the public. things—such as data protection for medicals, returning some of the focus on recruitment to potential recruits However, we also have real concerns. We are concerned and, above all, sorting out the software—are at last about the fact that the radical reduction of the Regular being dealt with for the purposes of both regular and Army to 82,500 was simply announced to the Chief of reserve recruiting? the General Staff, without consultation on whether that was the right figure to address the threats we face, Mr Arbuthnot: I am far too old to be astonished by without testing or experimentation, and without being anything, but I will say that many such issues came to referred to the National Security Council, although it light, and were dealt with, only as a result of my hon. amounted to a reduction of 12,000 personnel and although Friend’s assiduity and fantastic work. the figure of 94,500 appeared in the strategic defence and security review as recently as 2010. It was a figure Mr Kevan Jones (North Durham) (Lab): I thank the set purely on the basis of the finances that were available, right hon. Gentleman and his Committee for their rather than through any reiterative process of negotiation. report. Does he think that it confirms what may of us We are concerned about recruitment to both the have been saying for a long time, namely that Army regulars and the reservists. A career in the armed forces 2020 is being driven by financial considerations? The is a fantastically valuable and enjoyable one—as usual, most worrying part of the report that I read was the part I declare my interest: my eldest daughter is a lieutenant that revealed that the permanent secretary to the in the reserves—and people should not hold back from MOD, rather than the head of the Army, had set the applying for that wonderful career. However, recruitment Army numbers. Does the right hon. Gentleman think has not gone as well as it should have, partly because of that further redundancies in the regular forces should failings in the Army’s own processes, partly because of be paused until the recruitment problems have been IT failures, and partly because of the transfer of the sorted out? role to Capita. We are also concerned about the fact that the regulars Mr Arbuthnot: In answer to the hon. Gentleman’s are being made redundant before the reservists have final question, I would say that we may be too late for been recruited. We understand the efforts that everyone that, because the recruitment notices have probably is making to put the recruiting difficulties right, and I already been delivered. However, it is worrying that the hear that things are turning around, but turn around 82,500 figure does not appear to have been subjected to they must. As we say in the report, we face the possibility any tests or experiments to establish whether it adequately that the Army will be short of personnel in key supporting addressed the threats that the country faces. As I said capabilities. in my brief statement, I think it should have been a 1091 Future Army 20206 MARCH 2014 Future Army 2020 1092 reiterative process. Obviously, there is a financial envelope Mr Arbuthnot: In our report the Defence Committee within which we all have to work. Whether that is large calls on the Government to set out how they would enough rather depends on the threats we face. rapidly rebuild the regulars as well as building on the reservists. It is difficult enough as it is to recruit into the Sir Bob Russell (Colchester) (LD): I would like to regulars and the reservists, but regeneration of that place on record my appreciation of the right hon. capability is important, and the Government must address Gentleman, who steps down as Chairman of the Defence that. Committee shortly. Does he agree that as the final five or six years of this decade unfold, if circumstances Mr John Baron (Basildon and Billericay) (Con): The require it—notwithstanding the fact that civil servants report correctly highlights the real possibility of capability determined the size of the Army—the Government gaps, along with the fact that the plans to replace 20,000 should step in and increase recruitment so that the regulars with 30,000 reservists were borne of financial country gets the Army it should have? necessity rather than strategic design. Has my right hon. Friend made an assessment of the prospect of Mr Arbuthnot: I do agree with the hon. Gentleman, rising costs leading to false economies, such as the fact who also does assiduous work on the Defence Committee. that it costs more to deploy reservists than regulars? It should not be civil servants who determine the size of Although this cost may have been offloaded on to the the Army; it should be this House that determines the Treasury, it could still be a cost borne by taxpayers. The size of the Army—it should be Ministers. Ministers are, cost may be too much and certainly more than originally of course, in overall control, but these are issues that envisaged given that the plans come out of a need to should be discussed by the House of Commons on a make savings. The National Audit Office is also looking regular basis and determined by Ministers. into the matter on behalf of taxpayers. Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): According Mr Arbuthnot: My hon. Friend makes an important to Ministry of Defence figures, there is a shortfall in point. We say in the report: jobs across the military. Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that one of our report’s most alarming findings “We note that Reservists are cheaper to employ so long as they was the number of vacancies in specialist trades, where are not called up. This will only prove to be a cost saving so long as future governments are not required to undertake operations. jobs are being cut and the right personnel are not being This will need to be closely monitored.” recruited? The Army had the equivalent of 8,000 specialist vacancies it could not recruit for. I hope—indeed, I am sure—that the Government will do exactly that. Mr Arbuthnot: I agree with the hon. Lady, who serves so wonderfully on the Select Committee. These issues Mr Dai Havard (Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney) (Lab): are brought out clearly in the report. She also referred The report is about Army 2020. It talks about retaining to the matter in the estimates debate on Tuesday. There the regimental structure but building an adaptive and are real shortages in relation to cyber-reserves. We must reactive force with an integrated reserve. There is money build up those specialist areas to guard against the for that until 2019, but there will be a defence and threats this country faces. security review in 2015-16. Does the right hon. Gentleman think that the resources and the integration quality, not Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con): The figures the changes to the structure that have been outlined, announced in Army 2020 are significantly different will need to be re-examined at that time? from those predicted in the strategic defence and security review in 2015. Does my right hon. Friend agree that Mr Arbuthnot: The hon. Gentleman, who has been the great value of this strong report is not necessarily on the Defence Committee since, I think, 2003, and with regard to the past, because all those redundancies who knows more about it than any of us, is quite right. have happened, but with regard to the future? Looking He will raise his points in the next Defence Committee forward to the next SDSR, does he agree that it is vital inquiry into Future Force 2020, which will tie together that if the SDSR is to have any value whatever it must all these issues in the reports that the Committee does become binding for the subsequent five years? to build up to the next defence and security review. Mr Arbuthnot: My hon. Friend, who also serves on the Defence Committee, makes, as always, a very good Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Does my right hon. point. It is a matter not of astonishment, because I am Friend agree that the next SDSR should look at the not astonished about anything, but of surprise that the fighting power of the Army, possibly also looking at the National Security Council has not already been brought concept of critical mass as part of the SDSR? into this process. It needs to be brought into the next process on a regular basis. Mr Arbuthnot: My hon. Friend is right. The fighting power of the Army seems to have been less used than we Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): Current events in would like by the MOD both as a concept and in its Ukraine and the continuing need for our country to language in recent years. Fighting power involves the persuade our allies in Europe to spend more on defence conceptual component—the thought process—the moral make me believe the Government should revisit the component, which is the ability to get people to fight, target they have set of a regular Army of 82,500. Has and the physical component, or the means to fight. We the Defence Committee looked at the feasibility of a call on the MOD to produce a regular report on that so Government revising the figure if they think there is that we can understand how well defended the country a political need to do so? actually is. 1093 Future Army 2020 6 MARCH 2014 1094

Richard Drax (South Dorset) (Con): I congratulate my right hon. Friend and his Committee on producing Backbench Business what is, I must say, really rather a disturbing report, certainly from my perspective. He talks about Army Security of Women in Afghanistan 2020 as a radical vision, but I am still not quite clear whether he believes it is radically good or radically bad. The report says that the Committee members have Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): I ask Members “considerable doubts” as to whether Army 2020 to speak for the usual 10 to 15 minutes. There will be “will meet the needs of the UK’s national security.” time pressure on the next debate, so it would be helpful if people could be brief, as I do not wish to introduce a I cannot think of anything more serious than that. time limit. However, I will do so if pushed. Mr Arbuthnot: Well, it is radical in that it goes to the root of what the Army is about. It changes the entire 1.19 pm configuration of the Army from a predominantly—hugely Sir Robert Smith (West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine) so—regular Army with a very small proportion of (LD): I beg to move, reservists, to an Army of 82,500 regulars and 30,000 reservists. That is certainly radical. I think certain things That this House recognises, ahead of critical presidential elections in April 2014, the essential contribution of Afghan human rights really work well, but there are other things which are defenders to building peace and security in their country; further not working so well about which we have real concerns. recognises the extreme challenges, including violent attacks and I have said that and we have made that point in the killings, that they face as a result of their peaceful work; believes report. that sustainable peace and security cannot be achieved in Afghanistan without women’s full participation; and encourages the UK Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): I Government to improve its support and protection for women certainly look forward to the Government response to human rights defenders in Afghanistan. this report. Much of it focuses on the rebalancing of the I am sure that all hon. Members would like to take regular and reservist ratio, and I should declare an this opportunity to offer their sympathy to the family interest as a reservist myself. Many reservists currently and friends of the soldier who died yesterday at Camp fail to secure their bounty or credits for promotion Bastion, bringing to 448 the number of British personnel because they miss their annual camp. Does my right who have died while serving in Afghanistan. hon. Friend agree that the new ambitious reservist I would like to thank the Backbench Business Committee recruitment targets, as spelled out on page 38 of his for allowing time for this debate on the security of report, are more likely to be met if the Army is more women in Afghanistan. flexible in allowing a series of four-day commitments to be completed throughout the year for those who are Many people will remember 11 September 2001. I unable—for work or family reasons—to make the fixed remember that I was trying to get a survival suit on dates of an annual eight to 14-day camp? while waiting for a helicopter to bring me back from a visit to an offshore platform when the offshore installation Mr Arbuthnot: My hon. Friend knows far more about manager came to us and said, “There’s been an aircraft it than I do. I am sure he is right. I am sure the answer is crash in New York; I’ll put it on the telly.” When we got in the report somewhere, but I cannot put my finger on off the helicopter at Aberdeen airport, we saw on the exactly where. news that there had been another crash. It was obviously not an accident; it was a serious situation. That event has linked the mountains of Afghanistan and the living rooms of the UK and tied our two countries together since 2001. I pay tribute to the troops and to the staff of the Department for International Development, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the non- governmental organisations for all the work that they have done in Afghanistan since then to try to establish a more stable and secure situation for that country and for the wider world. On a visit to Afghanistan in 2007, while I was serving on the International Development Select Committee, I saw at first hand some of the challenges involved, and some of the achievements, especially those relating to the role of women in society.It was particularly memorable and moving to visit a classroom of girls, and I remember sitting next to a girl who enthusiastically showed me the homework that she had taken from her school bag. Those girls were able to engage in the learning process again. In the context of the transition in Afghanistan, it is telling that on the successor Committee’s more recent visit to the same school, it was felt inappropriate that Committee members should visit the classroom where the girls were. That might be a measure of the hardening of attitudes towards women that is beginning to cause concern. 1095 Security of Women in Afghanistan6 MARCH 2014 Security of Women in Afghanistan 1096

We also saw a project for start-up businesses, and it Helmand province, was murdered last July. A few months was pointed out to us that loans to women were considered later, another senior policewoman from Helmand, far more secure than loans to men, because the women Lieutenant Negar, was also murdered. Parliamentarian entrepreneurs repaid their loans far more effectively Rooh Gul survived an attack in which her driver than the men. There was a great deal of enthusiasm for and eight-year-old daughter were killed in August. the range of businesses that could support the Afghan Parliamentarian Fariba Kakar was kidnapped by insurgents economy. We also visited a maternity hospital in Lashkar and held for ransom before, fortunately, being released Gah, where DFID had built accommodation for the in September. Sushmita Banerjee, a well-known author training of midwives. The development of women’s who had written about life under the Taliban, was health and the support for engaging with women was dragged out of her home and shot 15 times in September. recognised as an important contribution. December 2013 was a deadly month for Afghan women. This debate is timely because international women’s A policewoman, Masooma, from Nimruz was shot on day is coming up at the weekend. The security situation 5 December, and on 19 December a policewoman and a in Afghanistan is changing with the withdrawal of pregnant teacher were found hanged in Uruzgan. In international security assistance force troops, the handover January 2014, Yalda Waziri, a senior government official to Afghan security forces and the election of a new in Herat, was murdered by unknown attackers who President in April. Progress has been made since 2001, shot her from a motorbike. High-profile attacks such but it has been fragile. as those get into the news, but many more victims in everyday life go under the radar. Nevertheless, we should Hugh Bayley (York Central) (Lab): I travelled to be concerned about them, too. Afghanistan with the hon. Gentleman on that Select Committee visit in 2007. When our troops come back Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): Does the from Afghanistan and no longer have a security role in hon. Gentleman acknowledge the problems that women the country, we will not be able to enforce the rights of human rights defenders across Afghanistan are facing? women in the way that we have to some extent been able Many of them are continuing to try to work and travel, to do while our troops have been in the country. The but they are finding it increasingly difficult, and their hon. Gentleman has been explaining how much DFID lives and their families are under constant threat. That has achieved in changing the prospects of women through shows the risk that they will be under once we finally its aid programme. Does he agree that that aid programme withdraw from the country. should be maintained and should have a footprint across the whole of the country, rather than just being based in Sir Robert Smith: Yes, the lack of security presents a the capital, Kabul? huge challenge for human rights defenders. That makes it even more important to have in place as effective a Sir Robert Smith: I certainly recognise the crucial strategy as possible among the agencies that will continue importance of the aid programme in building on what to work in Afghanistan. has been achieved to date. I also recognise that we need Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): Having been involved to engage with the whole of Afghanistan to get the with human rights in the field in Bosnia, and having messages across. heard my hon. Friend’s litany of appalling crimes against women, I am really concerned about how once we have Mr Tobias Ellwood (Bournemouth East) (Con): I gone we will be able to reduce those numbers. It will commend my hon. Friend for the work he does with the have to be done by the security forces of Afghanistan, all-party parliamentary group on Afghanistan. He talks and that is a huge commitment. I am not quite sure how about the challenges for the whole of Afghanistan. Will we can help. he join me in congratulating my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for International Development on Sir Robert Smith: We can help by maintaining our the work that the Department has done to promote the engagement in Afghanistan through DFID and the interests of women? I have visited the country a number Foreign Office and through NGOs. We can also help by of times, and things have changed—albeit slowly—in highlighting our values and the importance of women the areas of education, health and access to justice. to society there, and by engaging in debate with Does my hon. Friend also agree, however, that there are Afghanistan. But yes, the security is going to be delivered too many disparate agendas? DFID does excellent work, by the Afghan forces. but it often takes place separately from that done by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con): non-governmental organisations operating there. Given This is an incredibly important debate. Saferworld recently that we have been in Afghanistan for more than a found a direct correlation between increased insecurity decade, do we perhaps need greater co-ordination to and violence against women and decreasing public achieve the success that we wish to see? participation among women. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that Afghan women are not just victims and that Sir Robert Smith: Effective co-ordination between all the incredibly brave women who remain involved in the agencies involved is an important part of maximising public life deserve our support and our wholehearted the benefit and working together. The conference in protection, wherever we can give it? That is one key way London in November could provide an opportunity to in which we can show our support and make a difference focus the minds of all those agencies on adopting a to women in Afghanistan. co-ordinated approach. I want to put on record the names of some of the Sir Robert Smith: We get the opportunity, as victims of the attacks on women that have taken place parliamentarians, to meet some of those brave women in Afghanistan. Islam Bibi, a senior policewoman from on delegations from the Afghan Parliament. They reinforce 1097 Security of Women in Afghanistan6 MARCH 2014 Security of Women in Afghanistan 1098

[Sir Robert Smith] The Government will be hosting a summit in November 2014 where they could focus on the needs of women by the case that, from the perspective of women in Afghanistan, ensuring that women’s representation at that summit is the engagement of ISAF has been seen as supportive substantial; by supporting human rights defenders to and important. travel to take part in the summit; by establishing formal processes of consultation with Afghan women and women Penny Mordaunt (Portsmouth North) (Con): Will the human rights defenders in advance of the summit, to hon. Gentleman join me in also paying tribute to those ensure their input into its format and content, and women who are participating directly in the security to ensure that women who take part receive protection of Afghanistan—the women who, often in the face of from retaliation and intimidation; and by working to tremendous opposition, are training to be police officers, build on the Tokyo commitments. members of the army or members of special forces? The House may be surprised to learn about the latter group; Mr James Gray (North Wiltshire) (Con) rose— we too frequently use the word “trailblazer”, but they really are trailblazers. Sir Robert Smith: Time is beginning to run short, but I will take one more intervention. Sir Robert Smith: Yes, the bravery such women show is immensely inspiring. Again, it shows the need for us Mr Gray: The hon. Gentleman is making an extremely to continue to focus on Afghanistan, even though our interesting and thoughtful speech, but will he give troops are no longer there, bringing it to our news and consideration to one other thing? Although it is important engaging the public. We need to make sure we build as that we should provide safety for these human rights much as we can on what has been achieved to date. defenders and high-profile women in Afghanistan, the good old Chinese saying that women hold up half the One suggestion from Amnesty International is to sky is particularly true in Afghanistan, which is a matriarchal have a country-specific plan on human rights defenders, society. Does he agree that one of the most important which could ensure that training and awareness-raising things to do is put in place defence strategies to keep the occurs with mission staff on gender considerations, and Taliban under control once we have left, so that women on the particular challenges facing those who work to who run the households in Afghanistan can be allowed promote human rights and those who face risk because to do so? of their work; prioritise gendered approaches to the support and protection of HRDs; appoint a liaison Sir Robert Smith: Yes, the security situation is crucial, officer to act as focal point for HRDs for information because a resurgence of the Taliban will start to knock exchange and case support; explore with civil society back all the achievements made; we will be back to organisations and HRDs—this depends on security square one and all the risks that evolve from that considerations—safe opportunities to support local events; scenario will be back to haunt us. It is crucial that we and outline how and what support protection would be maintain our engagement. delivered in conjunction with, or through, the European Will the Secretary of State say what assessment her Union and United Nations. Department has made of the different programmes to Mrs Moon: During the Defence Committee’s last support women—which have and which have not been visit to Afghanistan we met women at the forefront of successful—so that in the future we can focus on those trying to change the society. I turned to the leader of the that have had achievements? As I said, 2001 brought women we were meeting and said, “In the time leading our two countries together, and progress has been made, up to our departure, what is the most important thing but it is fragile and we must not turn our backs now we could provide to you?” Surprisingly, her response when handing over security to the Afghan Government. was, “Artillery.” She was saying, “Unless we know we I urge the House to support this motion. are going to be able to defend ourselves against the Mr Deputy Speaker: Order. I am introducing an Taliban and reach a point where we can build a society eight-minute limit. outside the Taliban’s horrific views on women, nothing will change in Afghanistan.” 1.36 pm Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Lindsay Hoyle): Order. May Pat Glass (North West Durham) (Lab): Thank you, I make the point again that long interventions are not Mr Deputy Speaker. I also wish to thank the Backbench helpful, either to this debate or the one afterwards? Let Business Committee for allowing time for this debate. I us try to contain them, especially where a Member has speak whenever I can in this House on the issues of already had one go. education and women, and today I want to bring those issues together in this debate on the security situation of Sir Robert Smith: That lady’s message is a very important women in Afghanistan. I do so for a number of reasons, one about bringing support and resources to the Afghan one of which is that when I became an MP in May 2010, security forces to make sure that they can maintain the the very first thing—and I mean the very first thing—I security situation. The engagement with human rights had to do officially was attend the funeral of Daryn defenders is an important part of ensuring that the Roy, a young man who was born and brought up in messages get through about the important role of women. Dipton in my constituency and who died in Camp We need to engage with the men of Afghanistan about Bastion in Afghanistan right at the end of April 2010. the fact that where a society does not use half its When I attended his funeral, I found that his parents population, its economic potential is not being achieved, took great comfort from the fact that he had told them and that if a society does not engage with the next that he was fighting in Afghanistan on behalf of not generation of women in education, it is failing to achieve only Britain, but the people of Afghanistan and that he its potential. That will be a major cultural challenge. and his colleagues were there not only to deal with 1099 Security of Women in Afghanistan6 MARCH 2014 Security of Women in Afghanistan 1100 terrorists and remove them from that sorry land, but to Mr Ellwood: I am reluctant to interrupt what is a very create a land in which education could be brought to powerful speech, but does she agree that there is huge children—all children, both girls and boys. He had taken concern about the contracts for schools and clinics? The great pride in the fact that he and his colleagues were west builds them, but then do not provide the contracts protecting women from the worst excesses of the Taliban. for the teachers to continue there—certainly after we As we know, the lives of women in Afghanistan have have left. That applies not only in the southern area, the never been easy, but under the spiritual leader Mullah Pashtun area, where the Taliban operate, but in the north. Omar the Taliban brought a whole new level of misery and terror to the lives of many, particularly women. Pat Glass: I absolutely agree with the hon. Gentleman, Women were not allowed to work outside the home; and I hope that the Minister is listening. and they were not allowed to leave their home unless As I was saying, it is because of the teachers—my accompanied by a male relative. Women who could not professional colleagues of whom I am so proud—and afford a burqa or who did not have a living male relative others working in women’s health, human rights and were, in effect, housebound for four years. Education security that the lot of women in Afghanistan has for women and girls was banned by the Taliban, and as improved. However, that is now at risk as the time of most of the teachers in Afghanistan were women, the withdrawal draws close. Most international forces are education of boys and girls suffered. Throughout that set to withdraw this year, and, as the deadline draws time, brave women teachers continued secretly to teach near, women activists, women teachers and doctors and young girls, and some boys, in their homes. Information those working on behalf of women in Afghanistan about secret schools was spread by word of mouth, become increasingly concerned about the future. from woman to woman. Through the generosity and I want to give just one small example of what is bravery of these women teachers, some young girls did happening now. We worry about what will happen after continue to receive an education. we withdraw in 2014, but what is going on now? In 2009, The international invasion and the election of President the law on the elimination of violence against women Karzai’s Government did lead to a relaxation of some finally criminalised acts of child marriage, rape and restrictions on women, but women’s lives continued to other forms of violence against women. Despite that, be difficult. His Government endorsed a code of conduct there was a 27% increase in attacks on women last year that continued to require women to be accompanied by in a society where attacks on women usually take place a male relative when travelling and not to mingle with within the family and are rarely reported or challenged. strange men—anyone outside the family—in places such Now a small, seemingly inconsequential change in the as schools, markets and offices. Although that did not criminal law could make domestic violence against women amount to a ban, it made work and life very difficult for almost impossible to prosecute. The new law proposes most women. that relatives can no longer testify when a woman has We know that Afghanistan continues to be one of the been assaulted or raped. Essentially, that means that no most challenging places in the world to be a woman. one can testify on a woman’s behalf, because in Afghanistan More women and girls die in pregnancy there than a woman rarely sees anyone outside of the family. almost anywhere else in the world. Nine out of 10 women Relatives are the only people who would ever be privy cannot read or write. One in 10 children dies before to a woman being abused, who would see her afterwards their fifth birthday. The life expectancy of a woman in or who could testify on her behalf. The change in the Afghanistan is 44 years of age, one of the lowest in the law would mean that women could be beaten and raped world. More than 50% of Afghan women are married without any fear of prosecution for the persecutor. or engaged by the age of 10; 60% are married by the age We are withdrawing from Afghanistan, but we have of 16; 80% of marriages are either forced or arranged; not gone yet. This Parliament, the British Government and violence against women is endemic. and international forces need to tell President Karzai There are 1.5 million widows in Afghanistan, one of now, firmly and loudly, that this kind of law must be the highest proportions in the world, 94% of whom are repealed. It is an offence to Afghan women and to illiterate. The average age of a widow is 35. Widows women everywhere and it needs to go. This is not what without male relatives prepared to support them have Daryn Roy and the other young men and women from few options, and most are forced to beg or are forced constituencies up and down this country fought and into prostitution. died for. Although I understand the need to withdraw, surely we owe an assurance to our war dead and to Education for women has improved since 2001, but those who have been injured and who have fought on still, in 2011, of the 8 million students in Afghanistan, our behalf in Afghanistan that they did not fight for only 30% of them were women and girls. Things have nothing and that they leave a lasting legacy that includes improved, and education is no longer banned, but the a better, safer and educated future for the women and Taliban has continued to conduct a reign of terror girls of Afghanistan. against schools. There is a campaign of burning down schools and of killing students and teachers, and the Taliban has been helped in this by its supporters in 1.44 pm Pakistan who have banned the delivery of school books Sir Malcolm Bruce (Gordon) (LD): I thank my hon. and texts to Afghanistan. Friend the Member for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine Teachers and those running schools endure violent (Sir Robert Smith) for securing this timely debate and threats from the Taliban on a daily basis. There are the Backbench Business Committee for allowing it to attacks on their families and they risk losing their happen. I feel privileged to be taking part. homes and those closest to them, and yet they persevere. As important as this debate is—and it is very important They continue to provide essential education to women —we should not overestimate our ability to influence and girls across the country at great cost to themselves. cultural change within Afghanistan just by speaking in 1101 Security of Women in Afghanistan6 MARCH 2014 Security of Women in Afghanistan 1102

[Sir Malcolm Bruce] Our second report on Afghanistan, which was published 18 months ago, said: this Chamber; the challenge is much bigger than that. “The treatment of women in Afghanistan after troops pull out Fundamentally, the change will have to come from in 2014 will be the litmus test of whether we have succeeded in people within Afghanistan whom we can support. improving the lives of ordinary Afghans over the last ten years.” In January, Brad Adams of Human Rights Watch said: We urged the Government to prioritise women in their programmes, especially on education, supporting shelters “Afghan women are all too well aware that international donors are walking away from Afghanistan.” and providing legal advice. I am sure that the Secretary of State will want to give us some insight about how As the Secretary of State is in her place, I am sure that that is being done under the DFID programme. she will want to make it clear that that is not the case Like others, we have met articulate women MPs and with Britain. Indeed, the longer and deeper our commitment civil rights campaigners who were fearful that there is, and the more that we talk about it, the better we will would be push back on the gains, but were determined be able to support those in Afghanistan who are working to protect and advance the progress that had been for change. made. We all recognise that educating girls and women Reference has been made to the visit the International is an essential part of that. Development Committee made to the country in 2007—we Everyone knows that Afghanistan has an uncertain also visited it 18 months ago—in which we had a robust future. We do not know what the next Government will meeting with President Karzai. He was challenged on look like or who will be President, although the candidates the rights of women. Specifically, we talked about the are now lining up. The idea that the whole country will fact that more than 80% were beaten by their husbands quickly fall back into the arms of the Taliban seems and other male family members, and that those who unlikely. Many of the people who suffered under the fled violent relationships were jailed while the perpetrators Taliban have gained under the current situation and will of the violence had immunity from any sanction. not readily succumb to that again. Furthermore, the At the end of the exchange, Mr Karzai said that we Taliban is not a single, coherent entity. had to understand that Afghanistan was a conservative I note that Zalmai Rassoul, one of the frontrunners country with its own values. He said that the last ruler for the presidency, has chosen a woman as one of his who challenged those values was the king who was running mates. Habiba Sarabi was the former governor assassinated in 1929, and Mr Karzai did not want to of Bamiyan Province. Some members of the Committee repeat that example. visited the province briefly in 2012. Having suffered at In an article in The Guardian last month, Nushin the hands of the Taliban, not only through the destruction Arbadzadah warned of the challenges. She said that of the famous Buddhas but through much more serious “the idea that we could empower Afghan women by making them infringements of lives and livelihoods, the people of the aware of their individual rights was preposterous and bound to predominantly Shi’ite Hazara province of Bamiyan clearly fail from the inception. Anyone who has spent even two days in told us that they were determined to pursue their own Afghanistan knows that individualism as a concept does not exist destiny and will at all odds resist any re-incursion by the there. The idea that we could treat women as a separate entity, Taliban. The principal of the university told us that legal or political, and disconnected from their family was flawed fathers and husbands were actively encouraging their from the start.” daughters and wives to go to university and that a third She said that those who fought for those values were of the students there are now female. likely to do so perpetually and in isolation. In her I must also say, however, that I and a number of other conclusion, she said: members of the Committee met a young woman in “Afghanistan’s patriarchal clans have survived leftist coups Kabul. She was a highly educated and very articulate and rightwing wars, becoming the only source of stability in a postgraduate, but when I asked her about her personal society constantly in turmoil. To dismantle their power would circumstances she said that she would of course have to amount to freedom not only for women but also for men. But to marry whoever her brother, who was the head of her reach that end, we need more than the rhetoric of individual household, chose for her. I asked whether her brother rights imported from the other side of the planet.” would consult her, to which she replied, “How on earth That is a sobering article. We feel angry and we state would my brother have any idea what kind of man I our case, but we must realise what we are up against. want anyway?” I asked what she would do if she did not Very often, it is women, and not just men, who are like that person or if she suffered violence and she said, oppressing women, and not supporting them when they “I am used to violence; I can accept it.” She is an stand up, which is why I agree with my hon. Friend that intelligent, educated and articulate woman, more or less the role of men is important too and that we need to be saying that she must succumb to her fate. part of it. We have made progress. My hon. Friend the Member for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine rightly referred Bob Stewart: It is not only the role of men that is to girls’ education. The front cover of our first report in important, but the men themselves. They are the people 2007 was a photograph of girls in school because we who drive the change, and we must put all our efforts thought that was symptomatic of how Afghanistan was into making them understand and be more enlightened, changing. My hon. Friend rightly said that 2001 was a in our way of thinking, towards their women. moment of destiny, but I think that Afghanistan is a country in which the UK would be engaged regardless Sir Malcolm Bruce: Of course I accept that, but we of that because it is one of the poorest countries on the should not underestimate the challenge. That is why planet and because we make a commitment to try to lift we need to work with local women and women’s groups people out of absolute poverty. It is a poor country and accept the way in which they want to achieve seeking to develop and exactly the kind of country that change and support them. we want to help. 1103 Security of Women in Afghanistan6 MARCH 2014 Security of Women in Afghanistan 1104

The Taliban are against development of all kinds, The UK Government have said that they are committed, but many Afghans have experienced the benefits that as they are, to ensuring that the progress achieved on development can bring. They have glimpsed the rights is safeguarded. As international partners withdraw opportunities and will not, in my view, simply allow from Afghanistan, however, this is a worrying year for themselves to be pushed back. I suggest that our job is many women. As other Members have said, it is now to stand by those who seek to move forward on their increasingly for the Afghans to safeguard progress and own terms. We must do everything we can to support hold their Government to account for their record on those women who are campaigning to secure progress, human and women’s rights. but we must follow their leadership and not impose our Progress has been made in Afghanistan by the Afghans own. They will understand how to make that change for the Afghans, and I pay tribute to some of the better than anything we can do. Although there are advances we have seen. In 2003 the Afghan Government absolute rights and values that we stand by, we must ratified the convention on the elimination of all forms accept that change will be brought about by people of discrimination against women; in 2004 the new inside the community who understand how to do it. We constitution outlawed discrimination and enshrined equal must stand by them and say that we are here to help rights for women and men; in 2008 the national action them in any way we can to secure progress. plan for women of Afghanistan was launched; and in I am grateful that the Secretary of State is replying to 2009 the elimination of violence against women law was the debate and hope that she will be able to say that we adopted. About 20 women’s shelters have been established, are there to stand by Afghan women for as long as it which is a start, and they are accommodating about takes. 350 women. Some 25% of Government jobs are filled by women, 2.7 million girls were enrolled in Afghan 1.52 pm schools in 2011-12 compared with fewer than 10,000 in Fiona O’Donnell (East Lothian) (Lab): It is a pleasure 2001, and 28% of MPs are women, a record that some to follow the right hon. Member for Gordon (Sir Malcolm in this House should seek to emulate. Bruce) and I congratulate him on ensuring that the It is essential that Afghan women human rights defenders, Select Committee on International Development focused including those in civil society, public servants and on women’s rights in its report. I can do that in all parliamentarians, should be able to continue their work modesty because I was not a member of the Select and make further progress. I want to be clear that that Committee when it began its inquiry. I was involved in progress remains under threat and the situation in the latter stages, but the first issue I raised, in the first Afghanistan appears precarious, with women’s rights session I attended, was women’s rights and security in threatened. My hon. Friend the Member for North Afghanistan. I questioned the former Secretary of State West Durham (Pat Glass) spoke about article 26 about the effectiveness and scope of what was being and the threat it poses to prosecutions for domestic done and I give credit to the current Secretary of State violence. A recent report from Human Rights Watch for her tenacity and commitment on this issue. We have raises concerns about the number of convictions for seen progress and movement. assaults on all sorts on women, and I hope that the I congratulate the hon. Member for West Aberdeenshire Secretary of State will address the fact that they are and Kincardine (Sir Robert Smith) on introducing the particularly prevalent in underdeveloped and remote debate and thank the Backbench Business Committee regions of the country. for allowing us to have it. This might sound slightly We have heard about the cases of prominent women strange, but I want to apologise to members of Musselburgh who have been attacked but, as the hon. Member for twinning association for no longer being able to join West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine said, hidden behind them this evening. I hope they will realise that, as the those are attacks on ordinary Afghan women. I want to right hon. Member for Gordon said, it is vital that our highlight a few of my concerns. Last year, the lower voices are heard by women in Afghanistan so that they house of the Afghan Parliament passed a revision of know that we stand by them and are committed to their the country’s electoral law, deleting a guarantee that at safety, security, human rights and right to participate in least 25% of seats in each of the 34 provincial councils Afghan society at every level. I hope that the association should be for female candidates. Thanks to an intervention will think it is worth while my being in the Chamber from the upper house, that has been set at 20%. Last today. May, conservative MPs called for the repeal of the 2009 As Amnesty International has said: law on the elimination of violence against women, “sustainable security cannot be achieved in Afghanistan without focusing on the minimum marriage age, the abolition of the full participation of women; moreover, for security to be shelters and criminal penalties for rape. meaningful, it must include security for women”. There has been almost exclusive impunity for high-profile As established in UN Security Council resolution 1325, attacks, but I want to highlight the case of one woman, the UK Government have a responsibility to ensure not Sahar Gul, who has been let down by the Government only that women participate in all peace and security-related in Afghanistan. Three family members were convicted processes, but that that is seen as vital to the success of of the starvation and torture of that teenager, and they those processes. have served only a year of their 10-year sentence. In Last year the UN reported that the lack of female 2011, Sahar’s stepbrother sold her to be married for participation in peace processes was a shortcoming. $5,000. She was about 13 at the time and soon after the The establishment of an elite women’s advisory board marriage her in-laws attempted to force her into prostitution. charged with ensuring women’s participation in the peace When she resisted, they locked her in the basement, process in Afghanistan is undermined by the limited pulled out her fingernails and burned her. It is simply number of women—just nine out of 70—on the High not good enough that the perpetrators should be released Peace Council. That is simply not good enough. after just a year. 1105 Security of Women in Afghanistan6 MARCH 2014 Security of Women in Afghanistan 1106

[Fiona O’Donnell] That there has been progress in Afghanistan since 2001 is clear—it has been documented by other Members, A Ministry of Justice working group has actually so I will not detain the House long on this—with regard assisted in drafting a law that would have reinstated to health, education, justice and participation. Women public execution by stoning for the crime of adultery. have seen their circumstances improve. Some 3 million Too many women and girls are in prison or juvenile girls are now in education and there are now women detention centres for what are called “moral crimes”. teachers, whereas there were not before. To some extent, Women are having to suffer the indignity and pain of that helps to contradict the sense, which some portray, vaginal examinations to establish whether they are virgins. that it is a society that it is impossible to change. If it I look forward to hearing the Secretary of State’s was impossible for it to change, those brave women speech. The initiative from the Foreign Secretary to try would not have come forward, which is another reason to prevent violence against women is welcome, but the why they deserve support. real way to prevent it is by changing these societies. I am We understand very well that there are different incredibly lucky to have three grandsons and I hope for cultures in different societies, but we have a culture too. a granddaughter one day, but if I were living in Afghanistan Our culture and our tradition in this country is to stand I would not be hoping for a granddaughter. up for what we think is right and to say very clearly, even though value judgments are involved, when we 2pm think something is wrong. The subjugation and terrorisation Alistair Burt (North East Bedfordshire) (Con): I, too, of women is wrong. We know, however, as my right congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for West hon. Friend the Member for Gordon (Sir Malcolm Aberdeenshire and Kincardine (Sir Robert Smith) on Bruce) said, that that cannot be done from the Chamber introducing the debate and giving the House an opportunity of a Parliament thousands of miles away. It needs to be to discuss this matter. As the House knows, for two done by working with those on the ground. Again, years I had the privilege of being the Minister responsible the extraordinary work that has been done in capacity for Afghanistan in the Foreign and Commonwealth building and support over recent years has, I believe, Office. I pay tribute to all those I worked with at the made a significant difference and will continue to do so. time who were involved with Afghanistan. The House rightly pays tribute regularly to our armed forces for the Dr Sarah Wollaston (Totnes) (Con): My right hon. extraordinary work they do, but it is also important to Friend is making a powerful speech. Does he agree that remember the contribution made by civilians from this we should also pay tribute to voluntary organisations country who go out to Afghanistan to engage locally in such as Afghan Connection, which is on ground in areas some of the many complex issues that have been mentioned such as north-east Afghanistan and putting in place and to work with different international organisations. I education and training for teachers? also want to pay tribute to experienced parliamentarians. Once again this debate is enlightened by colleagues who have been to Afghanistan and met those engaged in Alistair Burt: My hon. Friend is absolutely right, and some of the difficulties we are talking about. I could name a number of different organisations—I will mention one in a moment. Men and women are When I become the Minister with responsibility for going out from this country to do extraordinary work Afghanistan, I was clear from the beginning that the with people in Afghanistan and to support the bravery development of women in society and the importance of women and others there who are working for change. of maintaining the progress that had been made was central to many organisations that are campaigning for, I remember on my first visit to Afghanistan meeting and worried about, the position of women. I pay tribute a group of women civil society activists and being told to Amnesty and other organisations that have done so straightforwardly, “If you ask women in our society much work in that respect, but they were always pushing whether life has changed for the better since 2001, at an open door. I want to make it clear to the House between 60% and 70% will say yes. But if you ask how how central the role of women in Afghanistan was to many are afraid for the future, 99% will say yes.” The the development of policy, within both the FCO and constant refrain, particularly as we got closer to naming DFID, right through the period when I was involved a date when the United Kingdom’s armed forces would and beyond. withdraw—2014—was, “Are you all going? Are the When the Foreign Secretary published the United lights going out?” I remember being very committed to Kingdom’s national action plan in response to UN saying, on behalf of the Government, “Absolutely not. Security Council resolution 1325 in relation to the People are staying and the commitment to Afghanistan development of societies post conflict, he said: will remain.” “No lasting peace can be achieved after conflict unless the It is very important to recognise that that is done in needs of women are met—not only justice for the victims of conjunction and co-operation with brave individuals crimes of war, but their active involvement in creating a society in who are there. I could name many, but let me refer to which their rights are respected and their voices are heard.” just two or three in the short time available. Habiba I pay tribute to the Foreign Secretary, who has been Sarabi, who was mentioned by my right hon. Friend the quite remarkable—I am grateful to the hon. Member Member for Gordon, is a remarkable woman who made for East Lothian (Fiona O’Donnell) for what she said her name working on women’s literacy, before joining about this—in his dedication to the rights of women the Government in 2004 after the Taliban had gone. She and his concern about the use of conflict to damage is now the governor of Bamiyan province. Sometimes women. He has been quite exceptional in that regard. I the media can present the image that it is all about know from personal experience how much he was concerned Helmand, but it is not. There are places where things about Afghanistan and how much support he gave me are happening and women are engaged in society and and others in our work. want to remain engaged. She is a remarkable woman. 1107 Security of Women in Afghanistan6 MARCH 2014 Security of Women in Afghanistan 1108

Fawzia Koofi, a member of Parliament whom I have from the United Kingdom who have lost their lives met on more than one occasion, is an outstandingly there, to work with others for a better future, which they brave woman. When she was a baby, her mother left her deserve and have been richly working towards. outside to die in the Afghan sun because she did not want another daughter in the house. She was rescued 2.9 pm after a few hours, burnt almost to a cinder. From that Naomi Long (Belfast East) (Alliance): It is an honour experience she developed an extraordinary attitude to to follow the right hon. Member for North East life and a determination to fight for the rights of women. Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), who was a hugely impressive She was recently interviewed and said a few things—this Minister during his time in the Foreign and Commonwealth follows what other Members have said—about the current Office. He set out clearly the Government’s policy on difficulties. She said: and support for freedom and justice internationally. It “It’s becoming harder to work on women’s issues. Conservative is a genuine pleasure to follow his important comments. colleagues are more confident to open their mouths… But there is This is an important debate, not only as a precursor more awareness among women to stand by themselves and defend to international women’s day, but because it is happening their rights… You cannot talk about women’s education, women’s economic empowerment and social empowerment without their on world book day, given the importance we place on political participation. So for any young woman I would encourage access to information and education in transforming them to have the courage to put herself forward.” society and improving conditions for women abroad. With examples like Fawzia to follow, young women can I do not want to repeat too much of what has been do just that. said but, as we are aware, the Afghan constitution affords equal protection to men and women. However, I want to mention two individuals from the United there has been growing controversy recently about the Kingdom. The first is Linda Norgrove. I was involved in role of Afghan women in society. At 28% of members, the hostage crisis when Linda was kidnapped. She the representation of women in the Afghan Parliament subsequently died in an attempt to free her in October exceeds the level in this House. Although Afghanistan 2010. I attended her funeral and remember what a has quotas and we do not, we take proactive action to remarkable occasion it was, as people remembered what encourage young women to get involved in Parliament, she had done. She worked with widows, in particular, in and young women from our constituencies are visiting eastern Afghanistan. Her parents have set up a foundation Parliament today and we hope that that will encourage in her memory, another one of those organisations that them to take this Parliament seriously. work to remember a remarkable person from this country Many women who have stepped forward into politics who lost their life because of their commitment to the in Afghanistan find themselves at the forefront of abuse women of Afghanistan. She managed a team of some and attacks, and although there has been progress, it 500 staff who moved from district to district in eastern is important to maintain it. According to the Afghan Afghanistan, working with communities to implement independent human rights commission, attacks on women projects in conjunction with local people. That reinforces and human rights defenders are increasing and include the point that it is not a question of imposing values attacks on parliamentarians, the murder of female police from outside; it is about working with others there who officers, the targeting of critics of the Taliban, and the want to make a success of things. The second individual targeting of their families. Their male relatives—their I will mention from the United Kingdom is my noble sons, their fathers and their brothers—are often targeted Friend Baroness Hodgson, who has given a lot of time as a way of silencing women who want to stand up and and effort in Afghanistan, and at great personal cost have a voice. and risk to herself. The right hon. Member for Gordon (Sir Malcolm Bruce) Finally, I want to mention Hillary Clinton. I remember was correct when he said that if we want to transform my early meetings with Mrs Clinton when she was society in Afghanistan the issue is not just about speaking Secretary of State. It was clear that her commitment to to women there. Unless women have the support and the advancement of women was no political gesture, encouragement of the men around them and wider but firm and determined. We were constantly being society, it will be incredibly difficult for them to continue asked how we would put into practice what we believed the change that is happening. about the future of women in Afghanistan, so she made Honour killings and punishments for breaking traditional sure that it was in the Bonn declaration in Tokyo. Her Taliban rules of society are still widespread. According commitment has been remarkable. to the United Nations, 87.2% of Afghan women and As has been said, we know that there are limits to girls have experienced some form of violence or abuse. what we can do. Ultimately, it will have to be Afghanistan The UN described that as a pandemic and it is increasingly that enforces what we believe. But our constant engagement, disturbing when we consider that many women will be our determination not to leave people alone, the fact totally opposed to reporting abuse, even if it puts their that we will continue to talk about it here and the fact life in danger, because of fear of the consequences of that men and women from the United Kingdom will speaking out about their situation. continue to go to Afghanistan to support the people There has been progress, and hon. Members have there will be the clearest demonstration we can give referred to the passage of the law on the elimination of that, although things are written in treaties, we will violence against women in 2009, which, for the first follow them ourselves. We will do all we can to support time, made rape a crime, and outlawed forced marriage, the brave women who are already working in that as well as physical and verbal abuse. However, that must country. There is much to achieve, but we have achieved be set against the recent row-back to which the hon. a lot. I am deeply grateful to colleagues for the way in Member for North West Durham (Pat Glass) referred. which they have worked on this over a number of years. Only a few weeks ago, President Karzai had to make We owe it to the people of Afghanistan, and to all those last-minute blocks to legislation that would have stopped 1109 Security of Women in Afghanistan6 MARCH 2014 Security of Women in Afghanistan 1110

[Naomi Long] When western troops withdraw, taking with them money and attention, we must think of the public back relatives testifying against one another and would have home. It is hugely important that we as a Parliament do prevented almost all prosecutions for domestic violence not lose our attention and focus, so I am encouraged and rape. In the last year alone, Parliament has blocked that DFID has continued to see this as an important a law to curb violence against women, and cut the quota part of its work among some of the poorest people in for women on provincial councils. The justice Ministry the world. has floated a proposal to bring back stoning as a Human Rights Watch’s 2013 annual report said: punishment for adultery. “With international interest in Afghanistan rapidly waning, There has been progress, but it would be wrong for us opponents of women’s rights seized the opportunity to begin to be complacent about the amount of work that still rolling back the progress made since the end of Taliban rule.” needs to be done to change attitudes and to secure We cannot allow that important progress to be eroded women’s position. That comes against the backdrop of or diminished. Too much has been lost for that to be the the political situation, which is extremely vulnerable. case. The UK Government have been hugely supportive The elections to choose the successor to President Hamid of the democratic process in Afghanistan and have Karzai and the fear that many candidates have links to given financial support to initiatives aimed at increasing the Taliban or at least share their ultra-conservative female participation in politics there. We must work views on societal norms in Afghanistan is a threat to with the international community to ensure that there is women’s progress. a specific country plan to allow that work to be taken The right hon. Member for North East Bedfordshire forward and to allow those brave women who step paid tribute to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office forward in Afghanistan to be assured of our full support. and to the Department for International Development for their work. I add my support and thanks for their 2.17 pm work when I have corresponded with them on these Nicola Blackwood (Oxford West and Abingdon) (Con): issues over the years. They have recognised the importance I congratulate the hon. Member for West Aberdeenshire of women in post-conflict peace building. Societies in and Kincardine (Sir Robert Smith) and the Backbench which women are safe, empowered to exercise their Business Committee on granting this timely debate, and rights and can move their communities forward are I pay tribute to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of more prosperous and stable as a result. Sustainable State for International Development for her ongoing security cannot be achieved in Afghanistan or elsewhere commitment to the rights of women and girls. As chair unless we ensure the full participation of women at all of the all-party group on women, peace and security, levels of society, including in building that peace. I have had the opportunity over the years to meet many A country where women cannot realise their full female Afghan parliamentarians and civil society rights and experience violence and attacks, both campaigners to discuss their hopes, but mainly fears, for domestically and in the public sphere, almost with the future of Afghanistan. impunity, is not a peaceful or secure country; nor can My first point is that those women whom I have met the careful and delicate work that will be required to have not just been victims. They have not even primarily deal with the legacy of conflict be successful unless women been victims. They have been the most inspiring agents are actively involved. The UK Government have a for change. One woman, whom I will not name for her responsibility under UN Security Council resolution 1325 own protection, started up a television show, “Niqab”, on women, peace and security to ensure that women’s which sought to combat the traditional taboo on talking participation in all peace and security-related processes openly about domestic abuse by allowing women victims is not only assured but is seen as vital to the success of of domestic abuse to sit in a television show, properly those processes. covered, and openly talk about it. That led to increased I am always reluctant to cite Northern Ireland experience, reporting and openness about domestic abuse in Afghan particularly in a context such as this where the differences society. Those are practical steps by Afghan women to are immense and clearly seen. Although our situation is improve women’s rights in Afghanistan, but they do so not comparable, some lessons can be learned. We are in the face of the most extraordinary challenge. aware as a society of the important role played by As has been said, 87% of women have experienced women during the conflict and the post-conflict period. violence against them. Reported cases of violence against It is important to learn those lessons. Only this week, women increased by 28% between 2012 and 2013 and, the deputy director of Relatives For Justice in Northern as was said in the opening speech, there have been nine Ireland, Andrée Murphy, in a blog on a site called Vixens high-profile victims of assassination in the last six months, with Convictions, talked about the need for a gendered but we know that many more victims have not reached approach to peace building in Northern Ireland. the headlines, especially victims in education and health The experience of women in conflict is often distinctly care. different from that of their male counterparts. Many We must acknowledge that there have been gains women find that their views have not been mainstreamed since 2001. The constitution now grants equal rights to within the peace process and face challenges in post-conflict women, and more girls are in school in Afghanistan society when politics moves on and often leaves them than ever before in its history. More than a quarter of behind. Many are affected by the lack of access to Afghanistan’s parliamentarians are female, and of course justice and many are dealing with the financial consequences the elimination of violence against women Act criminalised of having lost the main breadwinner in their families. rape in 2009. However, these gains are fragile, and they Lessons can be learned about how to go forward because are set against a rock-bottom base and a backdrop of without women’s participation in the Afghanistan process, poverty, injustice, early enforced marriage, and appalling we will face significant challenges in creating stability. violence that includes some of the most terrible sexual 1111 Security of Women in Afghanistan6 MARCH 2014 Security of Women in Afghanistan 1112 violence that can be imagined. In practice, for the majority They deserve to know that the United Kingdom will of Afghan women, equality must still seem a lifetime stand by them as they strive for women’s social and away. economic empowerment in Afghanistan. The statistics can seem overwhelming—like a mountain to climb which, with the drawdown approaching ever 2.23 pm faster, is out of reach for us. I am reminded of the man who drowned in two inches of water. Statistics can be Kerry McCarthy (Bristol East) (Lab): I want to start misleading, because there are practical steps that we can by joining the tributes to the soldier from 32 Engineer take. If the extraordinary men and women I have met, Regiment who died in Helmand yesterday and extending who are willing to pursue women’s rights in the face of our condolences to his family. the most appalling abuses, are not willing to give up, I thank the Backbench Business Committee for giving then we should not be willing to give up either. the House the opportunity to debate this very important topic. I congratulate Amnesty International, which has Bob Stewart (Beckenham) (Con): After 2014 ends, done so much to ensure that women’s rights in Afghanistan one of the crucial ways in which we can help Afghan are on the public’s and Parliament’s agendas. society is by people such as members of the International It is worth briefly recapping the history of women’s Development Committee—as well as, of course, the rights in Afghanistan and how the situation deteriorated Secretary of State and diplomats—repeatedly going from a country in which, from 1919, women could vote, in-country and engaging with the politicians in saying, had relative freedom in what they wore, and had equal “This is what we want.”In going out there, parliamentarians political participation, to a country under the Taliban are probably being about as effective as we can be. where girls were prevented from going to school and women were not allowed to work or to leave the home Nicola Blackwood: My hon. Friend makes an excellent without a male chaperone, were barred from showing point. The recent reports by the IDC have been exceptionally any skin in public, and could not get involved in politics valuable in highlighting not only areas of weakness in or speak publicly. The discrimination against women Government response but areas of strength that could extended to prohibiting access to health care delivered be expanded and extended, and I do not doubt that the by men, which provided no viable option given that Committee will continue that very good work. women could not work as doctors or nurses. The May I press the Secretary of State on some practical punishments for defying such discrimination were severe steps that the Government can continue to take? In and brutal; women suffered floggings for some perceived particular, will they ensure that they take all steps transgressions, and were stoned to death if found guilty possible that will lead to full representation of women of adultery. As my hon. Friend the Member for North in the peace process? Evidence shows extremely clearly West Durham (Pat Glass) said in her powerful account that there is a direct correlation between inclusive peace of life under the Taliban, some women, despite those negotiations and a more sustainable peace. So far, we restrictions, continued very bravely to try to continue have not seen a very successful effort in this area, and I their education in secret schools where women worked would like to know exactly what she would like to do to as teachers. ensure that it can be progressed. Will she update the Since those years, there has of course been crucial House on what progress she has made with her commitment progress. The Afghan constitution gives equal status to to a strategic priority on violence against women and women, and in 2009 the Afghan Government introduced girls in the Afghan operational plan? Will she also the law on the elimination of violence against women. update the House on what effect the implementation of There has been a remarkable expansion in access to the preventing sexual violence initiative could have in education, with the number of girls enrolled in schools Afghanistan after the drawdown? What progress has increasing from 5,000 in the Taliban’s day to 2.4 million been made with the gender marker for spending to today. The United Nations High Commissioner for enable us to track spending by gender throughout future Human Rights has highlighted the wide-ranging, long-term spending in Afghanistan as we move away from Ministry impact of this change, not only on women’s lives but on of Defence spending and on to a DFID lead? attitudes within Afghanistan. It is particularly worth Will the Secretary of State once more consider the noting how parents at a school supported by the UN benefits of having a UK strategy for protecting women special envoy, Angelina Jolie, have pledged to delay human rights defenders? I know that the Foreign and their daughters’ marriages so that they may first finish Commonwealth Office believes that co-operation within school. That provides an indication not only of how far the EU process is the right way forward, but I believe Afghanistan has come but of the scope for further that our skill and expertise in the field of gender security progress on women’s rights and freedoms. makes it natural for the UK to lead on women’s human As we have heard, there is real concern not only that rights defence and protection measures. I hope that the progress will stall but that the gains could be reversed Government will reconsider their position on that. once the international troops withdraw. Constitutional The Afghan men and women I have met who campaign equality is still not reflected in the reality of life for for women’s rights in Parliament and in civil society many women in Afghanistan, and the law on ending face some of the gravest threats imaginable, including violence against women, while a landmark achievement, slander, sexual violence and assassination. In this House, is still, in many cases, not effectively implemented. The we simply cannot imagine having to face such consequences Chair of the International Development Committee, for our decision to stand for public life. They are the right hon. Member for Gordon (Sir Malcolm Bruce), incredibly brave and incredibly effective agents for change, gave the example of the woman who, despite being very and they are our most effective resource for achieving articulate and well educated, almost seemed to accept our goals for peace and development in Afghanistan. that she would be subjected to violence in her marriage 1113 Security of Women in Afghanistan6 MARCH 2014 Security of Women in Afghanistan 1114

[Kerry McCarthy] Security Council resolution 1325 and the motion under discussion make clear that women’s participation and and would have to tolerate it, saying that she was used security are intrinsic to sustainable peace and security. to doing that. The hon. Member for Oxford West and The UK Government have in the past emphasised the Abingdon (Nicola Blackwood) mentioned similar points. need for a multilateral approach, particularly with regard Between March and October 2012, the Afghan to working with our European Union partners, which independent human rights commission documented was picked up by the hon. Member for Oxford West and 4,000 cases of violence against women—a 28% increase Abingdon. I hope the Secretary of State will agree that, on the year before. Some of those cases were cited by despite the need to work at an EU level, the UK also the hon. Member for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine needs to show particular leadership through our bilateral (Sir Robert Smith). Amnesty International reports that strategy, in the hope that other countries will follow suit in the past six months alone, nine high-profile women if we take a lead on the issue. have been attacked in Afghanistan, including senior The Foreign Secretary has rightly been commended police officers who have been murdered, a parliamentarian for his efforts to secure global action on sexual violence, who survived an attack that killed her eight-year old as has been said by the right hon. Member for North daughter, the author who wrote about her life under the East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt), whom I congratulate Taliban and who was dragged from her home and shot, on his work as a Foreign Office Minister for two years. and the senior Government official who was murdered. The Government definitely have our support for the Most of these attacks have been made with complete preventing sexual violence initiative. Although Afghanistan impunity. Those tragic cases have received considerable is not a priority country for the initiative, it nevertheless attention due to the women’s prominence, but there seems that the PSVI’s principles could make a valuable have been many other equally shocking attacks on less contribution in Afghanistan, not least the emphasis it high-profile women. Amnesty gives the example of the places on working with human rights defenders and gynaecologist helping the victims of abuse who was helping survivors. I hope the Secretary of State agrees targeted because of her work. Her brother was killed with that. and her 11-year-old son was wounded in a grenade Amnesty International is also calling on the Government attack. A head teacher was targeted because she runs a to develop a country-specific plan for the protection of girls’ school. Her son was abducted and killed, while she human rights defenders in Afghanistan, as recommended continues to receive serious threats. by the EU guidelines on human rights defenders Clearly, the progress that has been made on girls’ and, indeed, the FCO’s best practice guidance. My access to education in Afghanistan is no insignificant understanding, though, is that the Government have so achievement, but it risks being undermined. In her far been reluctant to develop a country-specific plan excellent speech, my hon. Friend the Member for North and have claimed it would add little additional value. I West Durham spoke about the Taliban conducting a would be grateful if the Secretary of State could tell us reign of terror against schools. We have heard about what discussions she has had with EU counterparts several girls’ schools being victims of poisoning and gas about developing country-specific plans, how the UK is attacks last year, and female teachers coming under pushing for full implementation of the UK guidelines, threat. The 2014 report by Human Rights Watch warned and why the Government do not think that a UK country- that the perceived “rapidly waning” international interest specific plan could help activists in Afghanistan and in Afghanistan is providing opponents of women’s rights send a strong message to our international partners. with opportunities to roll back advancements. The Afghan It would also be helpful if the Secretary of State independent human rights commission has argued for could provide more details on the work that DFID, the repeal of the law on ending violence against women. FCO and the MOD are currently doing with women My hon. Friend the Member for East Lothian (Fiona human rights defenders. In particular, what steps are O’Donnell) mentioned that, as did the hon. Member for the UK Government taking to ensure that Afghan Belfast East (Naomi Long), who also spoke of women human rights defenders are aware of the EU guidelines suffering continued human rights abuses. My hon. Friend and the options they have should they be in need of the Member for East Lothian highlighted the plight of protection? In what way are the Government consulting young women and girls in jail for so-called moral crimes—a the human rights defenders themselves, who are best horrible example of how much progress is still to be placed to advise on the assistance they need? made. Foreign Governments who work with human rights Only this year, the Afghan Parliament passed a draft defenders can raise their profile in Afghanistan, and in criminal procedure code that would prohibit relatives many cases women are prepared to take such a risk, but from giving evidence as witnesses and therefore risked we must be mindful that the most visible women are obstructing justice for the victims of domestic violence often the most vulnerable, particularly if the security and forced marriage. That was a subject of international situation deteriorates further. I would, therefore, like concern and it received a welcome veto from President to hear more from the Secretary of State about what Karzai. It is critical that the UK plays a leading role in measures the FCO has in place to protect those women. maintaining international attention on and support for Members have mentioned political participation and Afghanistan, including, specifically and explicitly, advocacy the need for women to be engaged in the future elections, of women’s rights, peace and security. and I hope the Government have taken that on board. The Government have rightly said—I welcome this—that Given the international troop withdrawal later this year, stability and security is their priority for Afghanistan, I am also keen to hear from the Minister about what but the security situation of women cannot be seen as training and advice has been provided to the Afghan secondary to that. It is very much part of it—it is an national security forces and their capacity to protect the integral part of security in Afghanistan. Indeed, UN status of women and women human rights defenders. 1115 Security of Women in Afghanistan6 MARCH 2014 Security of Women in Afghanistan 1116

In conclusion, I congratulate everyone who has taken I raised in a speech earlier this week, in which I set out part in what has been a brief, truncated, but very the UK Government’s determination to play a leading important debate. role in combating it. I have met many of the human rights defenders 2.33 pm whom Members have mentioned. They make one feel humble through the work and dangers that they face The Secretary of State for International Development every single day of their lives and that their families face (Justine Greening): It is a pleasure to be able to respond as a result of their work. They put their lives on the line to the debate. I would also like to start by paying tribute for their communities and their country. They know to the soldier from the 32 Engineer Regiment who lost that the process of improving human and women’s his life recently. It is a reminder of the huge sacrifice rights in particular in Afghanistan will take a very long that our armed forces make not only towards keeping time, yet they are willing to be part of it. We owe it to our country safe, but, in this case, in helping another them to stick with them for the long term, which is country—Afghanistan—develop. I also want to say, on precisely what this Government plan to do. I assure the behalf of not only Foreign Office staff, but in particular House that our Government will be committed to my own DFID staff who work in Afghanistan, a big Afghanistan in the long term. We are going to provide thank you to all Members present for their kind words about £180 million in development assistance annually about the work that our civil servants do in Afghanistan. until at least 2017. In many respects, it is often forgotten in comparison The right hon. Member for Gordon (Sir Malcolm with the amazing work that our armed forces do, but I Bruce) talked about how his Committee has identified meet many of these people and have telecoms with them this issue as a priority. I could not agree more. It is one on a day-to-day basis. They put a huge part of their of the reasons why, when I came into this role, I made lives into the service they give to both Departments and tackling violence against women a strategic priority for I thank them on behalf of the Government. our country programme in Afghanistan. The hon. Member for Bristol East (Kerry McCarthy) referred to the need Bob Stewart: May I reiterate exactly what my right for the UK to show leadership on this topic, and I hon. Friend has just said? Soldiers operate in a much agree, which is why the work that DFID carries out in more protected area and they can protect themselves Afghanistan has been elevated to a real priority. with their weapons. Some of the bravest of the brave are the people who work in places such as Kabul and go to Let me briefly tell the House the things we are doing. villages on their own to look after the people of that They focus on making sure that Afghan women can not country. I am thinking specifically of young men and only have choice in employment, but have a voice. Many women from my right hon. Friend’s Department and Members have spoken about the need for and importance non-governmental organisations. They are incredibly of women being part of the political process in Afghanistan, brave. and that is incredibly important. We are supporting the Afghan electoral commission, particularly in its work to ensure that women are signed up for elections, and we Justine Greening: I could not agree more. I very much are undertaking additional work to help female candidates appreciate those comments and I know they will be be part of the electoral process in Afghanistan. appreciated by DFID and Foreign Office staff. I assure the House that we will continue to play our We have heard many insightful speeches today. Having role in lobbying the Afghan Government, where necessary, this debate sends out a message to people, leaders and when worrying issues, such as stoning, suddenly come would-be leaders in Afghanistan about the priority that back on to the agenda. I was in Afghanistan when that this Government and this Parliament place on the issue issue arose again, and I raised it with President Karzai, of women’s rights overall, particularly the way in which who quickly assured me that he had no intention of that relates to Afghanistan. That is absolutely right. seeing stoning return to Afghanistan. As many Members have said, Afghanistan has made The hon. Member for North West Durham quite significant progress over the past decade, but it continues rightly raised her concerns, which I share, about the to face considerable challenges. There are huge levels of recent Afghan criminal procedure code, which seemed poverty and after three decades of conflict, girls and to suggest that it would be almost impossible for women women in Afghanistan are among the most marginalised to give evidence in court or to bring charges in relation and poorest in the world: just 17% of women are to violence against women. We are very pleased that literate; they often have very restricted mobility, as we President Karzai has issued a decree to amend the have heard; they are subject to violence on a routine criminal procedure code, and that it has been returned basis; and in many respects they have very little decision- to Parliament for approval. We, along with our international making power over their own lives. Afghanistan remains partners, will closely monitor the situation, because we one of the hardest and worst countries in the world in certainly do not want such provisions. I am pleased that which to be a woman. President Karzai is taking action, but such an approach As we have heard, no country can develop if it leaves needs to continue in practice. half its population behind. I assure Members that this I know that you are keen to ensure that we move on Government and I are committed to making sure that to the next debate, Mr Deputy Speaker, but I want these girls and women have the chance to build a better briefly to speak about some of the progress that is being future for themselves and for their country. made. We are focusing not just on making sure that As the hon. Member for North West Durham (Pat women in Afghanistan can be part of the political Glass) has eloquently pointed out, the situation that process, but on the grass-roots Tawanmandi programme, many of them face on a day-to-day basis is terrible. She which is all about working with the many human rights referred to the issue of early enforced marriage, which defenders on the ground, particularly the community 1117 Security of Women in Afghanistan6 MARCH 2014 Security of Women in Afghanistan 1118

[Justine Greening] framework. As has been said, the UK will co-chair the first ministerial review of progress against the commitments groups focused on violence against women in the domestic made in Tokyo. situation. I had a chance to meet some of those amazing We all know that there is a huge amount more to do. women during my last visit to Afghanistan at the end of Even in the UK, our suffragette movement started in last year, and I talked to them about their personal lives, the 1870s, but it took until 1918 for women to get the as well as about the work that they are trying to carry vote for the first time, which is nearly 50 years. We out. They had some inspiring stories, but most of all, recognise that the challenges in Afghanistan are absolutely they were determined to keep going and to keep working huge, but that does not mean we as a country should in this area, and we will continue to support them in not try to meet them or should not be prepared to doing so. participate in efforts to improve women’s rights over the I want briefly to pay tribute to the work done by the long term. Afghan national army. As many Members will know, We will do so by supporting women in having their we have helped it to set up an academy. I can tell the say at the ballot box; by supporting girls in getting into House that, with our help, female trainers are now in school; by supporting the work on eliminating violence place in the academy, and that the first female trainees against girls and women and making sure that that law will join it by June. We will therefore start to see women is implemented on the ground; and, crucially, by supporting taking up a role in the security agenda in Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s defenders of human rights and civil society. On the Afghan national police, I met the Minister of We can help girls and women in Afghanistan to build a the Interior when I was in Afghanistan at the end of last better future for themselves and their country, and we year. We are providing his Department with technical can best ensure that the important gains made in recent assistance to help it make sure that women can not only years are not lost, but are further built on as Afghanistan join the Afghan national police safely, but have a career moves into its future. in that organisation and steadily move through the ranks. I know that the Interior Ministry recognises that 2.44 pm that is a real issue to work on, and I very much welcome Sir Robert Smith: I thank everyone who has taken the chance for DFID to continue working with it over part in this debate. They have all, in their different ways, the coming months and years. At the moment, only 1% sent the message to the women of Afghanistan that we of the 157,000 Afghan national police officers are female. care, we understand and we want to see action to support If the police force is to be able to police the whole of them. The work of the Department for International Afghanistan, its make-up clearly needs to represent Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Afghanistan more effectively. is translating those words into action. We must keep our Education has not been mentioned as much as it focus on this matter and return to it, because we cannot might have been—this has been a short debate—but turn our back on what has been achieved to date and it really is an Afghan success story. As we have heard, at leave such a fragile country to fall back. the time of the Taliban, virtually no girls were in school Question put and agreed to. in Afghanistan. Well over 2 million girls now go to Resolved, school, which is up from virtually zero, and the UK That this House recognises, ahead of critical presidential elections Government are playing a major role in making sure in April 2014, the essential contribution of Afghan human rights that there are the necessary schools, teachers and tools defenders to building peace and security in their country; further to allow them to stay in school over the coming years. recognises the extreme challenges, including violent attacks and killings, that they face as a result of their peaceful work; believes We will play our role in making sure that the Afghan that sustainable peace and security cannot be achieved in Afghanistan Government are held to account for the pledges that without women’s full participation; and encourages the UK they have made to ensure the protection of women’s Government to improve its support and protection for women rights, such as in the Tokyo mutual accountability human rights defenders in Afghanistan. 1119 6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1120

Welsh Affairs position. I worked as a British merchant seaman and many people from Wales work on British vessels. We are proud to serve under the red ensign as British seamen, 2.45 pm bringing many pounds to the local economies throughout Albert Owen (Ynys Môn) (Lab): I beg to move, Wales. That this House has considered Welsh affairs. Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) It is important to have a Welsh debate in the House of (PC): Will the hon. Gentleman remind the House what Commons. As you will know, Mr Speaker, when one the credit agency Standard & Poor’s recently said about goes into Central Lobby, one is surrounded by four the finances of an independent Scotland, and about its large arches. The arch that leads to the House of Commons take on the current finances of the British state? has St David on it. It is therefore appropriate that we are having our St David’s day debate in the House of Albert Owen: I will make my own speech. If the hon. Commons this year. Gentleman wants to make such points—[Interruption.] Although time is a bit tight, I am grateful to the He can laugh, but I do not speak for the Scottish Backbench Business Committee for allowing this debate. National party, and I certainly do not speak with a I make a plea to the Government and to their successors—I nationalist agenda. That is the point I am making, and I hope that there is a Government of a different colour in will make my own speech in my own way. The hon. 2015—to reinstate a Welsh affairs debate in Government Gentleman prompts me, however, to mention local time, because post-devolution, there are many important independent polls from Wales and the United Kingdom, matters that Welsh Members wish to debate. Many of which claim that some 5% of the population of Wales those are cross-border issues, many concern reserved want an independent Wales, and separation and divorce powers and many reach us as individual Members of from the United Kingdom. The question was asked Parliament in our constituency surgeries and when we because of Scottish independence, and I accept that the make visits in the constituency. This is a traditional figure rises to 7% if Scotland were to have independence. debate that goes back many decades. I make that remark because I feel it is important for the I believe Wales to be an integral part of the United 95% who want to remain in the United Kingdom to Kingdom, and I hope that it will remain so for many have their voices raised in this House in a proud and decades and centuries. I speak in this debate, as will co-operative way. many Members, as a Welsh patriot—an outward-looking Welsh patriot. I make no apology for being pro-Welsh, Hywel Williams (Arfon) (PC): While the hon. Gentleman pro-British and pro-European Union. Above all, I am is on the subject, what credence does he give to the pro-Anglesey.I am proud to represent the island community views of a superannuated, tax-dodging rock star from, of Ynys Môn, the mother of Wales, in this, the mother I think, New York these days, on the Scottish question? of all Parliaments. I see no contradiction in being pro-Welsh, pro-British and pro-European Union. I feel Albert Owen: I do not know who the hon. Gentleman no less Welsh by being pro-United Kingdom and no less is referring to, but when I speak to chief executive British by being pro-European Union. officers of international companies, they say in private that they want stability in the United Kingdom so that It is in that context that I want to make my opening they can invest in it—in all parts of it. I referred to the remarks, particularly as this Parliament has been European Union and I am consistent on this issue. preoccupied with separation and divorce. I am speaking, Businesses have been telling me in public, in private, of course, of the Scottish debate about independence, and in Select Committees, that they want stability to which has been pushed by the nationalist agenda. I am make those huge investments to help the economies of also speaking about the separatists on the Conservative the United Kingdom. Back Benches, who have been pushing for exit from the European Union. Indeed, they are the tail that has Mark Tami (Alyn and Deeside) (Lab): A successful wagged the Conservative dog throughout most of this Welsh business such as Airbus really shows how European Parliament, with the Prime Minister trying to steer partnership can work. If we were outside the European a very—[Interruption.] Does the hon. Member for Union, does my hon. Friend think we would get the Shrewsbury and Atcham (Daniel Kawczynski) want to investment, or would those jobs be at threat? intervene? He is making remarks from a sedentary position. Albert Owen: My hon. Friend makes an excellent I accept that those are legitimate debates to have in point and he puts the issue to bed. We are not just this House and in this democratic society. Nevertheless, talking about foreign individuals who may be chief I believe, as I am sure do many Members, that those executives of companies; we are talking about skilled, debates are causing instability in the United Kingdom well-paid jobs and investment that will boost the economies and in the European Union. I believe that to be bad for of Deeside, Bristol and other parts of the United Kingdom. business and bad for our economies, whether local, Business leaders at events with Airbus that I have attended regional or national. We heard just today that businesses have been clear that they are investing in Europe. That in Scotland are concerned about the instability that is is why they want to invest in the United Kingdom, and being caused by those debates and the movements they choose Deeside because it has an excellent skilled towards separation and divorce. work force. I want that to continue and for many other The head of Shell has warned quite clearly that the parts of Wales and the United Kingdom to benefit from talk of separation is causing a lack of the stability and that as well. clarity that businesses need in order to invest. [Interruption.] The Welsh dimension to the constitutional debate in The hon. Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr this Parliament has concentrated on the Silk commission, (Jonathan Edwards) says “Dutch” from a sedentary but I am being honest with hon. Members when I say 1121 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1122

[Albert Owen] power stations and it is expensive to switch off gas. It is easier to switch off variable supplies such as renewables that not one constituent has raised that with me as an can provide, including wind. There is an initial cost, but important or pertinent issue for them. They do, however, those costs are coming down, and I believe that with raise important issues about public services and the cost economies of scale—as with the strike price for nuclear of living, and they talk about international affairs—we or for any other renewable—the price will decrease as had an excellent debate on women in Afghanistan today. the sector matures. In the long term, bills will be cheaper People send us here to talk about real issues that affect if we get a steady supply of low carbon energy. them. Nuclear power is also part of the mix. I welcome the I speak as a proud pro-devolutionist and I supported conversion of the Secretary of State to wind power and devolution in 1979. Many fellow travellers have come the conversion of the Liberal Democrats to nuclear along since that time, including the Labour party. To power. I hope that that means that the three larger me, however, real devolution is about empowering people parties, two of which form the Government now and throughout our country. It is not about the simple one of which I hope will form the next Government, transfer of powers from one institution in Whitehall to will be consistent in the future. another in Cardiff Bay; to me it is about empowering people in Cemaes bay in my constituency, and in Colwyn Mr David Jones: Would the hon. Gentleman be able bay, Cardigan bay, and many other parts of Wales. It is to inform the House of the position of Plaid Cymru in not just about the boring constitutional issues that we, his constituency on nuclear power? the political elite, are bogged down with and a few commentators are talking about. Albert Owen: It is up to Plaid Cymru to defend itself. I want to talk about the real issue of developing a As I have been provoked into raising the issue, I will say stable and growing economy in Wales as part of the that it is important that all the larger parties here and United Kingdom and the European Union, and I will the larger parties in the Assembly—of which Plaid mention two things that affect businesses and people in Cymru is one—show their support. In my opinion, a my constituency: energy and tourism. party cannot claim to be in full support of a technology On energy, I very much welcome the fact that we are if its leader says that she wants an energy future without getting a consensus on the big energy issues, for reasons nuclear power. The leader of a party cannot say that to that I gave earlier including the stability that businesses business leaders and then say that she supports the jobs. crave so that they can make huge investments in the We need to support the development of the technology. future. I welcome the Secretary of State’s support for On Plaid Cymru’s website, which I get little notes about Wylfa Newydd and his conversion to offshore wind. I occasionally, the energy spokesperson says that it wants shall put this mildly because I want the consensus to 100% renewable energy by 2035—there is no mention of continue, but when the Secretary of State worked alongside nuclear. That is a clear indication that Plaid Cymru me on the Welsh Affairs Committee I recall him being opposes nuclear as part of the energy mix in the future. concerned about the consents under the previous That will be an issue for the general election as we make Government. He now backs those schemes and even progress on the building of Wylfa Newydd. I hope that claims credit for them as the flagship of the coalition that answers the Secretary of State’s intervention. Government. Hywel Williams: Tag team! The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr David Jones): I can actually see the Gwynt y Môr wind farm from my Albert Owen: The hon. Gentleman says, “Tag team!”, sitting room, so I can recognise a fact of life. and I will come to that issue in a moment. Yesterday, I and other Members of Parliament held Albert Owen: I take that point, and the Secretary of an event on Britain’s nuclear future. None of the Plaid State may now find that an attractive view from his Cymru Members came, but it was attended by apprentices window, but at one time he did not want it to go ahead. and graduates from Wales, who have jobs on the Wylfa He would not have been able to see it from his window, site. The Welsh Government, the local authority and nor would he have been able to meet many of the targets the UK Government have put aside moneys to train that we are making progress towards in a low-carbon young people, giving them the opportunity to have a economy. I have always thought that offshore wind has quality job. This policy, which is supported by parties in a great future, although I am a little less certain about this House, will enhance local economies. It will benefit onshore wind, because of the sheer size of some of the my area socially and culturally, as it has done for some turbines. 40 years.

David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): Given that Jonathan Edwards: The hon. Gentleman is always offshore wind normally needs a strike price of about kind when somebody seeks to intervene. Energy is a £150 per megawatt-hour, is the hon. Gentleman as contentious issue, and there are divisions within all happy to argue that people should be willing to pay parties on every aspect of energy policy. For instance, more for their electricity as he is to argue for those wind how would he be responding if the hon. Member for farms to be built? Newport West (Paul Flynn) was in his place this afternoon?

Albert Owen: We need a mix. We need a base load and Albert Owen: My hon. Friend the Member for Newport we need variable energy. If we do not have interconnectors West and I do not agree on nuclear power, but I will tell and we are producing too much energy in the summer, the hon. Gentleman who does agree: the Labour leader when peak demand is less, we cannot switch off nuclear in the authority in my constituency, the Labour First 1123 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1124

Minister of Wales and the Leader of the Opposition, of State that, along with north Wales MPs, he makes who was Secretary of State for Energy and Climate the strong argument that the benefits go not to other Change. The Labour party has continuity, with party parts of the United Kingdom, but to close by north leaders proudly saying what its policy is. The leader of Wales. We have the port facilities and the skilled labour Plaid Cymru does not support this policy, but expects force to retain thousands of quality jobs in our region the people in my area to vote for it, which is disingenuous and it is very important that we do so. The port of and wrong. Energy is a big issue in general election Holyhead needs investment, but unfortunately Stena is campaigns. Of course there are individuals, but we concentrating on the wrong things. It is talking about expect leaders to provide leadership and clarity not just cutting the wages and conditions of crews when it for the country but for investment. should be investing in the port so that it can fulfil its The hon. Member for Na h-Eileanan an Iar (Mr MacNeil) potential and secure the extra business that will create has come in and is speaking rather loudly. Does he want thousands of quality jobs in the future. I hope that the to intervene? Secretary of State will meet me so that we can speak with one voice on that issue. Mr Angus Brendan MacNeil (Na h-Eileanan an Iar) I want to say a little about tourism. Wales as a (SNP): I was not planning to intervene, but I understand product is of an international standard, but we are that Labour has some difficulty regarding further powers competing against the rest of the United Kingdom for Wales. The Scottish Parliament is not very powerful. and the rest of Europe. Let me again issue a plea to the Why would the hon. Gentleman not want the Welsh Secretary of State and the Government. Our near Assembly to be at least as powerful as the Scottish neighbours, the Republic of Ireland and France, have Parliament is today? cut the rate of value added tax to boost and stimulate the economy— Albert Owen: I have made no comment on that. The hon. Gentleman does not understand that I have been Mr MacNeil: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? supporting devolution since 1979. I believe in a devolved Administration, but the issue is not about more powers. Albert Owen: No, I will not give way again. If he had been in the Chamber earlier, he would have Ireland and France have done that for a very good heard me say that people do not raise the issue of more reason: they have done it because business has been powers with me as a constituency MP. asking them to do it. There is no reason why any part of the United Kingdom could not benefit from a cut in Mr MacNeil rose— VAT. An application could be made to reduce it, and that would stimulate the economy. Albert Owen: I am not giving way again, because the hon. Gentleman was not here earlier. He was speaking Hywel Williams: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? loudly and that is why I let him intervene, but I need to finish my remarks. If he had been in earlier, he would Albert Owen: I will give way once more, but that will have heard exactly what I said. be the final intervention, because I am conscious of the As a pro-devolutionist who goes further than my time. party on many issues—[Interruption.] A pro-devolutionist is someone who believes that powers should be devolved Hywel Williams: I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman not just to Administrations, such as those in Edinburgh that VAT on tourism should be reduced, as indeed or Cardiff, but to the people in their local area. I do not should VAT on building, renovations and repairs. In 2008, believe that many people want independence. That is ECOFIN decided to allow countries to reduce VAT to what the polls tell me. I think we will move towards the 5%. What did the Labour Government do about that Scottish Parliament model when the people of Wales from 2008 onwards? require it, and I will be arguing for those powers at that time. The powers that people want now are economic: Albert Owen: No request was made to me. If it had they want to improve their cost of living. That is the been, I would have lobbied for such a reduction. I do debate we had when the hon. Member for Na h-Eileanan not know what the hon. Gentleman is talking about. an Iar was not here. However, I have found—and I am sure that he will agree On energy, we need continuity. The young people I with me about this—that the hike in VAT to 20% has met yesterday are Britain’s future. They are Wales’s had a negative effect on spending in many areas. Local future and they are my constituency’s future, too. They businesses tell me that. Do not listen to what I am will get high-paid, quality jobs by working in the nuclear saying; listen to them. There is a good campaign across industry. They are the model young Welsh Europeans the United Kingdom for a cut in VAT on tourism. of the future and they want a stake in that future. They One leading business person told me that whenever are proud to be Welsh. One of them is going to Twickenham he takes his partner, son-in-law and daughter out for a on Sunday, where he will be supporting the Welsh team drink, he has to take the Chancellor of the Exchequer in its efforts to regain the Six Nations championship. with him, because 20% of the bill goes to the Treasury. They are proud Welsh people who are proud to be part That cannot be right. Other European Union member of the United Kingdom. That is who I meet on a states are enjoying a VAT reduction, and have benefited day-to-day basis, and that is who I have come here to from hundreds of thousands of extra jobs and from represent. investment in tourism. North Wales MPs met Centrica this week, which will be making a substantial investment in offshore wind. Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): Will the We need to encourage that. I make a plea to the Secretary hon. Gentleman give way? 1125 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1126

Albert Owen: I will, but this really will be the last Committee meeting, it was obvious from the start—before intervention, because, as I have said, I am conscious of Mr Silk, who I admire personally, although I suspect I the time. disagree with him politically on many things, traversed Wales, speaking at empty village halls the length and Alun Cairns: Is the hon. Gentleman telling us that breadth of the nation—what was going to happen: at cutting the VAT paid by tourist businesses to 5% is the end of the process, Mr Silk was simply going to Labour party policy? recommend giving yet another tranche of powers to the Welsh Assembly, which is exactly what has happened. Albert Owen: I am not going to take a lecture from someone who voted for it to be raised to 20%. Mr MacNeil: Does the hon. Gentleman see any benefit [Interruption.] Conservative Members can flap their for the Welsh tourism industry if the Welsh Assembly hands as much as they want— or a Parliament in Wales had powers over VAT? Could it cut VAT to compete with independent nations such as Mr MacNeil: Labour abstained. Ireland or France, which were cited by the hon. Member for Ynys Môn (Albert Owen)? Is it not bizarre to Albert Owen: I certainly did not abstain on any vote complain about something and then not want the power on this. I have been in favour of reducing VAT. The hon. to do anything about it? Member for Vale of Glamorgan (Alun Cairns) may smirk, but businesses in his constituency have contacted David T. C. Davies: No, I think that, as people on me about this very issue. Either he wants to make different sides of the political fence recognise, great knockabout party points, or he wants to stand up for difficulties would be caused if, in an area where most businesses in his area. Unlike him, I voted against people live along the border, one side cut VAT while raising VAT, because I believe that it is a regressive tax the other kept it at the original level. That differential which cuts business investment. When the Government would create enormous economic problems. What I talk about reducing taxes, they forget that they have would be interested in doing is looking at the economic hiked up value added tax. It is the businesses of this case for a cut in VAT for tourism across the whole of the country that are raising that issue with me, which is why United Kingdom, or at least across all those bits that I think it legitimate for me to raise it here today. wish to remain in the United Kingdom, and retain the I want people to come to Wales to work, to live and benefits that come from that. to visit. I want home-grown businesses to grow and When we consider what the Assembly has actually flourish, welcoming the investment that we receive from managed to achieve, we should be very cautious about the rest of the United Kingdom, the rest of the European giving it further powers, particularly over policing, which Union and the rest of the world. I want Wales to is what is being discussed as a result of Silk 2. Let us become the place in which to do business. I want it to be consider the areas where the Welsh Assembly already a destination, and I want its young people to flourish in has complete powers, such as inward investment. Inward the future. That will happen if we are pro-Welsh economy, investment has been a disaster over the years since the pro-Britain, pro-Europe and pro-business. Assembly was set up. We went from being one of the most successful regions of the United Kingdom in 3.9 pm attracting foreign inward investment to being the second lowest region. There are a number of reasons for that, David T. C. Davies (Monmouth) (Con): I agreed with many of which we heard when the Select Committee many of the things the hon. Member for Ynys Môn investigated this issue. We heard stories about people (Albert Owen) said, although I disagreed in certain who were set up in so-called embassies in other parts of important respects. I agree that of course it is possible the world but could not even speak the language of the to be proud to be Welsh, proud to be British and at the country they were supposed to be selling Wales to, and same time proud to be European, but when I say I am people who were not seen or heard of. We heard stories proud to be European, I mean I am proud to be part of from Brussels that, while Scotland—to be fair—and the Europe that gave us the renaissance and the Yorkshire and other regions of the United Kingdom enlightenment values that have spread democracy over had been very successful in raising their profile, nobody all the world and which people across the world look up had ever heard of anyone from Wales. At the same time to—[Interruption.] Yes, even if they do not seem to be we have had problems with education, which is an following them in some parts of the world. What I am important factor when companies decide where to locate. not proud of, however, is the European Union, because I believe there is also an issue with energy, which the that is an entirely artificial construct which is completely hon. Member for Ynys Môn also mentioned and which undemocratic and, in the manner in which it goes about I shall come back to shortly. Certainly, however, the its business, is going against the values that Europe has record on inward investment has been a complete and given us over many hundreds of years. But I am, of utter disaster. course, proud to be Welsh and proud to be British. Education is now a story not just for the Welsh Being proud to be Welsh does not mean having papers, but for the national papers. The PISA—programme to give absolute support to the Welsh Assembly and to for international student assessment—results were a support giving it extra powers every couple of years, disaster for those of us who have children in the state which is what seems to be happening at the moment. I education system, as I do, and I went through it myself sometimes wish I was as good at being able to predict in Wales in the 1980s. The latest GCSE results for the movement of the stock market as I am at being able English came out today. I quickly looked at them on the to predict what is going to happen whenever somebody BBC website and apparently they are much worse than sets up a body to look at giving more powers to the expected, although the Welsh Assembly is once again Welsh Assembly. As I made clear in a Welsh Affairs quick to try to distance itself from the poor results. 1127 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1128

I believe there is a particular problem, which was and Dinefwr (Jonathan Edwards). My congratulations summed up by Lee Waters. He worked, I believe, for a to him. He, too, will no doubt be experiencing the state number of Labour Ministers in the Welsh Assembly. He education sector in Wales shortly. is a man of many qualities, but not voting Conservative My recommendation is that we look at what has gone is not one of them; it is a shame that he does not. He hit wrong in that sector. There are not enough schools the nail on the head today in an article in The Times inspections, and far too much notice is given of those when he wrote about the fact that the Welsh Assembly that are taking place. That practice has been done away was deliberately trying to do things differently in areas with in England. I worked with the police for many where it had the power just because it could—not years, as Members know. We could not have a situation because it could do a better job, but simply to try to in which a policy custody unit was told weeks in advance show that it was not going to follow what England does. that it was going to be inspected; people just turned up Ministers might not like me saying this, but if we and did it. That is how it should be with schools, and compare what has gone on in England with what has with hospitals. That is not what is happening in Wales, gone on in Wales, we can see that the English education however. reforms have simply built on the reforms that Tony I have been told by head teachers, and by schools Blair put in place but was unable to carry out. I read his improvement officers, that it is difficult for people to go memoirs with great interest, and I was struck by the way in and assess how a teacher is doing in a classroom in which his health and education policies were reflected because the unions do not like it. Similarly, the unions almost exactly in the policies that were in the Conservative do not like league tests, or testing of any other sort, and manifesto. It is therefore quite bizarre that Labour they are making it very difficult for people to go in and subsequently attacked our policies so vigorously, given make the kind of changes that are required. that the ideas came from Labour itself. Mr Mark Williams (Ceredigion) (LD): I spent 12 years Hywel Williams: What does the hon. Gentleman make working in the classroom, and I am still a paid-up of this week’s press reports that Labour will, if it ever member of a teaching trade union. My experience of gets back into government, adopt the reforms that are the unions is that they were certainly not obstacles to being promoted for England by the Secretary of State the inspection regime. I want to probe the hon. Gentleman for Education? a little further on the question of education in Wales. What does he see as the main explanation for those David T. C. Davies: I very much welcome that, of PISA results, and for the failings in English literacy and course. It is not particularly surprising, however, because mathematics in particular? Will he tell us what the main reforms such as the introduction of academies, the use failings are that he has identified, rather than giving us of the private sector and the better use of inspections the kind of jargon that he was articulating just now? were all being suggested by Tony Blair. He started to implement them under Andrew Adonis but, for one David T. C. Davies: I do not think that I was using reason or another, was unable to complete them. It is jargon; I was spelling it out in fairly simple English. But not in the least bit surprising that Labour Members okay, I will give the hon. Gentleman a list of things. now recognise that we have built on their reforms, and First, I am told that it is difficult for head teachers to go extended and widened them a little. Why would they in and assess teachers. They are allowed to do it only a want to go back on them? The problem is that we have couple of times a year, and they cannot simply walk two Labour parties in the United Kingdom. In England, into a classroom. I have been told that by two senior we have a sort of new Labour, which to some extent educationists in Wales, working in totally separate schools, recognises the need to deal with business and the private over the past few weeks. Either they are wrong or the sector, if only so that it can get taxes off them in order hon. Gentleman is wrong. to spend them. In Wales, we have a kind of old Labour, I have also been told that schools get a great deal of red in tooth and claw, that still has not woken up to the notice before an inspection takes place, and I think that fact that the 1970s finished about 40 years ago. is wrong. Inspectors ought to be able to go in without any notice whatsoever and find out what is going wrong. Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op) rose— I know for a fact that when I was in the Welsh Assembly the unions and everyone else seemed to be totally against testing, but testing is a good thing. If my children are David T. C. Davies: I would be delighted to give way failing in tests, I want to know about it and to get to a true representative of old Labour. involved. There is also a problem with sickness, whereby too many teachers are taking too many sick days in Chris Evans: What can I say to that? Does the hon. schools in Wales and that is not being properly investigated Gentleman not also believe that there are two Conservative afterwards by the personnel departments. It is also far parties, judging by the comments and actions of the too difficult to get rid of bad teachers who are not up to leader of the Conservative party in the Welsh Assembly? the job. That situation can occur in any walk of life, but in most others someone who is not up to a job will be David T. C. Davies: There are certainly differences. got rid of by someone higher up. That does not seem to I will speak for myself, and others may follow. I think I happen in teaching. I do not think all that is jargon; am right in offering my congratulations to the hon. those are fairly simple matters. Gentleman. Has he recently had a child? He is looking a May I make one last point on this, which is the most bit worried—perhaps it was someone further along the important one of all? In England, there is a recognition Opposition Benches. [Interruption.] I am told that it that parents have a right to have some say over their was actually the hon. Member for Carmarthen East children’s education, and they can exercise that most 1129 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1130

[David T. C. Davies] considering the fact that he has spoken for some time and that many other Members wish to speak. I do not drastically by taking their children out of the state suggest that he stops immediately, but he might like system and putting them into some kind of an academy. possibly to accelerate his next few points. As a parent, I welcome that, because it is my taxpayer’s money that is being spent and I ought to have a say. If David T. C. Davies: I would certainly not want to the school is not up to the job, I ought to have the right deprive the House of the wisdom of hearing from to take my child out and put them somewhere else. I do anyone else from the Principality, Madam Deputy Speaker, not have that right in Wales, and that is taking away an and I wonder whether there is some way you could incentive for teachers to improve. indicate to me how much longer you think I should detain the House for. Alun Cairns: My hon. Friend is making a powerful speech, which is interesting in terms of the direction Madam Deputy Speaker: The hon. Gentleman will that the questions are coming from. Does he share my get the feeling of the House as he progresses. Another concern that the hands of the Liberal Democrats, and few minutes would be fine. even those of Plaid Cymru, are not necessarily clean in this area, because they will have been part of the David T. C. Davies: I will try to be brief. I do not even coalition during some of the formative years, when need to say too much about health, because much of it some of the education policies were put in place? has been said by Labour Members who have been affected. Suffice it to say, a member of my own family David T. C. Davies: My hon. Friend is, of course, has been very badly affected by the second-rate service absolutely right. The Labour party has generally been that we are getting in Wales. In England, people requiring the lead party in the Assembly since it was set up, but at cataract treatment can expect to be seen in 18 weeks. In other times Plaid Cymru and the Liberal Democrats Wales, it is 36 weeks, so people have to wait for twice as have been involved. long. The Welsh Assembly are failing to meet even their own poor targets. When I last checked, some 300 people Mr Mark Williams: I respect the sincerity with which had been waiting more than 36 weeks for cataract the hon. Gentleman makes those remarks, but I spent treatment, which could easily lead to people going 12 years in the classroom and no head teacher was ever blind. That is an absolute disgrace. prevented from inspecting any lessons I undertook. Does he think that he could add to his list the issue of resources? Our Government have addressed that in part Mr MacNeil: The hon. Gentleman needs to make the through the pupil premium, and Liberals in Wales, distinction. Surely he means not the Welsh Assembly along with Labour colleagues, have pursued a similar but the Government. If there are health or other issues policy there. That has been a good measure. Resources in the UK, it is the responsibility not of the Parliament are important, but so, too, is maintaining properly but of the Government of the particular Parliament or motivated and confident staff. One challenge to this Assembly. Government in Westminster is to retain that well-motivated staff, because the jury is out so far on that. David T. C. Davies: That is certainly true, and a variety of parties have been in government and should David T. C. Davies: I am grateful to my friend—I am take responsibility, but the Conservative party is not not sure whether he is an hon. Friend, a colleague or one of them. The Conservative Government in London what under this coalition, but he is that—for the have overall responsibility for the economy, which affects compliment. I agree that both those matters are important. Wales, and have done a superb job in cutting the deficit, On resources, the Government have rightly made cuts dealing with the way in which benefits were being to all sorts of departments, except to foreign aid; I handed out to one and all, and getting people back into could launch into another speech on that, but will not work. That is something of which we can be enormously do so. Generally speaking, the Government have had to proud. make cuts—we have done so rightly—to try to balance We need to look at issues such as the Severn bridge, the books, but we have not cut money to the Welsh which was debated yesterday. I thank the hon. Member Assembly. The amount of money that it has had overall for Newport East (Jessica Morden) for making such has increased slightly, although people there will try to important points on which there could be cross-party argue that when inflation is factored in it is not quite as agreement in Wales. Something needs to be done about much as it once was. So that is certainly not an issue the tolls, and it needs to happen as soon as the concession that can be laid at the door of either of us in this ends. coalition Government. Of course I completely agree Finally, to go back to the points made by the hon. that it is important that staff are motivated, and I Member for Ynys Môn, we all agree that manufacturing would regret it if anything were ever done to stop that and developing our manufacturing industry are important, happening, but there is a difference between de-motivating but I disagree that that can be done by an overuse of people and allowing them to get away with things. renewable energy, which actually leads to higher overall May I just move on to health, Madam Deputy Speaker, energy costs. One of the things that manufacturers need because it is the other big area of which the Welsh now is low energy costs. America, for example, which Assembly has control? has halved its energy prices, is seeing manufacturers coming back from places such as the far east. I hope the Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. Government will think carefully about swallowing any The hon. Gentleman may certainly move on to health more of the green propaganda, which has led to a and to his other subjects, but I am sure he must be demise in manufacturing in Wales and elsewhere. 1131 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1132

Overall, we have a great deal of which we can be The site concedes that the effects of these so-called legal proud. The Labour leader has said that he wishes to highs are no different from the effects of those that are learn lessons from Wales. The lesson is that if a person illegal. votes Labour in Wales, they will get longer waiting lists, One product called “Exodus Damnation”, which is their children will not get as good an education and currently advertised on the shop’s website, was the they can forget about inward investment. If that is the cause of a near fatal heart attack suffered by 17-year-old lesson that he wants to shout out to everyone in the Matt Ford in Canterbury.In Pontypool in my constituency, run-up to the election, I wish him every success. 176 people signed a petition saying that the shop should not be opened. Their views were strongly expressed to Several hon. Members rose— the police and local authorities, all of whom could do absolutely nothing. It is simply not right that our councils, Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. our police forces and our law enforcement agencies can The House will be aware that there are a great many do virtually nothing to stop such shops opening and Members who wish to speak this afternoon and a poisoning hundreds and thousands of young Welsh limited amount of time in which they can do so. I people with these appalling so-called highs. therefore have to impose a time limit on Back-Bench speeches of seven minutes. Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab): My right hon. Friend is making an excellent speech on an important 3.27 pm subject. Does he also agree that the long-term health implications of the substances that some young people Paul Murphy (Torfaen) (Lab): That ruling, Madam are taking should also make us extremely worried? We Deputy Speaker, necessary as it is, shows how truncated do not know what is in them and that could lead to what used to be the great St David’s day debate, which serious problems in the future. has been held in this House since 1944, has become. It has been reduced to an hour and a half with seven-minute limits at the tail end of a Thursday. Of course it is not Paul Murphy: Indeed, we do not know that. People St David’s day today. It is the feast day of St Colette of have been temporarily blinded by such substances and France, a well-known mediaeval saint and, among other have had large lumps come out on their bodies, and it things, the patron saint of pregnant women. could be that in the long term they will suffer even greater illnesses. I want to talk not about pregnant women but about a serious matter that is becoming a scourge in Wales, in One of these groups of shops, called Chill South my constituency and across the United Kingdom. I Wales, has a Facebook page on which it promotes its refer to the absolutely inappropriately misnamed legal products. The most recent post is an image of four highs. I have no doubt that there are many Members children’s cartoon characters with a range of drugs who have some knowledge about the people who sell paraphernalia. We have looked at the list of 394 Facebook such substances to our constituents. In my constituency friends; many of them are still at school and some are as and that of my hon. Friend the Member for Newport young as 12. Those young people have no idea what East (Jessica Morden), we have suffered the scourge of they are taking and no way of knowing the possible legal high shops, or head shops. There is one in Pontnewydd dangers or the long-term health risks. These products in Cwmbran and one in Newport. are just as dangerous as illegal drugs, if not more so as people unwittingly think that they are safe because they Since the shops have opened, there has been an are legal and are being sold on our high streets. That increase in the number of youngsters between the ages could not be further from the truth. of 14 and 17 affected by these particular drugs, according to the accident and emergency department at the Royal To be fair, I think the Government are doing what Gwent hospital. Between 2012 and 2013, the Gwent they can by using temporary class drug orders to ban drug interventions programme in Cwmbran tested substances as they come along, but it is a game of 500 people in police custody for legal highs, 70% of catch-up: as soon as one substance is banned, another whom came back positive. In an attempt to deal with appears in the marketplace. More than 250 substances those serious issues, the two shops were raided last have been banned, but more are appearing at a rate of October. Five people were arrested and 58 different one a week. substances were seized and sent for testing. The shops The Home Office review is to be welcomed. were temporarily closed, but they are now back, and another one has opened on Osbourne road in Pontypool, Hywel Williams: As a member of the Select Committee further up the valley in my constituency. on Science and Technology, I visited a forensic lab just We can look at the websites of these dreadful places, outside London and was shown a selection of the drugs as young people undoubtedly do. This is just one example. that had been confiscated in the few weeks before our The owners of the shop ask the question, “What are visit. The system is now privatised and those I spoke to legal highs?” and the site states that they reported that they found it very difficult to keep up with the novel substances as they were imported, mainly “are substances made from assorted herbs, herbal extracts and ‘research chemicals’. They produce the same, or similar effects, to from China. Is the right hon. Gentleman content that drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy, but are not controlled under the Government are putting enough money into the the Misuse of Drugs Act. They are however, considered illegal forensic service to keep up with these novel drugs? under current medicines legislation to sell, supply or advertise for ‘human consumption’. To get round this sellers” – Paul Murphy: I certainly think that many more resources that is, the owners of the shop themselves – need to be put into this and we should use all available “refer to them as research chemicals, plant food, bath crystals or avenues to alert and warn our young people of the pond cleaner.” dangers of these drugs. Our schools, colleges, education 1133 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1134

[Paul Murphy] I think they were wound up before the job was done, a decision that was taken, I believe, on the basis of services and local authorities must do all they can to let prejudice, rather than evidence. people know how terrible, dangerous and toxic these I am intensely proud of being a Welshman. It influences drugs are. my politics in virtually everything I do in this Chamber. We must certainly consider giving local authorities I simply do not accept that to be independently minded, special powers to close down the shops and I think that to be culturally and linguistically proud, to be emotionally we should legislate to do so. Perhaps we could adopt the linked to our Welsh history and to be aware of our model they have in New Zealand, where the onus is on distinctive nationhood should ever be the preserve of suppliers to prove that the substances are safe. A lot Welsh nationalists, of Plaid Cymru. It is, and must more thought must go into this. always be, a part of Conservative philosophy. Today’s debate is, of course, about Wales, and this is There are a million issues I could speak about, but I an ideal opportunity for the UK Government and the will touch on just a few. The first is an economic view Welsh Government to work together, as they have different from rural mid-Wales, where I live. We know that Wales responsibilities but the same aim of trying to deal with is not a coherent geographical unit. Economically, north these terrible things. I have worked with my local Assembly Wales is always linked to the north-west of England, Member, Lynne Neagle, on this matter. I believe that mid-Wales is linked to the midlands and south Wales there is a case for the Secretary of State or the Minister is linked to the M4 corridor. I think that we should to contact their counterparts in Cardiff Bay to see challenge the judgment of investing in links between whether we can tackle this appalling abuse. One great north and south Wales, and not just on the basis of advantage of a Welsh affairs debate is that we can raise economic benefit, but on the cost-benefit analysis. During such issues on the Floor of the House of Commons, my years in the National Assembly, I always thought which since devolution has not been quite so easy to do. that there was an element of wanting to develop Wales I am sure that our constituents do not see the distinction as a geographical region, rather than just looking at the when it comes to the Welsh Government being in charge cost, as with the A470 and the A483. I think that is a of health and the United Kingdom Government being real objective, because developing Wales as a coherent in charge of criminal justice. Both Governments need unit is important in itself. to ensure that we deal with this terrible plague affecting our young people in Wales. Mid-Wales warrants much better treatment that it receives from the Welsh Government, and this is a long-term issue. Wales has an area in the middle between 3.35 pm north Wales and south Wales, and it has always been a battle to develop the same awareness of mid-Wales as of Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con): For me, as the other two areas. We must focus on mid-Wales so the MP for Montgomeryshire, there is no more enjoyable that it brings the other two areas closer together. I have political experience than speaking in this Chamber in a always thought there was a case for more investment in Welsh affairs debate linked to St David’s day. In fact, mid-Wales to create a unified Wales rather than just for I have moved from my usual place on the back row the benefit of individual projects. because I wanted to make my speech as close as I am ever likely to be to the seat from which Lord Roberts Mid-Wales is not just an area to put wind farms—they spoke—his attitude to Welsh affairs was very similar to do not bring much economic benefit to the local mine—and indeed from which spoke the most extraordinary economy—and which can then be forgotten in terms of Welsh politician of the last century, David Lloyd George. industrial development. Given some political views— He led a Conservative-Liberal coalition a very long certainly not mine—in Wales, that is a danger, and we time ago. I enjoy visiting his museum. I promise not to should challenge it. indulge in the kinds of rhetorical flourishes he used when speaking in the House. Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): My hon. Friend and I worked together on the Development Paul Murphy: The hon. Gentleman interests the House Board for Rural Wales. In Newtown and Welshpool, with his reference to Lloyd George and the coalition where investment was focused, there is a residue of between the Conservatives and the Liberals. He will, of manufacturing, as there is in Brecon. Wouldsuch investment course, remember what happened to the Liberal party not bring great benefit to rural mid-Wales again? after that coalition fell.

Glyn Davies: I am hoping to make a speech without Glyn Davies: I thank my hon. Friend for his contribution. any sour notes, if possible. We worked together on the sort of development that not just transformed mid-Wales, but brought north and My main political interest over recent decades has south Wales closer together. That is a point I wanted to been the interests of Wales. I am unashamedly a Welsh make in this debate. politician. For many years I was involved in developing the Welsh economy—a new economy for Wales after Wales should be developed not just as an economic the devastation of the beginning of the last century—by unit, because it is important to develop it as a political working with the Welsh Development Agency, the Welsh entity. That has probably always happened throughout Tourist Board and the Development Board for Rural history, but it has certainly gathered pace in recent Wales. Through the late ’80s and early ’90s, those decades. The Secretary of State has taken delivery of organisations did a magnificent job in developing the the Silk commission’s report, which came in two parts. Welsh economy. I think that they were wound up too There will be other opportunities to talk about it, but it soon. Clearly, all quangos are wound up in the end, but makes two particularly important recommendations. 1135 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1136

The first part of the report recommends that significant highs, particularly in Gwent. That issue very much income tax powers should be devolved to the National came home to me on Sunday, when I was with my kids Assembly for Wales. When the commission was set up, in a corner of a park in Newport and saw dozens and its main purpose in my opinion, and I think in the dozens of empty legal-high packets of all shapes, sizes Government’s opinion, was to give the Assembly financial and colours, with enticing graphics on the front. As in accountability so that decisions were made on raising my right hon. Friend’s constituency, premises in Newport money and spending it. The debate would then be the were closed down; I believe they were part of the same same as in every other democratic body imaginable and operation. As a result, I went to a briefing by the team include raising money.Unless they accept that responsibility in Gwent police who are dealing with this issue and for raising the money they spend, the Welsh Government working extremely hard on it with the local authorities. and the Welsh Assembly will not become a real governing When the Home Secretary came into post, she promised body or a proper Parliament. That is hugely important. swift action on legal highs. However, as my right hon. Friend pointed out, it is an extremely difficult issue Mr MacNeil: Surely an issue that is allied to what the involving hundreds of different substances and thousands hon. Gentleman is saying about tax-raising powers is of different sellers. The legislation is out of date and we nurturing and growing the economy. I would argue are playing catch-up. We need to give local authorities further that the Republic of Ireland was behind Wales and the police the tools to do the job, not least because economically 100 years ago, but it has leapfrogged people have absolutely no idea what they taking, and we Wales and Scotland. The reason for that is that the are very much storing up health problems for the future. Republic of Ireland had the power not just to tax and spend, but to see which parts of its economy it wanted I want to talk about the economy in Newport. In to nurture and grow. Wales will not be able to do that recent times, we have heard much from the Government until it has powers equivalent to those in the Isle of and their Welsh team about how things are improving Man, the Republic of Ireland, Denmark and so on. in Wales, with the recovery under way and things getting Essentially, it needs to power to be at the helm and to easier. Of course, I welcome falls in unemployment in make its own decisions for its own people. my constituency, although youth unemployment remains unacceptably high, but beneath those figures there is a Glyn Davies: I thank the hon. Gentleman for his different story. It is still the case that about 300,000 Welsh intervention. I want the Welsh Government to become workers earned below the living wage in 2012. I would a proper Government with sharp debate so that debates like to say a very big “Well done and congratulations” about the budget engage Welsh people. They would take to Newport council for its decision last week to implement much more interest in a Welsh Government with tax-raising the living wage. powers. In Wales, we have seen the largest increase in the UK The First Minister of Wales has put some blocks in in the number of people who want to work more hours the way, but I sense that after the result of the Scottish but cannot find them due to the Tories’ failed economic referendum those blocks may be resolved. There are policies. Some 65,000 people are deemed to be under- three parties in Wales that are generally supportive of employed in Wales. Only this morning, a young girl this principle, but Labour seems instinctively not to be. came into my office in Newport and talked about how I do not know what the shadow Secretary of State’s hard it was for her family because her father’s hours had view is, but I suspect that he is not greatly in favour of been reduced from 40 to 14. That is the reality for many devolving income tax powers to the Assembly because people in my constituency. of the responsibility it carries. I would plead with him In recent weeks, there has been bad news for employment to change his opinion. Let us see devolution develop as in our city of Newport. First, there were the job losses it should. This is the next obvious step in the process of at the Avana bakery—the Secretary of State has been devolution, and we must get a grip on that. involved with this—in the constituency of my hon. In my last 36 seconds—I would like to have had Friend the Member for Newport West (Paul Flynn). 20 minutes—I want to touch on a cross-border issue The bakery announced that it would possibly lose up to that I have raised before. We have to stop devolution 650 jobs following the loss of a contract with Marks damaging the interests of Wales. We talk about education and Spencer. Secondly, we learned that there is a threat and health, but the issue that is particularly relevant to public sector jobs at the Ministry of Justice shared to me is the cross-border road schemes that would services centre in Celtic Springs. Then, only this week, go ahead without devolution but are now unable to go we heard the very hard news that 123 jobs are under ahead because England is not willing to commit money threat at the Orb steel works, which has a long history to its half of such schemes as there is no economic of steelmaking in my constituency and is a subsidiary benefit for it. We have to develop a relationship with the of Tata Steel. At the MOJ and Orb works, there are Department for Transport to stop that damaging Wales, things that the Government could do to step in, and as it currently does. that is the focus of my remarks. 3.45 pm This week’s announcement that Tata Steel will be restructuring the work force at the Orb steelworks may Jessica Morden (Newport East) (Lab): I thank my lead to the loss of 83 direct jobs and 40 contractors’ hon. Friend the Member for Ynys Môn (Albert Owen) jobs. That is really hard news for those workers—and for the opportunity to debate Welsh affairs today. I their families—who have worked extremely flexibly over want to raise two issues relating to employment in my the past few years. These are skilled jobs that we can ill constituency. afford to lose from Wales. It is an extremely challenging However, let me begin by strongly agreeing with the time for the steel industry in Wales, and this announcement excellent speech by my right hon. Friend the Member underlines that. Demand for steel is down, imports for Torfaen (Paul Murphy) on the problem of legal from outside Europe are up and steel manufacturers are 1137 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1138

[Jessica Morden] To end on a positive note, the Welsh Government’s deal with Pinewood Studios to bring a new film studio being hit by higher energy costs. The price of electricity to Newport is very welcome and a good boost to us for steelmakers in the UK is about 38% higher than in locally, as is the Welsh Government’s setting up of the France and 56% higher than in Germany. Those are reNewport taskforce, which has recently come up with massive differences and they are hitting our industries. lots of innovative ideas for improving things in Newport. UK producers also pay levies and taxes such as the It has been warmly welcomed and has harnessed much carbon floor price and the renewables obligation, but local enthusiasm. German and French steelmakers—not to mention those Last but not least, I welcome the announcement outside Europe—are largely protected from those. The about the NATO summit in September. We are looking accumulative impact is that we are putting UK steelmakers forward to that and I am also looking forward to at a competitive disadvantage, with customers seeing working very closely with Wales Office Ministers to UK energy costs as a particular problem. maximise its impact on the community and employers I know that the Government have accepted the arguments of Newport. that high energy prices impact on UK manufacturers and that the most energy-intensive industries should be 3.53 pm protected from rising green taxes. However, what has Mr Mark Williams (Ceredigion) (LD): I am grateful been done so far is not enough to mitigate those costs or for the opportunity to speak in this debate and thank reverse the manufacturers’ fortunes. In the Budget, the the hon. Member for Ynys Môn (Albert Owen) and his Government need to take more action on high energy colleagues, including my hon. Friend the Member for costs, the carbon price floor and renewable obligations, Brecon and Radnorshire (Roger Williams), for making which are hitting us really hard, particularly in Wales, at the application to the Backbench Business Committee. a time when demand for steel is down. I very much agree with what my hon. Friend the Member for Montgomeryshire (Glyn Davies) said this morning Albert Owen: My hon. Friend is making a very important during business questions and what the right hon. Member point. The carbon price floor, which disadvantages this for Torfaen (Paul Murphy) has said about the need to country, was brought in unilaterally in the past couple re-establish this as an annual debate on important matters of years. We cannot blame Europe for that; it is down to in Wales, ideally as close as possible to the day we this British Government. celebrate our patron saint. This year, the promenade in Aberystwyth may be Jessica Morden: I thank my hon. Friend for his rather more familiar to Members as a result of the intervention and I very much agree with him. I know that media interest in the storms that lashed the west Wales time is running out, but we need Wales Office Ministers coast. Not just Aberystwyth was affected; Borth, Clarach, urgently to press the Treasury on that matter in advance Aberaeron, Llangrannog and Cardigan all faced the of the Budget. brunt of the storms. I take this opportunity to thank all those in our communities—the voluntary sector, council The Government are also potentially to offshore workers, the emergency services—who did such sterling Government jobs from the MOJ shared services centre work to get us back on our feet. One Saturday morning in Newport. I am very reliant on the public sector in my stands out: 150 local residents physically cleared debris constituency. People in the public sector have had their off the promenade to make it smart again. wages frozen and there has been a sustained attack on I thank the Welsh Assembly Government for their their numbers. In fact, in the recent Centre for City response: as the Minister responsible, Alun Davies quickly report, Newport came bottom for employment growth came to see what was going on; £1.5 million has been in the private sector. pledged to the county for renovating the promenade; Was it only in January that the Prime Minister said and Mrs Hart and Mrs Hutt have announced £560,000 that we must become the “reshoring nation”? You would for promoting the tourist sector. I also pay tribute to my not think so, because only weeks later his Ministers are right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, who I know embarking on a path that could lead the MOJ shared took a great interest in what was going on. He has been services centre into a contract that will allow offshoring. in touch with the county council in relation to military The Newport office employs about 1,000 staff in back-office support being made available when storms hit again, functions. The Cabinet Office and the MOJ want to which has also been much appreciated. privatise those jobs, and so far nothing has been said by At the time, there was much local speculation about Ministers to alleviate fears. In fact, the Justice Secretary whether funding would be forthcoming from the EU told me: solidarity fund, and I asked a question in the House “To be a competitive and viable business…needs to be in line about that. It would be useful if the Secretary of State with other companies of this kind, which often see non-customer clarified whether a request was ever made by the Welsh facing transactional roles being sourced offshore. The creation Assembly Government to access European funds, whether and operation model…reflects government guidelines with off the substantive fund or the regional fund. I go further shoring being a feature of many successful public sector contracts.” to suggest that if we believe in devolution—and I very If the Prime Minister is so keen on private companies much do—the responsibility for such matters as flood reshoring jobs, why is his Government so keen on protection and the alleviation of flood damage rests offshoring Government jobs? The situation is ludicrous. with the National Assembly for Wales, so should the Welsh Will Welsh Ministers tell the Cabinet Office and the Assembly Government simply wait for the Westminster Justice Secretary that, especially in the light of other job Government to act, if they can under European Union losses in Newport, these are good public sector jobs criteria, or should they make a request? I am not sure that we really need to keep in Newport? whether such a request has been made, but either way, 1139 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1140 the resources made available by the Welsh Assembly We have lost tax offices. Aberystwyth lost its tax Government to Ceredigion have been much welcomed, office under the last Labour Government and is now as, I repeat, has been the interest shown by the Secretary losing its tax advice centre. Instead, west Wales will be of State. served by a roving team of experts from Her Majesty’s Ceredigion is open for business—the promenade in Revenue and Customs. We are losing face-to-face contact Aberystwyth is open for business—and like the hon. and expertise on the ground. It was anticipated that Member for Ynys Môn, I want to use this opportunity VAT returns would be made to HMRC online, but 20% to talk about the tourist sector. We are all aware of the of my constituency is yet to get broadband. triangular tour made by visitors to Britain—a few days The hon. Member for Monmouth rightly raised concerns in London, off to Edinburgh, down to Stratford-on-Avon about the health service. We have lost our consultant and back to London before jetting off home to wherever and midwife unit, which is something that the Under- they have come from. Somehow, Wales is often overlooked Secretary of State for Wales, the hon. Member for in the tourist sector. If that is a problem for Wales Preseli Pembrokeshire (Stephen Crabb) will relate to. generally, it is certainly a problem for those of us on the The Welsh Labour Government are much more interested periphery of Wales. Despite our coastal path, the agri- in the urban agenda than in the challenges that we face tourism sector and the beauty of the Cambrian mountains, in mid and west Wales. generating tourism is a real challenge, partly because of We could talk endlessly and there are many more points transport infrastructure, but also because of the costs that I want to make. I hope that we have such a debate to visitors. again, particularly so that there is another opportunity That matter needs to be set in the context of the to talk about rural Wales. importance of tourism and the real potential for growth. Some 3,000 jobs in my constituency are dependent on 4pm tourism. The potential for growth was identified by a British Hospitality Association report, appropriately Chris Evans (Islwyn) (Lab/Co-op): This is the first time subtitled, “Driving local economies and underpinning that you have called me to speak in a debate, Madam communities”, which suggested a 5% cut in VAT for the Deputy Speaker, so may I congratulate you, somewhat hospitality sector. That issue is not unique to Wales, but belatedly, on your elevation to the Chair? I agree with my hon. Friend the Member for Monmouth (David T. C. Davies)—I emphasise the hon. Friend—who Owen Smith (Pontypridd) (Lab): You smoothie. said that he will look at the effect of making a 5% cut across the whole United Kingdom. He is right that we Chris Evans: Thank you very much. need to do that, and I urge Welsh Ministers to make Like my right hon. Friend the Member for Torfaen that case for the United Kingdom to their colleagues in (Paul Murphy), who is not in his place, I bemoan the the Treasury. It has been estimated that we could create lack of the St David’s day debate, which has been held another 2,000 jobs in my constituency and another since 1944. When Aneurin Bevan spoke in this place in 20,000 jobs across Wales by 2020. There is huge potential, 1944, he said that there were no Welsh problems, only but Wales of course relies on tourist industry jobs: 8.3% problems. The wonderful thing about the Welsh day of our jobs in Ceredigion and 8% of our jobs in Wales debate that we are missing is that it allows us to bring are dependent on the tourist sector. There are precedents, up issues that usually go unnoticed in this House. not least in Europe, where 24 of the 28 member states Today, I will bring up the issue of truancy in schools. have such a policy. Truancy is not simply a matter for schools; increasingly, it affects the whole of society. It is a complex issue. It is Hywel Williams: Has the hon. Gentleman made any not simply about pupils skipping school to go to the park assessment of the extra tax take that would accrue to with their friends, but is often a sign of deeper problems the UK Government from the employment of those at home and, in some cases, of abuse. If a pupil truants extra people? from school often enough, they will be excluded. They will thereby miss out not only on a worthwhile education, Mr Mark Williams: I have not made any such assessment, but on the support network that schools provide. That but if the hon. Gentleman looks at Hansard for the can result in people falling in with the wrong crowd and debate on VAT and tourism in Westminster Hall a getting into trouble with the police, making them less couple of weeks ago, he will see the figures that were desirable to potential employers. produced. There will of course be a hit on the UK When I visit schools in my constituency, I am always economy in the first year, but we need to consider the impressed by the level of pastoral care that students gains that will accrue thereafter. I most strongly commend receive. Head teachers have told me that for some that point to my Front-Bench colleagues. students, that care is arguably more important than I want briefly to talk about rurality in general, and traditional classes. For many students, the support that the extent to which the rural dimension is considered by they receive in school is invaluable. That is why exclusions policy makers in Whitehall. I must say that the Welsh and truancy are serious issues. case is strongly represented throughout Whitehall by Over the past few years, the Welsh Government Welsh Ministers, but the rural dimension can sometimes have done an incredible amount of work to prevent be overlooked. For example, accessing work capability schoolchildren from being permanently excluded. Just assessments is a challenge in rural areas such as mine, 102 pupils were permanently removed from Welsh schools where there is limited public transport. I suggest that a last year, which is almost 100 fewer than in 2009-10, disproportionate number of my constituents have missed when there were 200 exclusions. That is a step in the appointments and suffered penalties as a consequence right direction. However, I will focus today on what is of living in rural areas. known as “soft exclusion”. 1141 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1142

[Chris Evans] “There are teachers who manage him fine, and those who don’t sympathise with his situation. Sending him home for 3 days is not The number of temporary exclusions is still too high. the best option and there’s no discussion of strategies for managing There were 17,508 temporary exclusions in 2011-12 in his behaviour. Reasons vary, but generally he’s sent home once every 3 weeks.” Wales alone. More research and data are needed to explain why that is occurring. In October 2009, my In my constituency we are extremely fortunate to predecessor, Lord Touhig, asked a parliamentary question have an excellent autism unit at Risca community about what research the previous Government had done comprehensive, and the support students receive is fantastic. on the effects of exclusion on pupils. He was told that The same is also true of Coleg Gwent at Crosskeys, no research had been commissioned. Sadly, that is still where pupils go on to become independent live-in students. the case. What do young people do when they are Perhaps there are areas across the country not so fortunate, excluded temporarily? Do they miss out on work? In but excluding children from schools on the basis that reality, we just do not know. staff cannot cater to their needs is to me completely unacceptable. What concerns me is that no data on In preparation for this debate, I read a report by the these informal exclusions are held centrally. I would charity, Barnardo’s, which did some research on the use like some form of Government investigation into how of unlawful exclusions. That is when schools ask parents prevalent the issue is in schools, not only in Wales, but to keep their children away from school without providing across the UK. a formal notification of exclusion. Local authorities know nothing about such exclusions. There is obviously How vast is the problem? It seems to me that we not a huge amount of data in this area, which is simply do not know, although we do know that more unfortunate, but the Barnardo’s study is based on anecdotal than 10% of 16 to 18-year-olds are not in employment, evidence. education or training, compared with 23% of 19 to 24-year-olds. To me, those figures are unacceptable. It is I shall quote from the report. One parent said: all very well trying to score political points, as some of “From year 7 the head of year would phone me to say he’d us have tried to do today, but we must understand why been excluded, but no time scale would be mentioned. A letter the figures are so high. would arrive two days later telling me how many days it was. There was no work set or given.” Charities and organisations understand this problem The report heard evidence from parents of a lack of much better than I do. Catch22 is a social business that dialogue between schools and families, which leaves the does an excellent job of getting young people into the pupils falling behind. One parent said: habit of attending school and following a schedule. Speak “The head of year would ring me and say they were thinking of to Catch22 and it will say that when young people play excluding him. Sometimes there would be a letter. It takes two truant and eventually drop out of the mainstream education days or more to arrive and it would say work would be set two system, it is important that their aspirations are rebuilt days after that, but by then the exclusion time would have and that character and resilience are developed. Those passed.” are interesting ideas, and the Government need to work The police in Blackwood say that the problems in the closely with those fantastic organisations to find a market area are caused mainly by young people who long-term solution to the problem. have been excluded, whether temporarily or permanently. With so many young people leaving school with no That demonstrates the drain on police resources and future plans, we must think about how we can create the wider effect that this issue has on society. I was even opportunities for people who may have fallen out of alarmed to find, shockingly and tragically, that pupils mainstream education. No Member of this House wants with special needs accounted for a little over 60% of all young people to be excluded from school and never to exclusions in Wales in 2012-13, and those with school reintegrate into society, and there are apprenticeship action and school action plus special educational needs schemes that focus not on academic achievement but on had the highest rate of permanent exclusions at 0.6% learning a genuine worthwhile skill that will help a per 1,000 pupils. A report by the charity Ambitious participant stay in work for years. about Autism found that four in 10 children with autism In my constituency, I speak all the time to businesses had been informally excluded temporarily. with excellent apprenticeship schemes. Last week I met Alun Cairns: The hon. Gentleman raises extremely Hafod Quarry in Abercarn, which told me about a important points. Does he share my concern that some five-year scheme that essentially guarantees employment local authorities in Wales have a policy not to statement in the industry for many years. Pensord Press in children? The statementing of children can be extremely Pontllanfraith and Joyner PA in Risca offer similar important in some cases, to provide the right level of apprenticeships that develop skills and lead to full-time support that will ultimately prevent exclusion in special work. There are, however, businesses that have told needs cases. me that they cannot recruit young people locally because they do not have the so-called “soft skills” of Chris Evans: I agree with the hon. Gentleman, and communication, turning up on time and completing that is the point I was trying to make. There is a lack of tasks. Those who played truant and left the education research and data, and if more children were statemented system at an early age are most likely to struggle with and we knew what was going on, we would be able to those essential skills. If someone without those skills is address the issue. put in front of an interviewer, they simply will not get If such things are happening on a large scale, the the job. That is why it is so important we get the issue Government need to look into it and investigate further. right now. Why is it happening? Is it because schools are not Our education system needs to set up Welsh youngsters equipped to deal with autistic young people? The Barnardo’s for the future, and I do not think unlawful exclusions report I mentioned earlier contained a statement from a are part of that. I would like something that my predecessor parent with an autistic child: asked the previous Labour Government for almost 1143 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1144 five years ago—concrete data and a definitive study into areas such as education? It must be partly, if not wholly, levels of exclusion in schools and the reasons for truancy. the responsibility of the Government of the Welsh Without that we are doing our young people a disservice. Assembly that things are so bad there. In light of the evidence available, expulsion should be the last resort while all avenues are investigated to Alun Cairns: My hon. Friend is right, because a address unacceptable behaviour in our schools. culture developed in which everything was judged by the amount of money that was put into it, rather than 4.9 pm the outcomes that were derived from the investment. Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con): I am grateful When we talk about reputation, we need to accept for the opportunity to contribute to the debate. I rise to that the way in which Wales is currently reported is not speak as a passionate Welshman who enjoys Welsh positive. I am very saddened by that, but it is largely history, our proud culture and the contribution that because the column inches in the press tend to focus on many Welshmen have made to the history of Wales, the health and education. They are essential to attracting UK and beyond. I will try to be positive, and I will ask inward investment, because middle and senior management my questions in a positive spirit. would have to use the national health service and send Whatever people’s opinions of devolution in 1997 their children to the schools. That must be added to the after the referendum, there was a genuine hope across way in which Wales is perceived and the challenge that all political parties that devolution would work and we have in attracting investment thereafter. make a difference. It provided a great chance to make a Let us focus on education, because without doubt a difference and develop a Government who could respond nation’s future is built on the quality of its education. In to changing needs, react to problems as they emerged, the past few years alone, there has been a determination and take decisions much closer to the electorate. to develop different qualifications, sometimes for the My main subject today will be the reputation of sake of being different, as my hon. Friend the Member Wales, my worry that its governance is damaging that for Monmouth (David T. C. Davies) mentioned earlier. reputation and the consequences of such damage. It is When there was a drive to introduce greater rigour in easy to say, after one four-year term of governance, that GCSE outcomes, in Wales we saw political intervention. reforms were established but there has not been enough In England, politics was kept out of it completely, and opportunity to see the outcomes and benefits. After a the policy direction was set for greater rigour and second term, that argument gets somewhat weaker and stronger assessments of standards. In Wales, there was a we would expect to see some benefits. But after nearly determination to change that. 15 years, we should really be seeing some positive What worries me most, as the father of a 10-year-old, outcome from devolution, such as the “devolution dividend” is that qualifications in Wales could be seen to be as it was called at one time. secondary to their counterparts in England. I really Sadly, in so many areas, if not almost all areas—I am hope that, for those who gained GCSE qualifications trying to think of one where I am wrong—the relative last year, employers will accept Welsh qualifications as position of Wales has fallen back, compared with the being of the same standard as those in England. However, rest of the United Kingdom. I do not want to be party there was an upgrade in more than 1,000 cases, and that political in making that point, but I seek an acceptance may make employers and higher education institutions that Wales is now the poorest part of the UK. That was question them. For example, the Welsh baccalaureate is not the case before 1997. As a result, the challenge of not accepted by some universities, and that is sad. That attracting investment and creating entrepreneurship is reputational damage is now being perpetuated by the so much greater. It is so much more difficult to attract outcomes of what the programme for international investment to the poorest part of the UK, because the student assessment judged to be tragically lower standards. gross domestic product and the value of the spend is As we seek to attract investment to turn the economy not as high. The reputation of Wales is therefore key. around, the quality of public services is essential.

Roger Williams: I am following my hon. Friend’s Valerie Vaz (Walsall South) (Lab): I hope the hon. argument closely. Does he agree that part of the problem Gentleman does not feel that I am just trying to look on is that Wales has a legacy of ill health from heavy the positive side, but he must be aware that Cardiff industry and a legacy of economic inactivity because of university is a Russell Group university and that it the loss of those industries? That has never been reflected accepts students from the Welsh education system. It in the Barnett formula so those needs are still unmet also has two Nobel laureate prize winners. in Wales. Alun Cairns: I accept part of that, but I would also Alun Cairns: Cardiff university is a fantastic university. look to areas that have a similar legacy but are not the The funding structure in Wales is starving the university poorest parts of the United Kingdom. Those are the of funding, as compared to its counterparts in England. very same points that, it was argued, would be corrected The question we need to be asking ourselves is this: how by Adminstrations that would take decisions much can Cardiff university maintain its standards and status closer to the people. I speak as a pro-devolutionist—I when, because of the different funding structure, there am not against the institution, I am against the governance, is more funding going into higher education in Wales? the way in which the institution has worked and how That is another sign of the reputational damage being policy has been set. caused by the decisions that are being taken. David T. C. Davies: Does my hon. Friend agree that Owen Smith: The hon. Gentleman says that he wants parts of the United Kingdom, such as Northern Ireland, to show some respect for devolution, but could he be a are poorer than Wales, but achieve better outcomes in little more impartial with the facts he employs? Will he 1145 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1146

[Owen Smith] Brynmawr section. The council and the Welsh Government have reopened the Ebbw Vale to Cardiff railway line, tell us, for example, whether he accepts that the Welsh but it needs to be electrified and redoubled. In December Government should be congratulated for there being a I asked the Chief Secretary to the Treasury if he would fall of just 250 in the number of students applying to consider bringing forward the electrification of the university in Wales, when the fall in England has been south Wales valleys lines, but we have heard nothing 25,000—a hundredfold difference? so far.

Alun Cairns: That is the sort of response that does Chris Evans: My hon. Friend uses the Ebbw Valley not get us anywhere. I am looking for an intelligent railway when he travels through my constituency. Does debate to accept the reality of the situation. Unless we he agree that if we are to bring jobs and growth to the accept the reality, we cannot take the intelligent decisions valleys in constituencies such as ours, the lines must be needed to make changes. electrified as a matter of urgency? In the time that remains, I want to mention health. I had hoped that yesterday was a turning point. The right Nick Smith: My hon. Friend makes a powerful point. hon. Member for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd) made an Another important rail improvement is a new spur extremely powerful contribution to the debate yesterday. line to Abertillery. On Facebook this week, I was told Two weeks earlier, we had learned of data she had that brought to the attention of Professor Sir Bruce Keogh. He wrote to his counterpart in Wales, seeking to probe “the youngsters in Abertillery need to be given the same access to employment as young people everywhere. The rail link is vital for the data that had been shared with him. The response the valley.” came from a politician, rather than a clinician, who was furious and said that this was an attempt by the I find the young people in Blaenau Gwent eager to Conservative party to work, but lacking in opportunity and experience. Along with the local jobcentre, I shall be hosting a seminar “drag Welsh NHS through the mud”. later this month for local employers, much as my hon. The reality, however, is that Sir Bruce Keogh stated in Friend did. I hope that they will sign up to offer work the e-mail that he did not know enough about it, but experience to our under 21s. The longer people are out thought there was a potential smokescreen. There needs of work, the more difficult it is for them to find work to be an intelligent debate, otherwise its reputation will again and make ends meet. be damaged further. As might be expected, when investors do come to Several hon. Members rose— Blaenau Gwent with a project, we take it seriously. The proposed development of a motor sport facility, the Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. Circuit of Wales, in my constituency represents a once- Members will be aware that this has been a lively debate in-a-generation opportunity. When I first heard the with many interventions. Interventions lengthen speeches, proposal for a racing track in the clouds I was sceptical, however. If everyone is to have the chance to speak this but having now watched “Top Gear” too often, I have a afternoon, I have no choice but to reduce the time limit better understanding of the petrolheads who want an to four minutes. exciting circuit rather than an old airfield track. It is, of course, important for the business plan for 4.19 pm the circuit to stand up to scrutiny, and the Welsh Nick Smith (Blaenau Gwent) (Lab): I am pleased to Government have done the due diligence on it, but be able to speak in this St David’s day debate. because of planning complications, there is a delay. Let me remind the House, as I like to on these Although this will be a largely private sector investment, occasions, of the strengths of Blaenau Gwent and the United Kingdom Government support is still needed. challenges that it faces. We have a proud cultural and The Welsh Secretary—fair dos—has repeatedly indicated political heritage. We gave the United Kingdom its support for the Circuit of Wales, but it still has no precious national health service, and we have a strong Treasury support. The Circuit of Wales developers believe record of serving our country in the armed forces. The that the UK has underinvested in motorsport infrastructure, Brecon Beacons national park is on our doorstep, and as they foresee a significant demand for new facilities our industrial legacy of coal and steel is a proud one. to meet the needs of modern motor sports. They are Yet in the last decade there has been no alternative working hard to recruit the investors who are needed large-scale industry to take the place of steel and coal. for this £250 million, 800-acre proposal. That is the key There has been investment in transport, health and test. The developers now need to put together a portfolio education, but our readiness for development has been of financial support, and they have my wholehearted cruelly coincidental with a worldwide recession and a backing for that endeavour. I hope that the Minister reduction in the public sector employment that has will continue to be positive about the proposal, especially been so important in Wales. We know that our Welsh in view of the Government’s proposal for a new public- valleys communities are resilient and look after their private partnership. own, but we need jobs. Finally, let me stress the importance of education, I want to talk about transport, jobs and education. which is paramount if we are to look forward to a The year 2014 has not brought the glad tidings for brighter future in Blaenau Gwent. Our education system which we hoped. Unemployment has risen, and must give all pupils the tools that will enable them to Government action is needed to deliver the jobs and succeed, in Wales and in our global world. If Blaenau growth that will secure our economic recovery. The Gwent is to enjoy the 21st century, we need investment heads of the valleys line has been greatly improved in across the board, and that means improved transport, recent years, but work is still needed on the Gilwern to sustainable jobs, and a first-class education system. 1147 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1148

4.24 pm his fair share of tax. A seemingly permanent back-room Roger Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire) (LD): deal between Labour and so-called independent St David famously instructed his followers on his deathbed councillors—or the closet Tories as the right hon. Member to do the little things, and he probably understood that for Neath (Mr Hain) describes them—means elections I would have only four minutes to speak, so I shall focus are unlikely to lead to political change. At the last local my comments on two steps that I would like to see in the authority elections, my party won the largest number of forthcoming Budget. I have confidence that one of seats convincingly, achieving over 10,000 more votes them will be in it because it was announced in the than our Labour opponents. It is the same discredited autumn statement: two reductions in employer national personnel at the helm, however. insurance contributions. In my constituency between Given the number of mentions that Carmarthenshire January 2013 and January 2014 unemployment fell has had in Private Eye’s “Rotten Boroughs” column, from just over 900 to just over 600, but more importantly one might think that the executive board members the number of 18 to 24-year-olds who were unemployed would have got the message. However, unrepentant, the and claiming benefit fell from just over 300 to just over council and the executive board are moving towards 200. However, that does not hide the anxiety of those darker waters. That is what happens when we have a who are desperate to get into employment and are still toxic combination of weak executive board councillors finding it difficult to do so. and powerful senior officers. The warnings relating to One of the reductions in employer NICs is to reduce recent events could not have been clearer. Local papers every business’s contribution by £2,000. That will be have lost advertising revenue, which could bankrupt especially advantageous to small businesses, which are their businesses, for daring to criticise executive board so typical of rural Wales. In particular it will encourage decisions. We have seen the steady erosion of the democratic those who are perhaps sole traders—just one-man or process, with powers being taken away from councillors one-woman bands—to take on their first employee. I and put into the hands of unelected officers, and with am hoping that will encourage them to do so. the executive board rubber-stamping decisions and, to all intents and purposes, operating as the political wing The other reduction in employer NICs is that no of those senior officers. employer contributions will be paid for employees who are under 21. That will be a great incentive for businesses In the past month, a report from the independent to take on young people, and in particular apprentices—and Wales Audit Office has found that the executive board this week is apprenticeship week. was guilty of sanctioning two unlawful payments for I am confident that that measure will be in the the benefit of the chief executive. Those payments Budget, and I am given to understand that the other totalled more than £50,000. One relates to the granting measure might also be in it. I therefore ask the Secretary of a legal indemnity which enabled the chief executive of State and the Minister to insist it is kept in the to counter-sue a local blogger. The second relates to a Budget if they see it any draft documents. I have raised tax dodge involving the redirection of pension contributions on a number of occasions the plight of people who are into the pocket of the chief executive. The report was off-grid—who do not get mains gas. Their energy costs damning, and any politician with a sense of integrity are very high because mains gas is the cheapest form of would have done the honourable thing and instigated fuel. Instead, they have to depend on heating oil, liquefied an urgent investigation into the implicated officers before petroleum gas, solid fuel and sometimes electricity to resigning on the spot themselves. Instead, we got a heat their homes. Also, they do not get the dual fuel deliberate propaganda campaign from the publicly financed tariffs that people who receive both gas and electricity press department of the council to discredit the Wales on the grid can benefit from. I understand that giving Audit Office, and threats and smears against opposition some respite to people who are off-grid may be considered, politicians. and I can make some suggestions in that regard. One of Last week, the people of Carmarthenshire were subjected them is to give a subsidy so that the national grid can to a farcical extraordinary meeting to discuss the Wales connect those communities that do not have the benefit Audit Office report. The executive board commissioned of mains gas. All the communities of Howey, Llangynidr, a QC, at a potential cost of thousands of pounds to Abercraf and Talgarth in my constituency would greatly Carmarthenshire ratepayers, to discredit the Wales Audit benefit from mains gas, and that would have a great Office’s findings and protect its leaders from votes of no input into reducing fuel poverty. confidence. This has all been happening at a time when the 4.28 pm executive board is pushing through huge cuts to council Jonathan Edwards (Carmarthen East and Dinefwr) services and increasing council tax by almost 5%. The (PC): Carmarthenshire has a very proud history. Some Labour party in Carmarthenshire is pushing through say it has a claim to be the birthplace of Welsh democracy, the privatisation of care services, increasing charges for which is a reference to Carmarthenshire’s role in delivering school meals, reducing assessments for children with a yes vote for the National Assembly in the successful special needs, making financial cuts to welfare advice 1997 referendum. However, a dark cloud has been services and extending and increasing charges for social hanging over local democracy in Carmarthenshire for care, as well as introducing a range of other regressive far too long, with a ruling cabal of senior officials and measures. executive board members repressively running the council, It is a matter of pressing concern that, despite being stopping democratic debate by the full council, pressurising relieved of his duties, the chief executive of Carmarthenshire local journalists, smearing opposition politicians, coercing county council will continue to be the local returning a council chair who dared defy instruction and making officer for the forthcoming European elections. The financial arrangements to enable the chief executive, a Electoral Commission has confirmed that position. I man who earns almost £4,000 a week, to avoid paying fail to understand how an individual who is no longer at 1149 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1150

[Jonathan Edwards] need than many parts of England, which requires a greater degree of expenditure.”—[Official Report, Welsh Grand Committee, his desk due to a police investigation can be responsible 23 January 2013; c.21.] for the democratic processes in my county. The same That is all very germane, but hon. Members will have applies in Pembrokeshire, unless events in that great noted immediately that this statement contains no agency. county have changed the situation today, and I ask for These woes appear have been visited upon us passively— immediate ministerial intervention. by accident almost. The hon. Member for Pontypridd (Owen Smith) is not unsophisticated; he knows full well 4.32 pm that historical events do not just happen. So I look forward to our debates on the Wales Bill and perhaps a Hywel Williams (Arfon) (PC): I congratulate the hon. more piercing analysis of our predicament from those Member for Ynys Môn (Albert Owen) on securing this on the Opposition Front Bench. Who knows, a clearer debate, and I fully endorse what my hon. Friend the analysis might even lead them to change their stance, Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr (Jonathan which is seen by many here and in Wales as one of delay Edwards) has just said. at all costs. My party wants Wales to be an independent country. We know that will take time—we just have to accept 4.36 pm that—but that is no reason to abandon the aim. Some Mrs Madeleine Moon (Bridgend) (Lab): This is the Members will be familiar with the Welsh saying, “Ara’ Welsh affairs debate, but we are also today considering deg mae dal iâr”, which means “You catch hens slowly.” the role of women, so I wish to spend time looking at We, the Welsh, have been here on these islands for a very the role of women in Wales. MPs had the opportunity long time—independent for most of the centuries, today to invite a young person—a young girl—from our incorporated for the rest—and we are not going anywhere constituency to join us, to shadow politicians and to any time soon. We therefore need to discuss this among see how we worked. That is very important and Amy ourselves, as a self-aware nation, and agree on what Edwards, a young girl from Bryntiriion comprehensive power we want. school in Bridgend, spent the day with me. I asked that In this context, the examples from the mainland of school to send someone because I was particularly Europe and from Scotland are useful and instructive. impressed by the young girls there and their eagerness Last night, I was talking to the Catalan counsel general. to participate in political discussion and debate, and The Catalans have been told by Madrid that they cannot to ask for more information and to gain greater hold a referendum on independence. One Spanish politician understanding. went so far as to threaten them with military occupation I was horrified when I saw the Equality and Human if they dared to press for their freedom. So hundreds Rights Commission report “Who runs Wales?” I do not of individual communes have instead held local know how many hon. Members have seen it, but it sets referendums, which demonstrated overwhelming support out a clear message that Wales remains a country where for independence. We also saw the extraordinary those taking the major decisions that have an impact on demonstration in Barcelona last year, when more than 1 all of us remain, overwhelmingly, men. We need to set million people crowded the streets of the capital to call clear targets for public and private sector board for independence. A national referendum is due there in appointments. We need to make sure that our women the autumn, and we will watch the outcome with interest. are educated so that they can take on the positions; so I have also been talking to the Basques. There, the peace that different issues will be discussed and different process has made great strides, but the Government in viewpoints heard; so that we reflect the whole of the Madrid are now dragging their heels. Getting the peace population of Wales; and so that politicians are in tune process on track there is vital to greater autonomy, with the population we serve. We have a wealth of talent which is perhaps why the Madrid Government are in Wales, but sadly we are still neglecting nearly 50% acting in that way. of it. In Scotland, to the disgust and dismay of some In Wales, only 28% of police officers are women, but politicians in this place and commentators in the City, it gets worse at the top, where only 12% of chief and to the delight of others, our colleagues in the constables are women; 77% of those working in health Scottish National party are defining what it means to are women, but only 10% of health chief executives are rule themselves while retaining an inter-dependence of women; 72% of people in local authorities are women, equals in these islands and on this continent. The SNP’s but only 18% of local authority chief executives are opponents cry, “Foul! Not fair! If you want independence women. Teaching is no way to the top for women either, it must be on our terms.” Politics and international because 75% of all schoolteachers are women, but only politics are about negotiation, as we are seeing in Paris 57% of head teachers are women. Even in the third and Brussels today. In Wales, we have a problem with sector only 36% of the leadership are women. The taking responsibility—some of us are too resigned to media are no better, with only 33% of senior management being victims. I will say this for now: power to spend teams being women and only 22% of the editors of our without the responsibility of raising the money is corrosive, daily newspapers and weekly nationals being women. as we have seen in Wales, and to the extent that the draft The figure for the trade unions is only 36%. We must Wales Bill leads us to take responsibility for ourselves it recognise that in the history of Welsh politics—since is much to be welcomed. 1536—there have been only 13 female MPs. It is only The shadow Secretary of State, speaking as a historian, because the Labour party used all-women shortlists said of the decline of Wales: that Labour has now increased its number of female “I attribute it to 150 years of history, industry, the legacy of MPs. Plaid Cymru and the Conservatives, from whom change, the demographics of our country, the distance from we have heard a great deal today about their aspirations London and the simple truth that Wales has a greater relative for Wales, have never had a woman MP for Wales. 1151 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1152

We are about to lose two important women MPs My hon. Friend the Member for Islwyn (Chris Evans) from the Labour Benches. I look forward to having two, raised the important issue of truancy and called for if not more, female MPs representing Wales, so that the improvements in the way in which our schools deal with voice of the women in Wales can be heard from these challenging children in Britain, and I entirely agree with Benches and we can clearly represent the whole of him. My hon. Friend the Member for Blaenau Gwent Wales. (Nick Smith) also talked about the economy and threw his weight behind the proposal for a motor sport track 4.40 pm and arena in Blaenau Gwent, and I support him on Owen Smith (Pontypridd) (Lab): I congratulate my that, as I know the Secretary of State does. My hon. hon. Friend the Member for Ynys Môn (Albert Owen) Friend the Member for Bridgend (Mrs Moon) talked on securing this debate today.It has been an extraordinarily about women in Wales and the need for others to wide-ranging debate, as is traditionally the case with promote the talents of women within Wales. She highlighted St David’s day debates. Many Members rightly highlighted the fact that the Labour party has done that in the the importance of having time in this House to debate National Assembly, where women make up almost 45% the issues of Wales. I think that we can all agree that in of all groups, and here in Westminster, where the Labour the past three years, insufficient time has been spent on party stands alone in having a significant proportion of debating Welsh matters. Ignorance of the realities in female members—32% of the current parliamentary Wales has perhaps grown in this House as a result. I Labour party. We need more, but it is a good start and hope that we have done something today to redress that better than what we are seeing from the Government. imbalance and to shed some light on the issues, as The hon. Member for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr I hope to do in my short remarks. (Jonathan Edwards) talked about local government and My hon. Friend made a particularly enlightening and the hon. Member for Arfon (Hywel Williams) talked topical opening to today’s debate. He talked about the about devolution and suggested that I should be need to reflect the fact that people in Wales have shared sophisticated and enlightening when addressing it myself, identities in that they are both Welsh citizens and British and I shall seek to do so at an appropriate moment. citizens. Indeed, they can play rugby for Wales and for Government Members told us that they wanted to be the British Lions—they can captain either team and still respectful and positive—I think those were the words— feel themselves to be British and Welsh. That is something about Wales and then failed to offer a single respectful that I feel very strongly about and that I hope everyone and positive word; that was certainly the case for the in this House supports. My hon. Friend also said that Conservative Members. There were a number of positive we need to capitalise on the great economic strengths of remarks made by Liberal Democrat Members, such as our country, and especially on the energy and tourism the hon. Member for Ceredigion (Mr Williams), who potential of Wales. I entirely endorse all that he said in congratulated the Welsh Government on their investment that regard. in flood defences in Wales; £4 million has been invested, My right hon. Friend the Member for Torfaen (Paul in distinct contradiction to the direction of travel in Murphy) reminded us of the history of the St David’s Westminster where we have seen £97 million cut from day debate. He even told us that this was the day of flood defences, as confirmed last week by the Office for St Colette, the patron saint of pregnant women. At this National Statistics. Perhaps that is why we did not see point, I cannot help but congratulate Kate Groucutt, the same degree of problems in Wales as we did elsewhere. who is pregnant and leaving my office. She has been the The hon. Members for Monmouth (David T. C. Davies), special adviser to the Welsh Affairs team over the past for Montgomeryshire (Glyn Davies) and for Vale of few years. Glamorgan (Alun Cairns) were particularly jaundiced in their view of Wales and highlighted the volume of More importantly, but slightly surreally, my right column inches about what they saw as poor public hon. Friend talked about the problems in his constituency service performance. They bemoaned the fact that Wales of head shops, which sell legal highs. The problem is was getting such bad press, but they know full well why massive and growing in communities such as his and Wales is getting a bad press and it is not because of the mine, and we must get to grips with it notwithstanding performance of Welsh public services and certainly not the difficulties of legislating in this complicated area. a fair representation— My hon. Friend the Member for Newport East (Jessica Morden) talked about the economy of Wales, and Alun Cairns: Will the hon. Gentleman give way? highlighted two issues in her constituency that have wider implications and ramifications across the UK. Owen Smith: I am not going to give way—[Interruption.] The first was the loss of steel jobs at the Orb works, due No, I will not give way, because I—[Interruption.] to the inordinately high energy prices that companies in Okay, I will give way once. Britain are paying compared with their European Alun Cairns: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for competitors. I am sure that we all understand that we giving way, but mortality rates, cancer waiting times need to get to grips with that matter not just for and A and E access are just three examples; diagnostics individual consumers of energy in this country but for in the health service are another. Those are fundamental vital foundational industries. issues that are dominating the UK newspapers because The second was the problem of offshore jobs. My of poor performance in Wales. Is that not a sad situation? hon. Friend highlighted the irony of a Government who claim to be seeking to reshore jobs overseeing the Owen Smith: If the hon. Gentlemen can point to a offshoring of Government jobs in the Ministry of Justice hospital in Wales in which there are higher levels of shared services centre in Newport. You could not unexpected mortality than he thinks there ought to be, I make it up, Madam Deputy Speaker, but it is what is will listen seriously to him. However, he has not offered happening. that— 1153 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1154

Alun Cairns: The Princess of Wales. world-leading companies, visiting the small and medium- sized enterprises that are very much the backbone of Owen Smith: He says the Princess of Wales, where our economy and hearing inspirational stories of lives risk adjusted mortality indices improved by more than that have been transformed by securing employment. 20% over the past three years. We have seen significant Wales has a proud industrial history. At the height of improvements in mortality indices in Wales and he will the industrial revolution, Wales was at the forefront of know that people cannot do what he and his colleagues technological advances. It retains many innovative industries, have done—and worse, what the Prime Minister has from large multinationals, such as Airbus and Tata done on 29 occasions in this House—and take out of Steel, to small but dynamic niche market companies, context extraordinarily complex mortality statistics and such as Torquing in Pembroke Dock. We must have a use them as a means to smear the Welsh NHS. Only this thriving private sector, confident to create employment week, I was confronted with the reality of that smear opportunities, innovate and expand into new markets. campaign when I was contacted by members of the If Wales is to be a country where companies grow, Welsh NHS workforce to ask me— invest and take on new people, the Government must create the right conditions to allow that to happen. That Alun Cairns: The unions. means cutting business taxes, reducing red tape and Owen Smith: No, it was not a union. Somebody fixing the banking system. As a consequence of the working in the NHS contacted me on their own behalf measures we have put in place, corporation tax in the to ask what they could do to stop the Tories’ smear UK will be down to 20% in 2015, the lowest in the G20, campaign dragging the reputation of the Welsh NHS and our red tape challenge means that by the end of this through the mud. Members do not need to take my Parliament there will be fewer regulatory burdens on word for it; they could take the words of doctors in businesses than there were when we came to power in Wales. The British Medical Association in Wales said 2010. All that is good for Welsh businesses, but if we are very clearly that this was “a wicked”—[Interruption.] really to succeed, we need the Welsh Government to The Under-Secretary says from a sedentary position work with us here in Westminster. that this is about the trade unions, implying that it is In order to compete in a global market, we must also somehow connected to the Labour party. He knows ensure that Wales has a highly skilled and educated that that is not the case; he knows—[Interruption.] work force. However, the recent PISA results, which my hon. Friends the Members for Monmouth (David T. C. Madam Deputy Speaker (Mrs Eleanor Laing): Order. Davies) and for Vale of Glamorgan (Alun Cairns) quite We do not raise matters from a sedentary position. The properly touched on, show that in education Wales is hon. Gentleman is about to conclude. sadly falling further behind the rest of the UK and is internationally uncompetitive. The First Minister recently Owen Smith: I am grateful, Madam Deputy Speaker. admitted that the Welsh Government had taken their The BMA has said that the claims are a “wicked eye off the ball on education in Wales. Well, admission slander”, perpetrated by people in whose interests it is of fault is a start, but what parents and employers now to undermine the NHS, to perpetuate the myth that want to see, as my hon. Friend the Member for Vale of there is significantly worse performance in the NHS in Glamorgan said, is an early start on improving educational Wales, compared with England. It is not true, it has not outcomes in Wales. been true in the past and it will not be true in the future. Crucial to economic success is infrastructure. This What is true is that Welsh workers and the Welsh people Government recognise the importance of high-quality are suffering lower wages, higher job insecurity, higher infrastructure in a modern economy. Despite the difficult energy prices and greater difficulties as a result of this economic circumstances we inherited, we have made it a Government’s economic mismanagement of this country. priority to invest in infrastructure upgrade. We have In contrast, the Labour Government in Wales have invested in energy, as the hon. Member for Ynys Môn delivered economically. They have delivered a lower kindly acknowledged, in transport infrastructure, with unemployment rate in Wales than in the UK as a whole. the electrification of the south Wales railway lines, I conclude by congratulating them on that. and in first-class broadband, with an announcement of £57 million of investment and, most recently, another 4.50 pm £12 million to ensure that the hardest-to-reach locations will be served. Once completed, we will have achieved a The Secretary of State for Wales (Mr David Jones): truly remarkable transformation. Wales will be part of May I take this opportunity to wish you, Madam one of the finest broadband networks in Europe. Deputy Speaker, a belated happy St David’s day? It is, in Hon. Members made a number of important points fact, the end of St David’s week. I commend the Backbench that I would like to deal with as far as possible. My hon. Business Committee and the hon. Member for Ynys Friend the Member for Monmouth is concerned about Môn (Albert Owen) for recognising the importance of more powers for the Welsh Assembly, which I found quite having such a debate and securing it. I echo what he surprising, coming from him. Nevertheless, we will shortly said about the importance of being proud of our dual introduce the Wales Bill, which will give additional national identity—being both Welsh and British. It is powers to the Welsh Assembly and, most importantly, something he understands, I understand, the hon. Member will introduce for the first time a degree of accountability for Pontypridd (Owen Smith) understands and clearly, on the part of the Welsh Government for the money and most importantly, Sam Warburton understands. they spend. That can only be a good thing, and was The hon. Member for Ynys Môn focused his contribution welcomed by several hon. Members. largely on the economy, and rightly so. One of the joys The right hon. Member for Torfaen (Paul Murphy) of this office is that I have the privilege of travelling the raised the important issue of legal highs. It is not new, length and breadth of Wales, meeting some of our and I remember raising precisely the same issue with his 1155 Welsh Affairs6 MARCH 2014 Welsh Affairs 1156 right hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull because of shortage of time. I am sure that hon. Members West and Hessle (Alan Johnson) when he was Home across the House are united in their desire that Wales Secretary. This is a priority. We are working across should become more prosperous, more successful and, Government and with delivery partners to tackle the most of all, that we should continue to be proud to be elicit supply of and demand for legal highs. Legislation Welsh. is only part of the solution and we are targeting those drugs on all fronts. 4.58 pm We are seeking to reduce demand by raising awareness Albert Owen: May I thank you, Madam Deputy of their dangers not only among those who take them, Speaker, a canny Scot with an English constituency, for but among family members and parents in particular, impartially overseeing our debate on Welsh affairs? I making it difficult to obtain and supply them, and was proud to move the debate and to be a co-sponsor ensuring that statutory services can provide effective with the hon. Members for Brecon and Radnorshire treatment and recovery. I do not in any way seek to (Roger Williams) and for Montgomeryshire (Glyn Davies), downplay the significance of the problem. I am very and the right hon. Member for Dwyfor Meirionnydd grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for raising this (Mr Llwyd), who could not be with us today because of important issue. a pre-arranged engagement. My hon. Friend the Member for Montgomeryshire (Glyn Davies) raised the issue of mid-Wales. He said that We had 12 Back-Bench contributions and two Front- it needs better treatment, and that it is a battle to develop Bench winding-up speeches, all of them valuable. The awareness of it. As someone who is married to a lady debate was over-subscribed, which is proof that we need from mid-Wales, I would not seek to overlook that part an annual full-day Welsh debate in the House. The of the world. I agree with him entirely about cross-border Leader of the House is in his place and taking the issues routes which, as he knows, we are working on. on board. The hon. Member for Newport East (Jessica Morden) I teased the Chamber about the anti-European views also spoke about legal highs, and raised the important of Conservative Back Benchers and the pro-independence issues of Avana bakeries and the Orb steelworks on view of Plaid Cymru. The hon. Member for Monmouth which my office is engaged, as she knows. I fully understand (David T. C. Davies) did not disappoint in his contribution. the concern she expressed. The hon. Member for Arfon (Hywel Williams) suggested that Welsh Members are victims. I see us as full participants, My hon. Friend the Member for Ceredigion not victims in any way. (Mr Williams) raised the issue of the recent storm damage and specifically whether the Assembly Government When the Secretary of State talked about broadband had made a request for assistance under the EU solidarity in Wales, he gave a great example of where the Welsh fund. Some inquiries were made by the Assembly Government are leading on such matters, working with Government with the Department for Environment, the UK Government, with funds from the European Food and Rural Affairs, but no direct request for assistance Union, and with the private sector. We are all working was made. together for the good of Wales. We in this House must be proud of our Welshness and of the fact that we are The hon. Member for Islwyn (Chris Evans) raised the an integral part of the United Kingdom and Northern important issue of exclusions. I refer him to a constituent Ireland, as well as pro-Europeans. In May, if you want a of mine, Colette Ryan, a teacher at ysgol Emrys ap pro-Welsh, pro-British, pro-European party, vote Labour. Iwan in Abergele and an inspirational lady. I would be pleased to discuss the matter with him at a later time. Question put and agreed to. There were other important contributions and I apologise Resolved, to hon. Members for not dealing with them specifically That this House has considered Welsh affairs. 1157 6 MARCH 2014 Carpet Waste Fire (Thrunton) 1158

Carpet Waste Fire (Thrunton) the pools of water which had run off from the fire. Paying a contractor to do this work would have cost Motion made, and Question proposed, That this House tens of thousands of pounds. Without Mr Blythe’s do now adjourn.—(Amber Rudd.) efforts, it is thought that the fire could have burned for two years longer. The operating company did nothing. 5pm The fire inside the building continues to burn. A multi- Sir Alan Beith (Berwick-upon-Tweed) (LD): The story agency incident control team was set up involving I have to put to the Minister this afternoon is one of Northumberland’s environmental health department, gross disregard for the environment and for my constituents, the fire service, the Environment Agency, and Public inadequate regulation by the Environment Agency, and Health England. deplorable political pressure on the authorities not to Residents naturally wanted to know what substances act to protect my constituents. In raising this issue, I they were being exposed to, and what the short, medium want to thank my hon. Friend the Minister and my and long-term effects could be. The assurances they right hon. Friend the Prime Minister for the personal were given were hard to accept when they were having interest they have taken in it since I raised it with them. to keep their windows and doors shut at all times, turn A fire of carpet waste has burned for almost six off ventilation systems, and make alternative arrangements months on the site of an old brickworks at Thrunton in for drying their washing. We repeatedly asked for my constituency. The site is alongside the busy A697, smoke testing but did not get it until January, nearly five and adjoining or close to it are 26 houses, some of them months after the fire broke out. This lengthy battle over built for the brickworks’ staff. Some time after it closed different issues has added unnecessarily to the stress in 2010, the owner, Mr Blythe, who has done everything and worry for my constituents. he could to help deal with the situation, made it available The burnt material remains on site, and there is a to Blackwater (North East) Ltd for waste carpet storage, continuing risk of contamination of local watercourses. relying on the company to obtain and comply with the One of the ongoing issues throughout this sorry saga necessary approvals. has been who takes responsibility for removing the During the afternoon of 3 September 2013, the waste burnt material. Throughout the process, residents have carpet at Thrunton caught fire. Fire crews rushed to the been assured that it would be removed. At one point the scene and started trying to tackle the fire. There was an Environment Agency proposed that the cost of waste enormous amount of smoke from the fire, completely removal could be shared with the county council, but blocking the adjacent A697. Traffic was diverted. The the county council argued that responsibility for issuing stench could be smelled up to 15 miles away, beyond the permits and for monitoring and enforcing them was Alnwick and Rothbury.Local residents shut their windows held by the Environment Agency and so it should act to and doors and were told to stay inside. The fire quickly deal with the consequences. spread to bales of carpet both inside and outside the The landlord has been left with about 3,000 tonnes of buildings where they were stored. Pouring water on the burnt material. To clear the site would cost at least fire was cooling the outer surface of the burning carpet, £200,000. It will cost £500,000 if the waste analysis code but then a hard crust was forming and the water was requires it to be treated as hazardous, which is not yet running off, leaving the fire alight inside the bales. The clear. building that housed some of the bales, part of the former brickworks, partly collapsed. Due to the volume The Environment Agency has resisted all calls for it of water and the lie of the land, the water running off to take action to clear the site and charge Blackwater, from the fire crews’ efforts was also threatening the the operator, with the cost. It argues that the site neighbouring watercourses and fishing lake. operator should be given the opportunity to rectify the situation. I fear there is little hope of that happening. The bales of carpet had been stored outside the area What confidence can we have that Blackwater will do where they were permitted to be kept, which meant that anything? It has done nothing at all to deal with the fire instead of being on a hard concrete area, they were on or the pollution it has caused. porous ground that could soak up the contaminated run-off water. That ground covers the natural aquifer I turn now to the Environment Agency’s lack of where water collects and feeds the local spring, which enforcement of permit conditions. Blackwater’s business supplies water to the properties at Thrunton. Such was model involves taking waste carpet from a number of the danger to this supply that the control team decided sources to be shredded and baled and then reused to that the fire could not be put out and would have to be surface equestrian arenas. It had a further plan, which managed while it burned itself out. The fire was finally never got anywhere, to make briquettes from a blend of judged to be out in the second week of February 2014. carpet and wood bound with paraffin wax for biomass power stations. There have been regular inspections of the site by officers from Northumberland’s fire and rescue service, On 21 June 2011, Blackwater was awarded a permit the Environment Agency, the environmental health to operate as a department, and Public Health England, as well as my “Household, commercial and industrial waste transfer station own staff. A misting system was installed to damp down with treatment”. the fire, but that was problematic, and there had been The first breaches of the permit were identified when several attempts to get it in place before November. the Environment Agency inspected the site in July 2011. The landowner, Mr Blythe, has been proactively It gave advice and guidance. There were subsequent managing the fire himself throughout. Wearing breathing breaches in September and December 2011 and March apparatus and using a digger, he has, with the agreement 2012. In fact, the first time there was an inspection that of the fire service, removed the burnt material from did not record any breaches was on 6 July 2012—but the fire that is outside the building and dampened it in actually there was a breach. Material previously stored 1159 Carpet Waste Fire (Thrunton)6 MARCH 2014 Carpet Waste Fire (Thrunton) 1160 outside had been moved to storage bays, but those bays failure of judgment for a political candidate to attempt had been put up on part of the site that was outside the to put pressure on the Environment Agency to go easy area covered by the permit—yet the agency accepted on a company flouting permit conditions, which are that. there to protect my constituents. I hope that the Minister From February 2013, the situation at the site deteriorated will confirm that the Department did nothing as a quickly, and the landlord became increasingly concerned result of that representation to pressure the Environment about the breaches. In early February 2013, when he Agency not to carry out its enforcement responsibilities. complained to the Environment Agency, it said that the The fact remains that the Environment Agency was, site would be inspected in the next few weeks and that through its lack of enforcement, allowing the company “the landlord’s patience would be appreciated”. to store combustible waste in ways which were bound to make a fire much more serious. I have asked the At a site visit in March 2013, officials saw the waste Environment Agency to clear the site and then claim being stored outside the shed in excess of the permitted against Blackwater’s public liability insurance, but it is tonnage by a large amount. On 20 March, they asked not willing to attempt that course. Apparently, the the operator for an action plan with a deadline of Environment Agency would be happy to advise Mr Blythe 3 April 2013 to deal with the issue. On 17 April, they on how best he could clear the site, but that would mean agreed a new deadline. Blackwater then advised the Mr Blythe having to find the funds to do so—up to Environment Agency that it would be relocating, but it £500,000—and then making a claim against Blackwater’s did not. An action plan was received on 23 May, more insurance, which might take years to settle. than seven weeks after the original deadline. There is no approved management system in place for the site. If Blackwater fails to clear the site, its permit may well be revoked, but in that case, the problem would Too often it seems that the Environment Agency has become one of contaminated land. The liability for accepted at face value information given to it by Blackwater. restoring the land—in other words, for removing the Deadlines passed and seem simply to have been revised. burnt waste—might fall on Mr Blythe, as the landowner, Storage bays were in place, but they were not within the and enforcement action could be taken against him for area covered by the permit. The business was going to failing to deal with the contamination, despite all his move, but it did not. Breaches of permit conditions work to try to deal with it. Is that fair? Of course it is were also identified at the business’s other site at Milfield, not. I therefore ask the Minister to discuss that aspect near Wooler in my constituency. of the problem with the Environment Agency. This company has been paid about £60 a tonne to Blackwater has apparently shown its bank statements take waste carpet, which has been stockpiled in amounts to the Environment Agency, and has said that the far greater than allowed and outside the areas for which business has no money to fund a clean-up operation. the permit was given. There was only a very limited The company should have received well over £600,000 end-of-waste agreement. Complaints were made to the for taking carpet for recycling, yet no funds were set Environment Agency by Mr Blythe, his solicitors and aside for dealing with the aftermath of potential disasters. neighbouring residents about Blackwater’s operations. Should there not be a bond system, such as existed until The Environment Agency has now told me that it is 2003, so that money is available for emergency clean-ups, pursuing enforcement action against Blackwater, but given the increasing number of waste fires around the what was it doing before? Was it under any pressure to country? All the Environment Agency now does is to go easy on Blackwater? check the financial competence of the operator, a system It took a parliamentary question to establish that which completely failed in this case. If something is not only one representation called on the Environment Agency done, many more people will suffer as my constituents not to take enforcement action, and it took a freedom have done. I ask the Minister to see what he can do to of information request to get sight of the e-mail and get a happier outcome from this sorry story. careful study of the documents to establish who had sent it, because names are redacted. The e-mail reads: 5.12 pm “Hi Owen…See below from the excellent business which I sent TheParliamentaryUnder-Secretaryof StateforEnvironment, you the EA papers for after your trip to Northumberland. Food and Rural Affairs (Dan Rogerson): Following our As you can see below the EA are trying to shut the business Welsh colleagues’ deliberations to mark St David’s day, down even though its their non-processing of the licences which is Madam Deputy Speaker, I wish you and the House gool the cause. Peran lowen—a happy St Piran’s day—for yesterday, on Time is of the essence now for financial reasons—please can behalf of Cornish colleagues. you update me on any progress with EA? I am in London on I was horrified to hear the story that my right hon. tuesday and wednesday morning next week if we needed to meet. Friend the Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed (Sir Alan Your urgent assistance in this is much appreciated.” Beith) has shared with us. He has raised it several times The Secretary of State did not reply until 5 August. in this place and elsewhere, and he is absolutely right to His letter was headed by hand, “Dear Anne-Marie”, do so. The issues are very serious, and his points about which somebody forgot to redact, which made it quite the regulation of the Blackwater (North East) Ltd clear that the Conservative prospective candidate for waste site are crucial ones for us to bear in mind as we the Berwick constituency had called on the Environment consider the regulatory framework across the country. Agency to go easy on the company, which she thought I recognise how diligently my right hon. Friend has was “excellent”, but was engaged in a serial failure to represented the interests of his constituents, many of comply with environmental requirements. In fact, the whom have endured significant disruption to their lives Secretary of State detailed some of the failures in his and have had to contend with fears about the health letter, and urged that the company should work closely effects of the fumes from the fire. I also recognise and with the Environment Agency. It was an appalling commend the work of the site’s landowners, Mr and 1161 Carpet Waste Fire (Thrunton)6 MARCH 2014 Carpet Waste Fire (Thrunton) 1162

[Dan Rogerson] In the first instance, the Environment Agency is encouraging the operator and the landowner to liaise Mrs Blythe, in helping to extinguish the fire and to with their respective insurers so that the cost of clearing prevent pollution from the extinguished waste, as my and disposing of the waste does not add to the significant right hon. Friend set out. costs that have been incurred by the public purse in I welcome reports that the firefighting strategy and responding to the incident and in the subsequent pollution actions taken to control the run-off of firewater have so monitoring. Given the potential cost that I have set out, far proved effective and have prevented the contamination we must do everything that we can to avoid it being of both surface water and groundwater. I understand borne by the public purse. We face many challenges and that Public Health England has advised that it does not the Environment Agency is doing a great deal of work expect there to be any long-term health effects from across a range of issues, not least as a result of the the fire. recent extreme weather events. We must not leap up to incur these costs because they would have an impact on My right honourable Friend rightly wants to know the budget of the Environment Agency or the local when his constituents will be rid of the waste operation, authority that intervened. and when the stored waste will be removed. The site must now be returned to a condition that does not pose More generally, I hope that it will reassure my right a continuing risk to the local community and the hon. Friend to hear that I have been working with the environment. The primary legal responsibility for that Environment Agency and others to consider how we sits firmly with Blackwater, as the holder of the might prevent problems like those at Thrunton from environmental permit. The site operator must meet his arising, so that we do not have to take lengthy and responsibility to clear the site and make it safe. As my costly remedial action. I met the chairman of the right hon. Friend said, the landowners, Mr and Mrs Blythe, Environment Agency, Lord Smith of Finsbury, and its are calling for the Environment Agency to remove the chief executive, Dr Paul Leinster, late last year to discuss residual waste from the site. The full cost of removing these matters, following my appointment as Minister in and disposing of the waste is estimated to be in the October. I will do so again shortly. region of £635,000. Clearly, the removal of the stored The agency is under a duty to ensure that site operators waste must be a priority for all concerned. are in a position to meet the obligations under their I understand that there were early signs that the permits. I have challenged the agency to come to me operator of the site was co-operating with the Environment with proposals on this issue. I am pleased to say that it is Agency to address the breaches of his permit. However, exploring, with representatives of the waste management as my right hon. Friend will be aware, the agency found industry, how operators can ensure that they are in a it necessary to serve an enforcement notice on Blackwater position to fund their obligations, including any potential on 10 January 2014. The notice required the company clear-up and reducing the risk of the abandonment of to comply with its environmental permit by removing waste and waste fires. all the extinguished waste by 24 February. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural The site operator has utterly failed to comply with the Affairs and the Environment Agency are working with notice. As a result, the Environment Agency is gathering the waste industry and the fire and rescue service to evidence and has called the operator to a formal interview identify the root cause of fire incidents. We will assess under caution to answer allegations of non-compliance, the lessons that can be learned and the longer-term which could lead to prosecution or other enforcement interventions that may be needed. The Environment action, including a court order to clear the site. If the Agency is reviewing what it can do to reduce the risk of operator is prosecuted, he should face the full consequences fires, reduce the drivers of non-compliant behaviour of his failings. and tackle the problem swiftly. The seriousness of environmental offences and their My right hon. Friend rightly focused on the agency’s environmental and economic impact has been recognised approach to the enforcement of the permit conditions and embodied in the Sentencing Council’s definitive at the site. The Environment Agency has a statutory guideline on environmental offences, which was published duty to carry out appropriate periodic inspections of last week. In following the guideline, it is hoped that regulated facilities to check their compliance with the courts will reflect the true cost of breaches of environmental terms and conditions of the environmental permits that legislation when sentencing offenders and that that will it grants. act as a strong deterrent. As my right hon. Friend has indicated, the Environment The agency has my full backing to take tough and Agency has discretionary powers that enable it to take timely enforcement action against those who repeatedly action and recover costs. flout the law, undermine the legitimate waste management industry, and cause suffering to local communities. As Sir Alan Beith: I took part in the framing of the part of the lessons to be learned from the handling of sentencing guidelines and hope that they will provide strong this case, I will ask the agency to consider whether its guidance if the matter comes to court. The Minister has enforcement action could have been swifter. referred to the recent decision to take enforcement action. I acknowledge that there have been several recent Will he deal later in his remarks with the extraordinarily fires at regulated waste sites, with impacts on local long period of inaction between 2011 and 2013? communities that are similar to this case. Some 97% of waste management operators are good performers, so Dan Rogerson: I assure my right hon. Friend that I the emphasis must be on how best to intervene early to will talk about the discussions that I have had with the deal with the non-compliance of the poorest performers Environment Agency on earlier intervention in sites in a way that prevents harm to human health and that may cause a problem or that are causing alarm. damage to the environment. 1163 Carpet Waste Fire (Thrunton)6 MARCH 2014 Carpet Waste Fire (Thrunton) 1164

The impact of poor performance and waste fires is Dan Rogerson: I am happy to make such an undertaking one topic in the report, “Waste Crime: Tackling Britain’s on my right hon. Friend’s latter point, and in my Dirty Secret”, which was published on Tuesday this discussions on the more general points I will look at the week by the Environmental Services Association Education specifics of this case and at how Mr Blythe might be Trust. I made it clear at the launch of that report that affected and what can be done, given the helpful attitude the Government want legitimate waste businesses to he has shown and the effort he has put into tackling the prosper and grow. Effective compliance and enforcement incident. are needed to ensure that the market operates as we On the point about interference, I have made it clear want, and that serious environmental damage is avoided. that we expect the agency to intervene early. It is not my My right hon. Friend can be assured that I will continue understanding that anything resulted from any contact to monitor the outcome of the incident, and work with there may have been with the Department on issues the agency to ensure that lessons are learned. I will write such as this, and in discussions with the agency I have to inform him of the actions to be taken as a result. made it clear that I expect it to tackle such problems early. I hope my right hon. Friend will feel that that is the correct way to deal with this and that that is the Sir Alan Beith: I would like to be sure of two things attitude we should be showing when tackling operators from the Minister. First, does he believe that an atmosphere who are not managing resources effectively or moving was created in which the agency did not feel that it towards the circular economy we want to see, but who could or should use its powers, and that that was are profiting at the expense of the local environment perhaps contributed to by inappropriate political pressures and local communities. such as those I have described? Secondly, is he prepared Question put and agreed to. to talk further with the Environment Agency about how we can avoid a situation in which a landowner who has done so much to deal with the problem is landed 5.22 pm with the quite impossible total cost of the clear up? House adjourned.

361WH 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 362WH Economy business skills training courses, financial services and Westminster Hall networks of mentors. The company employs 770,000 people directly and 10 million indirectly in its supply chain. Thursday 6 March 2014 Programmes are now running in more than 20 countries, including Haiti, Thailand, Liberia and Ethiopia, and will create a whole new generation of female entrepreneurs. [JOHN ROBERTSON in the Chair] Lorely Burt (Solihull) (LD): We need not look only to BACKBENCH BUSINESS developing countries: the number of female entrepreneurs in this country is about half the number in America. If Women’s Contribution to the Economy we are talking about growing the economy, would we not solve our economic problems at a stroke if more Motion made, and Question proposed, That the sitting women were encouraged to create companies, wealth be now adjourned.—(Claire Perry.) and jobs?

1.30 pm Mrs Spelman: The hon. Lady and I share a great Mrs Caroline Spelman (Meriden) (Con): I thank all interest in the role of female entrepreneurs in our regional hon. Members who have asked to speak in this debate. economy. If she waits a short while, I will come to It is the tradition of our Parliament to have a debate as exactly that point. close as possible to the date of international women’s Charities are also running initiatives, such as Oxfam’s day, which is on Saturday, so Thursday afternoon is as gendered enterprise and markets programme. Oxfam close as we can get. I am grateful to the Backbench works with vulnerable farmers, especially women and Business Committee for acceding to the cross-party mothers, helping them grow and sell more by supporting request to hold this debate today. them to establish producer groups. In that way, female I will focus particularly on the global female economy. farmers can pool their resources and sell their produce Women’s contribution to the economy is topical as the in bulk to get a better price, enabling them to increase world digs its way out of the global financial crisis. It income and gain equal status in their homes and will be vital, if we are to consolidate economic recovery, communities. for women around the world to participate in their A couple of weeks ago, during the recess, I saw economies. Research published by the Boston Consulting another example of an initiative to empower women Group last September suggests that over the next five when I visited Bangladesh in my capacity as vice-president years, women will add $6 trillion to global earned of Tearfund. The charity is working in partnership with income, which shows the size of the contribution that other non-governmental organisations to undertake they already make and the scope for much more. capacity-building programmes in flood and drought-prone Both genders need to be active in the economy for parts of the country, as well as empowering women in GDP to grow to its full extent. An International Monetary village communities to take over and improve their own Fund report also published last September noted the situation, not necessarily by giving money directly but potential for macro-economic gains if women develop by building capacity. I saw women there being taught to their full labour market potential. GDP per capita use kitchen gardens to grow vegetable crops that they losses as a result of gender gaps in the labour market would otherwise pay a great deal to buy imported from are estimated to be as high as 27% in some countries. India. It was a joy to behold the light that shone out of The new Prime Minister of Japan took the World their eyes and their pride in improving their circumstances. Economic Forum by storm this year when he said that They might be illiterate, but their daughters will be able if Japanese women were fully active in his economy, his to get a university education, and the resources that country’s GDP would grow by 16%, that he sees that as they had secured through better farming were ploughed absolutely key to the future of Japan, and that he into the needs of their local community. intends to legislate for a target of 30% of leading I also discovered in Bangladesh the role played by the positions in his country to be filled by women. central bank there. Its governor, Atiur Rahman, has at In developing countries, gender inequalities are often heart a desire to make his country more sustainable and even greater than in developed countries. In 2013, the to help the women there become more sustainable. He IMF cited studies estimating that of the 856 million has granted a mobile bank account to every female women worldwide who have the potential to contribute garment worker in the country for next to no charge, more fully to their national economies, 812 million live meaning that those women can return their income in emerging and developing nations. India is one example. directly to mum and dad back home in the village India has had, as role models, a famous female Prime without a middleman taking a cut. Those are examples Minister in Indira Gandhi and a female President, of creative ways to ensure in developing countries that Pratibha Patil. However, the female participation rate in women play a much more active role in their economy. the labour force in India has stayed at around 32% since As for the UK, Office for National Statistics figures the turn of the century, and female wages in India have published last month show that female employment in declined to an average of just 26% of men’s. the UK is at its highest level since records began. It now There are some important global initiatives to tackle stands at 62.7%, compared with 53% in 1971. Women now such issues and realise the gains to be had from increasing account for 46% of the UK work force. Figures from female participation in labour markets. For example, January 2014 also show that 20.4% of FTSE 100 directors Coca-Cola began its 5by20 initiative in 2010. Coca-Cola are female, compared with 12.5% in February 2011. has pledged to empower 5 million female entrepreneurs Progress is being made in those areas, but there is around the globe by 2020 by increasing their access to definitely still further to go. 363WH Women’s Contribution to the 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 364WH Economy Economy [Mrs Spelman] opportunity for more women to enter the manufacturing sector. However, the growth in manufacturing has provoked Turning to my regional interest, which I share with a skills shortage, which could be addressed—at least in my hon. Friend the Member for Solihull (Lorely Burt), part—by encouraging more women into manufacturing I am disturbed to read that there are serious geographic and engineering jobs. imbalances in female participation in this country. The Jaguar Land Rover, our local employer, is certainly lowest employment rates for women are in Birmingham, seizing the opportunity by running a programme called where the rate is 50%; Nottingham, where it is 54%; “YoungWomen in the Know”for year 10 and 11 students, Coventry, where it is 55%; and Leicester, where it is to encourage more women to consider careers in 55%. That means that they have a higher than average manufacturing and engineering. It is a week-long proportion of women not actively employed in the programme that enables young women to find out more economy. I fully understand that that might be linked to about the sector. Students visit JLR’s manufacturing, the ethnic make-up of those cities, but none the less, it is design and engineering sites; they meet female apprentices, disappointing to find that the midlands cities, which are graduates and managers; and they participate in work at the heart of the manufacturing renaissance that we placements. Information is also provided in all our local are enjoying, have such low levels of female participation schools about the apprentice and graduate schemes run compared with other cities. by JLR, and there are also workshops for job applicants and work on interview techniques, to help female applicants Stephen Metcalfe (South Basildon and East Thurrock) to understand what is required in an interview situation (Con): I know all too well the importance of women in and to give them the confidence to go for it. By the end the economy, having worked in my family business for of 2013, 200 young women had participated in the the last 25 years with my wife, my sister, and the founder courses, which had increased interest in engineering and of the company—my mother, who built up the business. design careers at JLR by 35%. It strikes me from what my right hon. Friend says that There is a parallel “Girls in the Know” programme not enough young women are going into the workplace for girls in years 5 and 6—the top of primary school. and aspiring to do well. Does she think that it should be That is very important. When we had a cross-party incumbent on successful women to act as role models round table of all the MPs in this House whose by going into schools, inspiring people and telling them constituencies are affected in some way by the JLR that there is no limit to their aspiration and should be supply chain, one of the important points that emerged no barriers to it? is that girls are put off at an early age from thinking of going to work in the automotive industry, in manufacturing Mrs Spelman: I thank my hon. Friend for his generally and in engineering specifically, despite the fact intervention, and I agree that the role modelling to that the key qualifying subject for engineering is maths. women needs to start really young—as early as primary These days, engineering is not all about heft; it is school—before girls are put off entering certain professions actually about being a really good mathematician. that they somehow do not see as being open to them. I will warm to that theme. Mike Freer (Finchley and Golders Green) (Con): On In September 2013, the ONS published a report on that point, my partner is a maths teacher and one of the women in the labour market that established that there things that he struggles with is getting girls to study were important gender differences between different A-level maths, because they do not see the roles in occupations. For example, 82% of those employed in maths as being particularly relevant to them. One thing caring or leisure occupations are women; by contrast, that he has been doing is taking A-level girls to see, for just 10% of those in skilled trade occupations are women. example, British Airways engineering, so that they can Some industries have a good gender split. For example, see some of the more practical applications of maths, to in February figures from the General Medical Council make maths A-levels—and the jobs—attractive to them. showed that 48.8% of registered general practitioners Should not the Department for Education be doing are female. A report published by the Law Society in more to encourage that type of activity? May 2013 showed that approximately 47% of solicitors with practising certificates are women, compared with a Mrs Spelman: I entirely agree with my hon. Friend figure of 39% in 2002. That report stated that for the that maths is an A-level that is prized by all employers, past 20 years women have accounted for more than half and both men and women who are good at maths have of new entrants to the legal profession, so the proportion good career prospects; there is no difference between of women in the profession is set to increase in the men and women in that respect. foreseeable future. According to the Institute of Practitioners There was a lively event on Monday in the House of in Advertising, women account for 49% of the work Commons, where MPs were invited to come and mentor, force in the creative advertising sector, and according to for 15 minutes at a time, groups of secondary school the Performing Rights Society for Music, the music students who had come in from different London boroughs. licensing organisation, nearly a third of last year’s top It was interesting that, even then, I picked up among 100 albums were by women artists or groups fronted by these school students that the girls did not fully appreciate women. the passport that is a maths A-level. I would say to However, one sector that has traditionally been heavily them, “If you’re good at it, go for it!” male-dominated is manufacturing and engineering. It is Alongside these gender disparities across economic a sector that is very dear to my heart, as Jaguar Land sectors, there are, of course, income differences, which Rover’s two factories are very important to constituents are a consequence of occupational differences in income. in both Solihull and Meriden. There is no doubt that Men are far more likely to be in professional occupations the current manufacturing renaissance is a fantastic associated with higher pay, for example software 365WH Women’s Contribution to the 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 366WH Economy Economy development, while more women are found in lower- introducing shared parental leave from April 2015; funding paid professional occupations, including those in the 15 hours a week of free child care for all three and caring professions. According to the 2012 annual survey four-year-olds, which will save families approximately of hours and earnings, programmers and software £380 a year per child; funding 15 hours a week of free development professionals earned on average more than child care for disadvantaged two-year-olds, which will £20 per hour—£20.02, to be precise—excluding overtime. save the most disadvantaged families more than £2,400 By comparison, nurses earned on average £16.61 per a year per child; introducing tax-free child care for lone hour, according to the survey. We might reflect on that parents in work, and for families with two working kind of disparity. The ONS report from September parents who each earn less than £150,000; and increasing 2013 showed that men make up the majority of workers child tax credit to £3,625 a year. These are all steps in in the top 10% of earners among all employees. the right direction, but for a lot of women, the cost of child care remains a significant deterrent to being active Mark Garnier (Wyre Forest) (Con): I congratulate in the economy. my right hon. Friend on securing this debate. Does she share my concern about industries such as banking? Big Paul Uppal (Wolverhampton South West) (Con): I high street banks are making great claims that they are am being pre-emptive in thanking my right hon. Friend introducing a tremendous amount of gender equality, for securing this debate. I should like to mention something yet below the figures there is a tremendous amount of that is not often highlighted in political circles, or gender imbalance; it tends to be women who have the generally in business circles. I used to work from home lower-paid jobs in the banks and men who have the more and was a stay-at-home dad, raising my two teenage senior and higher-paid jobs. That is despite the fact that children. There has been a slight role reversal. My wife there is an advantage in having women in certain areas, is a lawyer, as my right hon. Friend is aware. We are now such as dealing rooms, where they can “de-testosterone” bringing up our third child. The role of men, and being and therefore de-risk some of these organisations. a proper father, is crucial. Sometimes, not just politicians, Mrs Spelman: Testosterone is far too racy a subject to but men in business and of all backgrounds need to talk start talking about mid-afternoon on a Thursday.Actually, about their contribution to the family. my hon. Friend makes a good point. I applaud moves such as the one by the chief executive of Barclays, who Mrs Spelman: My hon. Friend makes a good point. is introducing quotas for women within his company, so He has been a role model to his children, who will that women get a really good opportunity to be represented remember the time that he spent at home with them. in the higher-paid echelons of the banking business. I wish that we saw more of that. Paul Uppal: I am not sure about that! Sheila Gilmore (Edinburgh East) (Lab): I apologise in advance for having to depart; I hope to come back later, Mrs Spelman: I am optimistic that that will be so. It but I am on a Public Bill Committee and I think that my may take a long time before the kids say, “Thank you turn to speak will come quite shortly. One thing that very much, dad”, but when they are raising their own various investigations of professional groups—even, for children, it might just occur to them. example, people teaching in universities—show is that Capitalising on the contribution that women can at younger ages men and women are often quite equally make to the economy is vital for our economic recovery. paid; they seem to be on the same sort of earnings Women’s contributions are already significant, but there levels. However, there is a disparity later, which is closely is potential for much more. We need to take steps related to family responsibilities. actively to encourage this, taking the global picture into account, and learning from the example of both Mrs Spelman: Absolutely. The hon. Lady makes a international and domestic companies and charities good point and she shows perfect timing. I have a lot of that are leading the way, such as Coca-Cola, JLR, material for today’s debate, and I may not use it all, but Tearfund, Oxfam and others. We need women to be I want to come on to the issue of the costs of child care, actively involved in the economy for this country to because it is a significant factor and it affects women’s achieve its full potential. The female economy is the key earning potential. If they have to take a career break, it to a sustainable future. eventually has a negative impact on their earnings during their career. The ONS report from last year showed that the age of 1.51 pm children and the relationship status of the mother are Fiona Mactaggart (Slough) (Lab): I congratulate the important factors in determining the likelihood of mothers right hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman) on being able to go to work. Only 39% of single mothers leading the call for this debate. When I spoke to the whose youngest child is aged three or below are in work, Leader of the House on 9 January, I pointed out that it compared with a figure of 65% for those mothers who was traditional to have an international women’s day are in a couple. That situation changes later on, with debate and that, at a time when women of the world do 61% of single mothers who have a youngest child of two thirds of the world’s work, but only get 10% of the primary school age in work, because it becomes possible world’s earnings, there was a big challenge that we had for the lone parent to get back into the workplace. to address. I am sad, as I am sure other Members in this The cost of child care is a real challenge. There was a Chamber are, that the debate about women’s issues is report only this week that showed that child care costs half in the main Chamber—about women in Afghanistan more than the average mortgage, which should concern —and half in this Chamber. I should like to contribute us all. However, the Government have taken significant to both debates. I hope that all of us can unite to make steps to try to help women with the cost of child care: sure that next year we do not get a repeat of this mess. 367WH Women’s Contribution to the 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 368WH Economy Economy [Fiona Mactaggart] still advertised through jobcentres. It is shocking that people who do these ancillary jobs as hat-check girls, I think that all hon. Members can unite in celebrating receptionists, spa workers, and so on, can still get the the way in which women’s contribution to the economy employment subsidy that is available to workers between has grown. When I joined the work force in the 70s, only 18 and 24. It is shocking that my taxes might be used to half of women were in employment and now it is two subsidise a young woman in such a role. I should thirds, although we have not yet achieved equality with welcome the Minister’s saying that she will discuss in men. The Women’s Business Council recently calculated her colleagues in the Department for Work and Pensions, that if we were to equalise the participation of men and whether that is happening at the moment and what the women in the economy, we would increase GDP by future jobs are of the girls in these ancillary roles. I fear 0.5% per annum and by 10% by 2030. I think that we that those jobs are a stepping stone to employment in could all unite in wanting that. the sex industry. If that is so, the least we should do is I am concerned that we continue chronically to prohibit their being subsidised. But I divert into younger undervalue the role that women continue to play, because workers from my main issue, which is older workers. so much of the work that women do is not paid; and If we were to tackle the issue of the quality of work that is because we do not put an economic value on the available to older women, we would stop wasting a huge things that women do that make the world work and resource that is potentially available to our economy. It make the economy and society operate effectively. Caring is striking that two thirds of people who work after for family is critical to economic success. Without family retirement age are women, but two thirds of those care, children will not succeed in learning and the costs women are still on the lowest pay levels. Of the men of caring for older and ill people will be a public who comprise the one third of people who work after burden. My thesis is that if we recognised the value of retirement age, two thirds of them are—guess what?—on women’s work more effectively, we would have a stronger the top rates of pay for their role. That is a reflection of economy, there would be less under-employment of the fact that women have to keep working because they women and we would all thrive better. have lower savings and poorer pensions and still have I want to mention specifically a group of women that family responsibilities and costs. As I am sure other we have not noticed. We have noticed that there is a Members do, I speak to many women in my constituency child care penalty, which the right hon. Lady described who are desperately trying to get together resources to well, but I want to talk about the contribution of older help their children and grandchildren get on to the women. In that context, I commend to right hon. and housing ladder, and so on. We are wasting the potential hon. Members a report produced by the TUC this of a large group of women, which we need to address. week, called “Age immaterial: women over 50 in the workplace”. It is striking that older women face additional Lorely Burt: I am listening closely to the hon. Lady. It penalties. I am really sad that, in an era when we have is regrettable that older women are paid less—I declare traditionally equalised the pay gap and it has been my interest—but perhaps that is partly because they pulling together—under the previous Government take time out for child care, whereas the boys, as ever, it reduced by 7.5% or 8%—for the first time in five years run ahead and develop their career. Also, as women get it has widened a bit again. It is worth looking at for older, many of us have to care for our parents and the whom it has widened most and where the pay gap is older generation. Does she think that the increase in biggest. flexible working rules will help this generation of women? What else does she suggest that we, as a Government, We tend to think that the pay gap is biggest for a can do to facilitate the narrowing of the pay gap between woman caring for her children. Actually, that is not so. men and women? The pay gap for women under 40 is less than 1% and the biggest pay gap between women and men—18%—is for women between 50 and 59. We need to address this Fiona Mactaggart: The hon. Lady is right that the issue of women in precarious employment who are motherhood penalty goes through a woman’s career, underemployed and underpaid. which is one of the reasons why, although women outnumber men in the earlier levels of management, Older women share one kind of vulnerability with they fall off the career ladder as they go up. She is also younger women: they are much more likely to be on right to highlight that, if we were to make work more zero hours contracts than other groups in the economy. flexible—I will make some specific proposals on ways This is a phenomenon at the beginning and the end of to do that—it would be easier for women to thrive in the employment. They are more likely to be low paid. They workplace. As is traditional in all sorts of areas of life, a will not benefit from the Budget that we are all looking male model is the standard model and women, of forward to next week—well, we may not be looking course, are a diversion from that standard model. I forward to it, but we will have it shortly—because more remember that when I was first elected in 1997—I was than half of women over 50 are in part-time employment one of the 101 women we flapped on about in the and more than half of them earn less than the tax-free Labour party—one of the difficulties that women such allowance threshold. If that threshold is increased again, as me faced was that every single thing we did, and it will not address this low-paid group in the economy. every single step we took, represented women in politics. We need to deal with the concern about the most Every time a woman did something that was perhaps precarious women workers. Right hon. and hon. Members unreliable or unusual, it was because that is what women will be aware that I have been banging on somewhat—and do. We were strange and unusual, and we were a diversion I want to bang on briefly once more—about the fact from the norm. Interestingly, I no longer carry on my that we do not protect young women from employment back that requirement to represent women in politics. in roles ancillary to sex jobs, in pole-dancing clubs, Although we are still a small minority of Parliament, saunas, massage parlours, and so on. Those roles are we have become more normal. 369WH Women’s Contribution to the 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 370WH Economy Economy That is good, but we still have a workplace environment is partly because older women tend to be concentrated in which the norm is nine-to-five. The norm is a man in the public sector, where there have been huge job with a wife at home who looks after the children, losses, but it is also because older women are easier to ensures that they get to school and deals with their squeeze out of the work force. We need to address the doctor’s appointments, and so on. The recent figures way in which older women are pushed out of work. from the Office for National Statistics are interesting When I held a discussion group for older women in my because they suggest that women take more sick days constituency, one woman said, “We are always first in than men. There were arguments that women know line for redundancy and last in line for interviews.” how to use doctors better, but everyone who has really I have talked to various professional groups about been there knows that it is not because women are what is happening in different professions. The National sicker than men or are better at using doctors; it is Union of Teachers, for example, recently conducted a because women take time off pretending to be sick survey on the misuse of capability among teachers. The when their children are sick. When I was a teacher, no survey found that more than three quarters of the teacher ever took time off because they were sick, but union’s representatives report that women teachers over they did take time off when their kids were sick. We the age of 50 are disproportionately represented in their have failed to recognise the different experiences of casework. Older women doctors and those in professions women and men in how work is structured, so we think allied to medicine, such as physiotherapy, have reported it is very modern to make work more flexible by moving pressure to exit their careers as hospital doctors and from a very male model to something that is more specialists. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in normal for all men and women, but we need to go England and Wales reports that, of the women members further. who have declared themselves to be unemployed, 60% are over 45 and 43% are aged between 45 and 54. Stephen Metcalfe: The hon. Lady is making some The Commission on Older Women, which I helped to powerful and important points. Does she accept that, set up, has received extensive evidence that older women although there is plenty that both sides of the House are leaving work because they cannot balance work and can do to make work more flexible and to make it easier care responsibilities. We have a perfect storm of women to achieve balance, we also have to address the deep-seated being squeezed out while they are trying to juggle their cultural differences between men and women that still responsibilities. Members will have seen the commission’s seem to be perpetuated? How do we break some of work with broadcasters following evidence that older those down across the economic spectrum, not just women no longer appear on our television screens. The across those parts of the economy that have seen the figures on broadcasting that we received on the commission light and are working towards equality? showed that 82% of TV presenters over 50 were men. While TV presenters in general are broadly reflective of Fiona Mactaggart: I heard the hon. Gentleman’s the age of the general population, that is not the case earlier intervention on women having to be role models with older TV presenters. Some 48% of TV presenters for other women, and I do not see why men should not under the age of 50 are women—compared with 49.7% be role models, too. Men should take some responsibility. of the general population under 50—yet that percentage On the deep-seated cultural messages, embedded in falls like a stone with older presenters. our culture is a belief that we can pay much less for There is a problem with women being squeezed out work that people are willing to do unpaid than we pay and women moving out because of their caring for work that people would never do unpaid. I do not responsibilities. As a Parliament and a Government, we think anyone would be a banker unpaid, so bankers are first have to do what we are doing today, which is to paid squillions of times more than care workers—I celebrate the contribution that women can make. We really do mean squillions. The big cultural shift that we have to ensure that women are more resistant to the need to make is to think about value. We severely squeezing out efforts and more confident in their role in undervalue the skills involved in caring for and looking employment. We also need to do much more to help after people. If we made that shift, perhaps organisational women to balance work and their family responsibilities. shifts in the workplace would follow. That is an enormous The problem is not just about child care. We have cultural leap, and we will not achieve it in five minutes, made some progress on child care, and we need to make but it should be our aim. If we do not aim at it, we will more, but we also need to recognise that women care at continue with the situation in which, as I said, women all points of their life. For example, older women might across the world do two thirds of the world’s work—they find that their spouse or a parent has a sudden crisis do the child care, other caring for the family, subsistence illness. They would not know, at that point, whether to farming and so on—and the men, who do less work, get leave work, because they would not know whether the 90% of the pay. That is not a sensible way to run a illness was serious and long term. They would not know world, let alone a country. whether they would have to become a full-time carer, Older women have faced the biggest jump in and they would not know what the caring would be like. unemployment since 2010. Although women’s employment, They would not know whether they needed to get some generally, has increased because there has been a trend flexibility or whatever. The least we should do is back towards women entering the paid work force, there has the request made in the TUC’s “AgeImmaterial”campaign been a huge leap in unemployment among older women. to allow what it calls “adjustment leave”, which is a Unemployment in that group has gone up by 45% since period of leave at a moment of crisis that people can the general election, although it has eased off slightly in have to adjust their lives. Some of us will have read the last quarter, but that compares with a 1% increase in Jackie Ashley’s account of having to care for Andrew unemployment for the rest of the population. There is a Marr when he had his stroke. She had a tolerant employer, serious problem in how we deal with older women. That but she did not know how disabled he would be. It is 371WH Women’s Contribution to the 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 372WH Economy Economy [Fiona Mactaggart] thriving business headed up by a woman, and that is particularly impressive given the male-dominated field great to see him back on our screens, but she needed to in which she operates. take time off to look after him and enable him to get While the number of female company directors is a back to work. She did not know what the future would good indicator of women’s enhanced role in business, be. We should legislate for the right to adjustment leave, more should be done to emphasise the role of women in which would give someone in those circumstances a small and medium-sized enterprises, and the contribution short-term period of leave to find out the right thing to that they make to the economy. There are far more do, such as whether to apply for more flexible hours. SMEs than there are big businesses, and they employ We need to ensure that there are more well-paid more people. In my constituency of Mid Derbyshire, a part-time jobs. One of the problems about part-time number of enterprising women have struck out on their employment is that it tends to be at the bottom of the own and started their own businesses. Three years ago, pay scale. As parliamentarians, we could lead a campaign my constituent Wendy bought a local business called to get well-paid part-time jobs. Unfortunately, too many Fresh Basil. She came from a farming background and women in part-time work at present are not paid anything had worked as a tax fraud inspector for some years like the living wage; they are on the minimum wage. As I before buying the shop. She wanted more freedom to do have said, older women are often well represented in what she wanted to do. public sector jobs. They have been affected by the public Just three years on, Wendy is running a thriving café sector pay freeze for a long time, and their incomes are and delicatessen employing 20 people. Aside from providing therefore being seriously hit. We need a better system of employment for local people, she is also diligent in carer’s leave. If we had that, we could keep the talent of promoting local suppliers, using 90 of them to stock her older women workers. We are missing out on their shop and so reducing the number of food miles. The experience, talent and capacity to lead in the work force. business also supports the aims of Transition Belper, One multinational company reports that it has bigger which are to support local business and for people to profits in its outlets where an older woman is on the spend £5 a week more in their area on local products, serving counter. The company does not employ many rather than going to supermarkets and big businesses. older workers. We have to make much more progress on That brings far more money and disposable income tackling the needs of older women. The consequence of into the local economy. Wendy helps budding producers older women being squeezed out of work is that too to find buyers for their products. In the context of the often they try and do not succeed in becoming entrepreneurs wider local economy, she ensures that all her staff are and making little bits of work here and there. We do not trained ambassadors for the town of Belper, which is give enough support to women trying to become within the world heritage site of the Arkwright mills, entrepreneurs, although it would be better that someone where the industrial revolution began. They all can who wants to be an entrepreneur starts that at the recommend local businesses to those who visit the beginning of their career, rather than seeing it as a town. consolation prize when they have been stuffed in a Another business headed up by one of my dynamic longer term career. female constituents is Jack Rabbits. Amelia Horne started I make a particular plea that we get it right for older the business as a result of her passion for good, locally women. If we do that, and stop wasting their talent, sourced food, and she now runs an incredibly successful stop excluding them from training opportunities and grocery and café business. All the dairy products, meat stop squeezing them out of jobs, and use their experience and fish that the business sells are sourced from local more intelligently, I have no doubt that they would suppliers, including from my local butcher, Barry Fitch, contribute massively to the success of our economy and in my village of Little Easton. Even the wooden boards to the happiness of our families. If we do that, we will that they serve their food on come from a carpenter in have a better society that all of us can celebrate. Derbyshire. Like Wendy, Amelia is keen to help the local community, and she supplies all the business leftovers to local homeless 2.16 pm shelters. It is with reference to these two cases that I would say that increasing the number of women SME Pauline Latham (Mid Derbyshire) (Con): I am delighted, owners not only makes economic sense, in terms of the Mr Robertson, to serve under your chairmanship. I jobs created by businesses, but helps communities, and congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for it is important that the Government support that. This, Meriden (Mrs Spelman) and the hon. Member for coupled with the fact that only 18% of SME owners in Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) on securing this important this country are women, makes it clear that more needs debate to celebrate international women’s day. I hope to to be done to promote women in business. Sally Montague, be rather more upbeat than the hon. Lady has been over who runs a local hairdressing organisation, opened her the past 25 minutes. first salon in 1983. She now has six salons, ranging from In 2011, just 12.5% of FTSE 100 companies had one for students in the university of Derby, one in the directors who were women. It has been predicted that in city of Derby, one in Belper, one in Duffield in my 2015, that figure will rise to 25%, and that is undoubtedly constituency, and one in Ashbourne. She employs many partly a consequence of the hard work of the Department young people—men and women—who are all local. for Business, Innovation and Skills to get more women Of course, successful small businesses do not stay into senior positions. It is no mean feat to run a high-profile small for long, and Pennine Healthcare in Derby is a business, and it is clear that women are just as capable prime example. Liz Fothergill, the company’s CEO, of doing that as men. The Derby-based firm DeltaRail, started working at that family-run firm during her run by Anna Matthews, is an excellent example of a holidays when she was at university. She was the person 373WH Women’s Contribution to the 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 374WH Economy Economy responsible for establishing the company’s export links better example for girls coming into the world of work, with Europe and the rest of the world, and now Pennine and for women already there, so that they see that they exports to 50 countries across the globe. Liz’s achievements can get to the top. We have had the first and only female have been widely acknowledged, and in June 2012, she Prime Minister in this country, and we should be proud was appointed His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales’s of that, but this Parliament is not good enough yet. ambassador for the east midlands through his patronage I am delighted at the results of the Government’s of Business in the Community. hard work with regard to women board members. Again, Such local examples show that women play a vital there is still a good way to go to get more women role in local economies and communities, and that involved in small business. should be reflected in international aid policy. Last year, there was an article in The Guardian about women’s Fiona Mactaggart: I welcome what the hon. Lady savings and credit co-operatives, which help women in says about having an all-women shortlist, but on women Ethiopia to set up shops that trade in local goods. In board members, one of the problems is that too many fact, the Department for International Development of the additional women board members are in non- also helped with microfinance for women in many countries. executive roles. Does she have any proposals to make The businesses are not always successful, but the profits more women executive board members? earned by the women running them mean that they no longer financially depend on their husbands, and they Pauline Latham: The hon. Lady makes a very good serve to empower the whole community. point, but I think my hon. Friend the Member for Community development projects also play an important Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey), who is sitting behind me, part in getting women to engage with the local economy. will address that in her speech, and I do not want to I should declare an interest in a charity I work with; it is steal her thunder. in the Register of Members’ Financial Interests. Free If more women were involved in small business, and the Children creates infrastructure in communities in if that was encouraged and supported by the Department less developed countries through its “adopt a village” for Business, Innovation and Skills and by the Department programme. The scheme consists of five pillars, one of for International Development, which does a huge amount which creates streams of income for previously impoverished to help women and girls into employment and out of areas, which means that local parents can afford to send extreme poverty, we would see enriched communities their daughters to school. This has been particularly not only nationally, but internationally. Everybody could successful in Kenya, but it operates in India, South unite around the fact that that is what we want for this America, China and other countries, and it has encouraged world. female entrepreneurship. Kenyan women are shown how to grow crops to give 2.26 pm their children a much more balanced diet, and their Dr Thérèse Coffey (Suffolk Coastal) (Con): It is a children are taught at school about the benefits of drip great pleasure to participate in this debate under your irrigation and fertilisers on their crops. The women then chairmanship, Mr Robertson. I particularly thank my buy goats, chickens and cows. They feel empowered and right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman) are challenging the men as the earners in their family. and the hon. Member for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) They feel so empowered that the men who were sitting for securing the debate through the Backbench Business about not wanting to take part are now saying, “Can we Committee. I agree with the hon. Member for Slough do some of this as well, please?” because they recognise about the unfortunate timetabling error, which I hope that the money brought in benefits their children. we will not see again next year. I hope we will be Free the Children is having its first “we” day in celebrating the achievement of women in our society—in Wembley arena tomorrow, with 11,000 students from the economy or elsewhere—in the Chamber in 2015. 700 schools nationwide. Most of the students will be Mr Robertson, may I draw to your attention, and girls, and they will hear from inspirational speakers perhaps to the Clerk’s, my disappointment at the fact such as Al Gore, Malala, Prince Harry and many others that the Library chose not to produce a full debate to encourage them to continue volunteering to help briefing pack for this debate? There was a small poorer people, and to help them themselves when they contribution, but I was informed this morning that, in get to doing their GCSEs and A-levels. It has been contrast to other Adjournment debates that have taken shown that people who work with this organisation get place here—for example, the future of the A303, which better exam results, and many of them want to go into had the full works—a full debate pack was not available. international development in the future. Although the information that we have is relevant, we On the number of women in Parliament, we have not should have had a better briefing from the Library. I set as good an example as we should. We are much hope you will use your offices to communicate that, better than we were. Many more women came in at the Mr Robertson. last election from the Conservative party than have ever I welcome the positivity of my hon. Friend the Member been here before, but one or two of them are leaving. for Mid Derbyshire (Pauline Latham) and her insight Perhaps it is time for the Conservative party to consider into international development issues. She will be aware all-women shortlists. I have been completely against that 22 March is world water day. I have in the past them before, but the Labour party had them, and they supported charities such as WaterAid. We must recognise have cracked the system. If we do not get enough the international development work—through charities, women at the next election, we may have to consider an direct aid and the initiatives of former Prime Ministers—to all-women shortlist. I say that as someone who has get children, particularly girls, into school. That is always been against that, but we are not representative something of which we should be proud as British of the whole country as we should be. We would set a Members of Parliament. 375WH Women’s Contribution to the 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 376WH Economy Economy [Dr Thérèse Coffey] That takes me to the pipeline of talent report, which I was pleased to co-author with my hon. Friend the I want to talk more about the contribution to the Member for Brentford and Isleworth (Mary Macleod), economy. As my hon. Friend the Member for Mid who cannot contribute to the debate because of her Derbyshire suggested, I intend to talk about the executive Parliamentary Private Secretary position in support of pipeline of talent. I will start with my own inspiration the Government today. I want to place on the record my and why I decided to go into business. Both my parents thanks to her, to everyone who participated in the are teachers, and I did not have much experience of the evidence-gathering sessions, to the witnesses and to my private sector worlds as a child growing up. My granny researcher, Edward Winfield, who is leaving next week had worked in the private sector, which was kind of to get a job in industry. He certainly pulled together a news to me. She started her career with matchboxes at good report. Bryant & May, but ended up working for a company Rather than going through all the inputs to the called Dista, which is part of the Eli Lilly group; I was report, I will focus on the executive summary—if any showing an interest in chemistry. She was involved in hon. Members do not have a copy of the report, I am packing, so I will not pretend she was on the executive happy to circulate it to them. Our starting point was a board or anything like that, but she started to show me quotation from my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister. some of the information that used to be sent to all the Little more than two years ago, he said: pensioners by Eli Lilly. That got me more and more “If we fail to unlock the potential of women in the labour interested in the business side of life. market, we’re not only failing those individuals, we’re failing our While I was doing my PhD, I was lucky enough to whole economy.” host Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, when It is right to get that kind of emphasis. Women can and she spoke at University college London. She was a should be playing a more important role, if they wish, chemistry graduate—that was why she came to UCL to in contributing towards the economy of this country. speak to us—and she worked as a chemist for a company My hon. Friend the Member for Mid Derbyshire has called Mars, which the hon. Member for Slough knows already referred to the increase in the number of women well. She also does a lot of work highlighting the going on boards and the hon. Member for Slough said, importance of science and engineering. I found that accurately, that we should not focus only on non-executive woman, working in an international business, inspiring. directors. To get more executive directors, we need to She was one of the reasons why I applied to join Mars. focus on the executive pipeline of talent. Also during my PhD, I went off on a business school. In our report, we came up with a series of At the time, the Engineering and Physical Sciences recommendations, because, as anyone who works in Research Council used to run business weeks and everyone business knows, if we do not measure something, it will on a Government-funded PhD could go to different not get done. Our concrete recommendations are not parts of the country to meet new people and, more meant only for companies and head-hunters or to inform importantly, to do things such as business games with the views of investors; they are also aimed at women all sorts of companies. As I was doing that, I found and the Government. another lady who worked for Mars, Ingrid Uden, Women should actively seek out mentors and inspirational. I had met two ladies from Mars, so that sponsors—they are different roles—and everyone needs was the only company that I wanted to work for. I was a champion on the top board for that to happen. We successful there and, through various bits of careers— should not be too shy about asking for help. Interestingly, admittedly some up, some down—my last role working when some women are offered coaching, they see that for Mars was as a finance director of one of its UK as a bit of an insult, reflecting on their performance, as subsidiaries. opposed to regarding it as an important tool to improve their performance and attainment. One of the things I Mars is an unusual company, but what struck me have not been investing in as a Member of Parliament, when I was there, which might not have been particularly but should have been, is the element of coaching. I can well known among most employees—associates, as they honestly say that it is one of the best tools for any are known—was that the Mars board had, as one of its successful person. key measures, the number of women in certain roles, in Women who have risen to the top of business often a certain zone, and above. Measuring that recognised focus on one particular discipline—whether human the board’s desire to ensure that women were well resources, marketing or finance. Certainly some of our represented in the pipeline of talent at management expert witnesses recommended taking on responsibility level—those with the potential to become future board for profit and loss, managing budgets and programmes directors at Mars. and being prepared to take on an international role early in a career as important parts of the toolkit. Such Fiona Mactaggart: The present chief executive of things give the wider business experience that can lead Mars in Slough is a woman, which is rare in a to someone who wants to be considered for promotion, manufacturing company of that size. or to be poached to go elsewhere, eventually making it to the board. Seeking out stretching assignments is also Dr Coffey: It is. I know Fiona Dawson well, and she important; I do not know of any successful woman who is an inspirational lady. She is a busy lady as well, but stays in her comfort zone. I could use exactly the same she is an inspiration to many who are interested in words of any successful man. The issue is always about getting involved in business, because she shows that seeking to be extraordinary, to go up the pipeline of running a leading manufacturing and retail business is talent and up the ladder of promotion. an exciting career. It has taken her to different parts of In our report, we also recognise that people should the world, but she is particularly good at leading in establish and use networks to increase their spheres of the UK. influence. I remember a discussion I had at a Conservative 377WH Women’s Contribution to the 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 378WH Economy Economy party conference with my hon. Friend the Member for access training, but the child care costs are not met. Hastings and Rye (Amber Rudd), as she is now. I was That seems a simple thing to bring into workplaces or moving within the company, but I was concerned that even put in legislation. What does the hon. Lady think my salary would go up only slightly, because of traditional of that? rules, so I was on a considerably lower salary than fellow directors. We chatted about it, and she said Dr Coffey: It is an interesting idea. The hon. Lady bluntly, “You’ve got to ask for it and be prepared to will probably realise that I am not into legislating for negotiate.” She was absolutely right. I did, and my boss every outcome, although I recognise that that might be was probably surprised, but he recognised the fairness her approach. However, the idea could be established as of the challenge and I got a reasonable pay rise and was good practice. As we know, companies recognise that level with other directors of similar standing in the they miss out on talent when they do not provide those company. We should not expect life to be handed to us kinds of initiatives. If the businesses that are, dare I say on a plate; it never is. We need to ensure that we grab the it, more forward-thinking have not heard that idea opportunities. before, I am sure it will ring out from the Chamber As for the Government’s role, I want to see gender today. I am also sure that it will be mentioned to Mars diversity reporting extended to senior management under when she next visits that company. It is a good idea. the corporate governance code for financial reporting. In compiling our report, we looked at child care The “Think, Act, Report” initiative is about capturing policy. I do not have children, so I do not pretend to the data at almost every level to assess what is going on. have the same experience as others, but when I was Personally, I think that it is a bold initiative. Some of working in the private sector I managed a team of the larger companies probably already have the IT 24 people at one stage. I think I am right in saying that systems to add that information to the reported indicators, 16 of those were women working part time and balancing but even for relatively small companies, going three other responsibilities. I often found that people who levels down from the board is probably not a difficult worked part time were the most diligent employees, task. Any good company regularly does promotion and partly because they valued the fact that they had a talent reviews, so such information should be readily reasonably well-paid job that was part time and partly available, if it is not already. The reason for putting it in because they were very organised. I will not pretend the corporate reporting is to provide a spotlight on the that we came to a unanimous view on child care, but we issue and to ensure that companies are thinking about encouraged the Government to bring forward the tax-free it. I hope that the Government will take that child care policy. The Budget is on 19 March. I will be recommendation up, although I recognise that my hon. astonished if the policy makes an early entry, but Friend the Minister will not be able to make any such nevertheless we can say with confidence that next year commitment today. we will have a new policy that will be very welcome Another thing we want businesses to do is to be more indeed. formal about establishing mentoring and sponsorship As for other aspects of our report, we wanted to programmes. They happen in many companies, but extend the work of Lord Davies to include public sector often tend to be more informal. We also want to see and professional services. I thank my noble friend Viscount more formalising of career breaks and return-to-work Younger—my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford schemes. It was interesting to hear from a head-hunter and Isleworth and I were fortunate to go to present that although some women who go on maternity leave some recommendations from our report to the Professional come back more quickly—we now have flexible shared Business Services Council, and I am conscious that parenting leave, which is welcome—for most the issue is Viscount Younger is keen to do something about this about keeping current. issue with the professional services. “Keeping current” does not mean simply receiving a More young women than young men are currently newsletter; it might mean having back-to-work days or entering the legal profession—I think that these data making sure that people on maternity leave are still are widely known publicly—but at the moment a man is invited to go on team building exercises. The key is to nine times more likely to become a partner than a put more choice into the hands of the women themselves. woman. I am sure that that will change naturally anyway—I We also learned that women in the professional services would not expect people who have joined a law firm in might want to do courses to keep up to speed. the past few years to be partners by now, as that takes Just today, over lunch, I was discussing this debate time—but I would like to raise the consciousness of the with my hon. Friend the Member for Staffordshire professional services on that, as something needs to be Moorlands (Karen Bradley). She told me that she had done. In accountancy firms it is about three times more been an accountant, but through her professional network likely at the moment that a man will become a partner she learned that the Law Society had a successful method than a woman. There is work to be done there. for getting and keeping people in touch. I would recommend Lord Davies has also focused significantly on non- that other professional bodies learn from the Law Society. executive directors. I know that the Government are What it does in that regard was news to me and I shall looking at what more they can do on that issue. Although be following the information up. I am confident that we will reach the 25% target for board directors by next year, we need to continue working Fiona Mactaggart: I have been consulting with women on the percentage of executives. in my constituency about child care. One thing a number Another key aspect that we asked the Government to of them have said is that while on maternity leave they focus on was improving careers advice for girls, particularly would like to be able to participate in training at the in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, workplace that they want to go back to, and have the or STEM. I was pleased to see that 40% of STEM associated child care costs met—some have the right to ambassadors are women. I note the comments of my 379WH Women’s Contribution to the 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 380WH Economy Economy [Dr Thérèse Coffey] Dr Coffey: I will in one moment. One of the most interesting witnesses we talked to was from British right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden about maths Aerospace. That company has taken unconscious bias being a key enabling subject for engineering. Interestingly, training to quite a new level. All managers are trained in I have had quite a debate with the Minister for Universities it. When it has talent reviews, it makes sure that women and Science, my right hon. Friend the Member for are represented. Indeed, with recruitment and promotion Havant (Mr Willetts), on that matter. I am astonished it ensures that there is at least one woman on the panel that people can get on to engineering degrees without of interviewers and one on the panel of interviewees. A-level physics. But my discussion with him on the issue British Aerospace has seen a significant change in its was enlightening, and I recognise that quite a lot of recruitment and promotion and believes that its business young women who do triple science A-level tend to take is better as a consequence. I pay tribute to British biology, chemistry and maths, and do not focus on Aerospace for that approach. physics. Last week we saw the Chancellor of Germany, Angela Mrs Spelman: My hon. Friend is being generous in Merkel, during her visit here. She has a PhD in physics. taking a further intervention. Does she agree that we She is an experienced politician and a clever lady, who ought to lead by example? Parliamentarians should did the hard sciences, as Mr Speaker pointed out. I have unconscious bias training, and perhaps a good recognise there is an issue with women taking physics, time to do that is during the induction programme for but I believe that people who can achieve grade A at new MPs. In particular, new male MPs who come from maths, chemistry and biology are probably just as capable a male-dominated profession would benefit hugely from of achieving at physics. If there is some way in which we unconscious bias training. can do a physics catch-up course to get more women into engineering who might not have been successful at Dr Coffey: I welcome my right hon. Friend’s thinking getting on to their first choice degree course, that will be on that point. She should make that suggestion in welcome. After my initial reservations, I encouraged my writing to Mr Speaker and the Clerk of the House of right hon. Friend the Minister for Universities and Commons; it is a good idea. Sciences to progress those kinds of schemes. Pauline Latham: Further to that point, would it not Mrs Spelman: My hon. Friend might find it interesting be better to give unconscious bias training to Members to learn that a lot of university engineering courses of Parliament who have been here for a long time, require maths and further maths. That combination is rather than new Members of Parliament? Members putting off quite a lot of aspirant engineers. They might who joined Parliament in 2010 do not have the same well have physics but perhaps do not have the double bias as some older Members. maths A-level. It is important to put that on the record. Dr Coffey: I thank my right hon. Friend for making John Robertson (in the Chair): I will not take that that point—I was not aware of that. I could spend personally. another 20 minutes talking about what has happened to A-levels. Sadly, almost all worthy undergraduate degrees Dr Coffey: I am sure nobody was talking about you, in science and engineering have stretched to four years Mr Robertson. I recognise that issue, too. I will not get now, partly because the curriculum covered at A-level is into the discussions that I have had with other colleagues, not as broad as it used to be. I am not saying, by the but I agree with my right hon. Friend the Member for way, that that is necessarily a bad thing, but so far those Meriden and my hon. Friend the Member for Mid four-year courses are how universities seem to have Derbyshire that it would be useful for there to be such reacted to the fact that now such breadth of knowledge training in the current Parliament. is not covered by the time people are 18. Sarah Newton (Truro and Falmouth) (Con): My hon. I acknowledge what my right hon. Friend has said Friend is being incredibly generous in giving way. I want and I hope that my hon. Friend the Minister will pass to give grist to her mill by saying that the oldest law firm on to my right hon. Friend the Minister for Universities in our country routinely undertakes unconscious bias and Sciences those thoughts on that barrier to becoming training. If it is good enough for that firm, it must be an engineer. Unless it is specifically connected to a good enough for Members of Parliament. curriculum issue, it seems a bit arbitrary. I have skipped forward in my speech somewhat. I Dr Coffey: I thank my hon. Friend for that comment. appreciate I have been talking for some time, Mr Robertson, I understand that the management board and Ministers but I would like to cover a few more issues. When I have in the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills discussed some of them in the past, I have been accused were invited to do unconscious bias training, although I of being a bit nutty and thinking people are sexist. One believe that the only Minister who was able to do it was thing we talk about in the report is implementing training my hon. Friend the Member for East Dunbartonshire about unconscious bias. That is simply a way of challenging (Jo Swinson). I agree that we should be proactive. There people about their instinctive bias. We all have it, by the are companies that have offered to run courses for MPs. way: nobody can say that they are not biased at all. That has been on my to-do list for some time, and I will Training on unconscious bias is a sense check for people, ensure that it gets done. so that when they are recruiting or promoting, or are discussing talent, they are not simply looking for people Our report recommended that companies should who are like themselves. It stops the mini-me syndrome normalise flexible and part-time working. We should that is evident. encourage companies to review their culture so talent does not drain away from the pipeline unnecessarily. Mrs Spelman: Will my hon. Friend give way? Evidence shows that the best way to make flexible 381WH Women’s Contribution to the 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 382WH Economy Economy working a standard practice is to ensure that it is a unite around this issue, although I expect that Government non-gender issue. Companies know that they have a Members are not keen to legislate; our ambitions are role in inspiring members of the next generation in the elsewhere. There are a number of initiatives that we subjects they take and their career choices. should support. We should be pleased that 37% of Finally, I come to our recommendation about head- start-up loans went to women, and we should be pleased hunters, for whom there is already a voluntary code of by the recommendations and initiatives undertaken by conduct. I want to draw Members’ attention to the the Women’s Business Council. We should be pleased review undertaken by Charlotte Sweeney at the instigation that this agenda is firmly on the map for the Government of the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and and the Opposition. Skills, my right hon. Friend the Member for Twickenham It is a waste to our economy if women who want to (Vince Cable). It was launched earlier this week, and it are not able to work at the top of industries, universities looks at the voluntary code of conduct. and the public sector. We should put our shoulders to Head-hunters can play a significant role in helping us the wheel and keep pushing. There will be a tipping to reach Lord Davies’s target of ensuring that 25% of point at which women start to play a full part in board members are female. I welcome the report’s ambition business, the economy and politics. that the code should be a minimum standard and that we should aspire for more. To achieve that, we must [MR JIM SHERIDAN in the Chair] encourage as many head-hunters as possible to sign up to the code. 2.57 pm One way of promoting the code is for the Government to lead by example. I am encouraging the Cabinet Mrs Sharon Hodgson (Washington and Sunderland Office to ensure that all head-hunters used by the West) (Lab): It was a pleasure to serve under your Government and their agencies are signatories to the chairmanship, Mr Robertson. I am sorry that you code. We know that currently they are not. I had a are leaving, but you are being replaced by the lovely conversation with my right hon. Friend the Member for Mr Sheridan, under whose chairmanship it is also a Meriden about that issue, and I will take it up further. pleasure to serve. It is great to be here for this excellent debate on Mrs Hodgson: I recently met some senior women in international women’s day. Many important issues have higher education, who said that head-hunters are a been covered at length, as one is able to do in a three-hour barrier to their progressing to senior positions, such debate when half our number are engaged in an important as vice-chancellorships of universities. The hon. Lady is debate in the main Chamber. However, what we have talking about a good measure. lacked in quantity we have more than made up for in quality. The debate has not suffered for the lack of Members present. Dr Coffey: I find that fascinating. I have not thought about higher education because I have been focusing on I am pleased to be in the debate with the hon. business, but I will add that to the discussion that we Member for Brentford and Isleworth (Mary Macleod), will soon be having with Cabinet Office advisers. who has organised a full programme of excellent events today, culminating with tea with the Speaker in Speaker’s Charlotte Sweeney’s report stated that the use of the House for women MPs who are being shadowed by code should be extended to the executive pipeline. That young women from their constituencies. Most of us are is music to my ears. We seek to persuade the Government being shadowed by at least one young woman today, and business to back the initiative. It is where the most although the hon. Member for Mid Derbyshire (Pauline difficult challenges lie, but it is vital to ensuring long-term Latham) is being shadowed by six—she is a pied piper progress. The report that I co-authored made a similar leading the way on this issue. I thank the hon. Member recommendation. I look forward to the forthcoming for Brentford and Isleworth for organising today’s events, head-hunter summit, which my hon. Friend the Minister, which are appreciated by us and the young women who my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford and Isleworth are shadowing us. I thank the right hon. Member for and I will be chairing, and which will allow us to have a Meriden (Mrs Spelman) and my hon. Friend the Member discussion about what is happening to the code, how we for Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) for securing the debate can improve it and what we can do to extend it further. I and enabling us to gather here to talk about such am excited about that initiative, which will take place important issues. within the next month. Women helping and inspiring other women is obviously Locally, we in Suffolk recognise the value of women’s a key recurring theme of international women’s day. It contribution to the economy. I pay tribute to the New is right that we promote it as a means of increasing Anglia local enterprise partnership, which has launched women’s participation in the economy and public life, a campaign to help women fulfil their economic potential. particularly at the higher echelons. When it comes to A report by the LEP established that a woman working the scale of the challenges that we still face in promoting full-time in Suffolk will, over her career, earn £332,000 women in the workplace and harnessing their potential less than a man, and will pay £83,000 less in tax. The to contribute to the economic success of the country, LEP is right to note that those employment and pay everyone needs to pull together in the same direction to gaps represent lost income for families, lost opportunities achieve the kind of change that we need. for growth and lost prosperity for the county. The Minister will be well aware that the director I have spoken for considerably longer than is my general of the Confederation of British Industry made wont, but I feel that the report that we put together last an important intervention on that theme earlier this year and whose recommendations we continue to follow week, on the back of a PricewaterhouseCoopers report up deserves a good airing in Parliament. We can all that ranked Britain 18th out of 27 OECD countries for 383WH Women’s Contribution to the 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 384WH Economy Economy [Mrs Sharon Hodgson] Mrs Spelman: Just for the record, the Government achieved a 50:50 ratio of men and women in the role of the participation of women in the economy. He rightly permanent secretary when a female permanent secretary called for the current generation of top executives to set was appointed to my Department in 2012. Much more a much better example and really drive through the interesting questions are why there is such an attrition changes that will see women progress much further in rate among those women in senior positions, and why the private sector. As part of that, he advocated the use there might have been a falling away. of targets for women in senior positions, as a signal to the whole organisation that its leaders want those changes Mrs Hodgson: I am not sure that that answers the to happen. question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for That call has seemingly been heard by the Secretary Slough (Fiona Mactaggart), but perhaps the Minister of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, who has will glean the answer before her winding-up contribution. asked the Equality and Human Rights Commission for This point is important, because if the Government advice on whether all-women shortlists for top jobs will expect to inspire and/or cajole top businesses to meet be legal. That apparent reversal in the Government’s the 25% target for women on boards, which is a very position is very welcome, as indeed it was to hear the welcome target and we certainly should expect them to hon. Member for Mid Derbyshire talk about the fact meet it, they have to show much stronger leadership on that her party is now looking at all-women shortlists. As the issue. I look forward to hearing from the Minister she knows, I was selected under an all-women shortlist, how she will ensure that that happens. and they have been very successful for the Labour party in raising the number of women in Parliament, so it is Coming back to the PricewaterhouseCoopers report, very welcome to hear that her party is looking at that. one of the most telling graphs was on the proportion of women in full-time employment; the UK came last but With regard to top jobs, targets are not just a means two. That echoes the findings of the recent Institute for of promoting equality, which is an important end in Public Policy Research report, “Childmind the gap”. In itself; firms with greater representation of women in the more than two thirds of the countries it surveyed, fewer boardroom and in senior positions throughout the than 30% of mothers worked part time—that is, for less organisation are much more likely to be successful than 30 hours. In the UK, it is more than 60%, so that is businesses. However, the Minister and her colleagues more than double the proportion of mothers working might want to look a little closer to home. This is where, part time in this country than in the vast majority of in this celebratory debate, I may come across as a bit others surveyed. We know that women are working part critical, but I am the Opposition spokesperson, so you time either because they cannot find full-time jobs, or would surely expect nothing less, Mr Sheridan. It is also because they cannot afford or are unable to organise the important to be brutally honest when discussing these child care, especially if they work unsociable or atypical important issues, and not just talk about the good bits. hours. The Department for Work and Pensions’ own I asked a series of parliamentary questions and I was survey found that 43% of parents who have kids aged quite shocked at some of the answers. Almost half of three to four and would like to work, or to work longer Government Departments are failing to meet the targets hours, cite affordability of child care as a barrier to for women on boards that Ministers expect of top doing so. businesses. It is particularly poor to see that the Ministry of Defence, for instance, has no women on its board at That is unsurprising, given that parents are being hit all, and that only two Departments have more women by what I call a triple whammy. First, child care costs than men on their boards. That is symbolic of a wider are increasing way ahead of wages; according to the trend in senior appointments by the Government since Family and Childcare Trust report a couple of days ago, 2010. Only 17 out of 114 Privy Counsellors appointed costs for nursery care have risen by 27% since 2009 and are women, and 13 out of 85 policy tsars are women. continue to rise higher than inflation. They are now the Fewer than one in five ambassadors and a quarter of largest family outgoing, outstripping even the average permanent secretaries appointed since 2010 have been family mortgage. The right hon. Member for Meriden women. (Mrs Spelman) mentioned that, too. The second part of the triple whammy is that places are being lost; we have Fiona Mactaggart: On the point about public 1,500 fewer childminders and 900 fewer nurseries since appointments and women, I have been chasing Government the election, and the same report from the Family Departments since 9 February—for a month—to try to and Childcare Trust found that nearly half of local find out what proportion of paid public appointments authorities—49%—do not have enough places for working are given to women. I keep going round a particular parents. To round it off, the third element is that support circle, which gets me to a published statement by the for those on low and middle incomes through tax Cabinet Office that gives the total number of appointments credits has been cut. of men and women but does not state how many are paid. Frankly, the vast majority of those appointments That is creating not only a cost of living crisis, but a are, I think, women to the magistracy, because the vast cost of working crisis, which is bad for business and majority are in the Ministry of Justice. We really need bad for the Treasury. The IPPR’s study suggests that a those figures to be more transparent. 10 percentage point increase in maternal employment rates to bring the UK more in line with our more Mrs Hodgson: My hon. Friend makes a very good successful European neighbours would bring a net benefit point. to the public purse of £1.45 billion a year. It also Mrs Spelman rose— estimates that increasing the rate of full-time work among those mothers who already work part time by Mrs Hodgson: I think I am just about to be intervened just three percentage points would generate a net benefit on by somebody who might have the answer. of £450 million a year. The study goes on to estimate 385WH Women’s Contribution to the 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 386WH Economy Economy that by equalising the labour force participation rates of particularly important is individual face-to-face advice, men and women, the UK could increase its GDP per which can inspire girls to aim higher, telling them how capita by 0.5% a year, with potential gains of 10% by to get to where they want to be and giving them ideas, 2030. rather than reinforcing the old stereotypes and a learned Because we on the Labour side of the House want to lack of aspiration, which still holds back far too many achieve those fiscal and economic gains under a future of our young people. Labour Government, every working family will receive Of course, employers have their part to play in all 25 hours of free, high-quality child care for their three this. Yes, we need women in leadership roles, but also and four-year-olds for 38 weeks a year—an increase of right along the pipeline. I know that there are many 10 hours a week on the current offer. That is help worth great employers in the UK. At the end of January, I met £1,500 a year per child per working family, paid for representatives of a dozen or so, who were telling me from a levy on the banks. As convenience is the key about some of the great packages of support that they concern for parents of school-age children, our proposed make available for working mums, particularly while primary child care guarantee will ensure that they will they are on maternity leave and when they come back to be able to access breakfast and after-school clubs through work. The one that I will name today is Ford Motor their school between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm. Company. Ford employs more than 11,000 people in Of course, the other side of making work pay is this country and it not only gives its female employees a decent incomes for women and, certainly, parity with year’s maternity leave on full pay—I imagine that male colleagues in comparable jobs. In December, official applications will flood in now—but offers them parenting figures revealed that the gender pay gap increased in support and classes, as well as an on-site nursery and 2012-13 for the first time in five years to an average of emergency child care for when things go wrong—for 10%. We heard from my hon. Friend the Member for when the child is ill and cannot come into the nursery. It Slough that for older women the figure is actually 18%. also has facilities for new mums to breastfeed and Under Labour, the gender pay gap fell by 7.7%, and it is express milk at work. Why does Ford do that? Yes, it deeply disappointing to see those gains going into reverse. does it because there is value in being seen as a family- Concerted effort is clearly needed to put us back on a friendly company, but primarily—I asked the company—it positive course, but perhaps the most significant issue is does it because it knows that having women in positions that women are often clustered in low-wage jobs, as well of influence over its products and marketing gives it a as being far more likely to have poor conditions and competitive advantage over its rivals, because women even zero-hours contracts. control most of the major purchases in most households. One in four women earns less than the living wage, Buying a car is a decision that most women have a big meaning that even if she is in work and works as many say in. [HON.MEMBERS: “Hear, hear!] And rightly so. hours as she can, she will still struggle to make ends We can see from that example why all those studies meet. That cannot be right. Labour wants to make have shown that businesses with more women in positions work pay for women by allowing firms to claim back of power outperform their less diverse counterparts. If one third of the cost of raising their staff’s wages to the 50% or more of a firm’s consumers are women, it makes level of the living wage, which is currently £8.80 in sense to have people at the top of the organisation who London. We will also strengthen the minimum wage know what women want—that is, women. If I may be and tackle the abuse of zero-hours contracts and agency just a little critical, perhaps that is why the coalition workers, which again are a feature of the sectors in parties are faring so badly among female voters at the which women are over-represented. moment; there are not enough women in the top positions. Clearly, there is also an issue about aspirations among young women. We heard about that from a number of However, despite the clear common-sense case for hon. Members. I do not think that aspirations are a promoting women in business, there are clearly still problem for the young women shadowing us today, but some bosses from the Nigel Farage school of equality. I do know that far too many girls are still channelled According to Maternity Action, 60,000 women are down the “hair or care” path in school and further forced out of their jobs a year because they have the gall education, whereas their male counterparts will be pushed to become pregnant. To make matters worse, the towards apprenticeships and other vocational qualifications Government are now forcing those women who have with higher earning potential. The Government, to the energy and time, while pregnant or coping with a their credit, have recently been making a lot of positive new baby, to take their employer to a tribunal to pay noises on that, and particularly on the issue of driving £1,200 to do so. The Minister probably believes that we up participation in STEM subjects—science, technology, are scaremongering when we talk about those fees, but engineering and maths—in further and higher education. we do feel that they will often put off quite vulnerable I echo comments made by a few hon. Members about women from holding their employer to account. I do maths and science subjects. I am pleased to announce not think that those women see it that way; they do not that my daughter is studying for her final exams in her think that we are scaremongering. maths A-level, which she will take later this year, but she The Equality and Human Rights Commission is is one of only a handful of girls in her A-level class. On looking into pregnancy discrimination; that is very average, girls make up only about 25% of maths A-level good. The Government have funded a report, and I classes across the country. That must change because, as sincerely hope that the Minister is pressing for the time the right hon. Member for Meriden said, maths is one scale for the report to be as short as possible, so that she of the most valuable A-levels to obtain. will have the opportunity to act on its recommendations The one thing that the Government could do much before the general election in 2015. None of us wants to better is the provision of high-quality careers advice. take a punitive approach to equality, but given that we We have these conversations with young girls, but know how much better companies perform when women 387WH Women’s Contribution to the 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 388WH Economy Economy [Mrs Hodgson] for Suffolk Coastal (Dr Coffey) and the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Washington and Sunderland West are not forced out, there is clearly as much of an (Mrs Hodgson). They have made important contributions, economic imperative to stamp out discrimination as but there have also been important interventions. We there is a moral one. have heard not only from the many extraordinary women Of course, a successful economy needs to embrace in this place, but from many enlightened men who the creative and entrepreneurial flair of its citizens in recognise how critical the issues are. I am pleased to setting up their own businesses and creating new jobs respond to the debate on behalf of a Government who and wealth. Unfortunately, as we know, fewer than one are wholeheartedly committed to the cause. I want to in five SMEs are wholly or majority-owned by women, summarise what the Government are doing, but I will which hints at specific barriers to women striking out do my best to respond to some of the many interventions on their own. The hon. Member for Solihull (Lorely and requests for clarification. Burt), who is no longer in her place, has done a huge Today’s debate has given us a chance to reflect on and amount of work in this area and chairs the all-party celebrate the enormous progress that has been made in group on women and enterprise, which I have recently this country, towards equality for women in the workplace, joined. However, the silver living to that statistic is that and in women’s contribution to the economy—progress it hints at a huge untapped pool of talent and creativity that the generations before us could only imagine. I that could be put to good use. That is one reason why want to focus on two main areas: the growing importance Labour has said that, instead of the Government’s of women in the economic recovery, and the need to corporation tax cut for the largest firms, we will help shape our workplaces to enable women to be full more people to start their own business by cutting participants, including the measures that the Government business rates in 2015 and freezing them again in 2016 are taking to achieve that important transformation. I for small businesses. hope to continue the non-partisan tone of the debate. The economy may well be back in growth after a There is broad agreement on the issues across all parties, period of sustained malaise, but that does not lessen the and we can all celebrate the increasing success of women importance of doing everything that we can to enable in the economy. We should work closely together, not women to contribute. The twin ends of greater equality against each other, on that. and a more productive economy are not mutually exclusive; Securing economic recovery remains the most urgent they are intrinsically linked. Greater female participation, task facing the Government. The evidence shows that better pay and conditions, greater progression and greater the Government’s long-term economic plan is working, representation of women in senior and board-level positions but, as the Chancellor said, the recovery is not yet are not ends in themselves. They are the means by which secure. There is still much more to do, but we can take the UK can remain at the top table of world economies encouragement from the positive signs. My right hon. over the next 20 years, or achieve a respectable position Friend the Member for Meriden and the hon. Member in the Prime Minister’s “global race”. I admit that the for Slough both mentioned that there are now 14 million Government are doing some things, and Opposition women working. As well as being the highest number Members warmly welcome them, but this debate has since records began that also represents the highest been a timely reminder that until we are making real employment rate, and it is quite an achievement. Of progress on all the measures necessary, we can and must course there is more to do, but there are 500,000 more do more. women in work than there were when the Government Women are ready to play their part; in fact, they have took office. The pace of change is also quickening. always been ready. It is the responsibility of all of us, on Women’s employment increased by 93,000 on the quarter, whatever side of the House we sit, to remove any and is now 199,000 higher than it was a year ago. I am barriers in their way. We must not pull the ladder up also heartened that many more women see self-employment behind us, which I am sure none of us in this Chamber and enterprise as a viable option. There are 175,000 more would do, but ensure that we lower it and give a helping women in self-employment than there were in May hand up to even more women, to enable them to follow 2010, and we know for example that a third of beneficiaries us and successful women in all sectors and, ultimately, of the Government’s StartUp loan programme are women. to achieve their full potential. That is excellent news for women and for the health and competitiveness of the economy. 3.18 pm There is still, however, more we can do to help women to progress in the workplace and in business, which The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women brings me to my second theme—shaping our workplaces and Equalities (Mrs Helen Grant): It is a great pleasure to enable women to be full participants. In many ways, to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Sheridan. I our workplaces have been transformed in recent decades. congratulate my right hon. Friend the Member for A key feature of that transformation has been the rising Meriden (Mrs Spelman) and the hon. Member for number of women in work and increasingly in senior Slough (Fiona Mactaggart) on securing this very important roles across the whole economy. Thankfully, the rules debate. Both are passionate advocates of this agenda; in are changing. Flexible working is no longer seen as a fact, the pair of them are fantastic role models in their necessary evil to accommodate women with caring own right. responsibilities. It is now rightly seen by leading businesses I pay tribute to all hon. Members who have spoken. as good practice, which enables not just women, but all They have made excellent contributions. We have had of us who require some flexibility in our increasingly speeches from my right hon. Friend the Member for busy lives, to make a full and proper contribution at Meriden, the hon. Member for Slough, my hon. Friends work. Therefore, from June, we will extend the right to the Members for Mid Derbyshire (Pauline Latham) and request flexible working to all employees, to continue 389WH Women’s Contribution to the 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 390WH Economy Economy driving that culture change across business, to the point practice through the voluntary “Think, Act, Report” where there is no longer the concept of full-time or initiative. More than 170 organisations representing part-time working—just the concept of working. more than 2 million employees are showing that they Extending to all the right to request flexible working are committed to equality in their business. As the will also help to challenge the unfair stigma that those Minister responsible for tourism I was pleased to announce that need to work flexibly are somehow less committed this morning at a Women 1st women in tourism event to their employer. Through the introduction of shared that Merlin Entertainments, Brakes Group, easyJet, parental leave next year we are also working to end the Advantage Travel and CH&Co catering have now signed assumption—another stigma, in my opinion—that women up to that important initiative. will be the main carer of a child; we will also be However, we shall also take tough action against allowing fathers to play a bigger part in the first year of employers who do not do the right thing, and from their children’s lives. That will help families to juggle October when a tribunal finds that an employer has their home and work life, and it will also lessen the broken equal pay laws it will order a full pay audit, to negative impact on careers of time spent out of the prevent continuing sex discrimination in pay matters. workplace. The hon. Member for Slough pointed out that flexible working and shared parental leave should Fiona Mactaggart: One of the things that my constituents help families to balance their busy lives. She focused in say to me is that because they cannot get legal aid and her speech on the contribution made by women aged proper support for tribunals, they are less likely to take over 50, and I am sure that she will be pleased that the such cases to a tribunal. A policy that triggers action Women’s Business Council flagged up in its conclusions against a company only after a successful tribunal claim the “tremendous untapped potential” of women has been made is likely to be less effective in future than “in the third phase of their working lives”. it would have been in the past. The council has put out a marker, which is exciting; I look forward to working closely with it and others to Mrs Grant: The hon. Lady has raised that issue develop that potential. before, and I know that she is concerned about it. As I am pleased to confirm that from October next year she knows, there is a remission system, so when people we will introduce tax-free child care, which will save do not have the money to pay the fee, the state will step working families up to £1,200 per child. Those are in. That remission system has been around for some important and necessary changes, which will directly years, and it has worked very well. I trust that it will address issues that women face in the workplace, but we continue to work well to ensure that people have access also need to tackle the cultures and attitudes that often to justice, a concept that is very important to me and to prevent women from the reaching the top. Through our others. continuing work with Lord Davies and the business community, we will ensure that more talented women Mrs Hodgson: I want to point out that I raised the take their rightful place in the boardroom and, once question of the gender pay gap. I mentioned that in there, provide a better balance of views and experience 2012-13, the gender pay gap for full-time workers rose to ensure that businesses maximise their potential. for the first time in five years to 10%. I have listened to the Minister telling us about the measures that the Sarah Newton: Did the Minister read the report produced Government will take, but will she give us an assurance by the Select Committee on Science and Technology that the gender gap will not increase further during her following our inquiry into the number of women in term of office? senior positions in science—particularly universities? I think that she will find our recommendations helpful in Mrs Grant: I apologise to the shadow Minister for getting women scientists and engineers to play their full not mentioning the fact that she had raised the gender part in the economy. pay gap; I, of course, heard her. It is an important issue, and I think we are making progress. The overall gender Mrs Grant: That is an important point. There never pay gap still stands at just under 20%, which in my seem to be enough hours in the day, somehow, but I opinion is completely unacceptable, but I believe that promise to look at the report and talk to my hon. the two measures that we are taking—one of scrutiny in Friend about its conclusions. relation to compulsory pay audits and the other about Since Lord Davies reported in February 2011, there transparency through “Think, Act, Report”—will have have been unprecedented changes in the composition of the desired effect. boardrooms. Women now make up 20.4% of the directors A number of interventions have been made by hon. of FTSE100 companies, which is up from 12.5%, and Members today. I am not sure whether I will be able to there are now just two all-male FTSE100 boards; that deal with all of them, but I will do my best. My right figure is down from 21. Again, that is great news for the hon. Friend the Member for Meriden raised the geographic economy, but it is vital that we maintain the momentum. disparity in women’s employment rates and suggested We need just 51 more women on FTSE100 boards by that cultural factors might be partly responsible. There 2015 to achieve the 25% target set by Lord Davies. are a number of factors at play, and cultural heritage The pay gap is an important issue. I do not think that may well be one of them. We want to help all girls and it has been raised directly in today’s debate, but it is women to fulfil their potential, and we have a programme never too far from my mind. It is a matter of concern of work for that purpose to raise girls’ aspirations, that women are still disadvantaged in pay. We are which includes a school and business partnership addressing that in two main ways. First, for the vast and a resource for parents to help them support their majority of businesses who want to do the right thing daughters with their career choices. A number of excellent by their female employees, we are encouraging good organisations are helping us, including QED-UK, a 391WH Women’s Contribution to the 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 392WH Economy Economy [Mrs Grant] meet with enlightened men, there is very little that they cannot achieve. I am pleased that he made that contribution. project that supports women of Pakistani heritage into On 20 February, John Timpson of the Women’s Business employment in south Yorkshire, which is making excellent Council hosted a round-table meeting with male CEOs progress. to develop strategies to support flexible and modern The hon. Member for Slough asked whether I would workplaces. It is important for male leaders to demonstrate discuss with the Department for Education the issue of leadership in that area, and their doing so shows young girls receiving advertisements for jobs ancillary commitment and best practice. to sex work. I am appalled that young women are The shadow Minister and the hon. Member for Slough receiving adverts for jobs ancillary to adult entertainment, raised the issue of women and public appointments, and I will certainly raise that issue with my ministerial especially in Whitehall. The Government are absolutely colleagues. committed to increasing the diversity of public The hon. Lady and my hon. Friend the Member for appointments, and we have recently established a centre Suffolk Coastal spoke in detail and with great authority for public appointments, which works right across Whitehall about women on boards. I share their concern that and with executive search industries to modernise the where women are getting board roles, they are more recruitment practices to public boards. The Government’s likely to be successful in non-executive roles. If we are aim, which the shadow Minister may be aware of, is for to make real and proper progress in that area, it is 50% of new public appointments to be women by the essential that we focus on developing the executive end of the Parliament, and we have recently published pipeline. I would like to acknowledge the excellent work an action plan for achieving that. We are making of an organisation called Women 1st, to which I gave a progress; 37% of public appointments made by Whitehall keynote speech this morning, which is trailblazing in Departments in 2012-13 were women, and that has this area. I look forward to hosting and chairing an risen to 45% in the past six months. event involving head-hunters in the next few weeks with my hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal and Fiona Mactaggart: Will the Minister give way? others. Mrs Grant: If I can just finish my point. The hon. The hon. Member for Solihull (Lorely Burt), who is Member for Slough asked how many of the appointments no longer in her seat, remarked on the poor showing of were paid; I do not know, but I would be happy to look the UK, in comparison with the United States, on into that and write to her in due course. If that is the enterprise. If she were here, I would be saying to her issue she wanted to raise, I hope that I can push on; if that the Women’s Business Council is prioritising women’s not, I will sit down. entrepreneurship. At a meeting yesterday, members of the council discussed what they could do as leaders in Fiona Mactaggart: It is the issue I was going to raise, industry, and they discussed issues such as positive role and I am grateful to the Minister for her offer to write models and positive behaviours. The council is determined to me. However, I wish I could get a reply to the to make further progress in that area. question that I have asked every Department. I just My hon. Friend the Member for Suffolk Coastal want the number of appointments that are paid to be in spoke in detail about science, technology, engineering the public domain. We do not currently know, and that and maths, about which she knows an awful lot. I agree information ought to be published. If the Minister with her that we need to encourage more girls to study could make that happen, I would be very grateful. STEM subjects and raise their aspirations. That topic will be discussed at the United Nations next week, at Mrs Grant: I shall do my very best to provide the hon. the Commission on the Status of Women. I am happy Lady with the information she has requested. I would to say that the Secretary of State for Culture, Media also be happy to meet her if she needs further information and Sport, my right hon. Friend the Member for once she has received what I will endeavour to send to Basingstoke (Maria Miller), and Nicola Yates, a Women’s her. Business Council member from GlaxoSmithKline, will be advocating on behalf of the UK the need to support Mrs Hodgson: I raised the issue of departmental girls into those disciplines and sharing best practice boards. They are obviously not representative, and I with a truly international audience. know that the Minister has said that that will be addressed, One of our enlightened men—unfortunately he is no but are departmental board positions paid or unpaid? longer in his place—my hon. Friend the Member for Finchley and Golders Green (Mike Freer), raised the Mrs Grant: May I write to the hon. Lady on that, just need to get our girls to do A-level maths, which is an as I will write to the hon. Member for Slough? important issue. Action is being taken, and £200 million This has been a wide-ranging and informative debate. of Government investment has gone into STEM higher It is also a critical debate for our society and economy. I education teaching facilities, and higher education would like to conclude with a reminder of some of the institutions will be required to match funding. The findings of the Women’s Business Council, which reported Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is also last June and continues to work with the Government funding a programme of work to promote diversity in and business to drive forward this important agenda. It the STEM work force. found that by equalising the labour force participation My hon. Friend the Member for South Basildon and of men and women, the UK could increase economic East Thurrock (Stephen Metcalfe), who has left the growth by 0.5% per year, with potential gains of 10% of room, spoke about men as agents for change. We need GDP by 2030. It also found that if women were setting to have the men with us on this agenda if we are to up and running new businesses at the same rate as men, make progress. I always say that when courageous women we could have an extra 1 million female entrepreneurs. 393WH Women’s Contribution to the 6 MARCH 2014 Women’s Contribution to the 394WH Economy Economy As the Prime Minister repeatedly says, we are now in the Chief Whip and his Opposition counterpart, the a global race, and, as those figures from the Women’s right hon. Member for Doncaster Central (Ms Winterton), Business Council show, it is a race that we cannot win to take that forward. unless we make full use of the skills and experience of I would like to thank all Members for making the everyone in our economy. I hope I have made it clear effort to take part in the debate. I thank the hon. that this Government will do whatever it takes to ensure Gentlemen who attended and made interventions for that we support women in the economy, and to transform their support. If I may set the record straight, a detailed the world of work so that many more women have the Library brief was indeed provided for the debate, and it opportunity to achieve their aspirations. was authored by two men, Feargal McGuinness and Chris Rhodes, who deserve thanks for the detailed 3.42 pm statistics that they made available to Members. I commend Mrs Spelman: Thank you for allowing me to wind up that brief to other Members present. the debate, Mr Sheridan. It gives me the opportunity to Finally, I would like to say how much we have enjoyed put on the record the fact that we have been joined by the presence of many young women who have come the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, my today as part of the programme organised by my hon. right hon. Friend the Member for Basingstoke (Maria Friend the Member for Brentford and Isleworth (Mary Miller), which is a very good effort on her part and Macleod), with the encouragement of the Secretary of evidence of how important the Government consider State. They have been allowed on this special day to see the debate. the workings of this Parliament. Shortly they will receive We have also been joined by the Chief Whip, my right hospitality from Mr Speaker, and later from the Prime hon. Friend the Member for North West Hampshire Minister at No. 10. We hope that they will go away as (Sir George Young). I would like to thank him for inspired as the Mars employee who went on to become coming and encourage him to look, in the report of the the first female astronaut, as we heard today. On this debate, at the section in which we discussed progress special day, we celebrate her achievement, and the within the House of Commons, particularly regarding achievement of all women around the globe. unconscious bias training. There is no room for Question put and agreed to. complacency, as terms and conditions for women in Parliament are not easy, with our long-hours culture and lack of maternity leave—certainly no adjustment 3.44 pm leave, as was described. There is a good opportunity for Sitting adjourned.

49WS Written Statements6 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 50WS

Ensuring that infrastructure is provided to support new Written Statements development, and noting how infrastructure constraints should be considered when assessing suitability of sites. Stressing the importance of bringing brownfield land into Thursday 6 March 2014 use and made clear that authorities do not have to allocate sites on the basis of providing the maximum possible return for landowners and developers. Noting that councils should also be able to consider the COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT delivery record—or lack of—of developers or landowners, including a history of unimplemented permissions. This will also serve to encourage developers to deliver on their planning Local Planning permissions. Incorporating the guidance on renewable energy—including heritage and amenity—published during last summer and The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for making it clearer in relation to solar farms, that visual Communities and Local Government (Nick Boles): The impact is a particular factor for consideration. coalition Government are committed to reforming the Allowing past over-supply of housing to be taken into planning system to make it simpler, clearer and easier account when assessing housing needs. for people to use, allowing local communities to shape On the five-year supply of sites, confirming that assessments where development should and should not go. Planning are not automatically outdated by new household projections. should not be the exclusive preserve of lawyers, developers Clarifying when councils can consider refusing permission or town hall officials. on the grounds of prematurity in relation to draft plans. Encouraging joint working between local authorities, but We are also committed to ensuring that countryside clarifying that the duty to co-operate is not a duty to accept. and environmental protections continue to be safeguarded, We have considered and rejected the proposals of Her Majesty’s and devolving power down not just to local councils, Opposition to allow councils to undermine green belt protection but also down to neighbourhoods and local residents. and dump development on their neighbours’ doorstep. We have already taken a series of steps to cut unnecessary We will today also cancel the previous planning practice red tape, such as the streamlined national planning guidance documents being replaced by the new guidance; policy framework reducing 1,000 pages of planning a list has been placed in the Library of the House. The guidance to less than 50, revoking the last Administration’s planning practice guidance will be updated as needed bureaucratic regional strategies and extending permitted and users can sign up for email alerts on any changes, or development rights to make it easier to get empty and view these revisions directly on the site. The online underused buildings back into public use. I would like resource is at: http://planningguidance.planningportal. to update the House on progress on this ongoing work. gov.uk/ An accessible planning system Encouraging reuse of empty and underused buildings In October 2012, we invited Lord Taylor of Goss In August 2013, my Department published a consultation Moor to lead a review into the reams of planning paper on a further set of greater flexibilities for change practice guidance that we have inherited from the last of use. Further reforms will save time and money for Administration. applicants and councils, encourage the reuse of empty My Department subsequently held a consultation on and underused buildings and further support brownfield the group’s proposals and, in August 2013, we launched regeneration while ensuring regard to potential flood our proposed streamlined planning practice guidance in risk. draft, consolidating 7,000 pages of complex and often New homes: retail to residential change of use repetitive documents. Today, we are launching the final Outside key shopping areas, such as town centres, we version of that practice guidance through an accessible want underused shops to be brought back into productive website. use to help breathe new life into areas that are declining We have carefully considered representations made due to changing shopping habits. This will not only on the draft practice guidance and feedback from hon. provide more homes, but increase the resident population Members and noble peers in recent parliamentary debates. near town centres, thereby increasing footfall and supporting I would particularly note that we are: the main high street. Reforms will allow change of use Issuing robust guidance on flood risk, making it crystal clear from shops (Al) and financial and professional services that councils need to consider the strict tests set out in (A2) to houses (C3). This change of use will not apply national policy, and where these are not met, new development to land protected by article 1(5) of the general permitted on flood risk sites should not be allowed. development order—national parks, the broads, areas Reaffirming green belt protection, noting that unmet housing of outstanding natural beauty, conservations areas, world need is unlikely to outweigh harm to the green belt and other heritage sites. harm to constitute very special circumstances justifying inappropriate development. We recognise the importance of retaining adequate provision of services that are essential to the local Making clear that local plans can pass the test of soundness where authorities have not been able to identify land for community such as post offices. Consideration will be growth in years 11 to 15 of their local plan, which often can given to the impact on local services when considering be the most challenging part for a local authority. the potential loss of a particular shop. The onus will be Making clear that windfalls can be counted over the whole on the local planning authority to establish that the local plan period. proposal would have a detrimental impact on the Explaining how student housing, housing for older people sustainability of a key shopping area or on local services and the reuse of empty homes can be included when assessing should they wish to refuse the conversion. When considering housing need. the effect on local services they will have to take into 51WS Written Statements6 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 52WS account whether there is reasonable prospect of the Central African Republic premises being occupied by another retailer. Local planning authorities will need to have robust evidence base to justify any decision not to permit change of use using The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr Mark Francois): these prior approval tests. On 9 December 2013, Official Report, column 1WS, my In addition, to increase access to retail banking and right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence to encourage new entrants, shops (Al) will be able to made a written statement to the House on the response change to banks, building societies, credit unions and to the developing situation in the Central African Republic. friendly societies, within the A2 use class. This does not UN Security Council Resolution 2134 was approved cover betting shops or payday loan shops. on 28 January 2014, and authorised an EU military New homes: agricultural to residential change of use operation in Central African Republic. The UK Government endorsed this EU mission to protect civilians These reforms will make better use of redundant or and provide additional security and stability in Bangui. underused agricultural buildings, increasing rural housing As part of the French contribution to this EU mission a without building on the countryside. Up to 450 square UK staff officer, who is currently on exchange with the metres of agricultural buildings on a farm will be able French military, will deploy to Bangui. This staff officer to change to provide a maximum of three houses. will be supporting the EU force headquarters and will We recognise the importance to the public of not be deploying in a combat role. This UK support for safeguarding environmentally protected areas, so this French-led operations demonstrates the close relationship change of use will not apply in article 1(5) land, for envisaged in the Lancaster House treaties of 2010. example national parks or areas of outstanding natural beauty. However, we expect national parks and other local planning authorities to take a positive and proactive approach to sustainable development, balancing the EDUCATION protection of the landscape with the social and economic well-being of the area. National parks and other protected areas are living communities whose young people and Teacher Training Skills Tests families need access to housing if their communities are to grow and prosper. I would note that a prior approval process will allow for flooding issues to be addressed. The Minister for Schools (Mr David Laws): I would Change of use: extending access to education like to set out for the House some actions we have taken to address weaknesses which have recently been identified We also propose to extend the existing permitted in the marking of skills tests for prospective teachers. development rights for change of use to state-funded schools to additionally cover registered nurseries. The numeracy and literacy tests for prospective teachers Agricultural buildings up to 500 square metres will also were developed, in the current format, from 2009 onwards, be able to change to state-funded schools and registered under a contract let by the Training and Development nurseries. Agency for Schools (TDA). When the TDA was abolished, responsibility for administering the skills tests was I believe that these are a practical and reasonable set transferred to the Teaching Agency from April 2012 of changes that will help facilitate locally led development, and the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) from promote brownfield regeneration and promote badly November 2013. needed new housing at no cost to the taxpayer. The reforms complement both the coalition Government’s A review of the skills tests undertaken by the STA decentralisation agenda and our long-term economic has identified some errors in the marking of some plan. questions in the tests, which have led to some candidates being awarded or denied a small number of marks incorrectly. These problems were present during the TDA’s administration of the skills tests and date back at least as far as April 2010. DEFENCE The errors causing the incorrect marking have been rectified by the STA, so the skills tests being taken now are not affected. However, the errors have meant that Routine Call-Out (Mali) some candidates who sat the skills tests in the past received the incorrect results. In the 2012-13 academic year, 721 candidates (less The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mr Mark Francois): than 1% of the total) were incorrectly awarded a maximum With the expiry of the call-out order made on 11 March of three marks and given a pass in error. Of these 721 2013, a new order has been made under section 56(l)(a) candidates, 505 were awarded one extra mark, 189 were of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 to enable reservists to awarded two extra marks, and 27 were awarded three continue to be called out into service to support operations extra marks. in Mali. While only a small number of reservists have been mobilised for service in Mali to date, they have In addition, between October 2012 and now, 27 made an important contribution. We wish to continue candidates (0.02% of the total) were incorrectly awarded to be able to draw on the specialist skills and experience a fail and have not subsequently gone on to pass at available within our reserve forces. We plan to call out further attempts. only willing and available reservists, who have the support With respect to those candidates who were incorrectly of their employer. The order takes effect from 10 March awarded a pass, many will have subsequently gone on to 2014 and ceases to have effect on 9 March 2015. undertake the other steps necessary to gain qualified 53WS Written Statements6 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 54WS teacher status, or be in the process of doing so, and will, insect pollinator species. We know that the public and through this, have had to demonstrate their competence Members of this House care deeply about this issue. to teach. Indeed, even had these candidates been properly However there is a great deal of uncertainty about the failed at the point of taking the test, it is likely that status of pollinators and what may be causing changes many would have retaken the tests and been passed at to populations. This is in part due to a patchy evidence subsequent attempts. Given these points we are satisfied base and insufficient monitoring data. that no further action in respect of these people is My priority has been to understand what the evidence required, indeed it would be unjust to them to do so. is telling us and ensure that we are taking the right With respect to those candidates who were incorrectly action. Last summer, an independent expert advisory awarded a fail and have not gone on to pass at further group, chaired by Professor Charles Godfray, was set attempts, they will be awarded a pass retrospectively. up to advise on these matters. This group also provided The STA wrote to these candidates yesterday and has guidance on the independent report “Status and value followed-up by email. of pollinators and pollination services”, published today, It would require extensive data analysis to determine which DEFRA commissioned in 2013 to help inform how many candidates who took the tests prior to October development of the strategy. 2012 were affected by the same errors. My officials The strategy we are consulting on reflects the current estimate this work would cost £140,000 and take six evidence and also identifies where we need to know months to complete. Given that any candidates incorrectly more. It sets out a collaborative plan of action for awarded a fail could, at that time, have re-sat the tests Government and external organisations to make sure an unlimited number of times, and given that we do not pollinators thrive. This will help provide essential pollination propose to take action in respect of those candidates services and benefits for crop production and the wider incorrectly awarded a pass, there would be little practical environment, in line with our commitments in “Biodiversity benefit arising from this analysis, beyond certainty over 2020”. It aims to cover all of the approximately 1,500 the number of candidates affected. I therefore do not insect species that fulfil a pollination role in England. believe it would be an effective use of taxpayers’ money As we strengthen the evidence base and our to undertake this work. understanding of what action is needed increases, the As part of its review of the current tests, the STA has national pollinator strategy will be flexible and adaptive. also taken the decision to re-design the punctuation It will focus on three components: section of the literacy test to allow for improved data Investment in research and monitoring to gain a firmer analysis and quality assurance going forward. The understanding of the nature of the problem and its drivers. punctuation section has been temporarily removed from A total of 18 priority actions for Government and others the tests while refinements are made. The remaining to implement in the interim period, from 2014. These actions sections of the literacy tests will be unaffected and we are comprehensive, covering management of farmland, towns, cities and public land. They respond to pest and disease risk. expect to reintroduce the punctuation element to the The actions also engage the public, sharing knowledge and tests in the autumn of 2014. improving our understanding of the status of pollinators The chief executive of the Standards and Testing and the service they provide. Agency has looked closely at this matter and assured A refreshment of our commitment in 2019, once new me that the tests which remain in operation are now evidence is available, with a view to updating actions in line reliable, accurate, and fit for purpose. with new evidence if necessary. This Government’s decision to bring the TDA’s functions Government cannot solve this problem alone. Therefore within the Department has brought greater scrutiny, we will continue to work very closely with industry, increased accountability and helped unearth these errors. NGOs, farmers, local government, land managers and However, it is deeply regrettable that the tests inherited others, including the devolved Administrations, to finalise from the TDA contained flaws which have so directly the strategy for publication in summer 2014. Together affected outcomes for some prospective teachers. Action we will produce an implementation plan, focusing on was taken as soon as errors were identified and we are collaborative action, in the six months after the final determined to restore absolute confidence in the tests, strategy is published. I am placing a copy of the strategy under the management of the STA. and supporting documents in the Libraries of both Houses.

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Winter Floods

National Pollinator Strategy The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr Owen Paterson): Since the start of The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and December we have experienced serious flooding from Rural Affairs (Mr Owen Paterson): Following a commitment the sea, rivers, and from groundwater. It has officially made in June 2013, I have today launched a consultation been the wettest winter on record. on a proposed national pollinator strategy to safeguard These extreme conditions have led to the flooding of the future of pollinators and pollination services. Bees about 7,000 properties across England. I want to express and other insect pollinators play an essential role in our my deepest sympathy for all those who have been affected food production and in the diversity of our environment. and thank everyone who has worked tirelessly to deal They face a wide range of environmental pressures, with the aftermath; they helped protect 1.3 million such as habitat loss, pests and diseases, invasive species, properties and over 2,500 square kilometres of farmland. use of pesticides and climate change. There are growing In a few areas of the country, especially in southern concerns that these pressures are leading to declines in England, some flooding is likely to continue into the the number, diversity and geographical ranges of individual coming weeks. However, other parts of the country are 55WS Written Statements6 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 56WS now making the transition to recovery. It is therefore agencies and the Local Government Association to right that I update the House on further actions being ensure all these schemes are easy to access, and are taken to support recovery and prepare for similar events delivered quickly. in future. Electricity supplies Help for Somerset As the Prime Minister has said on a number of Six weeks ago I visited Somerset and saw for myself occasions, it is important that we learn the lessons from the exceptional impact on the county. Local leaders the recent flooding. That process has begun. For example, called for two things: first, immediate help to manage many people had their Christmas affected by the disruption the impact; then, rapid action to dredge the rivers. we saw to electricity supplies. On immediate help. Government delivered fast. We The response of the network operators to that was saw one of the biggest mobilisations ever to protect strong, with 95.3% of disrupted customers restored people, their homes and their livelihoods from encroaching within 24 hours. We are grateful to the staff of network floodwater. operators who worked over the Christmas period to make that happen, often cancelling their own leave. I also asked Somerset’s councils, IDBs and local leaders, working in partnership, to produce an action However, a review by my right hon. Friend the Secretary plan for the long-term management of the levels and of State for Energy and Climate Change, also published moors. I visited Somerset again yesterday, and I am today, highlights areas for improvement with a clear pleased that they have delivered that plan on time. I implementation timeline to ensure that, in future, customers am placing a copy in the Libraries of both Houses. The experience as little inconvenience as possible. plan includes some immediate actions, such as our Though this review has established 23 actions for commitment to dredge 8 km of the Rivers Parrett and industry, and two for DECC, there are two clear priorities: Tone. That is the key thing local people asked for. The Ensure that network operators have access to better customer Environment Agency will start work as soon as it is safe contact details, allowing them to contact proactively those and practical to do so. who are disrupted to provide accurate information. The establishment of a single national number for customers Crucially, the plan also considers how to address to use to contact their network operator in the event of a flood risk over the longer term. Local partners will set disruption. up a new body to take more responsibility for water I am placing a copy of this review in the Libraries of management on the levels, and will establish new ways both Houses. of funding this. We will help them to do so. Transport Enhanced approaches to catchment sensitive farming will allow more water to be retained in the upper The severe weather disrupted rail, road, air and sea catchment. Ensuring new developments meet the highest travel over the winter period. Throughout, the vast standards for water and drainage will also help manage majority of transport network owners and operators local flood risk. The plan also sets out other options for have done their very best to restore services as quickly managing flood risk over the longer term, including as possible and keep the country moving. investment in infrastructure. This is exemplified by the Network Rail announcement on Tuesday that they will be able to reopen the line at DEFRA is providing an additional £10 million for Dawlish two weeks earlier than initially expected. The Somerset for flood-related work, and I am pleased to Government recognise the impact that the weather has confirm that the whole of Government will be contributing had on transport infrastructure. To address these issues, to the aims of the plan. The Department for Transport my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Transport will provide a further £10 million and the Department has also commissioned a review into the resilience of for Communities and Local Government £0.5 million. our transport networks in a future where we are likely This gives a strong base to take forward work. The to see more extreme weather events. challenge for the coming months will be to identify which of several longer-term priorities to take forward, Many people were affected by the disruption to services and their specific funding streams. Detailed assessments at Gatwick on Christmas eve, when localised flooding and business cases will be produced for different investment caused a loss of power to critical systems at the airport. choices, including how they compare to other projects The subsequent review announced by Gatwick’s CEO across the country. The plan provides a framework to has now reported, with 27 recommendations. We welcome address these questions. DEFRA and its agencies will this review. continue to support Somerset in doing so, helping secure It is now for Gatwick Airport to consider the a sustainable future for the levels and moors. recommendations and the steps necessary for increasing Help for fishermen the resilience of the airport. Central Government The Government have already established a range of schemes to support affected households, farmers, businesses The Government’s emergency committee COBR has and local communities. Today I am announcing further taken effective action over the last three months to measures to support fishermen, who have been hit hard ensure that the risks are understood and that local by recent events. I have decided that they should not responders have the resources they need. We have acted bear the cost of Trinity lighthouse dues this year, a on every request for assistance received. move that will benefit the industry by up to £140,000. Over Christmas and the new year, Departments across We will also be making financial support available Whitehall worked closely together to co-ordinate the under the European fisheries fund to reimburse up to Government’s response. However, it became apparent 60% of the cost of replacing lost or damaged gear, such that some organisations—outside central Government— as lobster and crab pots. We are working with our were not so actively engaged. In future, whenever there 57WS Written Statements6 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 58WS is a significant risk we will use the COBR system to in the lagoon had been discharging waste water into the ensure that all organisations, at both national and local lagoon since the establishment of the naval support level, are aware and fully prepared well in advance. station there in the early 1980s. In order to further strengthen support and the This waste water is treated sewage, and water left over organisation of Government recovery efforts, the Prime from routine processes like cleaning and cooking. Though Minister has asked me personally to co-ordinate recovery the amounts are small in proportion to the size of the in Somerset as part of a group of ministerial representatives lagoon itself, our policy has consistently been that any for flood recovery. Those for other areas have also been form of discharge of these substances into the lagoon is confirmed today and I am placing a full list in the prohibited because of clear scientific advice that it Libraries of both Houses. would be damaging to coral in the long term. That Local government advice has not changed, and nor has our policy. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for I asked my officials to immediately establish the Communities and Local Government is also ensuring impact of these discharges, and in October 2013, UK that we learn the lessons from how local authorities scientists concluded that based on the available data, have responded to the recent flooding. There have been there were elevated levels of nutrients in the lagoon some excellent examples of local authorities who which could be damaging to coral. demonstrated good practice in their response. We will Over the period since October, my officials have been continue to work with local government to set out more working to agree a plan with the US to come into clearly what council tax payers can reasonably expect compliance with our no discharge policy, and I am from their councils in an emergency. For instance by pleased to say I have now agreed this. The plan will providing support outside normal business hours, being involve expenditure of several million dollars by the US a visible part of the local response and giving clear over a period of three years to retrofit all of the vessels advice to residents and businesses on how to plan for in the lagoon. The programme of work balances the emergencies. requirement to maintain operational readiness in the We will continue to keep Parliament informed on the region, meet international security commitments, and Government’s plans to learn other lessons and improve deal with the logistical and fiscal challenges such a our resilience to flooding. large-scale programme brings with it. A comprehensive joint UK-US study is now also under way to assess and monitor the coral and marine health of the lagoon and ensure that the programme has the desired effect of FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE reducing the levels of nutrients in the lagoon and protecting the coral.

Diego Garcia: Lagoon Environment Foreign Affairs Council

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mark Simmonds): I wish to The Minister for Europe (Mr David Lidington): I update the House on our work to protect the environment attended the extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council called of the British Indian Ocean Territory and, in particular, to discuss Ukraine on 3 March in Brussels, chaired by the island of Diego Garcia which is home to a large the High Representative of the European Union for UK-US military base. Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Baroness Ashton of Upholland. Commissioners Füle (enlargement) was This Government, and the Government of our most also in attendance. important ally, the United States, value the strategic location of the island of Diego Garcia, and we want to A provisional report of the meeting and conclusions see our partnership there continue. adopted can be found at: http://www.consilium.europa. eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/ We also share a deep commitment to the pristine 141294.pdf environment of BIOT, and take great steps to minimise Ukraine the impact of the military presence on Diego Garcia on that environment. This ranges from the troops stationed Ministers condemned Russia’s acts of aggression in there regularly taking part in beach clean-ups to remove Ukraine, stating that Russian actions were unacceptable. Indian ocean flotsam that has washed ashore, through I underlined the need for concrete actions, to ensure EU conservation efforts with NGOs like the RSPB to remove credibility and deter further aggression, as well as indicating rats or invasive plants, to a US investment of over potential further actions if Russia did not de-escalate. $30 million during 2014-15 to protect the shoreline The Council agreed conclusions condemning Russia’s from gradual erosion. Diego Garcia military base operates acts of aggression against Ukraine and stating that, in an environmental protection council which co-ordinates the absence of quick Russian de-escalation, there would this activity, and the standards governing its behaviour be consequences for EU-Russia relations. Ministers are guided by our own scientific advisers and the most reaffirmed their support for Ukraine, and agreed to stringent relevant environmental legislation. work swiftly on the adoption of restrictive measures for One area where we have been working recently with the freezing and recovery of assets of persons identified the US to ensure the highest standards of environmental as responsible for the misappropriation of state funds, stewardship is in the lagoon of Diego Garcia where we and the freezing of assets of persons responsible for are on a path to recovery and protection of the coral human rights violations. that supports the island above the waves. In April last An emergency European Council will discuss the year it came to our attention that the US vessels moored situation in Ukraine on Thursday 6 March. 59WS Written Statements6 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 60WS

HOME DEPARTMENT I am proud to say that the UK Government continue to show considerable leadership on this important issue. Invalid Travel Documents (New Powers) On 13 November, the UK co-hosted, with Sweden, the call to action on protecting girls and women in emergencies. The Minister for Security and Immigration (James This brought together Governments, UN Heads, Brokenshire): Schedule 7 to the Anti-social Behaviour, international NGOs and civil society organisations to Crime and Policing Bill provides for new powers to agree a new approach to protecting girls and women in search for and seize invalid travel documents, including emergency situations. The US has now taken on leadership cancelled passports, for police officers, immigration officers of this initiative and we are working with them to and designated customs officials. Subject to parliamentary ensure commitments translate to better support on the approval, the Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent ground for girls and women. shortly. The schedule 7 provisions will commence the In December, I hosted a learning event on preventing day after Royal Assent. violence against women and girls for DFID staff and These new powers will help to define clearly the external partners. The seminar brought together members statutory powers available at ports to prevent people from the gender and development network, DFID staff from travelling to or from the United Kingdom on and cross-Government colleagues to mark international invalid documentation and provide an express statutory human rights day, which concluded the 16 days of power to enforce the cancellation of a passport by a activism against gender violence. The overall objective Secretary of State. Operation of these new powers will for the event was to inform and inspire attendees to take be restricted for the first two months to cases where the action to prevent violence against women and girls. passport has been cancelled by the Secretary of State. At the event, I announced that the South African Medical Research Council will lead the main component Violence Against Women and Girls of our flagship violence against women and girls research and innovation fund. This £25 million fund will pilot new approaches and strengthen the evidence base on The Secretary of State for the Home Department what works, with a particular focus on prevention. (Mrs Theresa May): On Saturday 8 March, to coincide with international women’s day, the Government are I have continued to champion the UK’s efforts to end publishing an updated violence against women and girls female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). On action plan. A copy will be placed in the House Library. international day of zero tolerance to FGM on 6 February, Last year around 1.2 million women suffered domestic I joined with Ministers from across-Government to sign abuse and around 330,000 were sexually assaulted. This up to a declaration to end FGM/C in the UK and is wholly unacceptable. We are determined, not just to around the world. On 14 January I met with the Department reduce, but to end violence against women and girls. of Education, the Home Office and representatives from national teachers’ associations and unions to discuss In November 2010, we set out our strategy to end raising awareness of FGM/C. violence against women and girls. Our key themes of prevention, provision of good-quality services, improved I have also taken the opportunity to support DFID’s partnership working, better justice outcomes and risk work in developing countries. I recently visited Burkina reduction remain as relevant today as when we first Faso to see work being funded through DFID’s flagship agreed our approach. £35 million FGM/C programme. During my visit I met communities who have abandoned the practice to learn This third revision of the action plan updates the how this change came about and visited a school to efforts underpinning that strategy, and sets out significant hear students’ views about the practice and how young progress since the last report was published a year ago. people can help with its eradication. I also met the First We are also aware of emerging issues and new challenges Lady, Chantal Compaoré, to find out how the UK can and the updated plan includes a renewed focus on early support African leadership on this issue. intervention, supporting effective local approaches, driving a culture change and measuring outcomes. Looking forward, 2014 is a critical year for pushing the elimination of violence against women and girls up We are proud of the progress this Government have the international development agenda. My priorities for made in protecting the lives of women and girls, but 2014, which I circulated in my recent Valentine’s day there is still much more to do. This action plan confirms letter to Members of Parliament, build on those I our ongoing commitment to stop the violence and previously highlighted to the House. They are: abuse which blights the lives of too many women and Securing and defending the rights of girls and women to live girls. free from violence, through international negotiations such as the Commission on the Status of Women in March and INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT the ongoing negotiations on the framework which will take us beyond the millennium development goals. Violence against Women and Girls Overseas Eliminating FGM/C within a generation. The UK Government are working to end this harmful practice in 17 countries through our flagship programme. This programme works at The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for community-level to support changes in social norms, and International Development (Lynne Featherstone): Iam supports enabling policies and legislation. It also includes a pleased to take this opportunity to update the House campaign to galvanise a movement to end the practice at local, national and international level. This will complement for a second time on my role as ministerial champion work already going on in the UK to eliminate the practice for tackling violence against women and girls overseas. here. Since my previous written ministerial statement, I have Sharing knowledge of what works to prevent violence against continued to lead the UK’s work on ending the global girls and women, by investing in research and working with pandemic of violence against women and girls. others to ensure that what we do is based on strong evidence. 61WS Written Statements6 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 62WS

Forging strategic partnerships in the international system to NORTHERN IRELAND “lock in” prevention of violence against girls and women, making sure we get the best outcomes for girls and women by working closely with others over the long term. Linking our international work with the domestic, particularly National Security Arrangements in Northern Ireland our work on FGM/C and early and forced marriage and (Lord Carlile’s Report) through the UK’s national action plan on violence against women and girls. In March 2014 I will be representing the UK, alongside The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mrs Theresa the Secretary of State for International Development Villiers): This is a summary of the main findings from and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport the report by Lord Carlile, the independent reviewer of and Minister for Women and Equalities, at the 58th national security arrangements in Northern Ireland, Commission on the Status of Women in New York. I over the period from 1 December 2012 to 31 December will attend both the event itself and a number of side-events 2013. focused on violence against women and girls. This global “Once again I am grateful to Ministers for their close interest gathering will serve as an important step in our efforts in the matters discussed here; several meetings with Ministers to secure a strong post-2015 development framework have occurred. that includes a stand-alone goal on gender equality and I have met several stakeholders for the purposes of this report. empowerment of women and girls and a target on They have included the Secretary of State and other Ministers for preventing and eliminating all forms of violence against the time being including the Minister of Justice in the Northern women and girls, and mainstreams gender throughout Ireland Executive, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and all the goals. MI5 at senior levels, the relevant Commissioners dealing with We are working closely with the Foreign and National Security matters, the Northern Ireland Policing Board, Commonwealth Office and Ministry of Defence colleagues the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland (PONI), and others. to develop a new, more ambitious, national action plan I have also engaged with HM Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) concerning activities relevant to this Report. I have on women, peace and security to launch in June at the made myself available to the Northern Ireland political parties if “End Sexual Violence in Conflict: London 2014”summit. so required, an offer which was not taken up this year. The aim of the new national action plan will be to The liaison between Mr Ford and those responsible for national ensure a more joined-up approach to our work on security issues is satisfactory. women, peace and security that makes best use of UK Government resources. It will set out how we will take The context in which national security activities are performed in Northern Ireland is changing and remains challenging. I have forward the women, peace and security agenda, of considered the current threat level, and what I have learned of which violence against women and girls will be a key events of a terrorist nature during the year. The level of terrorist component, internationally, in accordance with UN activity appears broadly similar to the previous year. The overall Security Council Resolution 1325. picture is of a very dangerous, unpredictable terrorist threat, I look forward to updating the House again on my though one much smaller than in the days of PIRA terrorist work to achieve my priorities in the coming months. activity. There were 30 national security incidents during 2013, and several hoaxes. The authorities deserve the highest praise for the JUSTICE successful security operations surrounding the G8 Summit at Lough Erne on 17-18 June and the World Police and Fire Games Mesothelioma Claims on 1-10 August, both of which always had the potential to be a magnet for terrorism. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice Ongoing investigations are at a high level. I was provided with (Mr Shailesh Vara): My noble Friend, the Minister for information about such investigations, and of the considerable Justice, Lord Faulks, has made the following statement: number of officers involved. Peace is in no small way the result of these efforts by PSNI and MI5 personnel. On 4 December 2013, Official Report, column 55WS, my hon. Friend, the Member for North West Cambridgeshire (Mr Vara) Additional challenges continue to be posed by the many who is responsible for courts and legal aid issued a written connections which terrorists appear to have with organised crime—not ministerial statement announcing the Government’s decisions least because such crime helps fund their politically motivated following its “Reforming mesothelioma claims” consultation. I activities. The opposition to drugs use by dissident republican am today announcing the publication of the Government’s full groups is less than convincing. Their continued involvement in response to that consultation which contains the report under tobacco smuggling is clear. section 48 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of As before, I asked specifically about loyalist terrorists. Basically Offenders (LASPO) Act 2012. these are people whose real interest is in making money from The Government are keen to continue working constructively crime. Their groups have always suffered from fractiousness, and with stakeholders to identify reforms which might potentially this has not changed. The authorities are well sighted against improve the compensation claims process for mesothelioma. these organisations. Copies of the response have been placed in the Libraries of I have asked questions again this year about the relationship both Houses. The document is also available online at: http:// between MI5 and PSNI staff working alongside each other in www.justice.gov.uk. security sensitive operations in Northern Ireland. That they work together well and in the national interest is beyond question. LEADER OF THE HOUSE Generally they are well sighted together over potential terrorist operations, better than other similar arrangements I have observed State Opening of Parliament elsewhere in the world. There is no evidence of the two services in any way undermining each other’s work—quite the opposite. In concurrence with MI5 and national security work, the use The Leader of the House of Commons (Mr Andrew of CHIS has been effective. I was very impressed by what I was Lansley): Her Majesty the Queen will open a new told of the training and verification processes: they are methodical, Session of this Parliament on Tuesday 3 June 2014. detailed and subject to constant checking. 63WS Written Statements6 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 64WS

The PSNI and MI5 respectively have their own in-house legal advisers. The PSNI also has an in-house Human Rights legal Text of Annex E Conclusions adviser. In addition, relations with the Director of Public Prosecutions There will be no diminution of The PSNI must continue to comply. for Northern Ireland are excellent and founded on trust and the PSNI’s responsibility to comply The Policing Board, with the advice mutual respect, and as a result the services can go to the Public with the Human Rights Act or of their Human Rights Advisor Prosecution Service for advice if they feel that it would be helpful. the Policing Board’s ability to as a key component, will continue monitor said compliance. the role of monitoring compliance. I am satisfied that there is undoubtedly solid scrutiny of interception, in an environment in which communications technology is developing quickly. Conclusions

I have asked about the availability and use of technology for I regard 2013, as 2012, as a year of continuing but challenging counter-terrorism operations. The amount of technically based broad success in a very difficult environment. We remain far from work is on the increase, and the public are protected by investment the demise of all Northern Ireland terrorism. The Haass process in top quality and up to date technology. hopefully will have left a solid and evolving basis for further discussions which will make terrorism less and less relevant. We I met the Policing Board during 2013, and attempted to must remain vigilant as in the past 6 years at least. However, once address their understandable concern that they cannot make full again I have drawn comfort from the successful joint operations judgments of relevant issues involving policing and national between MI5 and the PSNI, and their high level of co-operation security on the basis of incomplete information. The nature of with their counterparts in Ireland. The process from segregation national security and the Northern Ireland context necessitates to integration continues steadily.” these arrangements, but the Board can feel reassured that the Human Rights Advisor is able to carry out that role with greater confidence. A stronger and coherent narrative is provided, and PRIME MINISTER continuing capable judgment exercised as to what can and cannot be shared with the Board. Organisation on Security and Co-operation in Europe (Appointment) I consider that continuing discussion between the operational authorities and the PONI will help to define further the legitimate scope of any enquiries he may have in mind into national security The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): The right issues and policy. hon. Member for Chelmsford (Mr Burns) has been In relation to prosecutions, the Director of Public Prosecutions appointed as a full member of the United Kingdom for Northern Ireland is pursuing a policy consistent with that in delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the GB, of prosecuting where the evidence reaches the required Organisation on Security and Co-operation in Europe standards applicable to prosecution decisions generally. The threat in place of the hon. Member for Worthing West (Sir of terrorism justifies the continuation of the non-jury system. Peter Bottomley). Lord Bowness will continue as a full There is no evidence of any disadvantage in terms of outcome to member and also assume the role of leader to the Defendants in the current system of non-jury trials. delegation. Prisons remain a problem area on two grounds. First, short-term prisoners can emerge from gaol as more determined and better Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe informed terrorists. Secondly, prison officers are a relatively easy (Appointment) target for terrorist attack. I have measured performance in 2013 against the five key The Prime Minister (Mr David Cameron): The hon. principles identified in relation to national security in Annex E to Member for Birmingham, Perry Barr (Mr Mahmood) the St Andrews Agreement of October 2006. has been appointed as a substitute member of the My conclusions in relation to Annex E are as follows: United Kingdom delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in place of the hon. Member Text of Annex E Conclusions for Ealing, Southall (Mr Sharma). Lord Balfe has also been appointed as a substitute member in place of Further to reinforce this comprehensive set of safeguards, the Government Baroness Buscombe. confirms that it accepts and will ensure that effect is given to the five key principles which the Chief Constable has identified as crucial to the effective operation of the new arrangements, viz: TRANSPORT All Security Service intelligence There is compliance. Arrangements relating to terrorism in Northern are in place to deal with any Ireland will be visible to the PSNI. suspected malfeasance by a PSNI Light Dues 2014-15 or MI5 officer. PSNI will be informed of all There is compliance. Security Service counter terrorist The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport investigations and operations (Stephen Hammond): The three general lighthouse relating to Northern Ireland. authorities (GLAs) for the United Kingdom and Republic Security Service intelligence will There is compliance. Dissemination of Ireland provide an essential service for mariners be disseminated within PSNI policy has developed since the through the deployment of coastal aids to navigation according to the current PSNI new arrangements came into force. and inspection of harbour lights. The celebration of the dissemination policy, and using 500th anniversary of Trinity House this year is helping police procedures. to highlight the continuing vital role of these historic The great majority of national The majority of CHIS are run by security Covert Human Intelligence the PSNI. Protocols have not stood organisations. However this year and next will witness Sources (CHIS) in Northern still A review of existing protocols two significant changes affecting the GLAs. Ireland will continue to be run and the development of up to In line with provisions in the Public Service Pensions by PSNI officers under existing date replacements should always Act 2013, the GLAs’ pension schemes will be closed police handling protocols. be work in progress and clearly and their members transferred to the principal civil accountable. service pension scheme, the rules of which the current 65WS Written Statements6 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 66WS schemes already follow by analogy. The reserves in the of the full extent of the potential impact of closure on general lighthouse fund—above a minimum level required ILF users, and to demonstrate that they had given due to maintain operational cash flow—will be used to fund regard to all three parts of the public sector equality this transfer, supplemented by a loan from the Department duty. for Transport, which will be repaid through the fund Following the Court’s decision, the Department took over the next 10 years. action to ensure that all activities being undertaken by The transfer, which addresses the pension liabilities the ILF to prepare for closure were stopped with immediate of the GLAs, will be of significant benefit to light dues effect. payers. First it removes a source of volatility and risk Since the judgment was given, I have taken time to for the general lighthouse fund from uncertainties arising reflect on the Court of Appeal’s decision. A new equality in the way pension liabilities are valued. Secondly, it is a analysis has been undertaken and further advice provided fundamental component of our actions to implement to enable me to make a new decision on the future of the agreement made in 2010 by the Irish and UK the ILF. Governments that, from 2015-16, the work of the Commissioners of Irish Lights in the Republic of Ireland I have considered the implications of closing the fund will be met fully from Irish sources. very carefully before reaching my decision on the way In this way, the Government are laying the ground for forward. This has included in-depth consideration of a sustainable reduction in the call on the UK light dues all of the various aspects of the PSED and the United payer, delivering on their commitment to creating the Nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. right conditions to support one of the UK’s most It is clear to me, from considering all of the evidence, important industries. that there is considerable concern among ILF users, On top of this, the GLAs have continued to improve about the potential impact of closing the fund on their the efficiency of their operations by working together, independence and on their ability to exercise choice and harnessing new technology, and a concerted programme control over how their care and support is managed. I of converting aids to navigation to use solar power. also recognise that many users believe that closing the Therefore, I have decided to reduce the light dues rate ILF will affect their ability to continue to live independently by one penny to 40p per net registered tonne in 2014-15 in their own homes, to pursue educational and employment and I intend to seek a further reduction in 2015-16, opportunities, and to participate in social activities. dependent on the final valuation of the liability and a However, I do not believe that continuing a separate decision on the appropriate minimum level of the general system of support, operating through a discretionary lighthouse fund. Following the freeze in light dues since trust and outside the statutory mainstream adult social 2010, this represents a 14% reduction in real terms care system, is the right approach. The key features that under this Government. have contributed to the ILF’s success, in particular, the choice and control it has given disabled people over how their care and support is managed, are now provided, or are very soon to be provided, within the mainstream WORK AND PENSIONS system. To continue with the present arrangements, which benefit a relatively small proportion of disabled Independent Living Fund people, would therefore fail to take account of the significant developments in adult social care and the changes which have been made in the past 20 years, in The Minister of State, Department for Work and the way disabled people are supported to live independent Pensions (Mike Penning): On 18 December 2012, the lives. Government announced that the independent living I remain committed to maintaining awards to current fund (ILF) would close on 31 March 2015 with funding users until the ILF closes. However, I do not think that transferred to local authorities in England and to the the current tier 2 arrangements are justified and it is my devolved Administrations in Scotland and Wales. This intention to close the ILF on 30 June 2015. Following announcement followed an extensive consultation exercise closure, local authorities in England will take direct on the future of the ILF. responsibility for meeting the eligible care and support The legality of this decision was challenged in the needs of current ILF users in line with their statutory High Court through judicial review proceedings brought responsibilities. The devolved Administrations in Scotland, by five ILF users. At the High Court hearing, in March Wales and Northern Ireland, will determine how ILF 2013, the Court found that the consultation had been users in each of those parts of the UK, are supported carried out in a fair and proper manner and that “due within their distinct care and support systems. As previously regard” was paid to the public sector equality duty announced, at the point of transfer local authorities (PSED). and the devolved Administrations will be funded to The High Court decision was subsequently appealed enable them to meet their new responsibilities towards to the Court of Appeal and following an appeal hearing former ILF users. in October 2013 the Court delivered its judgment on Before receiving the Court of Appeal’s judgment, the 6 November 2013. The Court of Appeal did not make ILF had been making excellent progress to deliver its any findings on the merits of the decision to close the transfer review programme—an ambitious and complex ILF and upheld the Department’s position on the programme to enable both local authorities and ILF consultation, finding that it had been carried out properly users to prepare for the transfer to the new arrangements. and fairly. However, the Court allowed the appeal on The suspension of closure activity, to allow time for the the PSED points, holding that more documentary evidence future of the ILF to be fully considered, means that was required to demonstrate that Ministers were aware asking the ILF to complete the transfer programme 67WS Written Statements6 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 68WS within the original time scales would involve an unacceptable I am happy to announce that this is possible because degree of risk. For that reason, I will be asking the ILF of savings made on the administration costs of the to resume closure activity immediately, to deliver a scheme. Over the course of the debates on the Mesothelioma re-planned programme that will achieve closure by 30 June Bill, much attention was given to the commercial process 2015. This will allow additional time to ensure that to select the scheme administrator, and who that scheme adequate transfer arrangements have been made in administrator would be. I can now announce that the respect of all ILF users. open tender process has been concluded, and the contract The equality analysis “Closure of the Independent has been awarded to Gallagher Basset International. Living Fund”, undertaken by the Department for Work As the Bill progressed through Parliament, my noble and Pensions, will be published on my Department’s friend Lord Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform, and I website. I will place a copy of the equality analysis in were sympathetic with those Members who called for the House Library. The equality analysis records all an increase in payments from 75% to 80% of average analysis carried out by the Department to enable a full civil damages, but were bound by the need to keep the and thorough consideration of the extent of the potential levy below the 3% of GWP threshold. The savings impact of closure on independent living fund users, and made through running a competitive open tender process demonstrates full consideration of the requirements of have enabled us to raise the payment rate, while keeping the public sector equality duty (PSED) as set out in below this threshold. section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. I hope that Members of both Houses will welcome this increase and will continue to give the scheme their Work Capability Assessment support.

The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Mike Penning): I am pleased to announce that Work Programme Dr Paul Litchfield, who recently published the fourth independent review of the work capability assessment (WCA), will be continuing in his role as independent The Minister of State, Department for Work and reviewer for the fifth and final statutory review of the Pensions (Esther McVey): Having now helped work capability assessment as required by the Welfare 444,000 people into jobs and 208,000 into lasting work, Reform Act 2007. the Work programme is succeeding—transforming the This year’s review will continue the process of ensuring lives of those furthest from the labour market, who are the assessment is as fair and accurate as possible in the hardest to help into employment. The performance helping people back to work if they are able, while of providers since the Work programme’s first year of ensuring that financial support is provided to those who operation has significantly improved. As planned, these need it. providers are being paid for getting people into work and keeping them there; a real change in the whole Dr Paul Litchfield is chief medical officer and director culture of how welfare-to-work schemes operate. Now, of health, safety and well-being for BT, a post he has the positive signs are clear to see: there are fewer people held since 2001. An experienced senior occupational on jobseeker’s allowance than when the Work programme physician, his fields of expertise include mental illness started, and this quarter marked a sizeable fall of 45,000 in and the impact it can have on work prospects. As a long-term unemployment. member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda Council, he has also played a key role in raising the Our aim from the start was always that the Work profile of the economic impact of chronic disease. programme should allow for continuous improvement. By its very design, the Work programme was intended As in previous years, an independent scrutiny group, to create a competitive market. Providers are paid by chaired by Professor David Haslam—chair of the National results—transferring financial risk to providers and Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), protecting the taxpayer, unlike previous schemes where past president of the Royal College of General Practitioners vast amounts were paid out up front regardless of and former national professional adviser to the Care success. What is more, for the first time unlike other Quality Commission—will oversee the review process. programmes, through levers such as market share shift Dr Litchfield will present his report to the Secretary and contract termination, we are able to actively manage of State for Work and Pensions before the end of 2014. this market place. Since August last year, the Department for Work and Pensions has been rewarding success by Mesothelioma Act 2014 (Scheme Payments) referring more claimants to the better performing providers. At the same time, the structure of the Work programme is intended to push out poorer performing providers. The Minister of State, Department for Work and It is now the right time to focus on those contracts Pensions (Mike Penning): I am today announcing that which are not doing as well as their competitors. While the payments made under the Mesothelioma Act 2014 all contracts are on track to hit their contractual JSA scheme will be increased ahead of the first payments targets, there is significant variation in performance. being made later this year. Eligible individuals can now Accepting only the best for claimants, I have reviewed expect to receive an average payment of £123,000, less the performance of the bottom 25% of contracts against benefit recovery, an average of £8,000 more per person. a range of performance measures. As a result, the As always, each successful applicant will also receive a providers delivering these contracts have been put under further £7,000 on top of this as a contribution towards an enhanced performance management regime, driving legal fees. them to up their game further. 69WS Written Statements6 MARCH 2014 Written Statements 70WS

Following this review, I have also decided to terminate before making that appointment, we will rigorously one contract—the lowest performing when assessed assess bids to determine who can best deliver the quality against this range of measures. Today I have issued of service and results we require. The Department will a notice of termination to Newcastle College Group also support the provider’s supply chain during the in respect of their contract for the provision of Work transition of services to the replacement provider. programme services in north-east Yorkshire and the Humber. The notice of termination has been issued What we have initiated here is a continuous process of under the voluntary break clause in the contract and evaluation and improvement, with rewards for success not for any breach of contract by Newcastle College and consequences for failure. To this end, other providers Group. who deliver low levels of performance and fail to improve Following the contract termination, no individual on will be considered for further action including the the Work programme will be left without support. Not termination of their contract. For the first time, a only do other providers operate as competitors in the Government employment programme is harnessing the area already, but Newcastle College Group are required disciplines of the market place so that only those providers to operate within the terms of their contract while the who succeed are retained to help claimants into work. Department appoints a replacement provider within the In doing so, we can deliver on our goal to ensure next 12 months. To ensure continuity of service for claimants get the best possible service and achieve the those currently on the Work programme in the region, best possible outcomes from the Work programme.

891W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 892W

Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West Written Answers to Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission, pursuant to the answer of 17 Questions July 2013, Official Report, column 709W, on electoral register, what targets existed for electoral registration form downloads in each of the Electoral Commission’s Thursday 6 March 2014 registration awareness campaign; and which such campaigns (a) exceeded and (b) did not meet their target. [189416]

ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me that data on download targets is available for the voter Electoral Register registration campaigns it has conducted since 2009. All campaigns hit their download target and the Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West following table demonstrates the success of each campaign Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the against the target set. Electoral Commission, pursuant to the answer of 17 July 2013, Official Report, column 709W,on electoral register, Campaign Downloads Target what targets exist for registration form downloads for all current (a) electoral registration drives and (b) European Parliament 2009 137,000 50,000 awareness campaigns conducted by the Electoral General election 2010 466,000 142,000 Commission; and how such targets have been set. PVS referendum 2011 (limited 131,000 75,000 [189414] registration activity) English, Scottish and Welsh 146,000 75,000 Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me elections 2012 that it does not set targets for registration form downloads English local elections 2013 87,000 75,000 for all of its campaigns, only where this would be appropriate. The only current campaign with such a target is focussed on increasing the levels of voter Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West registration among British citizens living overseas, which Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the has a target of 25,000 registration form downloads from: Electoral Commission, what evidence will be needed to www.aboutmyvote.co.uk de-register an elector after the implementation of individual voter registration. [189464] This target was set to expand significantly on the 7,000 forms downloaded during the last European elections campaign for overseas voters in 2009 and to also reflect Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me the increase in internet use in the subsequent period. that, following the implementation of individual electoral The Commission is also in the final stages of preparing registration (IER), in order to remove the entry of a its UK-wide voter registration campaign ahead of the person who is individually registered from the register May 2014 European parliamentary, local and mayoral the electoral registration officer (ERO) must make a elections. determination that the person is no longer entitled to be registered. The download target for this campaign will be 150,000 across the UK. These were established to exceed the The procedures that EROs must follow in making 137,000 successful downloads achieved during the similar such a determination and the requirements for supporting elections in 2009. information, where applicable, are set out in Section 10ZE of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (as inserted Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West by Schedule 1 to the Electoral Registration and Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Administration Act 2013) and the Representation of Electoral Commission, pursuant to the answer of 17 the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (and July 2013, Official Report, column 709W, on electoral equivalent regulations for Scotland). register, what progress the Electoral Commission is Under IER an ERO can determine that a person is making in its investigation as to whether to measure no longer entitled to be registered following a formal and set targets for the number of electoral registrations; review of the entry or, in specified circumstances, without and when such investigations will (a) be completed and undertaking a review if they have information to support (b) have their results reported to Parliament. [189415] such a determination. This information includes notification Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me of successful registration elsewhere from another ERO that, as part of its continuing investigation into this or the IER ‘digital service’; notification of death from a issue, it intends to examine the new system of online registrar; or receipt of a death certificate. Otherwise, an registration to identify whether this could provide a ERO may only determine that a person is no longer more effective mechanism for informing the targets for entitled to be registered if they have information from its campaigns. at least two different sources to support the determination. This includes looking at whether the new system The Commission has published detailed guidance for could inform a target based on actual registrations, EROs on removing entries from the register which is as opposed to the current proxy of registration form available on its website: downloads from its www.aboutmyvote.co.uk website. If Part 3: ‘The transition to IER’ (Chapter 8) this proves possible, the Commission will look at what http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/ new target could be set for its campaign in the lead up pdf_file/0009/162576/Part-3-The-transition-to-IER-in-2014- to the 2015 general election. 15.pdf 893W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 894W

Part 4: ‘Maintaining the register throughout the year’ (Chapters 9 and 10). Percentage Green Amber Red http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/__data/assets/ Ward matches matches matches pdf_file/0011/162578/Part-4-Maintaining-the-register- throughout-the-year.pdf Bodelwyddan 79.5 2.3 18.1 Corwen 79.7 3.7 16.6 Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West Denbigh Central 75.2 4.1 20.8 Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Denbigh Lower 82.4 2.8 14.8 Electoral Commission when online voter registration Denbigh Upper/Henllan 83.3 2.8 13.8 will start; and what steps the commission has taken to Dyserth 82.6 2.5 14.9 inform hon. Members of this change. [189638] Efenechtyd 84.5 2.4 13.1 Llanarmon-Yn-lal/ 80.6 3.2 16.2 Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me Llandegla that the transition to individual electoral registration Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd/ 80.0 3.9 16.1 Llangynhafal (IER) will commence on 10 June this year, at which point online voter registration will also begin. The Llandrillo 79.4 3.5 17.1 commission is working closely with the Cabinet Office Llandyrnog 80.4 4.0 15.6 Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd/ 80.6 2.6 16.7 to ensure the online voter registration system is operational Gwyddelwern by the time IER commences. The commission will Llangollen 78.3 3.4 18.2 continue to provide hon. Members with regular updates Llanrhaeadr-Yng- 82.4 3.4 14.2 during the transition period, which will include information Nghinmeirch about the new online voter registration system. Prestatyn Central 85.9 2.3 11.8 Prestatyn East 82.6 1.9 15.4 Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South Prestatyn Meliden 84.7 1.8 13.5 West Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on Prestatyn North 84.3 1.5 14.2 the Electoral Commission whether the Electoral Prestatyn South West 84.4 1.3 14.3 Commission has conducted any follow-up research on Rhuddlan 84.6 1.9 13.5 the 14 authorities which piloted data matching on the Rhyl East 78.9 5.1 16.0 increase in registration rates on the wards with the Rhyl South 86.4 1.0 12.6 [189698] lowest turnout. Rhyl South East 85.0 1.3 13.7 Rhyl South West 84.5 1.8 13.7 Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me Rhyl West 61.3 12.4 26.3 that it has not conducted any follow-up research with Ruthin 81.8 2.6 15.5 the authorities. St Asaph East 80.9 1.6 17.5 However, the commission has reported on further St Asaph West 83.4 1.9 14.8 data matching exercises. These include a further test of Trefnant 80.9 3.6 15.5 the use of national databases to find electors not already Tremeirchion 78.7 3.7 17.7 on the registers (“data mining”), a test of the use of Department for Works and Pensions data to “confirm” existing electors on the registers during the transition to The results for the wards that make up the Vale of individual electoral registration (IER) and the subsequent Clwyd are as follows: Great Britain-wide test of this confirmation process. Full evaluation reports on these exercises can be Percentage Green Amber Red found here: Ward matches matches matches http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/our-work/our- research/electoral-registration-research Bodelwyddan 79.5 2.3 18.1 Denbigh Central 75.2 4.1 20.8 Denbigh Lower 82.4 2.8 14.8 Electoral Register: Denbighshire Denbigh Upper/Henllan 83.3 2.8 13,8 Dyserth 82.6 2.5 14.9 Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West Llandyrnog 80.4 4.0 15.6 Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Prestatyn Central 85.9 2.3 11.8 Electoral Commission, what the electoral registration Prestatyn East 82.6 1.9 15.4 figures were in each ward in the recent confirmation dry Prestatyn Meliden 84.7 1.8 13.5 run conducted in (a) Denbighshire County Council Prestatyn North 84.3 1.5 14.2 and (b) Vale of Clwyd. [189466] Prestatyn South West 84.4 1.3 14.3 Rhuddlan 84.6 1.9 13.5 Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me Rhyl East 78.9 5.1 16.0 that the confirmation dry run involved matching all Rhyl South 86.4 1.0 12.6 entries on the electoral registers against the Department Rhyl South East 85.0 1.3 13.7 for Work and Pensions (DWP) Customer Information Rhyl South West 84.5 1.8 13.7 System database. Entries would be marked as green if Rhyl West 61.3 12.4 26.3 they matched with DWP, amber if they were a partial St Asaph East 80.9 1.6 17.5 match or red if there was no match. St Asaph West 83.4 1.9 14.8 Trefnant 80.9 3.6 15.5 The ward results for Denbighshire County Council Tremeirchion 78.7 3.7 17.7 are as follows: 895W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 896W

Electoral Register: Fraud and economic progress in BiH. He advocated continued strong EU engagement in BiH while expressing Chris Ruane: To ask the hon. Member for South West disappointment that BiH’s leaders had not delivered on Devon, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the the EU path so far. We continue to encourage BiH’s Electoral Commission, pursuant to the answer of 25 leaders to respond to the population’s calls for reform. February 2014, Official Report, columns 321-3W, on This action is in line with our long-term support for absent voting, whether the qualitative survey conducted BiH’s stability. We are committed to European Union by the Electoral Commission provided any information Force’s maintenance of the safe and secure environment on current levels of electoral fraud. [189614] in BiH, and are proud of the UK’s contributions in theatre, and through a reserve company, 1 Scots. Our Mr Streeter: The Electoral Commission informs me support for BiH civil society includes the recent British that this qualitative research did not provide any information BiH Fellowship Programme, a one-month residential on current levels of fraud and was not designed to do programme designed to equip BiH’s future leaders with so. the skills and experience to lead positive change in their However, since 2008, the Commission has published country. annual information on the number of recorded cases of electoral fraud. This data is collected in collaboration Iran with the Association of Chief Police Officers. The Commission intends to publish data on the Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign number of cases recorded during 2013 by the end of and Commonwealth Affairs what information his March 2014. Department holds on whether in her capacity as High Full details of all this data can be found here: Representative of the European Union for Foreign http://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/find-information-by- Affairs and Security Policy the right hon. Baroness subject/electoral-fraud/electoral-fraud-responsibilities Ashton of Upholland scheduled to visit Iran for nuclear talks. [190314]

FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE Hugh Robertson: Baroness Ashton plans to travel to Africa Iran in the coming days, but her visit is still to be confirmed. The focus of the visit would be EU/Iran Mr Blunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign relations and include discussion of human rights and and Commonwealth Affairs to which African countries regional issues. he (a) has appointed and (b) intends to appoint prosperity officers. [190210] Guto Bebb: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether it is intended that Mark Simmonds: In response to the opportunities a permanent nuclear agreement between Iran and the presented by economic growth across sub-Saharan Africa P5+1 will include a comprehensive monitoring framework we have over the last 18 months increased substantially of Iran’s future nuclear activities. [190322] the number of prosperity officers in the region. Additionally we have established Regional Prosperity networks in Hugh Robertson: A comprehensive agreement between South, West and East Africa to support the local business the E3+3 and Iran will need to include a robust, independent environment and UK companies in winning business. and comprehensive monitoring and verification regime. We have prosperity officers in 23 countries across sub- It will also need to include implementation of the Saharan Africa. These are: Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Additional Protocol to the Non-Proliferation Treaty Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and agreement to the modified code 3.1 of its comprehensive Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, safeguard agreement. This will be a vital element in Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, ensuring Iran’s programme is exclusively peaceful. The South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Joint Plan of Action agreed in November 2013 sets out Zimbabwe. There are no current plans to appoint additional such a requirement for a rigorous verification framework. prosperity officers. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations his Department has received from the Bosnia-Herzegovinian Council Tax: Chelmsford government on the political and security situation in that country. [190007] Mr Simon Burns: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Lidington: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office Communities and Local Government how many has not received representations from the Government people in Chelmsford constituency in receipt of welfare of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) on the country’s and disability benefits are liable to pay council tax. political and security situation. UK Ministers and senior [189570] officials continue to urge BiH’s leaders to implement the reforms needed to break the current political stalemate. Brandon Lewis [holding answer 4 March 2014]: The The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Department does not collect this data. Council tax Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Richmond support is set locally, and it is for local authorities to (Yorks) (Mr Hague), met recently the BiH Prime Minister, ensure that the effect on specific groups of council tax Vjekoslav Bevanda and emphasised the need for political payers is proportionate and fair. We made a £100 million 897W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 898W transition grant available in 2013-14 to help councils proportion of all landlord repossession claims, the social develop well-designed schemes and maintain incentives sector encompassed 51% of all repossession claims in to work. Q1 2013, 50% in Q2 2013, 51% in Q3 2013 and 52% in Spending on council tax benefit doubled under the Q4 2013. This gives lie to some of the recent exaggerated last Government, costing taxpayers £4 billion a year— claims made by HM Opposition. equivalent to almost £180 a year per household. Welfare I would add that the removal of the spare room reform is vital to tackle the budget deficit left by the last subsidy is estimated to save £490 million of taxpayers’ Administration. money in Great Britain in 2013-14 by reducing the Our reforms to localise council tax support now give benefit bill, helping pay off the budget deficit left by the last councils stronger incentives to support local firms, cut Administration. The measure also encourages the more fraud, promote local enterprise and get people to into effective use of social housing, by addressing the under- work. We are ending the last Administration’s ’something occupation of family homes. for nothing’ culture and making work pay. Housing: Construction Fire Services Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will make Communities and Local Government what proportion it his policy to assign a proportion of all building of (a) whole time and (b) retained firefighters were (i) permissions granted for developments of over women and (ii) black or from an ethnic minority 30 houses for self builds. [189445] background in each year since 2010. [188672] Nick Boles [holding answer 28 February 2014]: The Brandon Lewis: Numbers of staff employed by each National Planning Policy Framework asks councils through fire and rescue authority in England for the stated their Local Plans to meet the full, objectively assessed categories are published on the Department’s website in needs for all types of housing in their areas, and to the appendix tables, which accompany the Fire and identify and update annually a supply of specific deliverable Rescue Operational Statistics Bulletin: sites for housing which are sufficient to provide five https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/fire-and-rescue- years worth of housing against their housing needs. To authorities-operational-statistics deliver a wide choice of quality homes, the Framework For 2009-10 the numbers are located in appendix sets out that councils should plan for a mix of housing, tables 5 and 6. taking into account the needs of different groups in the community, such as people wishing to build their own For 2010-11 onwards they are located in appendix homes. tables 6 and 7. We have also published draft planning guidance to The general trend is an increased proportion of support councils to plan for people wishing to build firefighters being recruited from such groups. their own homes. The guidance makes clear our Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing commitment to enabling more people to build their own home and to make this form of housing a mainstream housing option. The guidance is clear that local planning Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for authorities should plan to meet the strong latent demand Communities and Local Government how many people for such housing and suggests way to identify that subject to the under-occupancy penalty were evicted in demand, including considering surveying local residents each London borough in the last 12 months. [184626] and compiling a list or register of people who want to build their own homes. Kris Hopkins: In my answer of 27 November 2013, In addition to draft Government guidance, The National Official Report, column 340W, I observed that a report Self Build Association has published ‘Planning for Custom from the social housing regulator, the Homes and Build Housing: A Practice Guide’, which offers helpful Communities Agency, noted that in the second quarter advice to councils, housing associations, developers, since the removal of the spare room subsidy (i.e. second self-build community groups and individuals on the quarter of 2013-14), there had been no indication of ways they can facilitate self and custom-build development significant adverse performance in arrears, voids or rent and make it easier for people to build their own homes. collection. The Government is also providing a wide range of The Agency has recently published figures for the support for those wishing to build their own home, third quarter of 2013-14 and it notes that median rate including: arrears fell in the last quarter (from 4.1% to 3.9%), that median void losses were unchanged, and that median exempting people who want to build their own home from the rent collection rose from 98% to 99%. The Agency Community Infrastructure Levy; concluded: freeing up more surplus public sector land in co-operation with the Homes and Communities Agency to bring forward a range “the overall picture on income collection is one of stability” of sites for custom build homes; (HCA, ‘Quarterly Survey of Private Registered Providers 2013/14 introducing a £30 million Custom Build Homes Fund which Quarter 3’, February 2014). makes available repayable finance for larger multi-unit projects; Moreover, according to the most recent Ministry of enabling community groups who want to build their own homes Justice statistics, the number of cases lodged by social to apply for a share of £65 million available grant funding landlords for repossessions by county court bailiffs through the Affordable Homes Guarantees Programme; and across the whole of England and Wales was 4,757 in Q1 taking forward proposals to consult on a new 10-unit threshold 2013, 4,600 in Q2 2013 and 4,992 in Q4 2013. As a for section 106 affordable housing contributions. 899W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 900W

Housing: Floods Bellwin payments 2009-10 to 20013-14 Year of Payment Local Authority Grant Paid (£) Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will bring 2011-12 — — forward legislative proposals aimed at ensuring that all Total for year 0 new properties are fitted with flood resistant bricks. [190152] 2012-13 Calderdale Metropolitan 76,668 Borough Council Stephen Williams: Building work must meet the City of Lincoln 24,870 functional requirements of schedule 1 to the building regulations. Approved Documents provide guidance on Gateshead Council 393,939 means of compliance with the relevant functional Herefordshire Council 218,499 requirements. There is no obligation to adopt any particular Royal Berkshire Fire 404,640 solution given in an Approved Document and other Authority methods and materials may be suitable in the particular Total for year 1,118,616 circumstances. It is Government policy to ensure that the building 2013-14 (to Devon County Council 3,023,598 regulations are material and technology-neutral to avoid date) inhibiting product innovation. Flood resistance can be Herefordshire Council 2,048,963 delivered in a number of ways and flood resistant bricks Richmondshire District 915 are not the only method. Council Approved Document C, ‘Site preparation and resistance Newark and Sherwood 3,407 to contaminants and moisture’, refers to advice on District Council flood resilience set out in the joint DCLG/DEFRA/ Teignbridge District Council 38,234 Environment Agency publication, ‘Improving the flood Uttlesford District Council 16,643 performance of new buildings—flood resilient construction’. Total for year 5,131,760 This document provides advice on the flood resistance and resilience of different construction materials. Total over last 8,484,583 Local Government Finance five years Note: Payments may not necessarily be in the same financial year as the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for incidents occurred. The amount claimed is net of threshold and grant Communities and Local Government how much each rate. local authority has received from the local government emergency fund in the last five years. [189195] Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the size was Brandon Lewis: Bellwin provides emergency financial of the local government emergency fund in each year assistance to local authorities to help them meet uninsurable for which figures are available; and how much his costs they incur when responding to a major emergency Department has allocated in such funding in each of in their area. The level of funding over time is casually the next three years. [189196] linked to the scale of flooding or other emergency. It operates by local authorities retrospectively claiming Brandon Lewis: Bellwin provides emergency financial spending back. assistance to local authorities to help them meet uninsurable The following table sets out how much each local costs they incur when responding to a major emergency authority has received from the Bellwin scheme of in their area. The level of funding over time is casually Emergency Financial Assistance to Local Authorities linked to the scale of flooding or other emergency. It in each of the last five years. operates by local authorities retrospectively claiming Bellwin payments 2009-10 to 20013-14 spending back. Year of The table sets out the total payments each year made Payment Local Authority Grant Paid (£) through the Bellwin Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance to Local Authorities since 2000-01. No payments 2009-10 Castle Morpeth Borough 24,452 Council have yet been made in respect of the recent winter Eden District Council 2,281 severe weather events. Herefordshire Council 607,872 For 2014-15 and 2015-16, the Department is holding an initial contingency of £4.8 million for Bellwin. As Shropshire County Council 710,061 with the recent weather events, additional funding will Total for year 1,344,666 be provided as necessary. Allocations for years beyond 2015-16 will be determined at the next spending round. 2010-11 Allerdale Borough Council 302,847 Cumbria County Council 408,297 Total (£)

Cumbria Police Authority 148,049 2000-01 4,100,000 South Lakeland District 30,348 2001-02 25,800,000 Council 2002-03 63,138 Total for year 889,541 2003-04 106,763 2004-05 447,565 901W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 902W

Property Development: Floods Total (£)

2005-06 2,493,008 Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for 2006-07 738,999 Communities and Local Government how many times 2007-08 17,543,304 he has exercised his power of calling in a planning 2008-09 1,941,993 application to (a) approve and (b) reject a planning 2009-10 1,344,666 application for (i) housing and (ii) commercial development 2010-11 889,541 on a flood plain or in an area of flood risk. [186805] 2011-12 0 2012-13 1,118,616 2013-14 5,131,760 Nick Boles: AsIindicatedinmyanswerof11February Notes: 2014, Official Report, column 560W, over 99% of the 1. Payments may not necessarily be in the same financial year as the new residential units in planning decisions notified to incidents occurred. the Environment Agency were decided in line with their 2. The amount claimed is net of threshold and grant rate. advice on flood risk. 3. The 2000-0l and 2001-02 totals are approximations. Since the establishment of the National Planning Non-domestic Rates: Lancashire Casework Unit in March 2011, one application has been called in for major development on an area of flood risk. That application has yet to be determined. Graham Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how much has Call-in powers are used very selectively and rarely been collected in business rates in (a) Hyndburn (for example, just 10 applications were called-in across constituency and (b) Rossendale in each of the last 10 England in 2012-13 according to Planning Inspectorate years. [187352] statistics), as this involves Ministers taking the planning decision away from the local authority and determining Brandon Lewis: Details of the amount of non-domestic it centrally. In a locally-led planning system, councils rates (in £ million) that were collected in (a) Hyndburn should take the lead in addressing flood risk. and (b) Rossendale local authority areas in each of the However, we have provided clear national guidance last 10 years are shown in the following table. The data to local authorities. The National Planning Policy are the amount that was collected in the year, irrespective Framework states that inappropriate development in of the year to which it relates before the deduction of areas at risk of flooding should be avoided. Local any allowances for the cost of collection. Data are not planning authorities should direct development away collected at constituency level. from areas at highest risk, including floodplains, but where development is necessary, it must be demonstrated £ million that it is safe and will not increase flood risk elsewhere. Hyndburn Rossendale As I explained in my answer of 10 February 2014, 2003-04 16.4 9.5 Official Report, column 418W, there will invariably be 2004-05 16.2 9.6 some development in flood risk areas, not least for the 2005-06 16.8 9.7 fact that many towns and cities are in flood risk areas. 2006-07 17.1 10.3 2007-08 16.4 11.2 Flood prevention measures, like robust flood and 2008-09 19.9 12.2 coastal defences, can make development appropriate 2009-10 18.7 11.6 where it would otherwise not be. For example, London 2010-11 17.9 11.8 is at risk of tidal flooding, as evident from the North 2011-12 19.6 11.7 sea floods of 1953 which inflicted immense damage on 2012-13 20.5 13.0 the East End of London. However, since 1983, the Thames Barrier has mitigated that risk. Data were collected on auditor certified national National planning policy is clear that any new buildings non-domestic rates (NNDR3) out-turn forms completed that are needed in flood risk areas are appropriately annually by all billing authorities in England. flood resistant and resilient. Mitigation measures such These figures will reflect changes to the overall size as land raising, landscaping, raised thresholds and and valuation of hereditaments for example new buildings, re-arranging the internal uses of buildings, can sometimes as well as changes to different types of rate relief. also make development acceptable in such areas. Such We announced a £1 billion business rates support measures can be made a requirement of any planning package at the autumn statement including: consent by the local authority. a 2% cap in retail prices index increase in business rates for 2014-15; Paul Flynn: To ask the Secretary of State for a business rate discount of £1,000 for smaller retail premises, Communities and Local Government pursuant to the for two years from April 2014-will benefit around 300,000 answer to the right hon. Member for Leeds Central of shops, pubs and restaurants; 11 February 2014, Official Report, column 560W, on doubling small business rate relief extended for another year housing: floods, if he will bring forward measures to which will support 540,000 of the smallest businesses; levy fines on developers who build on flood plains and a 50% discount for 18 months to new occupants of vacant other flood threatened areas against advice by the shops; and Environment Agency not to build on those sites; and if allowing ratepayers to pay bills over 12 instalments (rather he will use the money raised to support recurrent flood than 10). victims. [188439] 903W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 904W

Nick Boles: Developers cannot build without planning EDUCATION permission by the local planning authority. Councils already have a range of enforcement powers to tackle Academies unauthorised development, including failure to meet the conditions attached to any planning permission. These powers allow for the issuing of unlimited fines on Mr Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for indictment in the Crown court. Education what the total cost has been of legal fees involved in the transfer of title deeds for schools from As I indicated in my answer of 11 February 2014, local authorities to academies to date. [189957] Official Report, column 560W, over 99% of the new residential units in planning decisions notified to the Mr Timpson: We do not record the cost of legal fees Environment Agency were decided in line with their incurred by local authorities and academy trusts. The advice on flood risk. Department for Education is not a party to these The National Planning Policy Framework states that transactions. inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding should be avoided. Local planning authorities should Mr Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for direct development away from areas at highest risk, Education what steps his Department takes to monitor including floodplains, but where development is necessary, the value of land sold off by academies. [189958] it must be demonstrated that it is safe and will not increase flood risk elsewhere. This gives councils the Mr Timpson: Academy trusts must apply for consent robust ability to reject unacceptable planning applications. from the Secretary of State to dispose of land. The As I explained in my answer of 10 February 2014, application process involves following guidance and Official Report, column 418W, there may invariably be supplying information as set out on the Department for the need for some development in flood risk areas, not Education’s website: least for the fact that many towns and cities are in flood http://www.education.gov.uk/aboutdfe/executiveagencies/efa/ risk areas. However, flood prevention measures, like efafundingfinance/b00231497/efa-academies-capital/ robust flood and coastal defences, can make development academypins acceptable where it would otherwise not be. For example, One of the requirements is for the academy trust to London is at risk of tidal flooding, as evident from the ensure it maximises receipt value in order to reinvest in North sea floods of 1953 which inflicted immense damage its estate, including obtaining a valuation by the district on the East End of London. However, since 1983, the valuation officer. The estimated value of the receipt is Thames Barrier has mitigated that risk. one of the factors taken into account when considering Moreover, national planning policy is clear that any whether to grant consent for the disposal. new buildings that are needed in flood risk areas are appropriately flood resistant and resilient. Mitigation Nick de Bois: To ask the Secretary of State for measures such as land raising, landscaping, raised thresholds Education if he will make it his policy that free schools and re-arranging the internal uses of buildings, can and academies be granted discretion to give preference sometimes also make development acceptable in such to children who attend their nursery classes during the areas. Such measures can be made a. requirement of admissions process for a reception place. [R] [190313] any planning consent by the local authority, and such requirements are enforceable as I indicated above. Mr Laws: The chief schools adjudicator’s 2013 annual report highlighted that the practice of giving preference Theatres: Morecambe to those attending the nursery has been found to be unfair to other local children. Ministers are therefore David Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for considering the chief schools adjudicator’s recommendation Communities and Local Government if his Department that they issue further guidance for admission authorities will provide funding to compensate the Grand Theatre, so that there is fair access to schools for all children. Morecambe for increases in the rent of their car park. [188366] Adoption and Foster Care

Brandon Lewis: I understand the car park may be Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for owned by Lancaster city council. In that context, Ministers Education how many applications to foster or adopt and my Department have had no role in such any have been made by individuals with a registered disability decision over rents, and this is a matter that my hon. in each of the last five years; and how many of those Friend may wish to take up with the council directly. applications were successful. [190305] My Department has published statutory Best Value guidance on how councils should work constructively Mr Timpson: The Department for Education does with voluntary and community groups. This can be not hold information on the number of fostering or found at: adoption applications made by individuals with a registered www.gov.uk/government/publications/best-value-statutory- disability. guidance--4 It notes how local authorities should actively consult Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for and engage with the voluntary and community sector Education what guidance his Department gives to local and service users, before making any decision which authorities and adoption agencies on the prominence may have a knock-on effect on community facilities, given to disabilities in determining whether an applicant services or the wider community. is fit to foster a child. [190306] 905W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 906W

Mr Timpson: Government Guidance to local authorities 3. Table 4a (national tables) shows the number of pupils of and other agencies that assess the suitability of prospective compulsory school age by their ethnicity. foster carers is set out in the ‘Assessment and approval 4. The underlying data (school level schools pupils) contains of foster carers: Amendments to the Children Act 1989 the religious character of each school that returned school census Guidance and Regulations Volume 4: Fostering Services’. information (where applicable), the number of pupils known to When assessing a person’s suitability to foster, fostering be eligible for and claiming free school meals and an ethnic breakdown of the pupils in each school, but does not combine services must obtain a range of information. This these factors. information, specified in the Fostering Services (England) Regulations 2011 as amended by the Care Planning, Similar data for previous years are available at: Placement and Case Review and Fostering Services https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/statistics-school- (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2011, includes and-pupil-numbers details of the applicant’s health, supported by a medical report. There is no specific reference to disability. Free Schools The National Minimum Standards for Fostering Services are clear that people who are interested in fostering should Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for be treated fairly, without prejudice, openly and with respect. Education (1) what the (a) lowest and (b) highest Prospective foster carers are considered in terms of their number of children educated in a single free school capacity to look after children in a safe and responsible class were in (i) 2012 and (ii) 2013; [189587] way that meets the child’s development needs. (2) what estimate his Department has made of the average class size in free schools open to date. [189588] Children in Care Mr Timpson: Data on class sizes are taken from the Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for spring school census, which records a snapshot of pupil Education pursuant to the contribution by the activity at a set time on the census date. The range of Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children activities included in the snapshot includes activities and Families of 21 January 2014, Official Report, column not conducted in a traditional classroom setting. Such 275, on the Staying Put Agenda, what work is being gatherings in schools at the set time on census day range carried out by the National Children’s Bureau; and from one (small or one-to-one tuition groups) to more when he expects it to be completed. [190206] than 100 pupils involved in physical education activities or other gatherings outside of a traditional classroom Mr Timpson: The Children’s Partnership, led by the setting. National Children’s Bureau, and the Who Cares? Trust, held a seminar on 24 February 2014 on the implications Further information on class sizes, including those in for children’s residential care of the Staying Put foster free schools, is provided in the publication ‘Schools, care reforms. The seminar considered the practical and pupils and their characteristics: January 2013’, which legal issues of introducing staying put arrangements in can be found at: children’s homes. The seminar was attended by a range https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-pupils- of stakeholders including: care leavers; voluntary sector and-their-characteristics-january-2013 organisations; representatives of private children’s homes; Figures for January 2014 will be published in the and Department for Education officials. I understand summer. that The Children’s Partnership and the Who Cares? I provided a response to the hon. Member on the Trust will hold further discussions with interested parties average class size in free schools open to date in my on some of the issues raised at the seminar. At this early answer to question 187190, which was published on stage, we are not yet aware of when they expect these 13 February 2014, Official Report, column 820W. discussions to end. Faith Schools Further Education: Free School Meals

Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Ian Swales: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how many pupils of each ethnicity who (a) Education whether (a) further education colleges and were and (b) were not eligible for free school meals (b) sixth form colleges have access to the Online Free attended faith (i) primary and (ii) secondary schools in School Meal Eligibility Checking Service. [189839] each year for which records are available. [190275] Mr Laws: Under the information sharing powers Mr Laws: The information requested can be produced within section 110 of the Education Act 2005, only only at disproportionate cost. local authorities have direct access to the online Free Data on the characteristics of pupils and schools are School Meal Eligibility Checking Service. provided in the Department for Education’s annual statistical release ’Schools, pupils and their characteristics’. GCSE The latest release of ‘Schools, pupils and their characteristics’ is available at: Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/schools-pupils- Education how many and what proportion of pupils of and-their-characteristics-january-2013 each ethnicity who were (a) eligible and (b) not eligible The following information is published: for free school meals and who did not have statements 1. Table 2d (national tables) shows the number of pupils in of Special Education Needs did not achieve an A* to C schools by the religious character of the school. GCSE grade in (i) English, (ii) mathematics and (iii) 2. Table 3a (national tables) shows the number of pupils either English or mathematics in the most recent year known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals. for which figures are available. [190232] 907W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 908W

Mr Laws: The number and proportion of pupils of to C GCSE grade in.(i) English, (ii) mathematics and each ethnicity who were (a) eligible and (b) not eligible (iii) either English or mathematics for 2012/13 is provided for free school meals and who did not have statements in the following tables. of Special Education Needs who did not achieve an A*

Table 1: Achievements at GCSE1 for pupils2 who did not have a Statement of SEN at the end of key stage 4 by ethnicity and free school meal eligibility, years: 2012/ 2013 (revised)3, coverage: England, state-funded mainstream schools only Pupils known to be eligible for free school meals No not % not achieving No not No not achieving % not achieving Pupils without a No of achieving A*-C A*-C GCSE achieving A*-C % not achieving A*-C GCSE grades A*-C GCSE grades Statement of eligible GCSE grades in grades in GCSE grades in A*-C GCSE in either English or in either English or SEN5,6 pupils1 English English Maths grades in Maths mathematics7 mathematics7

White 55,004 28,549 51.9 26,837 48.8 22,112 40.2 Mixed 4,388 1,746 39.8 1,817 41.4 1,341 30.6 Black 8,213 3,102 37.8 2,986 36.4 2,188 26.6 Asian 10,245 3,684 36.0 3,267 31.9 2,490 24.3 Chinese 163 31 19.0 16 9.8 13 8.0 All pupils8 81,081 38,386 47.3 35,962 44.4 28,980 35.7

All other Pupils4 No not % not achieving No not No not achieving % not achieving Pupils without a No of achieving A*-C A*-C GCSE achieving A*-C % not achieving A*-C GCSE grades A*-C GCSE grades Statement of eligible GCSE grades in grades in GCSE grades in A*-C GCSE in either English or in either English or SEN5,6 pupils1 English English Maths grades in Maths mathematics7 mathematics7

White 396,726 103,057 26.0 91,691 23.1 64,938 16.4 Mixed 16,845 3,695 21.9 3,704 22.0 2,418 14.4 Black 18,789 4,818 25.6 4,869 25.9 3,202 17.0 Asian 35,937 8,988 25.0 7,040 19.6 5,166 14.4 Chinese 2,072 407 19.6 108 5.2 91 4.4 All pupils8 479,750 123,645 25.8 109,605 22.8 77,495 16.2

All other Pupils4 No not % not achieving No not No not achieving % not achieving Pupils without a achieving A*-C A*-C GCSE achieving A*-C % not achieving A*-C GCSE grades A*-C GCSE grades Statement of No of eligible GCSE grades in grades in GCSE grades in A*-C GCSE in either English or in either English or SEN5,6 pupils1 English English Maths grades in Maths mathematics7 mathematics7

White 451,730 131,606 29.1 118,528 26.2 87,050 19.3 Mixed 21,233 5,441 25.6 5,521 26.0 3,759 17.7 Black 27,002 7,920 29.3 7,855 29.1 5,390 20.0 Asian 46,182 12,672 27.4 10,307 22.3 7,656 16.6 Chinese 2,235 438 19.6 124 5.5 104 4.7 All pupils8 560,831 162,031 28.9 145,567 26.0 106,475 19.0 1 Full GCSEs only have been included (Full GCSEs, double awards, International GCSE, Cambridge International Certificate and Edexcel Level 1/2 Certificate and AS levels). 2 Pupils at the end of key stage 4 in each academic year. 3 Figures for 2012/13 are based on revised data. 4 Includes pupils not eligible for free school meals and pupils for whom free school meal eligibility was unclassified or could not be determined. 5 Includes pupils for whom SEN provision could not be determined. 6 Includes pupils with no identified SEN, SEN pupils without a statement (classified as School Action or School Action plus) and unclassified pupils. 7 Only includes pupils who did not achieve an A*-C in both subjects. 8 Includes pupils for whom ethnicity was not obtained, refused or could not be determined. Source: Key Stage 4 attainment data (2012/13)

Primary Education absent from school is; and what assessment his Department has made of the reasons for their non-attendance. Andrew Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for [190354] Education which primary schools offer nursery provision on or off site; and which of those schools have been rated outstanding by Ofsted. [190231] Elizabeth Truss: The requested information has been Elizabeth Truss: This is a matter for Ofsted. I have provided in the following table. asked Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector to write to my Figures for 2009-10 have been provided for context. hon. Friend and a copy of his response will be placed in Between 2009/10 and 2012/13, the number of absent the House Libraries. pupils each day has fallen from 378,340 to 334,340, of Pupils: Absenteeism which unauthorised absence has fallen from 63,505 to Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for 60,405. Education what the average daily number of children 909W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 910W

State-funded primary and secondary schools1, 2, 3: Average4 number of pupil enrolments absent on a school day by reason. Autumn term 2012 and spring term 2013. England

State-funded primary and State-funded primary schools1, 2 State-funded secondary schools1, 3 secondary schools1, 2, 3

Number of pupil enrolments5 3,499,382 2,831,009 6,330,391

Number of pupils absent by reason

Total overall absence 166,650 165,570 334,340

Illness (not medical or dental appointments) 111,325 99,770 211,135

Medical/dental appointments 8,455 10,955 19,425

Religious observance 1,320 815 2,135

Study leave 5 435 440

Traveller absence 505 170 675

Agreed family holiday 12,625 4,145 16,740

Agreed extended family holiday 260 60 320

Excluded, no alternative provision 515 3,165 3,690

Other authorised circumstances 8,365 10,180 18,560

Unclassified6 240 575 815

Total authorised absence 143,610 130,270 273,940

Family holiday not agreed 6,530 4,150 10,675

Arrived late 2,150 1,755 3,905

Other unauthorised circumstances 13,465 25,255 38,780

No reason yet 2,845 4,020 6,875

Unclassified6 50 120 165

Total unauthorised absence 25,040 35,300 60,405

1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes all primary academies, including free schools. 3 Includes city technology colleges and all secondary academies, including free schools. 4 The average has been calculated by dividing the absence rate by 100 and multiplying by the number of pupil enrolments. 5 Includes pupils aged 5 to 15 who were on roll for at least one session between 1 September and the end of the Spring term each year, even if they are no 6 Includes absence returned as either authorised or unauthorised totals but not broken down by reason. Note: Totals may not appear to equal the sum of the component part because numbers have been rounded to the nearest 5. Source: School Census Maintained primary and state-funded secondary schools1, 2: Average3 number of pupil enrolments absent on a school day by reason. Autumn 2009 and spring 2010 terms. England Maintained primary schools1 State-funded secondary schools1, 2 Total1, 2

Number of pupil enrolments4 3,344,410 2,920,590 6,265,000

Absence rates by reason Total Overall Absence 178,600 199,680 378,340 Illness (not medical or dental appointments) 111,940 116,835 228,805 Medical/dental, appointments 8,535 12,080 20,625 Religious observance 3,015 1,755 4,770 Study leave 15 905 920 Traveller absence 580 210 785 Agreed family holiday 16,720 6,995 23,705 Agreed extended family holiday 560 135 690 Excluded, no alternative provision 535 4,425 4,965 Other authorised circumstances 13,525 14,880 28,410 Unclassified5 595 565 1,165 Total Authorised Absence 156,025 158,780 314,835

Family holiday not agreed 4,160 3,545 7,705 Arrived late 2,010 2,200 4,210 Other unauthorised circumstances 12,465 27,850 40,340 No reason yet 3,885 7,120 11,010 Unclassified5 55 180 240 911W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 912W

Maintained primary and state-funded secondary schools1, 2: Average3 number of pupil enrolments absent on a school day by reason. Autumn 2009 and spring 2010 terms. England Maintained primary schools1 State-funded secondary schools1, 2 Total1, 2

Total Unauthorised Absence 22,575 40,695 63,505 1 Includes middle schools as deemed. 2 Includes maintained secondary schools, city technology colleges and academies (including all-through academies). 3 The average has been calculated by dividing the absence rate by 100 and multiplying by the number of pupil enrolments. 4 Includes pupils aged 5 to 15 who were on roll for at least one session between 1 September and the end of the Spring term each year, even if they are no longer on the school roll, excluding boarders. Some pupils may be counted more than once (if they moved schools during the two terms or are registered in more than one school). 5 Includes absence returned as either authorised or unauthorised totals but not broken down by reason. Note: Totals may not appear to equal the sum of the component part because numbers have been rounded to the nearest 5. Source: School Census

Pupils: Disadvantaged proportion of such students entered for the EBacc achieved the required grades. [189963]

Mr Graham Stuart: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Laws: In 2012/13, the number of pupils eligible Education pursuant to the answer of 5 November for free school meals at the end of key stage 4 was 2013, Official Report, column 1158W, on pupils: 85,182. disadvantaged, how many secondary school students The following table provides information on the number sitting GCSEs were eligible for free schools meals in and percentage of pupils who were entered for and 2012-13; what number and proportion of such students achieved the EBacc qualification by free school meal were entered for the EBacc suite of subjects; how many eligibility in 2012/13. The table also shows the number and what proportion of such students achieved grades and percentage of pupils who achieved an A*-C in each A* to C in EBacc subjects in 2012-13; and what of the EBacc subjects by free school meal eligibility.

Pupils1 achieving the English Baccalaureate at the end of key stage 4 by pupils eligible for free school meals. Year: 2011/12 (final) to 2012/13 (revised)2. Coverage: England, state-funded schools (including academies and CTCs) Of those entering the Number of Number of pupils Percentage of pupils Number of pupils Percentage of pupils percentage of pupils eligible entering the English entering the English achieving the English achieving the English achieving the English pupils1 Baccalaureate Baccalaureate Baccalaureate Baccalaureate Baccalaureate

2012/13 FSM 85,182 15,527 18.2 7,508 8.8 48.4 All other pupils3 486,152 187,045 38.5 122,635 25.2 65.6 All pupils4 571,334 202,572 35.5 130,143 22.8 64.2

2011/12 FSM 80,194 7,345 9.2 4,047 5.0 55.1 All other pupils3 481,111 122,272 25.4 86,630 18.0 70.9 All pupils4 561,305 129,617 23.1 90,677 16.2 70.0

Number of pupils achieving the components of the English Baccalaureate: English Mathematics Sciences History or Geography Languages

2012/13 FSM 40,105 42,687 21,328 16,634 14,907 All other pupils3 349,949 364,626 253,357 214,116 173,863 All pupils4 390,054 407,313 274,685 230,750 188,770

2011/12 FSM 36,290 38,479 20,098 11,572 10,866 All other pupils3 338,094 350,694 249,981 176,468 143,611 All pupils4 374,384 389,173 270,079 188,040 154,477

Percentage of pupils achieving the components of the English Baccalaureate: English Mathematics Sciences History or Geography Languages

2012/13 FSM 47.1 50.1 25.0 19.5 17.5 All other pupils3 72.0 75.0 52.1 44.0 35.8 All pupils4 68.3 71.3 48.1 40.4 33.0

2011/12 FSM 45.3 48.0 25.1 14.4 13.5 All other pupils3 70.3 72.9 52.0 36.7 29.8 913W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 914W

Percentage of pupils achieving the components of the English Baccalaureate: English Mathematics Sciences History or Geography Languages

All pupils4 66.7 69.3 48.1 33.5 27.5 1 Number of pupils at the end of Key Stage 4 in each academic year. 2 From 2009/10 iGCSEs, accredited at time of publication, have been counted as GCSE equivalents and also as English and mathematics GCSEs. 3 Includes pupils not eligible for free school meals and for whom free school meal eligibility was unclassified or could not be determined. 4 Includes pupils for whom free school meal eligibility could not be determined. Source: National pupil database (2011/12), Key Stage 4 attainment data (2012/13).

Schools: Finance to the tribunal if the local authority issues a statement following an assessment but the parents do not believe Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Education that it accurately reflects their child’s SEN or are unhappy pursuant to the answer of 29 January 2014, Official with the SEN provision specified in it. Report, column 535W, on schools: finance, when he SEN statements will be replaced by Education, Health plans to publish the consultation on a fair funding and Care plans following the Children and Families formula; and what the timetable for the consultation Bill, and these rights of appeal will be maintained and will be. [190200] extended to young people. The Department for Education recently consulted Mr Laws: Following the Chancellor’s announcement publicly on a draft SEN Code of Practice (the draft is in June, we expect to announce the next steps, including available from the consultation pages of the GOV.UK the timetable, within the next few weeks. website). The draft code includes detailed guidance on how and when to carry out an education, health and Schools: Land care assessment. Revisions are being made to the draft code to take Mr Donohoe: To ask the Secretary of State for account of developments during the passage of the Education what steps his Department takes to monitor Children and Families Bill and responses to the consultation, the whereabouts of title deeds for schools in the UK. which came from a wide range of organisations in the [189955] statutory and voluntary and community sectors, including those in the SEN and disability field. We will continue Mr Timpson: We do not hold central records for title to work with those who must have regard to the Code of deeds; they are the responsibility of the organisation Practice, and with those who support children, young that holds the title to the land on which schools are people and families, as this is taken forward. Once this situated. Title deeds for local authority maintained work is completed, a revised Code of Practice will be schools will be held by each local authority. The deeds placed before both Houses of Parliament for approval. for an academy’s land interest (usually a long lease) are held by each academy trust and sometimes also the Teachers: Training local authority or diocese freeholder of the land. Mrs Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education Social Workers: Crimes of Violence what criteria are used to decide on the level of bursaries offered to (a) trainee religious education teachers and Mrs Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) teachers who specialise in other subjects. [189979] Education what guidance his Department issues to local authority social services departments on preventing Mr Laws: The criteria used to decide the level of violence and other abusive behaviour against social bursaries offered to trainee teachers are consistent across workers in the course of their work. [190167] all subjects. Bursaries for initial teacher training (ITT) are designed to incentivise application to ITT courses. Mr Timpson: Ensuring the safety of social workers is Decisions are therefore informed by the number of the responsibility of local authorities as their employers. applicants a subject receives, as well as final recruitment The Department for Education issues no guidance as to levels. Other factors such as longer-term recruitment how those responsibilities should be undertaken. patterns and any observable trends are also taken into account. Special Educational Needs

Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education what monitoring procedures his Department INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT has in place to ensure that assessment of pupils’ special Developing Countries: Infant Mortality needs are accurate. [190008] Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Timpson: Local authorities are responsible for International Development what steps she is taking to ensuring that assessments of special educational needs provide better healthcare and more trained midwives to (SEN) are accurate, having regard to the statutory reduce the deaths of new born babies in the poorest guidance provided in the SEN Code of Practice. countries; and if she will make a statement. [190279] If local authorities carry out an assessment but do not issue an SEN statement, parents can appeal to the Lynne Featherstone: The UK Government is making First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and newborn health a priority and has committed to save Disability) against their decision. Parents can also appeal 250,000 newborn lives by 2015. We recognise that this 915W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 916W requires the presence of skilled attendants at birth—in provided to staff by her Department since May 2010; different countries these may be midwives, nurses, doctors and what the cost to the Department was of providing or other skilled medical personnel—and we are funding those pagers. [190054] programmes to increase the numbers and availability of these health workers. Further, we have supported the Karen Bradley: The number of pagers that have been development of the Every Newborn Action Plan, which provided to staff in the Home Department with a start will be launched later this year and will provide concrete date of May 2010 and that are still active is 13. The recommendations to enable all countries to reduce newborn monthly billing charge is £4.13 per pager. deaths. We fully recognise the importance of midwives and Staff other health workers as a critical intervention. We also believe that goals or targets around maternal and newborn health should measure outcomes, such as reductions in Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the mortality, rather than processes, to ensure that the Home Department how many (a) permanent staff and impact of quality is also captured. (b) staff employed by a contractor are employed by her Department at the (i) permanent migration office, Pagers Liverpool, (ii) temporary migration office, Sheffield and (iii) older live cases unit, Liverpool in each year Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for since 2010. [189532] International Development how many pagers have been provided to staff by her Department since May James Brokenshire: The number of permanent staff 2010; and what the cost to the Department was of and staff employed by a contractor employed by the providing those pagers. [190055] Home Department at the permanent migration office, Liverpool, the temporary migration office, Sheffield Mr Duncan: Eight pagers were provided to staff in and the older live cases unit, Liverpool is set out in the DFID Press Office during the period May 2010 Table 1. These figures are provided for each year since through to August 2013; the pagers are no longer in use. 2010 with the exception of the older live cases unit The cost of providing these pagers was £2,376 per year. where work force numbers were not recorded centrally until 2012. The increase in contractor employed staff from 2013 HOME DEPARTMENT is due to additional temporary staff being deployed to Pagers reduce backlogs inherited from the previous administration and improve service standards. This has also coincided Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for the with a period when work has been relocated from Home Department how many pagers have been Croydon to Liverpool and Sheffield.

Table 1 Month/year Department Town Paid CS FTE Paid Non CS FTE (Agency)

31 March 2010 Permanent Migration Liverpool 636.1 0.0 Temp Migr and Sponsorship Sheffield 995.7 35.0 31 March 2011 Permanent Migration Liverpool 660.2 0.0 Temp Migr and Sponsorship Sheffield 823.7 0.0 31 March 2012 Older Live Cases Liverpool 143.3 0.0 Permanent Migration Liverpool 642.3 0.0 Temp Migr and Sponsorship Sheffield 898.9 0.0 31 March 2013 Older Live Cases Liverpool 104.7 82.0 Permanent Migration Liverpool 618.4 251.6 Temp Migr and Sponsorship Sheffield 794.2 448.4 31 January 2014 Older Live Cases Liverpool 122.3 144.1 Permanent Migration Liverpool 582.0 251.9 Temp Migr and Sponsorship Sheffield 737.3 419.7 Key: CS = Civil Servant FTE = Full Time Equivalent

Mr Hanson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Karen Bradley: The Home Office can only provide Home Department what estimate she has made of the information specific to these offices by cross referencing overtime costs paid to permanent staff in the (a) two sets of data and to do this would incur disproportionate permanent migration office, Liverpool, (b) temporary cost. migration office, Sheffield and (c) older live cases unit, Stephen Lawrence Liverpool in the last year. [189533] Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Ellison Review will be published. [190228] 917W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 918W

Damian Green: The report of the Stephen Lawrence The Government proposal to use ZigBee as a wireless independent review was published on Thursday 6 March. standard for GB smart metering, which was part of the public consultation in summer 2012, was widely supported by the energy industry. ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Electricity: Manufacturing Industries Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the number of smart meters currently in use which Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy do not meet Ofgem’s regulations on smart meters. and Climate Change what assessment his Department [190011] has made of the incidence and impact of load management measures on manufacturing industry. [190194] Michael Fallon: DECC releases statistics on a quarterly basis which detail meter installations by the larger energy Michael Fallon: The Department has made no such suppliers. For the purposes of statistical reporting, smart assessment. The current electricity market regime enables meters are defined as those that are, or are expected to large users of electricity to negotiate rates which reflect be, compliant with the technical specifications (SMETS) their usage and the time at which they use it. There is a defined by Government to support the smart meter competitive market for ancillary services in which large roll-out. energy users can also participate including demand side At the end of quarter 3, 2013, a total of 200,400 measures. These are commercial decisions for individual smart meters had been installed in domestic properties companies. by the larger energy suppliers. A further 900 smart Energy: Conservation meters and 507,600 advanced meters, which meet supplier roll-out obligations, had been installed in smaller non- Mr Watts: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy domestic sites. and Climate Change what steps his Department plans Energy suppliers have indicated that most, if not all, to take to ensure energy companies meet the targets of the smart meters currently installed in domestic and agreed with his Department for spending on efficiency smaller non-domestic properties will need to receive schemes and reducing fuel poverty. [189950] updates, which are expected to be delivered remotely, before they are fully compliant with the Smart Metering Gregory Barker: The Energy Company Obligation Technical Specifications. (ECO) is an energy efficiency programme that was introduced into Great Britain at the beginning of 2013. Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for It places legal obligations on the larger energy suppliers Energy and Climate Change what recent estimate he (known as ’obligated suppliers’) to deliver energy efficiency has made of the cost of a smart meter which is compliant measures to domestic energy users. with government regulations. [190012] While action to ensure compliance with their legal obligations is a matter for energy companies, the Michael Fallon: As reflected in the Smart Metering Government is undertaking a range of actions to help Impact Assessment published in January 2014, the estimated facilitate delivery of ECO and is keeping risks and cost for a smart electricity meter is £43.60, with the cost issues under close review. estimate for a smart gas meter being £57.20: Furthermore, the Government has published a https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smart-meter- consultation document which sets out proposed changes roll-out-for-the-domestic-and-small-and-medium-non- to ECO and this will be accompanied by a number of domestic-sectors-gb-impact-assessment consultation events taking place across the country throughout March. Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy: Meters Energy and Climate Change what recent estimate he has made of the total cost of the roll-out of smart meters to the year 2020. [190013] Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what criteria his Department used in its choice of ZigBee wireless standard for the Michael Fallon: The Smart Meter Impact Assessment UK’s smart meter roll-out. [190010] considers a period up to 2030 reflecting that some benefits will only be realised in full once the roll-out has Michael Fallon: The Department used the following been completed in 2020 and assets installed during the criteria, which were subject to public consultation in roll-out will still have value beyond that date. Over the summer 2012, to determine which wireless standards period up to 2030 total costs are expected to be £10.9 billion, should be used in the GB smart metering roll-out: with total benefits of £17.1 billion, resulting in a net Is the standard developed, maintained and made available in benefits of £6.2 billion: an open manner; https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/smart-meter- Does the standard support the minimum functionalities required roll-out-for-the-domestic-and-small-and-medium-non- for GB smart meters; domestic-sectors-gb-impact-assessment Does the standard provide an appropriate equipment assurance regime; and Graham Stringer: To ask the Secretary of State for Has the standard been implemented in other jurisdictions and Energy and Climate Change which smart phones are is there capacity for it to be delivered at scale and in time to compatible with the UK-regulated smart meters. support the roll-out of smart metering in GB. [190014] 919W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 920W

Michael Fallon: The Government has not undertaken between his Department and the Health and Safety an assessment of which smart phones are compatible Executive on the co-ordination of their respective with smart meters. regulatory roles in the offshore oil and gas industry. However, there are numerous ways in which the market [190216] may develop so that smart metering services or data could be made available, with consumers’ consent, across Michael Fallon: The memorandum of understanding a number of platforms, including smart phones. GB has been further developed by the addition of annexes smart metering will support such innovation through which outline the working arrangements between HSE the services provided by the DCC and by the potential and DECC for the undertaking of visits to offshore to connect consumer access devices to smart meters in installations and onshore premises to regulate against consumer premises, which could in turn be connected to the provisions of their separate regulations and jurisdictions. smart phones or other platforms. The annexes cover: Joint Drilling Strategy Flood Control Joint Inspection and Investigation Assessment and Review of Regulatory Submissions: Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy well notifications; and Climate Change if he will take steps to give priority to both adaptation and mitigation in his Department’s pipelines; flood prevention programmes to help society cope with permissioning of installations and approval of Field Development climate change. [189791] Plans; and decommissioning. Monitoring of upstream oil and gas industry, activities and Dan Rogerson: I have been asked to reply on behalf trends: of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural sharing statistics on Hydrocarbon release; and Affairs. sharing of incident data/enforcement activity of relevance to We already prioritise the need to adapt to our changing respective regulatory body climate across government and well beyond. Disclosure of Information. In July 2013 DEFRA published a National Adaptation The memorandum of understanding is available using Programme report which sets out a wide range of the following link: actions to address the most significant climate risks we https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ face as a country. The report focuses on helping UK attachment_data/file/48225/3516-mou-decc-hse-ukcs.pdf businesses, local authorities and civil society to become more resilient or ’Climate Ready’ to climate change Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for impacts such as flooding. Energy and Climate Change what assessment has been The National Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk made of the potential effect of the recommendations of Management Strategy for England sets out how flooding the interim report of the UK Continental Shelf and coastal erosion risk is being managed to both adapt Maximising Recovery Review on his Department’s (a) to and mitigate the risks of climate change. DEFRA’s regulatory role in the offshore oil and gas industry and policy clearly states that when appraising flood management (b) work implementing the recommendations of the options the risks over the whole life of a policy or Maitland Review. [190280] project should be taken into account, including any impact of climate change. The Environment Agency Michael Fallon: The Government welcomes the Final has provided detailed guidance on how this is to be UKCS Maximising Recovery Review Report, launched done by authorities seeking DEFRA flood defence on 24 February 2014. We are grateful to Sir Ian and his grant in aid. review team for the work they have done, and to all those who contributed to the report. The Government Offshore Industry accepts Sir Ian’s recommendations, including the key message that Government should work with industry to Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for develop a cohesive tripartite approach for maximising Energy and Climate Change what his policy is on economic recovery for the UK. We will develop detailed implementation of the competent authority model of implementation plans and publish a fuller formal response regulating the offshore oil and gas industry required by later in the spring. the EU offshore safety directive. [190198] The Maitland Review was tasked to carry out a review of the UK oil and gas regulatory regime against Michael Fallon: The Department, along with the the issues and recommendations emerging from the key Health and Safety Executive, Maritime Coastguard Agency investigations into the Deepwater Horizon incident in and DEFRA, are currently considering how best to the Gulf of Mexico and other relevant reviews. The implement the requirements of the EU offshore safety review focused on the safety and environmental regime. directive, including the creation of a competent authority The report from the Maitland Review was published in for offshore activities. A public consultation covering December 2011 and, as detailed in the update to the the UK Government’s proposals for implementing the formal government response, published in December directive will be carried out in the summer. 2013, the majority of the recommendations have now been fully implemented. A small number have not been Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for implemented either because an alternative approach Energy and Climate Change what the current status is has been adopted or the recommendation has been of the memorandum of understanding agreed in 2012 overtaken by the EU offshore safety directive. 921W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 922W

The interim report of the UK Continental Shelf extra cost control measure, contingent degression, in Maximising Recovery Review did not have an impact order to exert a continual downward pressure on tariffs on this work because safety and environmental issues and therefore costs. did not form part of the remit for that review and the Maitland recommendations had been considered and Wind Power implemented before the interim report was published. Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Offshore Oil and Gas in the UK Review and Climate Change what estimate he has made of the number of years it will take for (a) onshore and (b) Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for offshore wind to be economically competitive without Energy and Climate Change which recommendations subsidies; and pursuant to the written statement of of the Maitland Review into Offshore Oil and Gas in 6 June 2013, Official Report, columns 115-18WS, on the UK have not been implemented due to the publication onshore wind, what the evidential basis is for the of the EU offshore safety directive. [190202] statement that support levels represent good value for money to the taxpayer and that they reflect the true Michael Fallon: Details of the recommendations from costs of deploying the technologies. [189623] the Maitland Review, which have not been implemented due to the publication of the EU offshore safety directive, Michael Fallon: The Department has a strong focus are fully detailed in the update to the formal government on incentivising reductions in the cost of renewable response to the Maitland Review, which was published technologies. on 13 December 2013 and can be found on the following The level of support awarded under the renewables web-link: obligation and contracts for difference has been set https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ based on the best available evidence on costs of renewable attachment_data/file/265799/update_government technologies in the UK; and at a level that remains _response_independent_review_regulatory_regime.pdf within the budgetary constraints set through the Levy The relevant areas are the development of an Control Framework (LCF). Environmental Assurance Plan concept, a mechanism DECC publishes levelised costs estimates of various to bring capping devices under the jurisdiction of the generation technologies. The levelised cost of a particular regulatory regime and more formal mechanisms to ensure generation technology is the ratio of the total costs of a seamless, strategic and coordinated working between generic plant to the total amount of electricity expected the regulatory authorities. There are other areas where to be generated over the plant’s lifetime (per megawatt recommendations have been implemented, but which hour). The latest published figures are available: will also be impacted by the offshore safety directive https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/electricity- such as the reporting and sharing of information from generation-costs-december-2013 offshore incidents and environmental damage and liability. The figures in the report show that the levelised cost of onshore wind and offshore wind are expected to fall Pagers over time. This is reflected in the support levels that we offer under renewables obligation, which were reduced Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for by 10% for onshore wind in April 2013. DECC undertook Energy and Climate Change how many pagers have a call for evidence on onshore wind costs in 2013 which been provided to staff by his Department since May concluded that this reduced support rate remained 2010; and what the cost to the Department was of appropriate. providing those pagers. [190049] These cost reductions are also reflected in the strike prices for these technologies in the EMR Delivery Plan, Gregory Barker: The Department of Energy and which shows support falling for a number of technologies Climate Change has not provided any pagers to staff over the coming years. Under the CfD, it is our intention since May 2010. that established technologies (such as onshore wind) will have to compete on price in an auction in order to Renewable Energy secure a contract for support. This means that only the most cost-effective projects will be built and will represent David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for better value for money for bill-payers, while continuing Energy and Climate Change if he will make it his to deliver the investment we need in secure, low-carbon policy to remove Government subsidies from renewable electricity generation. energy generating plants once the plant has achieved a reasonable return on investment. [189481] Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change what estimate he has made of Michael Fallon: The Government is committed to overall savings in carbon dioxide emissions by 2020 as a cost-effective, affordable, renewable energy as part of a result of (a) onshore and (b) offshore wind turbines; diverse, low carbon and secure energy mix. Our ultimate and what level of emissions will be emitted from the aim is for renewables to become competitive without gas plants required for intermittent backup to such the need for support. Support levels under the renewables turbines in that period. [189690] obligation and proposed contracts for difference are set so that they decrease over time as technology improves Michael Fallon: The level of carbon dioxide emissions and plants become more competitive with fossil fuel savings by 2020 from different renewable technologies generation. For smaller scale renewable generation under will depend on the future level of deployment of each the feed-in tariffs scheme, we introduced in 2012 an technology. The level of generation delivered by any 923W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 924W technology in the future is uncertain as it depends on a CMCs and consumers, stopping any fees being charged range of factors; for example, future technology costs. before the contracts are signed. More resources have Based on the deployment scenarios underpinning the been deployed to improve CMC compliance and to DECC Electricity Market Reform Delivery Plan1,we expand enforcement action against those CMCs which estimate that between 2013 and 2020, generation from fail to comply. The names of CMCs under investigation onshore wind could save between around 72-80 MtC02 or subject to recent enforcement action are now published (around 11-13MtC02 in 2020), and generation from on the Justice website at: offshore wind could save between around 44-56MtC02 www.justice.gov.uk/claims-regulation/enforcement (around 8-15MtC02 in 2020). These figures are an By the end of this year, subject to parliamentary undiscounted sum of annual estimates of carbon dioxide approval, CMCs will also, for the first time, face fines emissions savings between 2013 and 2020 (with estimated for poor conduct and the conduct rules will be strengthened annual carbon dioxide emissions savings in 2020 presented further to put a greater onus on CMCs to ensure claims in brackets). These figures assume that in the absence of are not made recklessly, falsely or in a way intended to wind, generation would come from CCGT plants (in mislead, and to properly substantiate and investigate addition to their other functions in the power sector, those claims. including providing intermittent backup where required). Convictions 1 Estimates of wind generation and CCGT emissions are taken from scenarios modelled for the Electricity Market Reform Delivery Stephen Barclay: To ask the Secretary of State for Plan (please see: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ electricity-market-reform-delivery-plan). Estimates for onshore Justice how many people were convicted for each category wind include both large and small scale. of conviction used by the Crown Court relating to financial gain in each (a) county and (b) other area for which figures are available in the last year. [186901]

JUSTICE Mr Vara: Our ability to tackle fraud has improved significantly in recent years, but we recognise that fraud Claims Management Services continues to affect individuals, charities, public bodies and businesses. The Government is committed to working Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for with those bodies to deter and prevent fraud and with Justice what steps he is taking to protect those who are the enforcement agencies to increase the disruption and misled by claims management companies about how punishment of organised and opportunistic fraudsters. much they can claim in respect of PPI mis-selling. The number of persons convicted at the Crown court [189278] for acquisitive or fraud and forgery offences, by police force area in England and Wales, from 2008 to 2012, Mr Vara: During 2013, the Claims Management can be viewed in the table. The proportion of persons Regulator stepped up enforcement action, with 347 convicted and sentenced at the Crown court who were claims management companies (CMCs) warned, suspended sentenced to an immediate custodial sentence has increased or cancelled and 194 investigated or audited. The Claims over the last three years for each of the four acquisitive Management Regulator is also implementing a number or fraud and forgery offence groups, as has the average of steps to provide better consumer protection, stricter length of custodial sentence handed down to those conduct rules and stronger enforcement in relation to offenders. CMCs which engage in bad practices. New rules have Convictions data for 2013 are planned for publication been introduced to permit only written contracts between in May 2014.

Persons1 convicted at the Crown court for acquisitive2 or fraud and forgery offences, by offence group, 2008 to 2012, England and Wales Number of offenders Police force area Offence type 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Avon and Somerset Total number convicted 531 486 576 606 552 Burglary 157 167 172 193 205 Robbery 141 123 152 149 132 Theft and handling of stolen goods 140 119 148 162 122 Fraud and forgery 93 77 104 102 93

Bedfordshire Total number convicted 248 305 327 320 247 Burglary 59 81 76 99 88 Robbery 7281978262 Theft and handling of stolen goods 52 66 70 79 45 Fraud and forgery 65 77 84 60 52

Cambridgeshire Total number convicted 256 291 294 348 294 Burglary 77 98 94 129 127 Robbery 5764578050 Theft and handling of stolen goods 56 85 69 79 78 Fraud and forgery 66 44 74 60 39 925W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 926W

Persons1 convicted at the Crown court for acquisitive2 or fraud and forgery offences, by offence group, 2008 to 2012, England and Wales Number of offenders Police force area Offence type 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Cheshire Total number convicted 359 357 296 334 318 Burglary 131 110 123 139 125 Robbery 7686296659 Theft and handling of stolen goods 92 104 85 81 87 Fraud and forgery 60 57 59 48 47

City of London Total number convicted 64 95 89 31 18 Burglary 1 3 — 1 — Robbery 3 4 5 — — Theft and handling of stolen goods 18 37 29 8 5 Fraud and forgery 42 51 55 22 13

Cleveland Total number convicted 348 354 329 363 283 Burglary 131 135 129 141 126 Robbery 7368588055 Theft and handling of stolen goods 103 92 104 91 70 Fraud and forgery 41 59 38 51 32

Cumbria Total number convicted 155 161 167 236 163 Burglary 48 52 45 76 59 Robbery 1528243321 Theft and handling of stolen goods 59 56 59 77 46 Fraud and forgery 33 25 39 50 37

Derbyshire Total number convicted 347 377 375 453 378 Burglary 95 112 106 136 136 Robbery 96 89 96 120 75 Theft and handling of stolen goods 101 115 111 119 108 Fraud and forgery 55 61 62 78 59

Devon and Cornwall Total number convicted 366 452 445 454 397 Burglary 125 117 145 146 142 Robbery 5298617761 Theft and handling of stolen goods 121 143 125 141 110 Fraud and forgery 68 94 114 90 84

Dorset Total number convicted 166 212 221 179 158 Burglary 40 52 90 51 57 Robbery 3438282729 Theft and handling of stolen goods 44 55 51 50 37 Fraud and forgery 48 67 52 51 35

Durham Total number convicted 258 311 281 245 265 Burglary 92 115 123 89 108 Robbery 4643324739 Theft and handling of stolen goods 77 92 86 80 67 Fraud and forgery 43 61 40 29 51

Dyfed-Powys Total number convicted 90 63 64 90 74 Burglary 29 28 24 36 32 Robbery 20 8 9 17 9 Theft and handling of stolen goods 21 21 20 26 17 Fraud and forgery 20 6 11 11 16 927W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 928W

Persons1 convicted at the Crown court for acquisitive2 or fraud and forgery offences, by offence group, 2008 to 2012, England and Wales Number of offenders Police force area Offence type 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Essex Total number convicted 648 793 746 808 665 Burglary 130 161 139 236 208 Robbery 104 139 98 120 97 Theft and handling of stolen goods 173 215 241 261 206 Fraud and forgery 241 278 268 191 154

Gloucestershire Total number convicted 185 155 166 165 165 Burglary 49 56 57 59 61 Robbery 4728292534 Theft and handling of stolen goods 61 44 46 53 38 Fraud and forgery 28 27 34 28 32

Greater Manchester Total number convicted 1,861 1,878 1,978 1,910 1,611 Burglary 548 524 604 606 521 Robbery 474 458 489 450 409 Theft and handling of stolen goods 414 464 498 562 437 Fraud and forgery 425 432 387 292 244

Gwent Total number convicted 122 131 175 176 184 Burglary 56 60 63 85 79 Robbery 3019383437 Theft and handling of stolen goods 19 22 42 32 40 Fraud and forgery 17 30 32 25 28

Hampshire Total number convicted 528 625 663 658 665 Burglary 134 220 200 222 236 Robbery 109 100 115 115 105 Theft and handling of stolen goods 155 183 220 216 206 Fraud and forgery 130 122 128 105 118

Hertfordshire Total number convicted 360 399 504 526 489 Burglary 82 82 118 130 144 Robbery 85 76 86 84 107 Theft and handling of stolen goods 107 133 165 186 146 Fraud and forgery 86 108 135 126 92

Humberside Total number convicted 437 510 507 535 391 Burglary 164 208 191 226 154 Robbery 109 110 91 92 91 Theft and handling of stolen goods 113 124 152 165 109 Fraud and forgery 51 68 73 52 37

Kent Total number convicted 689 753 757 720 556 Burglary 157 173 174 201 151 Robbery 98 107 105 117 83 Theft and handling of stolen goods 165 190 214 211 158 Fraud and forgery 269 283 264 191 164

Lancashire Total number convicted 723 776 822 874 817 Burglary 277 304 336 335 371 Robbery 177 162 128 196 172 Theft and handling of stolen goods 180 204 238 217 201 Fraud and forgery 89 106 120 126 73 929W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 930W

Persons1 convicted at the Crown court for acquisitive2 or fraud and forgery offences, by offence group, 2008 to 2012, England and Wales Number of offenders Police force area Offence type 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Leicestershire Total number convicted 401 418 454 553 447 Burglary 89 102 154 166 140 Robbery 78 69 71 126 113 Theft and handling of stolen goods 101 111 112 158 120 Fraud and forgery 133 136 117 103 74

Lincolnshire Total number convicted 151 185 187 200 174 Burglary 62 67 77 65 61 Robbery 2534274634 Theft and handling of stolen goods 29 47 59 57 61 Fraud and forgery 35 37 24 32 18

Merseyside Total number convicted 591 684 718 688 633 Burglary 153 197 196 228 211 Robbery 124 123 133 164 133 Theft and handling of stolen goods 161 192 207 132 155 Fraud and forgery 153 172 182 164 134

Metropolitan Police Total number convicted 5,982 5,972 6,532 6,893 6,407 Burglary 1,050 1,053 1,213 1,390 1,519 Robbery 1,398 1,325 1,408 1,567 1,520 Theft and handling of stolen goods 1,293 1,425 1,720 1,855 1,596 Fraud and forgery 2,241 2,169 2,191 2,081 1,772

Norfolk Total number convicted 277 331 330 331 283 Burglary 69 86 89 86 107 Robbery 4450485142 Theft and handling of stolen goods 90 123 126 130 85 Fraud and forgery 74 72 67 64 49

North Wales Total number convicted 194 214 185 207 284 Burglary 81 75 72 77 106 Robbery 2639303757 Theft and handling of stolen goods 34 44 46 46 70 Fraud and forgery 53 56 37 47 51

North Yorkshire Total number convicted 189 239 248 303 238 Burglary 54 56 96 96 91 Robbery 1740274037 Theft and handling of stolen goods 75 103 95 106 69 Fraud and forgery 43 40 30 61 41

Northamptonshire Total number convicted 277 289 325 295 255 Burglary 56 73 110 80 69 Robbery 7567676251 Theft and handling of stolen goods 77 75 105 81 82 Fraud and forgery 69 74 43 72 53

Northumbria Total number convicted 711 816 800 813 679 Burglary 208 244 272 268 252 Robbery 100 142 107 112 119 Theft and handling of stolen goods 260 264 283 276 182 Fraud and forgery 143 166 138 157 126 931W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 932W

Persons1 convicted at the Crown court for acquisitive2 or fraud and forgery offences, by offence group, 2008 to 2012, England and Wales Number of offenders Police force area Offence type 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Nottinghamshire Total number convicted 578 520 608 589 569 Burglary 228 188 238 217 232 Robbery 134 148 129 142 136 Theft and handling of stolen goods 123 96 136 148 107 Fraud and forgery 93 88 105 82 94

South Wales Total number convicted 607 601 677 641 632 Burglary 260 248 318 301 286 Robbery 131 127 144 138 111 Theft and handling of stolen goods 134 133 129 112 144 Fraud and forgery 82 93 86 90 91

South Yorkshire Total number convicted 708 736 818 695 572 Burglary 225 230 247 240 223 Robbery 143 158 144 145 120 Theft and handling of stolen goods 145 189 284 206 173 Fraud and forgery 195 159 143 104 56

Staffordshire Total number convicted 412 436 434 397 393 Burglary 120 128 132 129 138 Robbery 69 102 90 80 78 Theft and handling of stolen goods 107 85 114 105 96 Fraud and forgery 116 121 98 83 81

Suffolk Total number convicted 172 182 224 176 194 Burglary 29 42 64 52 48 Robbery 3330412756 Theft and handling of stolen goods 48 67 61 55 50 Fraud and forgery 62 43 58 42 40

Surrey Total number convicted 273 319 331 321 285 Burglary 58 71 66 98 92 Robbery 4264703844 Theft and handling of stolen goods 85 99 104 112 92 Fraud and forgery 88 85 91 73 57

Sussex Total number convicted 692 744 622 606 466 Burglary 134 179 146 188 161 Robbery 97 141 128 110 85 Theft and handling of stolen goods 155 153 168 154 103 Fraud and forgery 306 271 180 154 117

Thames Valley Total number convicted 751 763 855 869 766 Burglary 201 179 251 263 266 Robbery 177 199 196 201 177 Theft and handling of stolen goods 160 208 215 244 209 Fraud and forgery 213 177 193 161 114

Warwickshire Total number convicted 116 109 150 139 181 Burglary 29 50 48 49 51 Robbery 3523333330 Theft and handling of stolen goods 21 20 51 40 59 Fraud and forgery 31 16 18 17 41 933W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 934W

Persons1 convicted at the Crown court for acquisitive2 or fraud and forgery offences, by offence group, 2008 to 2012, England and Wales Number of offenders Police force area Offence type 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

West Mercia Total number convicted 267 308 434 370 313 Burglary 90 94 154 140 110 Robbery 4661716973 Theft and handling of stolen goods 64 77 140 94 72 Fraud and forgery 67 76 69 67 58

West Midlands Total number convicted 1,733 1,691 1,656 1,871 1,720 Burglary 447 468 419 535 557 Robbery 544 534 504 614 568 Theft and handling of stolen goods 382 360 386 379 386 Fraud and forgery 360 329 347 343 209

West Yorkshire Total number convicted 1,190 1,304 1,545 1,632 1,258 Burglary 401 481 560 644 451 Robbery 320 316 320 322 333 Theft and handling of stolen goods 289 322 459 413 323 Fraud and forgery 180 185 206 253 151

Wiltshire Total number convicted 125 134 147 144 141 Burglary 24 34 52 39 38 Robbery 3946294139 Theft and handling of stolen goods 39 23 33 38 36 Fraud and forgery 23 31 33 26 28

England and Wales Total number convicted 25,138 26,479 28,062 28,764 25,580 Burglary 6,650 7,203 7,983 8,687 8,339 Robbery 5,615 5,767 5,644 6,176 5,683 Theft and handling of stolen goods 6,143 6,780 7,806 7,837 6,603 Fraud and forgery 6,730 6,729 6,629 6,064 4,955 ‘—’ = Nil. 1 Excludes ’other’ offenders, i.e. companies, public bodies, etc. 2 Acquisitive offences include all burglary, robbery and theft and handling of stolen goods offences. Notes: 1. Custody rate is calculated as the proportion of the total number of persons sentenced who are sentenced to immediate custody. 2. Excludes life and indeterminate sentences. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Crime: Business Jeremy Wright: Shopping and auction fraud relies on the anonymity of the internet. The Action Fraud website:

Chris Williamson: To ask the Secretary of State for www.actionfraud.police.uk/home Justice if he will review the adequacy of current legislation on corporate criminal liability. [901835] provides guidance for victims on reporting these offences to the police. Damian Green: The Government has no specific plans The Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database to review the adequacy of the current legislation on holds information on defendants proceeded against, corporate criminal liability, although this area, like all found guilty and sentenced for criminal offences in criminal law, is subject to general monitoring. England and Wales. This database holds information on offences provided by the statutes under which proceedings are brought but not the specific circumstances Electronic Commerce: Fraud of each case. It is not possible to separately identify from this centrally held information prosecutions for Stephen Gilbert: To ask the Secretary of State for fraud involving trade on the website eBay. This detailed Justice how many successful prosecutions for fraud in information may be held on the court record but due to (a) England and (b) Cornwall have been for cases the size and complexity is not reported centrally to the involving trade on the website eBay in each of the last MOJ. As such, the information requested can be obtained five years. [188913] only at disproportionate cost. 935W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 936W

Juries: Age Oakwood Prison

David Simpson: To ask the Secretary of State for Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Justice what the reasons are for his proposal to increase (1) how many and what proportion of the staff working the upper age limit of jurors to 75 while that of judges at HM Prison Oakwood when it took its first prisoners remains 70. [188229] had previous experience of working in a prison; [184028] (2) how many and what proportion of the staff Damian Green: We are raising the upper age limit for working at HM Prison Oakwood had (a) no, (b) up to jury service to make juries more representative of all the six months, (c) between six and 12 months and (d) people who are playing a full part in their communities. over 12 months previous experience working in a prison However jury service is not comparable to service as a when it took its first prisoners. [184029] judicial office holder. Jurors are randomly selected and sit with 11 others to Jeremy Wright: The information requested is not assess the evidence presented and to deliver verdicts in a collected centrally and could not be obtained without trial or inquest. Afterwards, the jurors are discharged. incurring disproportionate cost. At HMP Oakwood, Judicial office holders on the other hand serve on a staff are employed by a number of providers to deliver a permanent basis sitting either alone or, in the case of range of services including, for example, probation some tribunals or the magistracy, as a panel of two or services, education and health care, as well as custodial three. They are expected to rule on a daily basis on a services. variety of complex issues in a wide range of cases—applying the law accordingly. The Government has considered the merits of extending Offenders: EU Nationals the mandatory retirement age of judicial office holders, and following discussions with members of the senior Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Secretary of State for judiciary and others remains convinced that the current Justice what estimate he has made of the number of mandatory retirement regime supports the legitimate citizens of other EU member states living in the UK aim of a justice system which is independent, fair and who have been convicted of crimes committed in the efficient. UK. [184510]

Law of Property Act 1925 Jeremy Wright: The Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings Database does not record the nationality of offenders sentenced for criminal offences. Rehman Chishti: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) what recent assessment his Department has We do however record the number of EU nationals in made of the value of property sold by receivers appointed prison. under the Law of Property Act 1925 in the last year; All Foreign National Offenders sentenced to custody [183550] are referred to the Home Office for them to consider (2) if he will introduce a register for receivers appointed deportation at the earliest possible opportunity. under the Law of Property Act 1925; [183551] (3) how many people have (a) sought and (b) obtained compensation through the courts for breaches Prison Service of the Law of Property Act 1925; [183552] (4) what minimum qualifications receivers appointed Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for under the Law of Property Act 1925 have to hold. Justice what the average ratio of prison officers to [183553] inmates in prisons in England and Wales was in June 2013. [182604] Damian Green: Law of Property Act Receivers (“LPA Receivers”) are appointed by secured lenders (“mortgagees”) Jeremy Wright: There were 4.1 prisoners to each to take over and manage mortgaged premises either prison officer employed within Prison Service establishments under the power contained in the Law of Property Act in England and Wales at 30 June 2013. This ratio 1925 (“the Act”) or an express power in the mortgage. includes both public sector and privately managed The Act does not specify any minimum qualifications establishments. The figure relates to the total number of for appointment as a LPA Receiver. officers employed rather than the number on duty at any particular time. The Ministry of Justice has not assessed the value of properties sold by LPA Receivers and has no plans to Staffing levels are being reviewed prison by prison as introduce a register of LPA Receiver appointments. The part of a ‘benchmarking approach’. Department will, however, continue to keep the law Benchmarking has been agreed with the unions and relating to LPA Receivers under review. the NAO has commented that the wider strategy for the The Act covers a wide range of matters relating to prison estate is the most coherent and comprehensive general property law. Statistics are not collected on the for many years. It delivers efficiencies while ensuring number of people who have sought and obtained that public sector prisons operate safely, decently and compensation through the courts for breaches of the securely. Act either generally or against LPA Receivers. Such Benchmarking optimises the skills of staff by introducing information could be obtained only at disproportionate new ways of working and puts all prison officers in expense. prisoner facing roles. 937W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 938W

Probation Trusts The job groups that are deemed to be Senior Management are Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive and Assistant Chief Executive. Sadiq Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Procurement how many senior management posts there were across all probation trusts on 1 February 2014. [189940] Chris Leslie: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice how many and what value of contracts procured by his Jeremy Wright: Information on staffing levels in the Department in the last five years was carried out below probation trusts by job group is collected and published EU thresholds. [182660] in the quarterly Probation Service Workforce Information Damian Green: The following table shows the number reports. The link to the latest published report on of contracts awarded below the EU threshold and the gov.uk relating to Q3 2013-14 is provided as follows: total value of those contracts in the last five years. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/probation-service- Please note that we have broken up the data to reflect workforce-quarterly-reports the EU threshold in each period.

Threshold in relevant period ££ £

Goods 90,319.00 Goods 101,323.00 Goods 113,057.00 Services 90,319.00 Services 101,323.00 Services 113,057.00 Works 3,497,313.00 Works 3,927,260.00 Works 4,348,350.00

Year 1 Year 2/3 Year 4/5 Number of Number of Number of contracts Value (£) Contracts Value (£) contracts Value (£)

Total goods 9 285,388.42 23 1,093,241.02 37 1,698,603.10 Total services 88 3,636,609.96 97 3,902,145.58 271 9,910,100.16 Total works1 32 1,500,126.22 184 30,459,429.36 272 20,881,294.91 1 Data for works contracts awarded below the EU thresholds in 2009 is not held centrally.

Vetting requested by employers and others where the occupation or activity is listed on the Exceptions Order to the 1974 Act. The Exceptions Order covers sensitive occupations, Mr Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice such as working unsupervised with children, and allows whether the changes announced under the Rehabilitation for fuller disclosure of criminal record information in of Offenders Act 1974 will also apply to CRB checks. order to maintain public protection. However, in response [188558] to a Court of Appeal judgment handed down in January 2013, the Government amended the Exceptions Order Jeremy Wright: The changes to the Rehabilitation of last year to provide that certain old and minor spent Offenders Act 1974 which I announced on 13 February cautions and convictions are protected and are no longer 2014, contained in the Legal Aid, Sentencing and routinely included in standard and enhanced criminal Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, are changes to the record certificates issued by the Disclosure and Barring primary legislation and come into force in England and Service. Wales on 10 March 2014. The measures shorten the rehabilitation periods for most convictions, after which they are considered to be ‘spent’, and extend the scope of the 1974 Act to allow for custodial sentences of up TRANSPORT to, and including, four years to become spent after a specified period of time. Previously the longest custodial Cycling sentence which could become spent was 30 months. Once spent, cautions and convictions do not have to be Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for disclosed for most purposes. The amendments will mean Transport when he expects to publish his Department’s that more convictions may become spent earlier and cycling delivery plan. [190230] will not be included in criminal conviction certificates which show only unspent conditional cautions and Mr Goodwill: The Department is currently working convictions, commonly known as basic disclosure with stakeholders and other Government Departments certificates, and which can be requested by any employer. to develop the content of the Government’s Cycling These reforms will give offenders who have served their Delivery Plan, and expects to publish it later in 2014. sentence and have turned their back on crime a fair chance of getting their lives back on track. First Transpennine Express These changes do not affect the content of standard and enhanced disclosure certificates issued by the Disclosure John Woodcock: To ask the Secretary of State for and Barring Service (formerly the Criminal Records Transport how many seats are available on the diesel Bureau) as these certificates include certain spent caution train fleet allocated to Transpennine Express; and how and conviction information in addition to unspent many are expected to be available in December 2015. conviction information. These certificates may only be [190318] 939W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 940W

Stephen Hammond: The diesel fleet operated by First MCA TransPennine Express consists of Class 170 and Class Since May 2010 the MCA: 185 units; each Class 170 has 105 standard seats and eight first Class seats—there are nine Class 170 trains in has purchased 550 Channel 00 pagers at a cost of £121,900. Channel 00 pagers cannot be rented and have to be purchased. the fleet. Each Class 185 has 154 standard seats and 14 The MCA use them in areas of poor communications, e.g. for first Class seats—there are 51 Class 185 train sets in the some volunteer coastguards in remote areas, on a private VHF fleet. network that MCA maintain; The Department is currently in discussion with First has rented 604 commercial pagers at £1.44 per pager, per TransPennine Express in respect of a short direct award month. The precise rental start dates cannot be easily identified covering the period from April 2015 to February 2016; and manually checking start dates for pagers would unfortunately the operator will be responsible for sourcing appropriate incur disproportionate costs. rolling stock for this period. Railways: Compensation High Speed 2 Railway Line John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mrs Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what steps his Department is taking to encourage Transport if he will publish the most recent report on train companies to inform customers of their rights to High Speed 2 by the Major Projects Authority. [190209] compensation and to provide information on this matter to the public. [190289] Mr Goodwill: This Government has a strong record on transparency and last year published the first ever Stephen Hammond: It is important that passengers Major Projects Authority (MPA) report which included are aware of their entitlements to claim compensation information on all major projects, including High Speed and I will continue to push operators to do all they can 2. The next annual report will be published in May 2014 to make sure passengers are fully aware of their rights and will include the RAG rating for the most recent and have a simple claim process. A summary of the MPA review of HS2. steps being taken by operators is on the Rail Delivery Group website. The Government does not intend to publish any further information relating to the MPA report. http://www.raildeliverygroup.com/assets/files/2014/02/ RAIL%20INDUSTRY%20RESPONDS%20TO%20 REGULATORS%20REPORT%20ON%20PASSENGER% Helen Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 20COMPENSATION.pdf if he will ensure that the full independent summary of the consultation into the proposed High Speed 2 route Railways: Electrification from Birmingham to the North of England is published by IPSOS Mori. [190270] Caroline Flint: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Goodwill: I would refer the hon. Member to the Transport what assessment he has made of the cost of answer given on 26 February 2014, Official Report, rail electrification to electricity network operators. column 387W. [189841]

Pagers Stephen Hammond: The assessment of the costs of rail electrification are the subject of commercial discussions between Network Rail and the electricity network operators. Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Network Rail can be approached at 90 York Way, Transport how many pagers have been provided to staff London N1 9AG. by his Department since May 2010; and what the cost to the Department was of providing those pagers. Railways: Passengers [190059]

Stephen Hammond: The Air Accident Investigation Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Branch (AAIB) and Maritime and Coastguard Agency Transport what estimate he has made of changes in (MCA) are the only areas of the Department that train passenger numbers over the next 10 years. utilise pagers. [190260] The number and cost of pagers is as follows: Stephen Hammond: The number of passenger rail AAIB journeys is forecast to grow from an estimated 1,530 million in 2013-14 to 1,842 million by 2023-24. Number of pagers Amount spent (£)

2010-11 40 1,919.58 Mr O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport 2011 (January) 16 89.21 what the average number is of passengers travelling in 2011-12 6 476.84 first class on weekdays from London to (a) Manchester, 2012-13 5 372.23 (b) Leeds and (c) Birmingham. [190281] 2013-14 5 327.36 Total cost 3,185.22 Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport 1 Reduced to 6. does not hold this information. 941W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 942W

Railways: Tees Valley Road Signs and Markings

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Secretary of State for Richard Burden: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate he has made of the average Transport when he expects to publish his Department’s number of rail passengers travelling in first class on review of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General weekdays from London to (a) Darlington and (b) Directions. [190196] Eaglescliffe. [190503] Mr Goodwill: The Department for Transport expects to consult on proposed changes to the Traffic Signs Stephen Hammond: The Department for Transport Regulations and General Directions in the spring, and does not hold this information. to bring its successor into force in 2015. Roads: Worcester Rescue Services: Belfast Mr Robin Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what estimate his Department has made of Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for the (a) number of journeys affected by and (b) the Transport how many times the Maritime Rescue total cost of road closures as a result of flooding in Co-ordination Centre, Belfast, was staffed at below Worcester during February 2014. [189942] risk-assessed levels in January 2014. [190146] Mr Goodwill: The strategic road network which falls Stephen Hammond: During January 2014 Belfast under the responsibility of the Highways Agency did Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was not report any closures as a result of flooding in staffed below risk assessed levels on six occasions out of Worcestershire during February 2014. 62 shifts. Local roads in Worcester are the responsibility of the Where there are specific issues at a MRCC Her local highway authority, Worcestershire county council. Majesty’s Coastguard is using the current long established The Department for Transport does not, therefore, hold pairing arrangements between MRCCs. This enables records of the number of journeys that may have been each MRCC to be connected to at least one other affected or any cost estimates as a result of local road MRCC which is available to provide mutual support. closures due to flooding.

Rescue Services: Liverpool NORTHERN IRELAND Equality Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times the Maritime Rescue Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Co-ordination Centre, Liverpool, was staffed at below Ireland pursuant to the answer of 25 February 2014, risk-assessed levels in January 2014. [190163] Official Report, column 296W, on equality, what the cost to her Department was of section 75 equality Stephen Hammond: During January 2014 Liverpool training in each year between 2008-09 and 2012-13. Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was [190203] staffed below risk assessed levels on seven occasions out of 62 shifts. Mrs Villiers: Figures are not available centrally for the period prior to the completion of devolution of Where there are specific issues at a MRCC Her policing and justice functions on 12 April 2010. Majesty’s Coastguard is using the current long established pairing arrangements between MRCCs. This enables My Department has worked with the Centre for each MRCC to be connected to at least one other Applied Learning (CAL) to develop equality training MRCC which is available to provide mutual support. tailored to the revised role, responsibilities and structure of the Department. The first training session was delivered to all staff in 2013-14 at a cost of £5,000. Rescue Services: Stornoway SCOTLAND Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many times the Maritime Rescue Internet Co-ordination Centre, Stornoway, was staffed at below risk-assessed levels in January 2014. [190147] Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what services his Department provides that Stephen Hammond: During January 2014 Stornoway are (a) available online only and (b) planned to move Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was to online only. [190370] staffed below risk assessed levels on five occasions out David Mundell: The Scotland Office publishes online of 62 shifts. a wide range of information and analysis about its Where there are specific issues at a MRCC Her functions and to inform the debate on Scotland’s Majesty’s Coastguard is using the current long established constitutional future. The Office does not provide pairing arrangements between MRCCs. This enables transactional services to the public. Accordingly it does each MRCC to be connected to at least one other not, and does not plan, to provide any such services MRCC which is available to provide mutual support. online. 943W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 944W

Pensions Business: Staffordshire

John Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Scotland what assessment he has made of the Scottish Innovation and Skills what steps his Department has Government’s plans for Scottish pensions in the event taken to increase the level of access to credit for businesses of independence. [190018] in (a) Cannock Chase constituency and (b) Staffordshire in the last year. [190084] David Mundell: The Scottish Government has made a number of claims about pension provision in the event Matthew Hancock: The Government is committed to of independence, but have not set out what this would ensuring businesses can access the finance they need for cost or how they would pay for it. They continue to investment and growth. make assertions on this issue, which do not provide the The Bank of England and HM Treasury announced important answers to the uncertainties that remain. in November that the Funding for Lending scheme People in Scotland benefit from having a fair and would be refocused on lending to businesses to reflect effective system for paying state pensions, wherever they the success that the scheme has had on households. live in the UK. The British Business Bank is being established to Private pension schemes operate across the UK under increase the supply of capital to smaller businesses a single set of regulations, which means that everyone in throughout the UK resulting in increased competition the UK is able to access the same offers. in the banking sector from alternative lenders, like peer to peer lenders and challenger banks. A breakdown of businesses in Cannock Chase and BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS Staffordshire that have been supported by British Business Bank schemes last year is detailed in the following table. Apprentices Enterprise Finance Start Up Loans Caroline Dinenage: To ask the Secretary of State for Guarantee Scheme Company Business, Innovation and Skills pursuant to the Cannock Chase 5 businesses drew 10 start-ups have recommendations of the British Chambers of Commerce constituency down £300,000 received £65,424 Skills and Employment Manifesto, if he will support Staffordshire 46 businesses drew 192 start-ups have small and medium-sized enterprises to invest in down £4.2 million received £1,075,513 apprenticeships and workplace training. [189873] Copyright Matthew Hancock: Apprenticeships need to meet the needs of small businesses. That is why we asked Jason Holt to review how to make apprenticeships more accessible Mike Weatherley: To ask the Secretary of State for to small businesses. This led to a number of reforms Business, Innovation and Skills what progress his including the development of small business-specific Department has made on drafting the regulations guidance on apprenticeships, a new web tool aimed at needed to implement changes to copyright exceptions; helping small businesses to more easily identify the and if he will make a statement. [190065] training provider that best meets their apprentice’s needs, and a new “Apprenticeship Maker” mentoring scheme. Mr Willetts: The Government has consulted extensively on the proposed changes to copyright exceptions. In That is also why we introduced the Apprenticeship December 2012 it set out its policy conclusions and in Grant for Employers which provides additional support July 2013 took the additional step of putting out the for companies with fewer than 1,000 employees and draft regulations for technical review, giving stakeholders why I have insisted that small businesses are involved in a final further opportunity to comment on the draft the development of the new apprenticeship standards regulations. The Technical Review closed in September which are replacing the old complex frameworks as part 2013 and the responses have been carefully reviewed. of our reform programme. The first 11 standards were published earlier this week. The Government is grateful for the contributions of all those who responded to the various consultations Mr Ward: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, and has continued to engage with stakeholders since the Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of review closed. We have made a number of technical the recommendation of the British Chambers of Commerce changes following the helpful input of stakeholders, Skills and Employment Manifesto that Accredited and we consider the regulations have been improved as Chambers of Commerce or other organisations trusted a result. So, the regulations will be different in light of by business should be used to provide objective advice the valuable consultation process. to employers about how they can use apprenticeships to The draft regulations are subject to final checking grow their businesses. [189974] and in accordance with routine practice the Department is currently consulting the legal advisers to the Joint Matthew Hancock: The National Apprenticeship Service Committee on Statutory instruments. This process can (NAS) is already developing a “Trusted Advisor”initiative help to avoid difficulties about powers, drafting, etc. to help to promote the take up of apprenticeships arising at a later stage, and assists both the Department among small businesses. This involves the kinds of and the Committee in minimising any delay in the organisations suggested by the British Chamber of passage of an instrument. Unless otherwise agreed with Commerce. We therefore welcome their recommendation the legal adviser, Departments should normally allow a and NAS will be happy to work with them. period of not less than two sitting weeks for this advance 945W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 946W scrutiny. The regulations will be laid before Parliament from Gamma TSE; what assessment his Department and published as soon as this process is complete. The made of the impact of providing this equipment on regulations will be subject to affirmative resolution and human rights in (a) West Papua and (b) Indonesia; will be debated in both Houses of Parliament. and if he will make a statement. [190066] The Government will publish a response to the technical review, explanatory notes, guidance and other supporting Michael Fallon: The Export Control Organisation documents alongside the regulations. This will explain within the Department for Business, Innovation and the changes we have made to the drafts on which we Skills administers the UK’s strategic export control consulted and why. Copies of all of these documents system. The ECO has not received an export licence will be placed in the Libraries of both Houses and will application as described and therefore no such assessment be available on the IPO website. has been made.

Economic Situation Higher Education: Admissions

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Duncan Hames: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what progress he has Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made on rebalancing the economy across regions and made of the potential effect of removing the cap on sectors. [902880] student numbers at higher education institutions. [902868] Vince Cable: We are rebalancing the economy through the industrial strategy: a long term partnership between Mr Willetts: Removing the cap on student numbers industry and government. provides better opportunities for young people and All regions have seen positive growth and, since 2010, helps long-term economic growth and improves social private sector employment has increased by 7.5% for mobility. We have allocated 30,000 places in 2014/15 England and has increased in every region. and estimate 60,000 may be taken up in 2016/17, but actual numbers will depend on the decisions of students Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 and universities. Higher Education: Finance Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has made of the effect of the time taken to implement Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for section 74 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Business, Innovation and Skills what recent representations Act 2013 on design businesses and consumers. [190092] he has received from universities facing financial challenges. [190121] Mr Willetts: The impact that the timing of implementing section 74 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Mr Willetts: Universities and their representative bodies Act 2013 will have on design businesses, consumers and routinely make representations to Ministers on a range others will be considered in a forthcoming consultation. of topics, including financial issues. The progressive Evidence from this consultation in spring 2014 will be implementation of this Government’s higher education reflected in the decision on when to implement the reforms has put the system on a sound foundation. change in law. Combining recurrent grant for teaching and estimated fee income from students subject to regulated fees, the Mr Iain Wright: To ask the Secretary of State for resource for teaching rose from around £7.9 billion in Business, Innovation and Skills when the statutory 2011-12 to almost £8.5 billion in 2013-14. The Chancellor’s instrument implementing section 74 of the Enterprise autumn statement provided further funding to enable and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 will be laid; and if he an expansion of higher education places and to increase will make a statement. [190093] levels of resource for the teaching of high cost subjects such as science and engineering. Mr Willetts: The Government plans to publish a consultation document in spring 2014 seeking views on Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for its proposals for transitional provisions. Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment his Department has made of the financial viability of UK The statutory instrument which implements section 74 non-Russell Group universities beyond the next 15 years. of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 will be laid after the consultation on the timing of the repeal [190122] of section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 has been completed. Mr Willetts: The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) is responsible for monitoring the financial health of all grant-funded higher education Exports: Indonesia institutions. This is done on the basis of the financial returns and forecasts the Council requires from institutions Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for for the year in hand and two years ahead. HEFCE Business, Innovation and Skills what discussions his updates and publishes its assessment twice a year. The Department had with UK Export Finance about a most recent assessment confirms that overall, the sector licence to the Indonesian military for the purchase of is in sound financial health and no institutions were surveillance equipment for its Strategic Intelligence Agency reported to be close to insolvency. 947W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 948W

Land Registry: Plymouth Consumer Affairs met a number of tied tenants of the large pub companies who had experience of the Pubs Oliver Colvile: To ask the Secretary of State for Independent Conciliation and Arbitration Service, at a Business, Innovation and Skills what assessment he has meeting arranged by my hon. Friend the Member for made of the potential effect of his Department’s proposed Leeds North West (Greg Mulholland). changes to the Land Registry on jobs in Plymouth. Students: Loans [190323] Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Michael Fallon: The BIS consultation seeks views Innovation and Skills pursuant to the Answers of both on the proposal to create a new company as well as 24 February 2014, Official Report, column 166W, on on potential ownership options for this new company. students: loans, when he expects to start reviewing the The size and structure of Land Registry may be RAB charge model. [190199] influenced by the outcome of the consultation, as the future structure of the organisation will necessarily Matthew Hancock: The 24+ Advanced Learning Loans affect business planning. programme has not yet completed its first full year. BIS However no decisions will be taken until the consultation is currently collecting data on learners as it emerges, is completed and all responses have been considered. and based on this data we are beginning to review the appropriateness of the RAB charge model. We hope to Nurses: Disclosure of Information be able to announce whether there will be any revisions to the RAB charge this summer, as part of the annual Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for report and accounts. Business, Innovation and Skills if he will bring forward Weather: Forecasts legislative proposals to extend the scope of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 to cover student nurses Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for who raise concerns about patient care. [190082] Business, Innovation and Skills what recent assessment he has made of ability of the Met Office to improve its Jenny Willott: We are in the process of finalising the forecasting and predicting methods to a level which Government response to the call for evidence into the meets the needs of emergency responders. [189788] whistleblowing framework. This considered a number of issues, including the scope of the definition of worker Michael Fallon: The Met Office is committed to which is set out at in section 43K of the Employment constantly improving its forecasting and predicting methods. Rights Act 1996: The Met Office has, for example, introduced high resolution http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1996/18/section/43K weather models to improve the accuracy of its forecasts We aim to publish the Government response before of wind and rainfall. The Met Office has also improved the Easter recess. the National Severe Weather Warning Service to provide clearer, targeted warnings based on the likely impacts Public Houses that severe weather can bring, and has increased the number of regional advisers who provide expert advice Greg Mulholland: To ask the Secretary of State for during severe weather events. Business, Innovation and Skills how many meetings his In 2013, a survey conducted by Ipsos MORI on Department (a) has had and (b) plans to have with behalf of the Public Weather Service Customer Group publicans tied to the large pub companies to discuss was completed by over 2,500 people or bodies with plans for a statutory code and adjudicator. [190229] responsibilities for responding to the impacts of severe weather events. This showed that 87% are satisfied with Jenny Willott: The Department has taken, and will the overall service provided by the Met Office to their continue to take, an even handed approach to speaking organisation, 91% are satisfied with the last severe with stakeholders from all sides of the debate as we weather warning they received, and 86% are satisfied develop our proposals for statutory intervention in the with the service provided by the Met Office’s network of pubs sector. This includes our engagement with stakeholders advisers. prior to the launch of the Government’s consultation on pub companies and tenants in April 2013, during the consultation, and since it closed in June 2013. HEALTH Since November 2012, 15 meetings have been held with tenant representative organisations. In addition, Abortion two roundtable discussions were held with tenant representative organisations in January and June 2013, Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Health with the former hosted by the Minister for Employment (1) what criteria his Department will use to formulate Relations and Consumer Affairs. Many of those who new guidelines on compliance with the Abortion Act; attended a meeting or roundtable were either current or [189909] ex tied tenants of one of the large pub companies. (2) which organisations and individuals he is consulting Officials also met tenants of Heineken UK/Star Pubs prior to the publication of new guidelines on compliance and Bars at an event for their tenants in November with the Abortion Act; whether the British Pregnancy 2013. While not classed as a large pub company, officials Advisory Service and Marie Stopes International will also met tied tenants of a family brewer during a visit to be, or have been, consulted; and whether he will publish the Shepherd Neame brewery in June 2013. In November draft proposals so that other parties may contribute to 2013, the Minister for Employment Relations and the process. [189910] 949W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 950W

Jane Ellison: The approach we are taking is to set out practitioner might consider that an abortion is justified the Department’s interpretation of the requirements of on the grounds specified under Section 1(1)(d) of the the Abortion Act, in relation to areas where it has been Abortion Act that there is a substantial risk that if the suggested that this would be helpful. This will include child were born it would suffer from such physical or considering how a doctor should go about making an mental abnormalities as to be seriously handicapped assessment of a woman’s circumstances for the purpose when there is an issue around sex-linked inherited of reaching a good faith opinion under the Act. The conditions. guidance has been developed following discussions with Any specific allegations about gender-selective abortions Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, being undertaken should be reported to the police. British Medical Association, General Medical Council, Crown Prosecution Service and the Nursing and Midwifery Council. We have also had more general discussions Advertising Association about the Abortion Act with British Pregnancy Advisory Service and Marie Stopes International. We have no Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for plans to consult on a draft as the document is designed Health if he will publish the (a) dates, (b) agendas and to set out the Department’s interpretation of the law. (c) minutes of any meetings (i) Ministers and (ii) officials in his Department have had with representatives of the Andrew Selous: To ask the Secretary of State for Advertising Association between January 2012 and Health (1) pursuant to the answer of 13 February 2014, February 2014. [190321] Official Report, column 828W, on abortion, whether gender may be considered a contributing factor to Dr Poulter: Details of meetings held by Ministers and grounds for abortion when compounded by other permanent secretaries with external organisations are considerations; [190387] published quarterly and can be found at: (2) if he will investigate abortion providers whose www.gov.uk advice on the legality of gender abortions contradicts Information requested in respect of other officials’ that of his Department; [190389] meetings is not held centrally and could be obtained (3) what evidence his Department holds or has only at disproportionate cost. assessed on whether giving birth to a baby of a specific gender constitutes a greater risk to the mother’s physical or mental health than termination of the Food: Testing pregnancy; [190392] (4) pursuant to the answer of 13 February 2014, Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Official Report, column 832W, on abortion, under what Health how many food authenticity tests on composition, conditions and in relation to what other factors gender labelling and safety were carried out by (a) local authorities may be considered a relevant criterion for an abortion and (b) the Food Standards Authority as part of local under the Abortion Act 1967, as amended; and if he authority audits in the UK in each of the last five years. will make a statement. [190396] [189844]

Jane Ellison: The Government is clear that abortion Jane Ellison: The Food Standards Agency is an on the grounds of gender alone is illegal. independent non-ministerial Government Department The Abortion Act states that two practitioners have accountable to Parliament through Department of Health to be “of the opinion, formed in good faith” that the Ministers. woman has met the grounds for an abortion. It is for Local authority sampling levels recorded by the FSA doctors to satisfy themselves that they are in a position are shown in the following table, for composition, labelling to give such an the opinion, and to defend it if challenged. and safety, over the last five years. ‘Microbiological The sex of an unborn child may be a legitimate factor analyses’ and ‘Other Contamination analyses’ are classed in determining whether an abortion would meet the as ‘safety’ sampling. The majority of composition analysis criteria in the Abortion Act 1967. For example, a relates to authenticity testing.

Number of Composition Number of Labelling and Number of Microbiological Number of Other Contamination analyses Presentation analyses analyses analyses

2008-09 32,599 21,343 71,131 5,150 2009-10 26,113 16,739 70,737 5,121 2010-il 22,255 13,942 67,184 4,424 2011-12 18,219 11,879 55,546 4,432 2012-13 16,982 9,958 53,108 3,887

The Food Standards Agency does not take samples Social Care Information Centre will monitor data as part of local authority audits. collection against Quality Outcomes Framework disease management measures which will be retired in General Practitioners April 2014; and how often such data will be published; [189845] Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State (2) what steps he has taken to ensure there is continuity for Health (1) how NHS England and the Health and in data collection on GP practice performance against 951W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 952W

Quality Outcomes Framework disease management Net Operating Costs for South Staffordshire PCT measures which are to be retired in April 2014. [189849] £000 2012-13 1,008,005 Jane Ellison: We understand that NHS England is Notes: currently developing procedures and protocols for continued 1. Data are not collected at constituency level. The lowest level that data analysis and reporting for the indicators that will data is collected is by PCT. be retired from the Quality and Outcomes Framework 2. South Staffordshire PCT was formed in October 2006 following the in April 2014. NHS England is committed to utilising merger of Burntwood, Lichfield and Tamworth, Cannock Chase, East Staffordshire and South Western Staffordshire PCTs. this information to promote quality improvement in the 3. Following the re-organisation of the NHS, South Staffordshire care patients receive. The final decision on frequency of PCT was abolished on 31 March 2013. extraction and reporting is yet to be determined. Source: Audited PCT summarisation schedules from which the NHS (England) Summarised Accounts are prepared Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what clinical targets will remain within general practice to help identify and manage patients with high risk factors of (a) cardiovascular disease and Health Services: Hearing Impairment (b) high cholesterol and HbA1C levels. [189846] Mr Blunkett: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Jane Ellison: The Quality and Outcomes Framework (1) how his Department will ensure that communication (QOF) for 2014-15 includes the following indicators professionals working with deaf people are eligible for relating to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service declaration; mellitus: [190226] five indicators on the secondary prevention of coronary heart (2) how his Department will ensure that disease (CHD)-CHD 001, 002, 007, 005 and 006; communication professionals engaged to work with three indicators on peripheral arterial disease (PAD)-PAD 001, deaf people meet the standards for enhanced criminal 002 and 004; records checks as maintained by the Disclosure and five indicators on stroke and transient ischaemic attack (STIA)- Barring Service. [190227] STIA 001, 008, 003, 009 and 007; one indicator on cardiovascular disease-primary prevention- CVD-PP001; and Norman Lamb: To be eligible for an enhanced Disclosure four indicators on diabetes mellitus (DM) cholesterol and and Barring Service (DBS) check, all positions, including HbAlC-DM 004, 007, 008 and 009. those for communication professionals, must be included in both the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 A summary of changes to QOF 2014-15 in England (Exceptions) Order 1975 and the Police Act 1997 (Criminal can be found at: Records) Regulations. www.nhsemployers.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/ 2014_15_Summary_of_QOF_changes_mh141113.pdf For DBS checking, an exempted question is a valid request for a person to reveal their full criminal history. This gives a full description of each indicator. An exempted question applies when the individual will These indicators cover five of the clinical domains of be working in specific occupations, for certain licences the QOF and include secondary prevention of CHD, and specified positions. These are covered by the PAD, stroke and CVD primary prevention and together Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order equate to 22% of the total QOF indicators. 1975. The Police Act 1997 (Criminal Records) Regulations sets out the circumstances in which a person is eligible Health Services: Cannock Chase for an enhanced DBS check. These regulations make provisions for an enhanced check to be done in order to Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health consider a person’s suitability to “work with adults” as how much the NHS spent in Cannock Chase constituency defined in Regulation 5B or undertake regulated activity in (a) 2006-07, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2010-11 and (d) relating to vulnerable adults as defined by the Safeguarding 2012-13. [189972] Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 (as amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012). Dr Poulter: Information is not collected at constituency level. Health: Climate Change The following table represents the net operating costs for South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust (PCT), which covered Cannock Chase constituency. The net operating Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for cost of a PCT is the most accurate reflection available Health with reference to the answer of 16 November of the total cost of commissioning healthcare for the 2010, Official Report, column 958W, on pathogens: PCTs resident population. climate change, what recent assessment he has made of Net Operating Costs for South Staffordshire PCT the effect of climate change on (a) physical and (b) £000 mental health of UK residents; and if he will produce an updated version of his Department’s 2008 assessment 2006-07 686,867 of the possible effect of climate change on mental 2008-09 801,212 health entitled, Health Effects of Climate Change in the 2010-11 947,477 UK. [190028] 953W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 954W

Jane Ellison: Since the 2008 Department commissioned Jane Ellison: NHS England has advised that it has report, there has been an extensive update, which was made no assessment of the potential demand for in published in September of 2012. This report: “The vitro fertilisation if the national health service adopted Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2012: universal provision. The level of provision of infertility Current evidence, recommendations and research gaps”1 treatment is decided by the local clinical commissioning was published by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), group (CCG). CCGs decisions should be underpinned which has now become part of Public Health England. by clinical insight and knowledge of other health care The extensive 240 page report consists of 10 chapters needs of the local population. As such, provision of and covers a range of climate change impacts on physical services will vary in response to local needs. and mental health, including effects of temperatures NHS England expects that all those involved in (hot and cold), air pollution, aeroallergens, ultraviolet commissioning infertility treatment services to be fully radiation, the indoor environment, vector-, food- and aware of the importance of having regard to the National water-borne diseases, floods and a chapter on the health Institute for Health and Care Excellence fertility guidelines. co-benefits of policies to reduce greenhouse gases. The In February 2013, NHS England issued a factsheet to chapters were authored by existing HPA staff, academics support CCGs in taking on those responsibilities. and other researchers, and were extensively peer reviewed. Medical Records: Databases 1 Vardoulakis, S. and Heaviside, C. [eds.] (2012) “Health Effects of Climate Change in the UK 2012-Current evidence, public health recommendations and research gaps”. Health Protection Agency. Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Health how much the campaign to inform people they UK. ISBN: 978-0-85951-723-2. can opt out of the Summary Care Record cost; and www.hpa.org.uk/hecc2012 how much paper was used in that campaign. [190126] Heart Diseases Dr Poulter: The cost of the Summary Care Record Public Information Programme was approximately 33p Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State per patient contacted. for Health what progress he has made in implementing The Summary Care Record Public Information the recommendations of the Cardiovascular Disease Awareness Programme campaign took place over a Outcomes Strategy. [189847] four-year period ending in October 2013, and contacted approximately 45.9 million patients in England. Typically, Jane Ellison: Responsibility for determining the overall the information sent to patients included a letter and an national approach to improving clinical outcomes from opt out form, but this may vary from one clinical health care services lies with NHS England. NHS England commissioning group, or formerly primary care trust, hosts a number of strategic clinical networks which to another. cover cardiovascular disease (CVD) and which are intended to support the development and dissemination of good Medical Records: Veterans clinical practice. Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if NHS England advises that it has established a he will make it his policy to put a trace on medical Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes Strategy implementation records to indicate past military service to enable group and that it is working with a variety of partners armed forces veterans to be identified after their death and stakeholders to deliver the strategy. for the purpose of arranging their funeral. [190271] It is for individual clinical commissioning groups to commission treatment and services for patients with Dr Poulter: When leaving the armed forces, ex-service heart disease, as they are best placed to identify what is personnel when registering with a general practitioner needed in their local areas. (GP) are required to complete a form that asks whether In the ‘Everyone Counts: Planning for Patients 2014/15 they are returning from the armed forces. This can then to 2018/19’ document, NHS England has asked be recorded on the medical records of the individual. In commissioners to set a specific and measurable level of addition to this, work is under way to link Ministry of ambition in relation to securing additional years of life Defence medical information technology (IT) to NHS for people with treatable mental and physical health IT systems for intended routine transfer of medical conditions. NHS England expects strategic clinical networks documents from Defence Primary Health Care to GPs. to support local commissioners to deliver this ambition, Mental Health Services: LGBT People including through action on CVD. In Vitro Fertilisation Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps his Department is taking to improve Paul Uppal: To ask the Secretary of State for Health the mental health of LGBT people. [190192] (1) what assessment he has made of the potential Norman Lamb: Our mental health action plan, and demand for IVF if the NHS adopted universal the wide programme of activity in support of the delivery provision; [189981] of the priorities in the plan, is for all ages and applies to (2) what criteria are used to determine how many everyone regardless of gender, sexual orientation, disability, rounds of IVF are made available to those who qualify ethnicity, religion or belief. It also includes a specific through the NHS; [189982] priority around tackling inequalities to mental health (3) what his policy is on the NHS providing (a) one, services. Examples of action include the Time to Change (b) two and (c) three rounds of IVF to those who programme tackling stigma and discrimination, working qualify through the NHS. [189988] with LGBT organisations such as MindOut locally. 955W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 956W

NHS the National Clinical Director for Obesity and Diabetes, and this was one of the topics discussed. Dr Valabhji is Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for closely involved in the work to clarify tier 3 commissioning Health how many health trusts are currently under arrangements. consideration for the trust special administration regime. [190207] Pagers

Jane Ellison: There are currently no national health Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for service trusts or NHS foundation trusts to which application Health how many pagers have been provided to staff by of the trust special administrator’s regime is formally his Department since May 2010; and what the cost to being considered. the Department was of providing those pagers. [190053] NHS: Finance Dr Poulter: During 2010-11 a pager service was provided Mr Jamie Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for to the Department by Vodafone with 129 pagers. The Health how many previous years’ spending was used in majority of pagers were cancelled during 2011-12 with calculations for the baseline funding allocation for nine remaining until October 2012. specialised commissioning in 2013-14. [190277] The cost incurred for pager services for each financial year was as follows: Norman Lamb: NHS England advises that information from 2011-12 and 2012-13 was used in the calculations £ for the baseline funding allocation for specialised commissioning in 2013-14. 2009-10 7,654.01 2010-11 5,818.82 2011-12 11,023.89 Obesity

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Self-harm: Staffordshire Health who is responsible for commissioning Tier 3 obesity treatments. [190191] Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many reported incidents of self-harm there were Jane Ellison: There are different models of commissioning by people under the age of 18 in (a) Staffordshire and currently in place at a local level and in some areas (b) Cannock Chase constituency in each of the last obesity services, including tier 3 services, are being five years. [189971] commissioned by either local authorities or clinical commissioning groups or in collaboration. Norman Lamb: Information is not available in the Public Health England and NHS England, in response format requested. to concerns expressed about the varied commissioning Information on the number of finished admission and access to multi-disciplinary team interventions, episodes (FAEs) with a cause of self-harm and the commonly referred to as tier 3 services, established a number of accident and emergency (A&E) attendances working group to consider and make recommendations with a patient group of deliberate self-harm for people on how the current pathway and commissioning under the age of 18, residing in (a) Staffordshire and arrangements for tier 3 might be improved. (b) Cannock Chase parliamentary constituency for The working group report is shortly due to be published. each year between 2008-09 to 2012-13 is shown in the In addition I recently met with Dr Jonathan Valabhji, following table:

Year FAEs A&E Attendances

Staffordshire (County) 2008-09 174 218

2009-10 172 155

2010-11 236 213

2011-12 162 142

2012-13 257 269

Cannock Chase (Parliamentary Constituency) 2009-10 36 12

2010-11 44 8

2011-12 21 17 957W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 958W

Year FAEs A&E Attendances

2012-13 25 25 Notes: 1. An FAE is the first period of in-patient care under one consultant within one health care provider. FAEs are counted against the year or month in which the admission episode finishes. Admissions do not represent the number of in-patients, as a person may have more than one admission within the period. 2. Cause code is a supplementary code that indicates the nature of any external cause of injury, poisoning or other adverse effects. Only the first external cause code which is coded within the episode is counted in Hospital Episode Statistics (HES). 3. A&E Attendance is a count of the number of attendances at A&E. This does not represent the number of patients as an individual may attend on more than one occasion in any given period. 4: Patient Group code indicates the reason for the A&E episode. Group 30 indicates those attending because of deliberate self-harm. 5. The county of residence (Staffordshire) is the county containing the patient’s normal home address. This does not necessarily reflect where the patient was treated as they may have travelled to another county for treatment. 6. The parliamentary constituency (Cannock Chase) containing the patient’s normal home address. This does not necessarily reflect where the patient was treated as they may have travelled to another parliamentary constituency for treatment. This field is only available from 2009-10 onwards. 7. Assessing growth through time (in-patients)—HES figures are available from 1989-90 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage (particularly in earlier years), improvements in coverage of independent sector activity (particularly from 2006-07) and changes in national health service practice. For example, changes in activity may be due to changes in the provision of care. 8. Assessing growth through time (A&E)—HES figures are available from 2007-08 onwards. Changes to the figures over time need to be interpreted in the context of improvements in data quality and coverage and changes in NHS practice. For example, changes in activity may be due to changes in the provision of care. 9. It is possible that the same person may be counted as an FAE and an A&E Attendance if an attendance at A&E for injury due to self-harm has resulted in the patient being admitted to hospital as an in-patient for further treatment. Source: Health and Social Care Information Centre, Hospital Episode Statistics

Suicide Gun Sports

Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with the Chief Culture, Media and Sport what financial support the Coroner’s Office on collecting sexual orientation data Government has provided for shooting sports in the on people who have committed suicide. [190190] last five years. [190379]

Norman Lamb: The Chief Coroner attended a meeting Mrs Grant: Since 2009 Sport England has invested of the Department’s National Suicide Prevention Strategy over £1 million in British Shooting to encourage more Advisory Group on 14 March 2013 where the issue of people to take part in the sport more often. It has also collecting sexual orientation data on people who have invested £588,233 in community shooting projects and committed suicide was discussed. facilities. This includes seven clubs who have benefited from Sport England’s Inspired Facilities Fund. UK Sport invests in four-year cycles in line with the Olympic/Paralympic calendars; investing just over £4.5 million during the London 2012 cycle (2009-13), CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT and just over £6.5 million into Paralympic Disability Shooting for the Rio 2016 cycle (2013-17).

Broadband: Rural Areas

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for DEFENCE Culture, Media and Sport what steps she has taken to Armed Forces: Housing ensure that her Department’s contracts with BT for the roll-out of rural superfast broadband include a reasonable market rate for (a) equipment costs and Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for (b) other non-management costs. [190397] Defence pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2014, Official Report, column 549W,on armed forces: housing, Mr Vaizey: Under the superfast broadband contracts how many service personnel were placed temporarily in between local authorities and the devolved Administrations hotels in (a) Plymouth and (b) nationally in each of and BT the supplier may only claim for eligible capital the last 12 months; and what the cost to the public expenditure incurred in implementation of the network. purse was of use of hotels for this purpose. [188345] DCMS is able to provide comparison data on these costs to each of the local authorities and devolved Anna Soubry: Service personnel may occasionally, Administrations. BT has committed that the costs are and as a last resort, be housed in substitute accommodation the same as those used for its commercially-funded when their single living or service family accommodation network. BT also bears part of the network installation is temporarily unavailable. This can happen for a variety costs itself so therefore has its own commercial incentives of reasons, including where there has been a fire or to minimise costs. The local authorities and devolved flood. Information on instances where hotels have provided Administrations and DCMS have full visibility of all a substitute for single living accommodation is not held implementation costs and the relevant invoices, including centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate BT’s contribution. The National Audit Office considered cost. the controls that are in place to manage costs during In 2013 there were 179 instances where service family implementation as part of its review of the rural broadband accommodation was substituted with a stay in a hotel at programme in 2013 and concluded that these appear a cost to public funds of £32,245. For comparison, the robust. equipment figure for 2009, the last full year of the 959W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 960W previous Administration was £49,934. Details are provided Anna Soubry: The Army’s More Than Meets The in the following table, although information specific to Eye recruiting campaign began on 11 January 2014 and Plymouth is not held. Information on the South West is aimed at attracting both regular and reserve candidates, Region (which includes Plymouth) is provided along as well as raising awareness of the wide variety of jobs with data for the whole of England and Wales. Data for available in the Army. The main marketing campaign January 2014 is not yet available. will continue until the end of March, with some elements continuing throughout the year. While it is too early to Total make a judgment on the overall effectiveness of the South West (England and Cost to Public campaign, indications to date have been encouraging. 2013 Region Wales) Funds (£) January 7 15 2,593 Cryptography February 10 20 2,903 March 8 24 3,698 Alison Seabeck: To ask the Secretary of State for April 4 11 1,462 Defence when he expects the End Crypto Graphic Unit May 3 7 1,740 programme to be completed. [190141] June 7 13 4,888 July 6 10 2,063 Mr Dunne: I am withholding the information as its August 9 17 2,898 disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the September 3 6 739 capability, effectiveness or security of the armed forces. October 12 18 2,045 November 7 14 3,141 Equality December 6 24 4,075 Total 82 179 32,245 Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 24 February 2014, Official Armed Forces: Pensions Report, column 68W, on equality, what the (a) number of staff and (b) total salary cost of the Head Office Katy Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence team members in equality and diversity roles was in pursuant to the answer of 24 February 2014, Official each year from 2008-09 to 2013-14. [190204] Report, column 64W, on armed forces: pensions, what saving was made through the 10 voluntarily Mr Dunne: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is surrendered Armed Forces Pension Scheme 75 widows committed to maintaining an inclusive culture that payments in 2013. [189943] recognises and values diversity and delivers opportunities for all. Since April 2012 the service and civilian Equality Mr Dunne: The combined annual saving made through and Diversity (E&D) teams in Head Office have been the 10 voluntarily surrendered Armed Forces Pension rationalised as we look to implement a unified approach Scheme 75 widows pensions was £31,294. towards E&D issues at the strategic level. Our aims in It is a long-standing fundamental principle, adopted this area are set out in our Strategic Equality Objectives by successive Governments, that pensions should not be 2012-16, available at the following link: improved retrospectively for those who are no longer https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ contributing members, or for their dependants. attachment_data/file/227514/ Note: ea10_strategic_equality_objectives.pdf Total saving is based upon the annual amounts of pension in The requested information is provided in the following payment at the point of surrender. table: MOD Head Office Equality and Diversity Function financial year Armed Forces: Sexual Offences (FY) 2008-09 to FY 2013-14 Approximate salary Emily Thornberry: To ask the Secretary of State for Financial year Number of staff costs (£) Defence how many cases of (a) rape, (b) attempted 2008-09 12 620,000 rape, (c) sexual assault by penetration and (d) sexual 2009-10 9 540,000 assault were referred to the Services Prosecuting Authority 2010-11 9 540,000 from the Royal Military Police in each of the last three 2011-12 7 380,000 years; and how many such cases were prosecuted (i) 2012-13 4 220,000 successfully and (ii) unsuccessfully. [190278] 2013-14 5 250,000 Mr Dunne: It will take time to collate this information. The Under-Secretary of State for Defence, my hon. Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability Programme Friend the Member for Broxtowe (Anna Soubry), will write to the hon. Member shortly. Angus Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence with reference to the National Audit Office’s Army: Recruitment Major Project Reports 2013, HC 817-i, published on 13 February 2014, Appendices and project summary Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for sheets, what the contractual confusion was regarding Defence what assessment his Department has made of the life support plan and integrated logistics support the effectiveness of his Department’s recent More than solution for the Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability meets the eye recruitment campaign. [190006] Programme. [189506] 961W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 962W

Mr Dunne: The report articulates a risk of confusion Warships regarding responsibilities and requirements by the contractor in delivery of the integrated logistics support Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for (ILS) solution for the Military Afloat Reach and Defence how many naval ships are at sea on duty; on Sustainability Tankers. what tasks; and where. [190197] If this risk occurred, it may affect the successful delivery of the logistics support package. This risk Mr Francois: As at 5 March 2014 there are a total of having been identified, is, however, being actively managed 32 Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships on duty by the Ministry of Defence in close co-operation with and at sea with a further nine ships generating for the contractor and ILS specialist companies. tasking. The taskings and locations are shown in the following table: Military Bases: Yorkshire and the Humber Number of Tasking Location ships Hugh Bayley: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence pursuant to the answer of 16 December 2013, Official Deployed Overseas Report, columns 480-81W, on military bases: Yorkshire Maritime Security Middle East 10 and the Humber, what communications by letter or Operations email (a) his Department and (b) the office of the Chemicals Mediterranean 1 Chief of the Defence Staff have received from personnel (escorting removal within 15 Brigade Headquarters about the case for from Syria) basing the new Adaptive Force Brigade Headquarters Maritime Security Gibraltar 2 Operations in (i) Catterick and (ii) York; and if he will place copies Standing NATO Mediterranean 1 of those letters and emails in the Library. [181170] Mine Counter Measures Dr Murrison: Officials are checking whether any relevant Maritime Group 1 communications on this matter have been received and Atlantic Patrol Caribbean 1 I will write to the hon. Member as soon as possible. Tasking (North) Substantive answer from Dr Murrison to Hugh Bayley: Atlantic Patrol West Africa 2 Tasking (South) I undertook to write to you in response to your Parliamentary Antarctic Survey Antarctic 1 Question on 6 January 2014 (Official Report, column 15W-16W) about communications by letter or email that (a) the Department Falkland Island Falkland Islands, South 1 and (b) the office of the Chief of the Defence Staff have received Patrol Ship Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands from personnel within 15 Brigade Headquarters about the case for basing the new Adaptive Force Brigade Headquarters in (i) Transiting back to Gibraltar 1 Catterick and (ii) York. UK I am able to tell you that, following a comprehensive search of all relevant records, the Department and the office of the Chief of UK Operations the Defence Staff have been unable to identify any correspondence UK Contingency UK waters 12 of this nature. Operations

Strategic Defence and Security Review This response excludes submarines as the release of this information would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of our armed Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence forces. whether the Defence Planning Assumptions set out in the Strategic Defence and Security Review in October 2010 remain in place. [190391] CABINET OFFICE Mr Francois: The 2010 Defence Planning Assumptions (DPAs) set out in the last Strategic Defence and Security Eating Disorders Review remain in place and continue to guide defence planning and shape the delivery of Future Force 2020. Jim Shannon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet DPAs are further fine-tuned by guidance given in the Office how many people with an eating disorder died in classified Defence Strategic Direction and Defence Plan the UK in each of the last three years. [190382] documents, in order to reflect adjustments required by the National Security Strategy and National Security Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Council. responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have asked the authority to reply. Vehicles Letter from Caron Walker, dated March 2014: In the absence of the Director General for the Office for David T. C. Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking the Minister for the Cabinet Defence what turnover levels companies must meet Office how many people with an eating disorder died in the UK in under the Government Vehicle Lease framework. each of the last three years [190382]. [189482] Table 1 presents the number of deaths in the UK where an eating disorder was the underlying cause of death for deaths Mr Dunne: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I registered in each year between 2010 and 2012 (the latest year gave on 24 February 2014, Official Report, column 74W. available). Table 2 presents the number of deaths in the UK for 963W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 964W which an eating disorder was mentioned on the death certificate Remuneration for non-executive board members is for deaths registered in each year between 2010 and 2012 (the detailed in ’Corporate governance in central government latest year available). departments: Code of good practice July 2011—Guidance The accurate reporting of mortality statistics depends on the Note’ and is in line with that of the Bank of England’s complete recording of all relevant causes of death by medical non-executive Directors of Court. practitioners and coroners. Medical practitioners are required to complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) to In 2012-13, 28% of the 67 non-executives either waived the best of their knowledge and belief. Internationally accepted their fee or donated it to charity. guidance from the World Health Organisation requires only those conditions that contributed directly to the death to be recorded. Government Departments: Procurement The MCCD is not designed to collect information on risk factors or exposures related to the development of disease. If the medical Mr Burley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office practitioner did not feel that an individual’s eating disorder what progress his Department has made in enabling contributed directly to their death then the fact that they had an small and medium-sized enterprises to tender for eating disorder may not have been recorded. It is likely, therefore, that the figures presented here are an underestimate of the Government procurement contracts. [190087] number of people who had an eating disorder at the time of their death. Mr Hurd: Central Government’s direct SME spend The number of deaths registered in England and Wales each increased from £3 billion in 2009-10 (6.5%) to £4.5 billion year, by sex, age group and underlying cause is published annually (10.5%) in 2012-13. In addition, figures provided by on the ONS website: major government suppliers indicate that SMEs have www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/vsob1/mortality-statistics-deaths- benefited from a further £4 billion (9.4%) in indirect registered-in-england-and-wales-series-dr-/index.html spend through the supply chain for 2012 to 2013. Figures for deaths in Scotland are available from the General Building on central Government reforms to make its Register for Scotland’s website: business more accessible to small and medium-sized http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk/statistics/theme/vital-events/ businesses, the Government published in Small Business general/ref-tables/2012/section-6-deaths-causes.html Great Ambition, the next steps in taking forward Lord Figures for deaths in Northern Ireland are available from the Young’s recommendations to create an SME-friendly Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency: “single market” for public procurement. http://www.nisra.gov.uk/demography/default.asp14.htm ICT: Education Table 1: Number of deaths in the UK where the underlying cause of death was an eating disorder, deaths registered in each year between 2010 and 2012 Chi Onwurah: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Number Office pursuant to the answer of 24 February 2014, Official Report, column 200W, on IT: education, with 2010 20 which groups and organisations his Department has 2011 22 engaged to support the Year of the Code; and what 2012 37 support his Department has so provided. [190022] Notes: 1. Eating disorders were defined using the International Classification Mr Hurd: Cabinet Office is engaging with groups of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code F50. including e-skills UK, the Sector Skills Council for 2 Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year. Source: Business and Information Technology. This builds on Office for National Statistics. ongoing work across Government to build links with Table 2: Number of deaths in the UK for which an eating disorder was schools, universities and employers. mentioned on the death certificate, deaths registered in each year between 2010 and 2012 Staff Number Chris Leslie: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet 2010 66 Office how many people were employed in Number 10 2011 49 Downing Street in 2012; and how many people are so 2012 65 employed currently. [190310] Notes: 1. Eating disorders were defined using the International Classification Mr Maude: The Prime Minister’s Office is an integral of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) code F50. 2 Figures are for deaths registered in each calendar year. part of the Cabinet Office. Source: As part of this Government’s transparency agenda, Office for National Statistics. information on working in the Cabinet Office is published on gov.uk Government Departments: Directors The latest organogram for the Cabinet Office may be viewed at Chris Leslie: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet http://data.gov.uk/organogram/cabinet-office Office what the total amount of remuneration paid to non-executive directors of Government departments Unemployment was for the financial year (a) 2010-11 and (b) 2012-13. [190309] Kate Green: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what the average duration of unemployment or Mr Maude: Since the last general election the Cabinet inactivity is of those who become unemployed or inactive Office has overhauled, strengthened and formalised the having previously been in employment for (a) less than system of non-executive directors which operated under six months, (b) between six months and a year, (c) the previous Administration. between one and two years, (d) between two and three 965W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 966W years, (e) between three and four years, (f) between the hours they worked in the reference week did not exceed 40 four and five years, (g) between five and 10 years and hours (if they are under 18 years of age) or 48 hours (if they (h) 10 or more years. [190220] are over 18 years of age). Estimates for the number of underemployed workers are available from the Labour Force Survey (LFS). It is estimated that, for the Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the period October to December 2013, there were 3.125 million responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have people who met the criteria to be classified as underemployed. asked the authority to reply. This is 10.5% of employed population. These estimates are not Letter from Caron Walker, dated March 2014: seasonally adjusted. As with any sample survey, estimates from the LFS are subject In the absence of the Director General for the Office for to a margin of uncertainty. It is estimated that the true value is National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary likely to lie between 2.983 million and 3.267 million. Question asking what the average duration of unemployment or inactivity is of those who become unemployed or inactive having previously been in employment for (a) less than six months, (b) between six months and a year, (c) between one and two years, DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER (d) between two and three years, (e) between three and four years, (f) between four and five years, (g) between five and 10 years and Electoral Register (h) 10 or more years. (190220) The requested information is not available. However, some Chris Ruane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what relevant information is available from the Labour Force Survey steps he is taking to advertise the availability of his (LFS) which provides estimates of people in employment, unemployment and economic inactivity. In November 2013, the Department’s fund to increase voter registration. ONS published a report titled: ’Moving between Unemployment [189465] and Employment’ that utilised the LFS longitudinal datasets. This report noted that employment length was an important Greg Clark: On 5 February the Government announced characteristic to consider in estimating the likelihood of an that up to £4.2 million funding will be shared by five individual losing their job and the following observations were national organisations and all 363 local authorities and made from the analysis carried out: valuation joint boards in Great Britain. Between April-June 2012 and April-June 2013, an individual Each authority was informed directly of the financial who had been in employment for less than six months was 8.5 times more likely to move from employment into unemployment allocation and help and support to EROs to make best than someone who had been employed for between 5 and 10 use of the funding has been made available by the years. Association of Electoral Administrators. Over the same period someone in employment for less than six The Government encourages organisations who wish months was 3.0 times more likely to move from employment into to support efforts to maximise registration in their inactivity than someone who had employed for over 10 years. community to contact their local Electoral Registration The full report can be found on the ONS website, from the Officer. following URL: http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/dcp171776_335141.pdf Chris Ruane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what steps he has taken to make hon. Members aware of the £4.2 million fund for increasing voter registration. Alison McGovern: To ask the Minister for the [189637] Cabinet Office what recent assessment he has made of the level of underemployment. [902867] Greg Clark: Apart from the funding allocation to five national organisations, the fund is directed at Electoral Mr Hurd: The information requested falls within the Registration Officers who have the statutory responsibility responsibility of the UK Statistics Authority. I have to ensure a complete and accurate electoral register. asked the authority to reply. The allocation of funding was described to hon. Letter from Caron Walker: Members during Deputy Prime Minister’s questions on 11 February 2014, Official Report, column 701W. In the absence of the Director General for the Office for National Statistics, I have been asked to reply to your Parliamentary Politics and Government: Young People Question asking what recent assessment he has made of the level of underemployment. (902867) John Robertson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister Time-related underemployment is defined by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as occurring where the number of what steps he is taking to increase awareness of and hours of work for an employed person is insufficient, and that the interest in politics among young people aged 16 to 24 person is willing to engage in more work and is not already years old. [190282] working more than a specified number of hours. Other forms of underemployment exist, such as that related to Greg Clark: On 5 February, the Government announced the underutilisation of people’s skills and qualifications. However, that all 363 local authorities and valuation joint boards estimates of these are not currently available. in Great Britain and five national organisations will be Based on the ILO definition and the data available, employed sharing £4.2 million of funding aimed at ensuring every people (aged 16 or over) are classified as in time-related eligible person in the country, including young people, underemployment if: is signed up to the electoral register and has their they are willing to work more hours because they want an chance to vote. additional job, a replacement job with longer hours, or want To improve registration levels for young people, the more hours in their current job; Government has made the Rock Enrol! learning resource they are available to start working longer hours within 2 weeks available, which promotes democratic engagement and and; encourages young people to register to vote. 967W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 968W

The Government also manages a student forum that WORK AND PENSIONS brings together key people within the Higher/Further Education (HFE) sector, the National Union of Students Benefits and local authorities with the highest student populations. The forum aims to reinforce the maximum registration Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work of students and increases Individual Electoral Registration and Pensions (1) what proportion of those making a awareness across the HFE sector. new claim for jobseeker’s allowance immediately before their claim was made were (a) in employment, (b) in receipt of employment support allowance, incapacity Returning Officers benefit, severe disablement allowance or income support and (c) neither in employment nor claiming another out of work benefit; [190217] Chris Ruane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how (2) how many individuals made a claim for any of the performance of returning officers is monitored. jobseeker’s allowance, incapacity benefit or severe [190154] disablement allowance, employment support allowance or income support (a) once, (b) twice and (c) three or Greg Clark: The Electoral Commission publishes more times in each of the last five years; [190218] performance standards for Returning Officers as provided (3) what proportion of those making a new claim for for in the Electoral Administration Act 2006. The employment and support allowance immediately before Commission monitors and reports on the performance their claim was made were (a) in employment, (b) in of Returning Officers. It also provides support and receipt of jobseeker’s allowance or income support or guidance to enable improvements in electoral practice. (c) neither in employment nor claiming another out of In addition, the Electoral Registration and work benefit. [190219] Administration Act 2013 provides for a Returning Officer’s fee to be reduced by the Secretary of State following a Esther McVey: The information requested is not readily recommendation by the Commission, in the event of available and to provide it would incur disproportionate inadequate performance at a UK parliamentary election. cost. Disability Chris Ruane: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister how much was paid to returning officers in each of the last Karen Lumley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work 10 years. [190155] and Pensions what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Government’s Disability Confident campaign in helping more people with disabilities (a) Greg Clark: The amount recoverable by Returning into work and (b) to fulfil their potential. [190009] Officers in respect of services rendered at national polls in the last 10 years has been set out in successive Orders. Esther McVey: The Government’s Disability Confident Fees paid to Returning Officers in local polls are the Campaign is about changing attitudes and consequently responsibility of their local authorities. increasing opportunities for disabled people to get jobs, and we have not assessed the impact of the campaign Total paid (£) and events in terms of numbers getting into jobs. The 2004-05 1— campaign is part of our overall Disability and Health 2006 2— Employment Strategy, and over time we will monitor 2007 2— the number of disabled people in work and the employment 2008 2— gap. Following the Disability Confident regional events, 2009 2,386,069 we will also support employers who have pledged to make changes to offer more opportunities for disabled 2010 2,160,811 people, and assess how attitudes have been changed. 2011 2,468,766 2012 2,068,931 Disability Employment Support Review 2013 2— 1 No overall total is available. In 2004 and 2005, the calculations for Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Returning Officers’ fees were not listed by individual counting areas in the Orders. and Pensions what steps he is taking to implement the 2 No national elections were held. report Getting in, staying in and getting on, published in June 2011. [190020]

Voting Behaviour: Young People Esther McVey: The Government confirmed in March 2012 that it accepted many of the recommendations in “Getting in, Staying in and Getting On”, focusing resources John Robertson: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister on tailored personalised support for individuals through what estimate he has made of the number of people services like Access to Work, rather than “one size fits aged 18 to 24 years who vote in (a) Glasgow North all” institutions and programmes, so that more disabled West constituency, (b) Glasgow, (c) Scotland and (d) people can work in mainstream employment. the UK. [190283] Remploy’s commercial process for the exit of its factory businesses is complete and has resulted in five Greg Clark: The Government has made no such business sales. The Government has also implemented a estimate. number of changes to the Access to Work programme, 969W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 970W including funding the physical transfer of specialist Esther McVey: Since May 2010, the Secretary of equipment paid for by Access to Work to a new employer State has visited a large number of back-to-work schemes. and introducing a “fast-track” application process for Of those being delivered by local authorities, he has customers who know what support they need. Access to visited the following: Work has also been extended to include a number of Worknet Employment and Skills Programme-Waltham Forest opportunities that help people get ready for employment, council including sector-based work academies, supported Kent Jobs for Kent Young people-Kent county council internships and traineeships. Westminster Working-Westminster council The Government published “The disability and health employment strategy: the Equality discussion so far” in December 2013. It is the next important step in developing our approach and widening Mr Raab: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and our focus, and sets out a range of proposals to further Pensions pursuant to the answer of 24 February 2014, improve our employment support for disabled people Official Report, column 6W, on equality, what the and those with health conditions. We will continue figures are for 2013-14. [190187] discussion with a wide range of stakeholders, including disabled people and those with health conditions, as we develop our more detailed delivery proposals. Mike Penning: The information requested is not available as it forms part of the current year’s annual accounts which have not been audited. Disability Living Allowance Health and Safety Executive Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the total cost of processing and Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for managing claims for disability living allowance was in Work and Pensions which sectors of the economy are (a) 2008-09, (b) 2009-10, (c) 2010-11, (d) 2011-12 excluded from the requirement for inspection by the and (e) 2012-13. [190404] Health and Safety Executive. [190351]

Mike Penning: The total cost of processing and managing Mike Penning: No sectors of economic activity are claims for disability living allowance was as follows: excluded from the requirement for inspection by the 2011-12—£62,317,000 Health and Safety Executive (HSE). 2012-13—£68,960,000 HSE, like all publicly funded bodies has to make We have not provided data for years prior to 2011-12 decisions on relative priorities. Consistent with the as the data was collated differently and is not comparable Government’s framework document ’Good Health and to 2011-12 and 2012-13. Safety, Good for Everyone’, HSE’s proactive inspections are focussed on higher risk sectors (eg construction, The information supplied is at Level 1 Operating waste and recycling, and certain areas of manufacturing) Costs. This is the staff and non-staff costs which a and major hazard industries. HSE inspectors also visit Benefit Centre Manager can influence. They do not premises to investigate accidents or concerns that might include any staff or non-staff costs charged to Corporate lead an inspection where intelligence suggests, that standards areas e.g. Estates costs, HR, Finance, IT costs. of health and safety management are inadequate and that significant risks exist.

Employment and Support Allowance Jobseeker’s Allowance

Paul Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Luciana Berger: To ask the Secretary of State for and Pensions pursuant to the answer of 18 November Work and Pensions what proportion of people who 2013, Official Report, column 669W, on employment have stopped claiming jobseeker’s allowance in each of and support allowance, how many people in the work- the last six months have done so following the related activity group who have not been seen by an application of sanctions. [190215] assessor have been in contact with the Work programme to date. [190128] Esther McVey: Jobseekers with a sanction on their benefit still have a live claim in place as long as they Esther McVey: I refer the right hon. Member to the continue to attend fortnightly signing. Should they choose written answer I gave him on 11 February 2014, Official to end their claim they are not required to give a reason. Report, column 583W. Therefore the information requested on the numbers of claims terminated that have had a sanction in place within the life of the claim is not readily available and Employment Schemes could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Work and Pensions which back-to-work schemes being for Work and Pensions what recent representations he delivered by local authorities he has visited since May has received on errors in processing claims for 2010. [190312] jobseeker’s allowance. [190320] 971W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 972W

Esther McVey: The information requested is not available Mike Penning: The Government recognised that former to the level of detail required, however processing of Remploy disabled employees may need extra support to jobseekers allowance claims is continually improving find alternative employment. That is why we put in with 92% of benefits being processed on time. This is an place an £8 million guaranteed People Help and Support increase of six percentage points since 2009-10. Package, specifically to help disabled former Remploy workers made redundant as a result of factory closures. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State Latest figures show that, as at 21 February 2014, a total for Work and Pensions how many times claimants for of 930 jobs have been found and 699 former Remploy jobseeker’s allowance were sanctioned inappropriately disabled workers are currently in work. due to processing errors in the last year for which The support package can provide help to each affected figures are available. [190348] disabled former employee for up to 18 months from the date they left Remploy. After this, specialist support will Esther McVey: The information requested is not available. continue to be available, usually providing continuation of support from the same specialist employment advisor. Mr Jim Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State The support package includes access to a Personal for Work and Pensions if he will investigate the effect Budget, which can include support for people taking up of sanctions on jobseeker’s allowance claimants. self employment or forming part of a social enterprise. [190349] Personal Budget awards can pay for items such as training, tools and equipment. Esther McVey: We continue to monitor the current sanctions regime as a matter of course to ensure that it Individuals have also been referred to Community meets the intended outcomes. We have already committed Support Fund projects where, in areas affected by factory to an independent review by Matthew Oakley which closures, local organisations support former Remploy will look at communications and offer recommendations workers to move into employment and take part in to improve the operations of the jobseeker’s allowance social activities. To date 827 former employees have sanctions process. taken part in a range of Community Support Fund activities which have helped support 217 into employment. We will be sharing further evidence on sanctions through forthcoming evaluations which will provide A three year wage subsidy totalling £6,400 for each additional insight and help to inform our future strategy. former Remploy disabled employee who transferred to This includes work programme and claimant commitment a new employer was made available to the businesses evaluations. sold as part of Remploy’s commercial process. Up to the end of January 2014, DWP has spent Pagers £4.2 million on providing individual support. We do not expect any of the available funding to go unclaimed. Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Following the end of the 18 months support, former Work and Pensions how many pagers have been Remploy employees that need it will continue to receive provided to staff by his Department since May 2010; the specialist employment support that is available to all and what the cost to the Department was of providing disabled people looking for a job. In most cases this will those pagers. [190062] mean continuation of support from the same Disability Employment Adviser. Mike Penning: DWP have provided no new pagers to Former Remploy employees may also qualify for the staff since May 2010. New Enterprise Allowance (NEA). The NEA helps unemployed people who want to start their own business. Remploy It is available to people aged 18 and over who are claiming jobseeker’s allowance (JSA), lone parents on Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Work income support and ESA claimants who are in the work and Pensions (1) if he will provide additional funding related activity group but have not yet been mandated to former workers in Remploy sites who have opened to the Work Programme. their own businesses; [189953] The NEA provides access to business mentoring and (2) if he will take steps to provide former Remploy offers financial support in the form of an allowance workers living in England a grant based on wage worth up to £1,274 paid over six months, to help with cash-flow in the early months of trading. It also provides incentives; [189954] access to a start-up loan, if additional finance is needed (3) if he will extend the former Remploy worker’s to help get a business off the ground. financial support scheme; [189961] (4) for what purposes have grants given to former Teresa Pearce: To ask the Secretary of State for Work Remploy worker’s individual funding grants been used; and Pensions (1) how many former Remploy workers [189962] have found employment; [189959] (5) what proportion of former Remploy workers’ (2) what the proportion of former Remploy workers individual funding grants remain to be distributed before who are (a) unemployed, (b) in full-time employment the conclusion of this programme; and what estimate and (c) in part-time employment is following the he has made of whether any such funding will go closure of the Remploy factory network. [189960] unclaimed; [189966] (6) how much of the former Remploy workers’ Mike Penning: Of the disabled former Remploy individual funding grants have been distributed to employees who have given consent to be tracked, as at these workers. [190024] 21 February 2014 records show: 973W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 974W

(a) 482 disabled former Remploy employees are unemployed Number of sanctions applied in Cannock Chase parliamentary and claiming jobseeker’s allowance and 353 are claiming employment constituency, in each of the last five years and support allowance. All benefit sanctions (b) 1,534 disabled former workers have engaged with a personal October 2012 to September 2013 1,110 case worker, a total of 930 jobs have been found and 699 former Remploy disabled workers are currently in work of 16 hours or Notes: over. 435 Remploy workers’ employment continued when they 1. Figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. 2. The number of benefit sanctions applied is the number of sanction transferred with the businesses which were exited as part of or disallowance referrals where the decision was found against the Remploy’s commercial process. claimant. (c) We are not able to separately identify the number of 3. Information on JSA and ESA sanctions is published and available individuals who are currently working part time (under 16 hours at: a week). https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/ Sources: JSA and ESA: DWP Information, Governance and Security Directorate: Sanctions and Disallowance Decisions Statistics Database. Social Security Benefits IS: Income Support Computer System Work Capability Assessment Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many individuals have been in receipt of (a) job seeker’s allowance, (b) incapacity benefit, Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for severe disablement allowance and employment support Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the allowance and (c) income support for (i) up to one number of employment and support allowance claimants year, (ii) between one and two years, (iii) between two who allege they did not receive letters informing them and five years and (iv) over five years over the last 10 of their next work capability assessment. [190319] years. [190212] Mike Penning: The requested data is not held by the Department. Esther McVey: The information requested can be found at: Work Programme https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/default.asp Guidance for users can be found at: Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/home/newuser.asp Work and Pensions how many complaints he received about the Work programme in (a) 2011, (b) 2012 and (c) 2013. [190352] Mr Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the Esther McVey: A breakdown of the number of number of people who have been refused benefit over complaints received about the Work programme is not the last 12 months; and what steps his Department has held and could be obtained only at disproportionate taken to ascertain whether those claimants are in cost. receipt of any income. [190355]

Esther McVey: All claimants applying for benefit must fulfil conditions of entitlement criteria in order to TREASURY be awarded benefit. All claimants are considered against these criteria in the claim process. Autumn Statement The information requested on the income of those who were unsuccessful in their claim is not available. Ian Swales: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) if he will publish the data and calculations used to produce chart 2.H of Impact on households: distributional Social Security Benefits: Cannock Chase analysis to accompany Autumn Statement 2013; and if he will make a statement; [183419] Mr Burley: To ask the Secretary of State for Work (2) with reference to chart 2.H of his Department’s and Pensions how many benefit sanctions were issued publication Impact on households: distributional in Cannock Chase constituency in each of the last five analysis to accompany Autumn Statement 2013, if he years. [189968] will publish the data on which that chart is based; and if he will make a statement; [185250] Esther McVey: The available information on how (3) what the 10 items are that make up the change in many benefit sanctions have been applied in Cannock public service spending for the top quintile of chart Chase constituency, is shown in the following table. 2.H of Impact on households: distributional analysis to accompany Autumn Statement 2013; and if he will Number of sanctions applied in Cannock Chase parliamentary make a statement; [183420] constituency, in each of the last five years All benefit sanctions (4) with reference to chart 2.H of his Department’s publication Impact on households: distributional analysis October 2008 to September 2009 740 to accompany Autumn Statement 2013, what the 10 items October 2009 to September 2010 1,000 are that make up the change in public service spending October 2010 to September 2011 1,240 for the top quintile; and if he will make a statement. October 2011 to September 2012 1,110 [185251] 975W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 976W

Danny Alexander: Details on the scope and methodology NI contributions by people of this analysis are published in Chapter 3 in “Impact Primary threshold with annual earnings below on households: distributional analysis to accompany Tax year (annualised) (£) annualised PT (£ million) Autumn Statement 2013”. 2012-133 7,605 600 1 These estimates are based on the Survey of Personal Incomes for the year concerned. Business: Government Assistance 2 This estimate is based on a 1% sample of end of year tax returns in respect of the tax year ending 5 April 2012. 3 These estimates are based on the Survey of Personal Incomes for the Mr Sheerman: To ask the Chancellor of the year 2011-12 projected using economic assumptions consistent with Exchequer what his policy is on extending the Seed the Office for Budget Responsibility’s December 2013 economic and Enterprise Investment Scheme beyond UK Ltd fiscal outlook. companies. [190015] This information is not available for years prior to 2009-10. Mr Gauke: The Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme Nobody with income below £10,000 in 2014-15 pays (SEIS) offers a range of generous tax reliefs to individual income tax as a result of this Government’s measures. investors who purchase new shares in small, early-stage companies to help those companies raise equity finance. They pay national insurance contributions because employee national insurance contributions arise separately SEIS is not limited to UK companies, but companies in each pay period; for example, weekly whenever earnings must have a permanent establishment in the UK in exceed the equivalent pay period employee threshold. order to qualify. This is appropriate for a scheme that is aimed at supporting small, early-stage companies in the UK. Pagers

Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Equality how many pagers have been provided to staff by his Department since May 2010; and what the cost to the Department was of providing those pagers. [190060] Mr Raab: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 25 February 2014, Official Nicky Morgan: No pagers have been issued to staff at Report, column 284W, on equality, what the (a) total HM Treasury since May 2010. Therefore the cost to the departmental expenditure, (b) number and (c) cost of department is nil. people employed for the purpose of promoting equality and diversity was in 2013-14 to date. [190201] Taxation: EU Nationals Nicky Morgan: The total expenditure for promoting equality and diversity in 2013-14, for which information Andrew Rosindell: To ask the Chancellor of the is available, is £41,099 (April 2013 to January 2014). Exchequer what enforcement steps he is taking to The expenditure includes funding for reasonable ensure that EU migrants living and working in the UK adjustments for employees with disabilities as required are compliant with British tax laws. [189952] by the disability section of the Equality Act. Staff costs on promoting equality and diversity 2013-14 Mr Gauke: HMRC takes very seriously the requirement are (i) one full-time equivalent employee at HM Treasury for all those living and working in the UK to be compliant Range D/D2 (in current pay range £31,000 to £45,000) with UK tax law, and also plays its part in ensuring that and (ii) from April 2013, 20% of an HR Business the vulnerable are protected from exploitation by Partner leading on diversity at HM Treasury Range E unscrupulous employers and landlords. (in current pay range £45,283 to £64,498). HMRC uses all of the enforcement and compliance tools at its disposal to ensure that those who bend and break the rules are caught, to protect the integrity of National Insurance Contributions the tax system and ensure everyone pays their fair share.

Tom Blenkinsop: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Welfare Tax Credits pursuant to the answer of 13 February 2014, Official Report, column 825W,on national insurance contributions, Gloria De Piero: To ask the Chancellor of the what the total value was of class 1 national insurance Exchequer what the gender breakdown was of people contribution paid by those earning less than the annualised in receipt of tax credits in each of the last five years. primary threshold in each year since 2009-10. [189636] [180536]

Mr Gauke: The information requested is as follows: Nicky Morgan: Table 3.1 of the Tax Credits Provisional Awards statistical publications produced in April 2009, NI contributions by people 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 provides information about Primary threshold with annual earnings below the number of single-adult recipient households by Tax year (annualised) (£) annualised PT (£ million) gender, and the number of couple recipient households. 2009-101 5,715 323 The publications can be found here: 2010-111 5,715 329 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/personal-tax- 2011-122 7,225 420 credits-provisional-statistics-2013-to-2009 977W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 978W

ATTORNEY-GENERAL Stonewall, in 2011-12 £1,800, and in 2010-11 £225. The sum for 2012-13 includes annual membership for 2013-14 Equality and 2014-15. Membership for 2010-11 was paid for in 2009-10. Mr Raab: To ask the Attorney-General what the (a) total departmental expenditure for the Law Officers The following table provides details on the total Departments and (b) what the number and cost of expenditure incurred by the Crown Prosecution Service, people employed for the purpose of promoting equality along with information on the number of employees and diversity was for each of the last five years. [187652] and employee cost during the previous five financial years. These figures are an update on the information The Solicitor-General: The Treasury Solicitor’s published in my answer to my hon. Friend the Member Department, Attorney-General’s Office and HM Crown for Shipley (Philip Davies), on 29 August 2013, Official Prosecution Service Inspectorate do not have a specific Report, column 998W, and include some additional budget for promoting equality and diversity and do not costs associated with equality and diversity community employ individuals solely for that purpose. engagement managers who operate at a local CPS area The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is part of Stonewall’s level and work on a wide variety of other operational Diversity Champions programme and pays an annual management functions alongside equality and diversity membership fee. In 2012-13 the SFO paid £6,125 to functions.

CPS: Equality and diversity 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Total expenditure on equality and diversity (excluding staff) (£) 518,055 492,463 215,375 289,318 140,030 Number of staff 26.5 27.9 24.5 22.4 20.2 Cost of staff (£) 1,290,765 1,541,119 1,529,180 1,291,984 1,377,927

The majority of this expenditure is incurred by the The data are provided by local authorities as part of CPS public accountability and inclusion directorate. their annual enforcement returns to the FSA and relates Alongside its work to ensure the CPS meets its general to the number of establishments subject to prosecution, and specific duties under equalities legislation, the not the total number of offences taken or the number of directorate has strategic responsibility for the individuals subject to prosecution—this level of data is implementation of the Equality Act 2010, including not provided to the FSA as part of the local authority policy around the Government priorities of preventing returns. violence against women and girls and hate crime. The Data for the number of individuals prosecuted are unit also has responsibilities for victims’ right to review, available in instances where the FSA is the enforcement complaints, public inquiries and parliamentary authority, for example, in approved abattoirs and meat correspondence. cutting establishments. For each of the last five years the number of individuals prosecuted by the FSA was:

Food: Crime Financial year FSA prosecutions

2008-09 11 Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Attorney-General how 2009-10 17 many people were prosecuted for food crime offences in 2010-11 21 the UK in each of the last five years. [189843] 2011-12 15 2012-13 6 Jane Ellison: I have been asked to reply on behalf of the Department of Health. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is an Independent non-ministerial Government Department accountable to Parliament through Department of Health Ministers. Horses: Exports Based on official returns provided by local authorities to the FSA the number of United Kingdom establishments Mr Anderson: To ask the Attorney-General whether prosecuted for either food hygiene or food standards any successful prosecutions have been made in the last (composition and labelling) in each of the last five years five years against those accused of exporting horses was: and ponies for slaughter; and if he will make a statement. [189861] Financial year Food Hygiene Food Standards

2008-09 305 83 The Solicitor-General: There have not been any 2009-10 349 118 prosecutions for the export of horses or ponies for 2010-11 335 90 slaughter in the last five years. 2011-12 347 66 European and national legislation permits the export 2012-13 320 78 of horses to be slaughtered for human consumption. National legislation currently prohibits the export of Data for 2013-14 are not yet available. ponies for slaughter for human consumption. 979W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 980W

Serious Fraud Office Biodiversity

Emily Thornberry: To ask the Attorney-General (1) Mrs Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for how much (a) wrongly-claimed VAT and (b) interest Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if he will on such VAT the Serious Fraud Office has been make it his policy that the new biodiversity offsetting required to pay to HM Revenue and Customs in 2014 scheme is mandatory; [188926] to date; [190272] (2) what his policy is on the inclusion of special (2) how much the Serious Fraud Office has been habitats in the biodiversity offsetting scheme. [188927] fined in respect of VAT claims in 2014 to date. [190273] George Eustice: Following last autumn’s policy consultation, the Government intends to make a further The Solicitor-General: The amount paid in relation to statement on its offsetting policy in due course. This VAT (including interest and penalties) has not been will include whether it sees any need to move away from published because provision for this liability was part of its stated preference for a fully permissive system. a Supplementary Estimate and details of this have been withheld from publication for operational reasons. Offsetting is an adjunct to existing planning policy, not a replacement for it. All the protections given to Financial details for the SFO will be reported in their special habitats in the National Planning Policy Framework 2013-14 accounts later this year. will remain in place. Environment Protection

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 11 February 2014, Official Report, column 574W, Animal Welfare: Circuses on biodiversity offsetting, what assessment he has made of (a) the findings on offsetting of the report from the Mr Godsiff: To ask the Secretary of State for Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he plans Victoria’s environment and (b) reports from Canberra to bring forward legislative proposals to prohibit the that conservation activities that would have happened possession and use of wild animals by circuses by the anyway are being claimed as offsets in contravention of end of the present Parliament. [190384] the principle of additionality; and if he will make a statement. [190023] Nic Dakin: To ask the Secretary of State for Dan Rogerson: We have not yet made an assessment Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when he plans to of this particular report which was published in November bring forward legislative proposals to ban the use of 2013 after the consultation on offsetting had closed. In wild animals in circuses. [190195] the consultation we made it clear that offsets should not reward activity that would have happened anyway and Justin Tomlinson: To ask the Secretary of State for sought views on how additionality should be ensured in Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what progress he the English context. has made in preparing a Bill to outlaw the use of wild animals in circuses. [190388] Flood Control

George Eustice: Last April, DEFRA published the Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for draft Wild Animals in Circuses Bill for pre-legislative Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proportion scrutiny. Under the proposed Bill, travelling circuses in of gross domestic product was spent on flood defences England must stop using all wild animal acts by December in each year since 2009. [189784] 2015. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Dan Rogerson: The following table details the proportion Select Committee has scrutinised the draft Bill and the of GDP spent on flood defences from 2009 to 2012. As Government’s response to the EFRA Select Committee’s 2013-14 spend figures are not yet available, 2013 is report was published last October. excluded. In order to provide spend figures by calendar We cannot comment on whether any particular Bill year, it has been assumed that spend accrued evenly will be in the Queen’s Speech ahead of the speech itself. across each financial year.

Estimated spending on flood risk management Spending as a proportion (percentage) Estimated nominal England GDP (£ Calendar year England during calendar year (£ million) of England’s GDP trillion)

2009 617 0.051 1.2 2010 661 0.052 1.3 2011 597 0.045 1.3 2012 575 0.043 1.3

Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for authorities and the Environment Agency to facilitate Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent progress the management of flood risk. [189799] he has made on ensuring all relevant organisations have a duty to share information and cooperate with local Dan Rogerson: Progress on this issue was reported in the Government’s final progress report on implementing 981W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 982W the recommendations made by the Pitt Review, published in The Environment Agency’s flood warning service January 2012. Action on the issue was completed. already provides a good level of personalisation of flood warnings. Each flood warning includes information Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for and advice specific to the area. Flood warnings are sent Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent steps through a range of channels that customers can choose he has taken to ensure that local authorities tackle local from including landline telephone, fax, mobile phone, problems of flooding by working with all relevant parties, text messages, over the internet and by email. Over establishing ownership and legal responsibility. [189975] 1.1 million properties at risk of flooding can receive direct flood warnings in this way. Dan Rogerson: Progress on this issue was reported in The Environment Agency also uses social media such the Government’s Final Progress Report on implementing as Twitter and Facebook to share information about the recommendations made in the Pitt Review, published flooding. River and sea level information is available on in January 2012. Action on the issue was completed. its website, allowing people to monitor water levels in their area. Its Floodline service allows customers to speak to someone and get advice about flooding in their Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for area. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent steps he has taken to ensure that local surface water management The Secretary of State visited the Met Office in June plans, as set out under PPS25 and co-ordinated by local 2013 and I visited in January 2014. We were briefed on authorities provide the basis for managing all local the weather forecasting services the Met Office provides flood risk. [189976] to the public. The visits also included an overview of the Met Office National Severe Weather Warning Service Dan Rogerson: Progress on this issue was reported in and developments in forecasting capability, in particular the Government’s Final Progress Report on implementing around the prediction of heavy rainfall. the recommendations made in the Pitt Review, published in January 2012. Action on the issue was completed. Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the accuracy of the one in Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for (a) 100, (b) 75 and (c) 30 years chance predictors of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent flooding. [189676] steps he has taken to ensure that local authorities lead on the management of local flood risk. [189978] Dan Rogerson: In December 2013 the Environment Agency published new maps of risk of flooding from Dan Rogerson: Progress on this issue was reported in rivers and the sea. Preparation of this map included the the Government’s final progress report on implementing most extensive evidence-based review of results by local the recommendations made by the Pitt Review, published experts ever undertaken. Accuracy will vary by location in January 2012. depending on available information. Some Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) are still developing their local strategies while others have consulted Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for and published them. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment he has made of the progress by the Environment Floods Agency towards achieving a national overview of all flood risk, including surface water and groundwater flood risk. [189790] Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what discussions he has had with (a) the Met Office and (b) the Dan Rogerson: In fulfilling its strategic overview role Environment Agency on the (i) costs, (ii) benefits and and to provide a national overview, the Environment (iii) feasibility of a sliding scale of options for greater Agency published the national flood and coastal erosion personalisation of public warning information. [186941] risk management strategy for England in July 2011. The Environment Agency reports to the Minister Dan Rogerson: The Environment Agency has undertaken every year about the application of the strategy and on an investment review for its flood warning and information the activities of Risk Management Authorities to manage service which it has shared with DEFRA. It is currently all sources of flood and coastal erosion risk. The last producing a five-year plan of priorities for developing report was published in July 2013. its service. As part of this overview role the Environment Agency For the plan it analysed the costs and benefits of publishes national flood and coastal erosion risk maps different service developments. Greater personalisation on rivers, sea, reservoirs, surface water and coastal was one of its key priorities, though such developments erosion using its own and local authority data. can be expensive. To enable more personalised services The Environment Agency is working with lead local to be developed at low or no cost to the Environment flood authorities and others to prepare flood risk Agency, it shares its flood data with third party developers management plans for all sources of flooding covering for them to develop flood warning services. Examples all river basin districts in England. The plans set out the include the Shoothill Flood Alert map for Facebook risks and management actions for the period 2015-21. and the Halcrow Flood Alert App for iPhone. This This work helps the Environment Agency to deliver its approach will be extended under the Environment Agency’s overview role for flood risk in England, working in five-year plan. partnership with other risk management authorities. 983W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 984W

Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Dan Rogerson: The Environment Agency holds Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will make it information on the number of flooding reports it receives. his policy to allow (a) social housing providers and (b) However, it is highly likely that some flooding has also local authorities to claim for flood relief funding provided occurred at other times but has not been reported to the to freehold owners of flood affected properties. [189884] Environment Agency. In terms of flood reports received: For the Medina catchment; the Environment Agency has had Dan Rogerson [holding answer 4 March 2014]: The six reports of sea flooding in total; twice in each of 2012, 2013 Repair and Renew Grant will make a grant of up to and 2014. Flooding from the rivers in the Medina catchment was reported once in 2013. Surface water flooding was reported twice £5,000 available to all homeowners and businesses that in 2010. have been flooded to contribute towards improvements The Environment Agency has had no reports of sea flooding to their properties that would help reduce the impact on the Eastern Yar catchment over the last five years. Flooding and cost of any subsequent flooding. Details of the from the Eastern Yar River has been reported twice in each of scheme are still being finalised but we expect social 2013 and 2014. The Environment Agency has had one report of housing providers, including local authorities, to be surface water flooding in 2012. eligible. For the Western Yar catchment; the Environment Agency has had four reports of sea flooding; once in 2012 and 2013, and Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for twice in 2014. The Environment Agency has had no reports of river flooding over the last five years. It has had one report of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the surface water flooding in 2012. Government has published an action plan to implement For other locations on the Isle of Wight; the Environment the recommendations of the Review released after the Agency has had reports of sea flooding in Ryde once in 2012. It 2007 floods, with a director in his Department overseeing has also had reports of flooding from the Monkton Mead Brook the programme of delivery and issuing regular updates. once in 2013, and flooding once from the Shorwell Stream in [190454] 2013, It has also had reports of surface water flooding in Ryde (twice in 2010, once in 2013, once in 2014), in Lake (once in 2010), in Seaview (once in 2010), in Wootton Bridge (once in 2010) and Dan Rogerson: The Government’s Response to Sir in Binstead (twice in 2011). Michael Pitt’s Review of the Summer 2007 Floods, published in December 2008, constituted the action Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for plan to implement the recommendations of the Pitt Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much has Review. That document explained that the DEFRA been (a) sought for and (b) spent on (i) the Medina, director of floods and water would oversee delivery of (ii) the Eastern Yar, (iii) the Western Yar and (iv) other the programme of works and ensure that regular progress brooks on the Isle of Wight by (A) the Environment reports were issued. Agency and (B) his Department in each of the last five Three progress reports were published, in June 2009, years. [189568] December 2009, and January 2012. The latter made clear that it was to be the final progress report. Dan Rogerson: Over the past five years (2009-14) the Environment Agency has sought, received and spent over £1.1 million of DEFRA grant in aid managing Floods: Housing flood risk on the Isle of Wight, this includes: £661,000 for river maintenance and incident response (£143,000 in 2009-10, £147,000 in 2010-11, £95,000 in 2011-12, £161,000 in Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for 2012-13, £115,000 in 2013-14). Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent £430,000 for mechanical and electrical asset maintenance, mapping discussions he has had with the Association of British and modelling improvements and capital investment in projects Insurers on the replacement of old air bricks in flooded and studies. properties with new water-proof air bricks. [190115] The above expenditure does not include Environment Agency salary costs relating to all other flood risk Dan Rogerson: We are working with local authorities, activities, e.g. strategic planning and development control. insurers and other relevant professionals to agree the In addition to this, the Isle of Wight council receive arrangements for the roll out of the Repair and Renew new burdens funding, which is not ring fenced, for its grant scheme, before it is launched on 1 April. In this role as a Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) and for context, general discussions have taken place with the management of local sources of flooding. The representatives of the insurance industry on the subject amounts are as follows: of measures that may meet the criteria of making 2011-12: £120,000 as Local Services Support Grant (LSSG) homes and businesses better equipped to withstand the from DEFRA impact of future flooding. No discussions have been 2012-13: £155,000 as LSSG from DEFRA held on the specific topic of air bricks. 2013-14: £35,000 as LSSG from DEFRA and £120,000 rolled into the Business Rates Retention and Revenue Support Grant funding from DCLG. Floods: Isle of Wight Floods: South East Flood Control

Mr Andrew Turner: To ask the Secretary of State for Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many times Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment (a) sea flooding and (b) land flooding has taken place he has made of the effect of the expansion of Heathrow in (i) the Medina, (ii) the Eastern Yar, (iii) the Western on the ability of local authorities in Berkshire, Surrey Yar and (iv) other brooks on the Isle of Wight in each and the surrounding areas to manage high levels of of the last five years. [189564] rainfall. [190107] 985W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 986W

Dan Rogerson: The Environment Agency has provided George Eustice: It is the responsibility of food businesses advice to the Airports Commission on the Appraisal to ensure that food they are supplying is safe and Framework for the proposed options of expansion at accurately described. Professor Elliott has said that UK Heathrow. The Environment Agency has recommended consumers have access to perhaps the safest food in the that flood risk should be considered in the Appraisal world. However, the horsemeat fraud of 2013 has shown Framework. the real risk of the food industry being targeted by Under the National Planning Framework any new criminals. The Government has made it clear that all airport infrastructure, and associated surface access, food businesses need to review their own systems and needs to ensure it does not increase flood risk to the test their products to continue to demonstrate to consumers surrounding areas. It is a statutory requirement that that they are in control of their supply chains following developers of such infrastructure undertake an appropriate the EU-wide horsemeat fraud. The Government has Flood Risk Assessment. At the moment there are no been working with the food industry to encourage detailed proposals to assess. reporting of test results to the Food Standards Agency The Environment Agency is engaging with the operators and to encourage the better sharing of intelligence to of Heathrow to ensure the appropriate assessments are improve our ability to identify and prevent threats to carried out in due course. the integrity of the food chain. The Government is currently considering all Professor Floods: Warrington Elliott’s interim recommendations but is already acting to improve our ability to combat fraud and will respond David Mowat: To ask the Secretary of State for fully to his final report to be published in spring 2014. Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Environment Agency is taking to protect houses in Forests Chester Road, Warrington next to the River Mersey from flooding. [189858] Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Dan Rogerson: Between 2007 and 2009, the Environment Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much ancient Agency undertook a strategy to assess flood risk in woodland in England consists of areas of trees (a) Warrington. larger and (b) smaller than two hectares; how many hectares of ancient woodland have been damaged or The area of Wilderspool, which includes Chester Road, destroyed in the last 10 years; and if he will make a was investigated as part of this strategy and the flood statement. [189818] risk in this area was found to be low. As such, the Environment Agency does not intend to undertake any Dan Rogerson: Natural England’s Ancient Woodland flood risk management work in Wilderspool at this time. Inventory records the distribution of ancient woodland. The areas with the highest risk of flooding in Warrington Its records show that there are 364,308 ha of ancient include Latchford, Howley and Westy. In partnership woodland in England. The inventory splits ancient with Warrington borough council, the Environment woodlands into two distinct types: ancient semi-natural Agency is building a £23 million flood alleviation scheme woodland and plantations on ancient woodland sites. that will reduce the risk of flooding to over 2,000 homes These are: and businesses in these areas. Total number of distinct ancient woodland areas—34,669 Food Poverty Total number over 2ha in size—22,247 Total number of 2ha and less in size—12,422. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for The information on damaged and destroyed ancient Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he woodland is not available and to attempt to gather this plans to take to implement the findings of Household data would incur a disproportionate cost for the food security in the UK: a review of food aid. [190225] Department. However, the Woodland Trust estimates that, since 1998, 275 ha of ancient woodland has been George Eustice: The research was commissioned as lost to development. Figures suggest that less than part of the Department’s general work on food in the 0.25% of ancient woodland has been built on since UK, to see what information was available on the issue. 1998. The report is a useful summary of currently available evidence. Fracking Through Healthy Start the Government provides a nutritional safety net, in a way that encourages healthy eating, to more than half a million pregnant women Mark Hendrick: To ask the Secretary of State for and children under four years old in very low income Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what risk assessments and disadvantaged families throughout the UK. he has made of the effect of fracking on water tables in Lancashire and East Sussex. [189495] Food Supply Dan Rogerson: Our regulatory regime is robust and Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for will ensure that fracking will take place safely and that Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he our environment, including the quality of our water, is agrees with Professor Chris Elliott that there has been a properly protected. The Environment Agency will make culture of casual dishonesty in the food industry; and an assessment of any chemicals an operator proposes to what measures his Department is considering to use in fracking and will not authorise the use of hazardous encourage strict adherence to the law and regulations substances where there is an unacceptable risk they in that industry. [189866] would enter groundwater. 987W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 988W

Heathrow Airport Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the new Adam Afriyie: To ask the Secretary of State for national standards for sustainable drainage systems Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what assessment will be published. [190233] he has made of the potential effect of expansion of Heathrow airport on flood reservoir capacity in (a) Dan Rogerson: DEFRA will consult on the revised Berkshire, (b) Surrey and (c) the surrounding areas. national standards for Sustainable Drainage Systems [189708] (SuDS) shortly. Finalised standards will be published after notification to the European Commission and Dan Rogerson: No assessment has been made as yet before implementation of Schedule 3 of the Flood and of the potential effects of any of the proposals set out in Water Management Act 2010. the Davies commission’s interim report. However, DEFRA, the Environment Agency and Natural England have Pagers been represented on the commission’s Sustainability Reference Group, which has supported the commission’s Sheila Gilmore: To ask the Secretary of State for work on the development of the appraisal methodology Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many to be applied to the shortlisted options. This includes pagers have been provided to staff by his Department the need to assess key impacts, including on noise, air since May 2010; and what the cost to the Department quality, biodiversity, water supply and flood risk, and is was of providing those pagers. [190050] underpinned by an ecosystems services appraisal approach. The commission published the draft methodology for Dan Rogerson: Core DEFRA has not provided any consultation and the final methodology will be published pagers to staff since May 2010. later in the year. The final assessment of the shortlisted options will be undertaken by the commission, independent Public Expenditure of Government. Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Internet Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) how much (a) resource and (b) capital funding was received by Jim Shannon: To ask the Secretary of State for his Department, excluding non-departmental public bodies, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what services his to achieve its core responsibility of improving the Department provides that are (a) available online only environment in (i) 2012-13 and (ii) 2013-14; [190221] and (b) planned to move to online only. [190365] (2) how much (a) resource and (b) capital funding was received by his Department, excluding non- Dan Rogerson: None of the services provided by core departmental public bodies, to achieve its core responsibility DEFRA for its external customers are made available of safeguarding plant health in (i) 2012-13 and (ii) online only. 2013-14; [190222] Where resources allow and business needs dictate, (3) how much (a) resource and (b) capital funding DEFRA’s services will be redeveloped in line with the was received by his Department, excluding non- cross-government “Digital by Default” Service Standard. departmental public bodies, to achieve its core responsibility Offering appropriate support to those who are genuinely of growing the rural economy in (i) 2012-13 and (ii) unable to use online services is a key requirement of this 2013-14; [190223] standard. (4) how much (a) resource and (b) capital funding was received by his Department, excluding non- Land Drainage departmental public bodies, to achieve its core responsibility of safeguarding animal health in (i) 2012-13 and (ii) Mr Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for 2013-14. [190224] Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans he has to adopt sustainable drainage systems for the Dan Rogerson: The Department’s four priorities are building of new developments and the renovation of cross-cutting, and consequently a number of its activities existing landscapes. [190136] contribute to more than one priority. Detail of funding is held at activity level rather than priority level. Dan Rogerson: Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water The Department’s Supplementary Estimates for 2012-13 Management Act 2010 introduces a Sustainable Drainage and 2013-14 show the final funding the Department Systems Approving Body (SAB) in each English county received in each year, broken down into a level of detail or unitary authority to adopt and maintain approved agreed as appropriate for the Department to report Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) serving more against. These can be found at the following links: than one property. We intend to lay the implementing 2012-13—(Page 460) secondary legislation in April. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ The Water White Paper signals our intent to continue attachment_data/file/220680/supplementary_estimates to encourage the uptake and retrofitting of SuDS in _1213_defra.pdf existing properties. Also, a new clause in the Water Bill 2013-14—(Page 503) aims to increase the options open to sewerage undertakers https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/ in how they may exercise their duty to effectually drain attachment_data/file/279575/ an area. The clause makes clear that they can construct supplementary_estimates_and_new_ and use SuDS to exercise this duty. estimates_2013_14_120214_correction.pdf 989W Written Answers6 MARCH 2014 Written Answers 990W

Reptiles: Imports Number

2002 1,123,108 Jim Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for 2003 1,502,249 Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many reptiles 2004 1,796,257 were imported into the EU according to Eurostat in 2005 1,634,660 each year from 2001 to 2013. [189906] 2006 2,252,465 2007 2,903,626 2008 2,488,852 George Eustice: Information on the number of reptiles 2009 1,815,919 imported into the EU has been extracted from the 2010 1,557,024 Eurostat trade database (ec.europa.eu/eurostat/). Data 2011 1,647,107 for 2001 is not included as a product code specifically 2012 1,650,987 covering live reptiles only became available on the database 2013 1,329,037 from 2002 onwards. ORAL ANSWERS

Thursday 6 March 2014

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 1023 BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Apprenticeships ...... 1036 Export Support Services (SMEs) ...... 1038 Apprenticeships (Role of Procurement) ...... 1030 Flooding (Support for Businesses) ...... 1033 Bank Lending ...... 1024 Insecurity in the Workplace...... 1037 Bank Lending ...... 1028 Minimum Wage (Prosecutions for Non-payment).. 1027 Bank Lending ...... 1036 National Minimum Wage...... 1032 Businesses in Bassetlaw ...... 1032 Part-time and Mature Students...... 1035 Consumer Rights of Small Businesses ...... 1027 Postgraduate Qualifications ...... 1035 Estate Agents ...... 1029 Retail Grocery Market...... 1034 EU Regulation ...... 1026 Topical Questions ...... 1038 Export Support Services (SMEs) ...... 1023 WRITTEN STATEMENTS

Thursday 6 March 2014

Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 49WS JUSTICE...... 61WS Local Planning...... 49WS Mesothelioma Claims ...... 61WS

DEFENCE...... 51WS LEADER OF THE HOUSE ...... 61WS Central African Republic ...... 52WS State Opening of Parliament...... 61WS Routine Call-Out (Mali)...... 51WS NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 62WS EDUCATION...... 52WS National Security Arrangements in Northern Teacher Training Skills Tests...... 52WS Ireland (Lord Carlile’s Report) ...... 62WS ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS...... 53WS PRIME MINISTER ...... 64WS National Pollinator Strategy ...... 53WS Organisation on Security and Co-operation in Winter Floods...... 54WS Europe (Appointment)...... 64WS Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 57WS (Appointment) ...... 64WS Diego Garcia: Lagoon Environment...... 57WS Foreign Affairs Council ...... 58WS TRANSPORT ...... 64WS Light Dues 2014-15...... 64WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 59WS Invalid Travel Documents (New Powers)...... 59WS WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 65WS Violence Against Women and Girls...... 59WS Independent Living Fund ...... 65WS Mesothelioma Act 2014 (Scheme Payments)...... 67WS INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 59WS Work Capability Assessment...... 67WS Violence against Women and Girls Overseas...... 59WS Work Programme...... 68WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Thursday 6 March 2014

Col. No. Col. No. ATTORNEY-GENERAL ...... 977W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS—continued Equality ...... 977W Land Registry: Plymouth ...... 947W Food: Crime...... 977W Nurses: Disclosure of Information...... 947W Horses: Exports ...... 978W Public Houses ...... 947W Serious Fraud Office ...... 979W Students: Loans ...... 948W Weather: Forecasts ...... 948W BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 943W Apprentices...... 943W Business: Staffordshire ...... 944W CABINET OFFICE...... 962W Copyright...... 944W Eating Disorders ...... 962W Economic Situation...... 945W Government Departments: Directors...... 963W Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 ...... 945W Government Departments: Procurement ...... 964W Exports: Indonesia...... 945W ICT: Education ...... 964W Higher Education: Admissions ...... 946W Staff ...... 964W Higher Education: Finance ...... 946W Unemployment ...... 964W Col. No. Col. No. COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 896W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS— Council Tax: Chelmsford ...... 896W continued Fire Services...... 897W Biodiversity...... 980W Housing Benefit: Social Rented Housing ...... 897W Environment Protection...... 980W Housing: Construction...... 898W Flood Control...... 980W Housing: Floods ...... 899W Floods...... 981W Local Government Finance ...... 899W Floods: Housing ...... 983W Non-domestic Rates: Lancashire...... 901W Floods: Isle of Wight ...... 983W Property Development: Floods ...... 902W Floods: South East Flood Control...... 984W Theatres: Morecambe ...... 903W Floods: Warrington...... 985W Food Poverty...... 985W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 957W Food Supply...... 985W Broadband: Rural Areas ...... 957W Forests ...... 986W Gun Sports ...... 958W Fracking...... 986W Heathrow Airport ...... 987W DEFENCE...... 958W Internet ...... 987W Armed Forces: Housing ...... 958W Land Drainage...... 987W Armed Forces: Pensions...... 959W Pagers ...... 988W Armed Forces: Sexual Offences...... 959W Public Expenditure...... 988W Army: Recruitment ...... 959W Reptiles: Imports...... 989W Cryptography...... 960W Equality ...... 960W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 895W Military Afloat Reach and Sustainability Africa...... 895W Programme ...... 960W Bosnia and Herzegovina ...... 895W Military Bases: Yorkshire and the Humber ...... 961W Iran...... 896W Strategic Defence and Security Review ...... 961W Vehicles...... 961W HEALTH...... 948W Warships ...... 962W Abortion ...... 948W Advertising Association ...... 950W DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER ...... 966W Food: Testing ...... 950W Electoral Register...... 966W General Practitioners ...... 949W Politics and Government: Young People ...... 966W Health: Climate Change...... 952W Returning Officers...... 967W Health Services: Cannock Chase...... 951W Voting Behaviour: Young People...... 967W Health Services: Hearing Impairment ...... 952W Heart Diseases ...... 953W EDUCATION...... 904W In Vitro Fertilisation ...... 953W Academies...... 904W Medical Records: Databases ...... 954W Adoption and Foster Care ...... 904W Medical Records: Veterans...... 954W Children in Care...... 905W Mental Health Services: LGBT People ...... 954W Faith Schools ...... 905W NHS...... 955W Free Schools...... 906W NHS: Finance ...... 955W Further Education: Free School Meals ...... 906W Obesity...... 955W GCSE ...... 906W Pagers ...... 956W Primary Education...... 907W Self-harm: Staffordshire ...... 956W Pupils: Absenteeism ...... 907W Suicide ...... 957W Pupils: Disadvantaged...... 911W Schools: Finance...... 913W HOME DEPARTMENT ...... 915W Schools: Land ...... 913W Pagers ...... 915W Social Workers: Crimes of Violence ...... 913W Staff ...... 916W Special Educational Needs...... 913W Stephen Lawrence ...... 916W Teachers: Training...... 914W INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 914W ELECTORAL COMMISSION COMMITTEE...... 891W Developing Countries: Infant Mortality ...... 914W Electoral Register...... 891W Pagers ...... 915W Electoral Register: Denbighshire...... 893W Electoral Register: Fraud ...... 895W JUSTICE...... 923W Claims Management Services...... 923W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 917W Convictions...... 924W Electricity: Manufacturing Industries ...... 917W Crime: Business...... 933W Energy: Conservation...... 917W Electronic Commerce: Fraud ...... 933W Energy: Meters...... 917W Juries: Age ...... 935W Flood Control...... 919W Law of Property Act 1925...... 935W Offshore Industry...... 919W Oakwood Prison ...... 936W Offshore Oil and Gas in the UK Review ...... 921W Offenders: EU Nationals...... 936W Pagers ...... 921W Prison Service ...... 936W Renewable Energy...... 921W Probation Trusts ...... 937W Wind Power ...... 922W Procurement...... 938W Vetting ...... 937W ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS...... 979W NORTHERN IRELAND ...... 942W Animal Welfare: Circuses...... 979W Equality ...... 942W Col. No. Col. No. SCOTLAND...... 942W TREASURY—continued Internet ...... 942W Equality ...... 975W Pensions...... 943W National Insurance Contributions ...... 975W Pagers ...... 976W TRANSPORT ...... 938W Taxation: EU Nationals ...... 976W Cycling...... 938W Welfare Tax Credits...... 976W First Transpennine Express...... 938W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 968W High Speed 2 Railway Line ...... 939W Benefits ...... 968W Pagers ...... 939W Disability ...... 968W Railways: Compensation...... 940W Disability Employment Support Review ...... 968W Railways: Electrification ...... 940W Disability Living Allowance...... 969W Railways: Passengers...... 940W Employment and Support Allowance ...... 969W Railways: Tees Valley ...... 941W Employment Schemes ...... 969W Rescue Services: Belfast ...... 941W Equality ...... 970W Rescue Services: Liverpool...... 941W Health and Safety Executive ...... 970W Rescue Services: Stornoway ...... 941W Jobseeker’s Allowance...... 970W Road Signs and Markings...... 942W Pagers ...... 971W Roads: Worcester ...... 942W Remploy...... 971W Social Security Benefits...... 973W TREASURY ...... 974W Social Security Benefits: Cannock Chase ...... 973W Autumn Statement...... 974W Work Capability Assessment...... 974W Business: Government Assistance ...... 975W Work Programme...... 974W Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. 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not later than Thursday 13 March 2014

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CONTENTS

Thursday 6 March 2014

Oral Answers to Questions [Col. 1023] [see index inside back page] Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills

Business of the House [Col. 1045] Statement—(Mr Lansley)

Ellison Review [Col. 1061] Statement—(Mrs May)

Nuclear Submarines [Col. 1077] Statement—(Mr Philip Hammond)

Future Army 2020 [Col. 1089] Select Committee Statement—(Mr Arbuthnot)

Backbench Business Security of Women in Afghanistan [Col. 1094] Motion—(Sir Robert Smith)—agreed to Welsh Affairs [Col. 1119] Motion—(Albert Owen)—agreed to

Carpet Waste Fire (Thrunton) [Col. 1157] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Westminster Hall Women’s Contribution to the Economy [Col. 361WH] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Statements [Col. 49WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 891W] [see index inside back page]