Friday Volume 506 26 February 2010 No. 46

HOUSE OF COMMONS OFFICIAL REPORT

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES (HANSARD)

Friday 26 February 2010

£5·00 © Parliamentary Copyright House of Commons 2010 This publication may be reproduced under the terms of the Parliamentary Click-Use Licence, available online through the Office of Public Sector Information website at www.opsi.gov.uk/click-use/ Enquiries to the Office of Public Sector Information, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU; e-mail: [email protected] 559 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Debt Relief (Developing 560 Countries) Bill be the most sharply affected are the so-called vulture House of Commons funds—companies that buy up the sovereign debt of the poorest countries on the secondary markets, often Friday 26 February 2010 at highly discounted prices, and then try to recover the full amount, plus costs and fees, through the courts—often, unfortunately, through the UK courts. The House met at half-past Nine o’clock Many of those funds do not participate in debt relief, and by litigating for full repayment of their debt, they PRAYERS reduce the effectiveness of the international debt relief programmes of the UK, our international partners and responsible commercial creditors, and make less effective [MR.SPEAKER in the Chair] the very large amounts that the Government and other donors provide in aid for developing countries. Mr. Andrew Dismore (Hendon) (Lab): I beg to move, That the House sit in private. Peter Bottomley (Worthing, West) (Con): Will the hon. Lady join me in applauding the television coverage Question put forthwith (Standing Order No. 163). which has shown that some of those vulture fund Question negatived. people take their names off their doors when they are asked what they are doing? They ought to be as embarrassed Debt Relief (Developing Countries) Bill about going to the High Court to try to enforce their claims as they are anxious to hide from the cameras and Second Reading the media. 9.35 am Ms Keeble: The hon. Gentleman is right about the Ms Sally Keeble (Northampton, North) (Lab): I beg operation of the funds. That is why my private Member’s to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. Bill dealt with issues of disclosure and transparency. I congratulate the media: television and some national I am delighted to move the Second Reading of a Bill newspapers have highlighted such activities and brought which, though small, is enormously significant for people them much more into the public gaze. They have done living at the sharp end of some of the most acute us all a great service and presented us with a challenge poverty in the world. I do so on behalf of my hon. by saying, “These are the facts. What are you as a Friend the Member for Denton and Reddish (Andrew Parliament and as a Government going to do about Gwynne), who has been a great champion of debt relief. them?” Unfortunately, he is unable to be here today owing to serious illness. He has done the cause of fighting world Mr. Andrew Dismore (Hendon) (Lab): I am a great poverty a great service by making debt relief the subject supporter of the Bill, as I think all Members are, and of his private Member’s Bill, and I am sure the whole my hon. Friend and our hon. Friend the Member for House wishes him a speedy recovery. Denton and Reddish (Andrew Gwynne) are doing a The Bill will hugely benefit some of the poorest great service to the developing world by bringing it people and countries in the world. It will prevent forward. Does my hon. Friend the Member for commercial creditors, some of them secretive private Northampton, North (Ms Keeble) agree, however, that investment funds, from free-riding on the generosity we need international action too? We, in just one country, of the British taxpayer. It will enable poor countries cannot solve the problem. Does she agree also that if we to concentrate funds on much needed new schools, pass the Bill today we will show that the UK again leads hospitals and other direct services, instead of having to the world in dealing with developing world debt? pay unsustainable levels of their Government revenues to service international debt. Ms Keeble: My hon. Friend is absolutely right—there is a need for international action. A Bill has been The Bill strengthens the UK’s commitment to debt introduced in the United States, and I have met the relief. This country can take pride in the pioneering role Congresswoman who is taking it through. We also need that our Government have played in developing the to talk to look to other European jurisdictions to ensure international initiative to end developing country debt. that similar action is taken. Importantly, however, action The Bill takes the logic of public sector debt cancellation must start somewhere, and if it starts in this country into the private sector, and it sets out for the financial that is fine, particularly given the global role of our services industry some limits to the dealings in which financial services industry and the fact that our courts the industry can engage in developing country debt. are often, unfortunately, the locus for action. In reality, One of the results of the credit crunch is public anger we make a start and then look to the rest of the world to about some of the activities of the financial services follow, as my hon. Friend said we have done on other industry. Profiteering on the back of the debt of some issues. of the poorest people in the world is perhaps the most The actions of the vulture funds are profoundly objectionable activity of all. By passing the Bill, we as a damaging, as hon. Members have said. Their world is Parliament and as a society will be setting boundaries opaque, and it has been hard to track their activities and saying, “No further.” without the assistance of investigative journalists. To There has been much speculation about the number deal with my hon. Friend’s point, I must note that a of financial institutions that will be affected by the World Bank survey has reported a total of 54 actions by provisions of the Bill, and about whether it will cut vulture funds since 2002, about one fifth of which have across the rights of a wide range of investors. That is been brought in the UK. The problem is ongoing, and not the case. The financial institutions that are likely to last year’s World Bank survey reported 14 active or 561 Debt Relief (Developing 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Debt Relief (Developing 562 Countries) Bill Countries) Bill [Ms Keeble] primary schools. Mozambique has more than tripled its poverty reduction spending from $792 million to more unresolved law suits by commercial creditors worldwide. than $2 billion, contributing, for example, to a decrease They include cases against Ethiopia, Sierra Leone and in infant mortality from 147 deaths per 1,000 live births the Democratic Republic of the Congo. in 1997 to 100 per 1,000 live births in 2008. That is still Two well documented court cases deserve particular far too high, and much higher than the rate in this mention: those brought against Zambia and Liberia. In country, but at least the trend is downward. the 1970s Zambia was provided with a loan to buy some Debt cancellation has not been entirely a public tractors, but by the late 1990s it was unable to pay back sector programme, but concerns about the Bill have all the money. The country was in the process of trying been raised because the idea has been put about that to find a settlement with the creditors when the Donegal commercial debt is a new inclusion in the debt relief International fund purchased the debt for a knockdown programme. However, commercial creditors have, notably price of $3.3 million in 1999. The fund proceeded to and laudably, contributed to the debt cancellation, writing pursue Zambia through the UK courts for the full off debts because there was no realistic proposition of amount of the debt, plus interest and fees, demanding being able to collect them, out of concern for the impact an astonishing $55 million in total. The courts awarded of debt on the economic growth from which investors $15.5 million, five times the amount that the fund paid hope to benefit, or out of a genuine desire to be part of for the debt. one of the most progressive movements in the world—the In November last year, two commercial creditors debt cancellation programme. took a case to the High Court against the Republic of Some 6 per cent. of debt cancellation, about $4.5 billion, Liberia for a debt that also dated back to the 1970s. In has come either in commitments or in reality from that instance, on an original loan worth $6 million, the commercial creditors, so the principle of the cancellation funds were awarded $20 million. Not surprisingly, the of private or commercial sector debts as part of the President of Liberia has spoken out this week in support HIPC programme is already well established. In fact it of action against the vulture funds. could be said that the Bill enshrines in legislation existing Although those numbers may sound paltry when best practice in the commercial and private sector. It compared with the billions that have been won and lost consistently applies to the private sector the principles each day during the credit crunch in this country, or, that already apply to public debt cancellation. indeed, with the amounts that are at stake when a I shall briefly set out the Bill’s provisions, although football club goes down, they are enormously significant we will consider them in more detail in Committee. The to countries such as Zambia and Liberia. The $15.5 million scope of the legislation, in terms of countries covered, awarded against Zambia would have been enough to is more modest than the provisions in the ten-minute pay for 30,000 primary school places. The $20 million Bill that I introduced last year on the same subject. It awarded against Liberia represents an astonishing 5 per would be good to extend the Bill, but it is absolutely cent. of its Government’s entire annual budget. In that right to look at the HIPC countries and use the provisions country, the average income per person is less than half that already operate in that area for the cancellation of that of the “dollar a day” acute poverty target. some remaining commercial debts. Mr. Justice Barton, who presided over the Liberia Clauses 1 and 2 define the debts to which the Bill case, said: applies. Basically, it confines the debts to those that are either included or expected to be included under the “The only issue raised is plainly a sad one, that Liberia is a poor country, and cannot afford it.” HIPC programmes. They are the debts of the 40 most heavily indebted poor countries in the world, including Indeed, it is poor, because the average income per Afghanistan, fragile African states such as Somalia and person in Liberia is $170, while roughly two thirds of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and countries Zambia’s 12 million people live on less than $1 a day. that have been torn apart by conflict, poor governance, That unscrupulous activity not only damages the economic and poverty. It also includes five countries that have yet growth of those developing countries, but undermines to reach decision point under the HIPC programme: UK and international efforts to reduce the unsustainable the Comoros islands, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan and nature of their debts. The Government have been at the Kyrgyzstan. forefront of driving through debt cancellation for some My Bill sought to include a wider group of low-income of the poorest countries, with the heavily indebted poor countries, but there is a logic to restricting the legislation countries—HIPC—initiative. That is an international to the debts of HIPC countries and a fairness in treating programme, but much of the original thinking and all debt equally. Creditors will still be able to litigate for drive for it came from this country. the recovery of their debts, so they will still retain their The scope of the programme has been extraordinary. legal rights to debt recovery, but they will be able to do Since 2000, $117 billion has been committed globally to so only within the limits that the World Bank and IMF debt relief for countries through the HIPC and multilateral consider sustainable—the internationally agreed rules debt relief initiatives. Some $9.7 billion has come from on the calculation of what is acceptable for debt recovery. the UK. The lion’s share of the debt cancellation— Clauses 3 and 4 reduce the proportion of those debts 94 per cent.—has come from the public sector, and it to be recovered to the level corresponding to the HIPC has been successful. Since 2001, the 35 post-decision-point initiative. Those amounts are assessed internationally HIPC countries have increased their spending on poverty and there is a set assessment procedure, so the amount reduction from $6.4 billion to $26.7 billion. will not be at the discretion of one Government or In Tanzania debt relief has helped to increase the another Government. A respected and established process number of children in primary school by more than for reaching the amount is already in train. Clause 5 50 per cent., and helped to build almost 2,500 new applies those terms to judgment debts, and clause 6 563 Debt Relief (Developing 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Debt Relief (Developing 564 Countries) Bill Countries) Bill creates an incentive for debtors to negotiate settlements this building for ending the unsustainable levels of debt to repay their debts on terms compatible with the HIPC that have for so long paralysed the efforts to end world initiative, by excluding from the scope of the legislation poverty. debts in respect of which the debtor has failed to do that. 9.53 am Much of the discussion of the Bill in recent days has Andrew Stunell (Hazel Grove) (LD): I am delighted focused on the presumed restrictions that it introduces to have this opportunity to speak in support of the Bill. on the activities of private investors. However, as I have I start by offering my sympathy to the hon. Member for said, the Bill does not outlaw the proper pursuit of Denton and Reddish (Andrew Gwynne), a geographical debt; it seeks to ensure that creditors cannot pursue neighbour of mine who, like me, serves part of the payment beyond the level assessed as sustainable by the borough of Stockport. I wish him well. I know from my IMF and the World Bank. The overall goal, of course, conversations with him that he takes the Bill very seriously. is to reduce the relevant country’s debt ratio to sustainable He will be most disappointed not to be here as we, I levels. The Bill provides safeguards for commercial creditors hope, wave it forward on its way in the next hour or two. by promoting a negotiated settlement between them and the debtor countries, by excluding debts in respect I congratulate the hon. Member for Northampton, of which the country concerned does not offer to settle North (Ms Keeble), whose original ten-minute Bill first on terms consistent with the initiative. brought the issue to the attention of the House. I was happy to sponsor that Bill, and I am equally happy to Finally, the Bill promotes fairness among creditors. sponsor this Bill today. Not having stepped back fast The vulture funds that successfully take indebted countries enough, I am also speaking on behalf of the Liberal to court can do so and make profits only by free-riding Democrat party. I am happy to record my party’s strong on the relief provided by British taxpayers, our international support for the Bill, which it sees as an important and partners and other, more ethical, commercial creditors. practical, although small, way of assisting some of the As it stands today, the Bill is the result of solid consultation poorest countries in the world—and, more importantly, by the Government and a lot of hard work by the the millions of poor people who will benefit when this voluntary sector. It began with the work of the Jubilee legislation comes into force. As the hon. Member for Debt Campaign and included, in the Treasury, a Northampton, North said, this Bill is in some ways a consultation that reported recently. little more refined than her ten-minute Bill, and it is What lies behind the Bill is economic realism as well none the worse for that. It is ready for implementation, as fairness to the British taxpayer, poor countries and subject to whatever is said in Committee. other commercial creditors who already participate in I should make a disclaimer. As my constituents know, debt relief. The reality for any country that reaches a I am a stout defender of animal welfare. However, I HIPC process is that its debts are unsustainable and it should make it clear that international financial vultures has little or no prospect of ever repaying them in full. are not included in my view of what should be protected The initiative makes for the orderly management of the by the House. I have served on the International debt and reduces it to a level considered repayable. Development Committee for the past year or so. Although However, the process is fair and economically equitable I thought I already knew about some of the key issues, only if all parties partake in the relief. The Bill would it has been an eye-opener to have seen the work done in ensure that that happened and that the rogue vulture many heavily indebted countries to tackle poverty and funds that are currently completely outside the law make a reality of the millennium development goals. would be brought within the scope of internationally It is absurd that a great deal of work should be put in agreed procedures for managing developing country by non-governmental organisations, governmental debt. organisations and multilateral donors to tackle the I pay particular tribute to my hon. Friend the Member millennium development goals, to bring improvements for Denton and Reddish, for whom I am taking this Bill to health and education and alleviate poverty in poor forward today; I am sure that he would have wanted countries, while people operating from anonymous offices very much to be here. I thank other colleagues in the in financial centres around the world are exploiting the House and the staff and supporters of the Jubilee Debt UK courts to take back some of the money that has Campaign, who have been relentless in keeping this been so hard won and negotiated so carefully for the issue in the spotlight over the months and years. Their purposes of poverty alleviation. work and campaigning has provided the public space It is a particular cause of concern—anguish, even—for for the whole process of debt cancellation, which has those of us who serve in the UK Parliament that the been so important. UK courts should have opened the door to all that and had a relaxed approach to such cases. That has made Mr. Speaker, you were one of the sponsors of the the UK one of the most—if not the most—favoured previous Bill, and I am sure that you would want to see places for those anonymous financial experts to wreak this measure get on to the statute book before the their damage. As has already been mentioned in an election. I very much hope that we will get the time intervention, those people do not seem to have too necessary for the Committee stage, and be able to much shame, but they have enough to want to avoid the complete Report and Third Reading in the little time transparency that goes with full public disclosure. I left to this Parliament. welcome the fact that the Bill will tackle that issue as There is a strong body of support for the Bill right well. across the House; the Opposition have been extremely My remarks will not be extensive. The Bill is a necessary important in respect of the main thrust of the arguments measure to close a loophole that most people probably behind the Bill. There is equally strong support outside do not believe could ever have existed in the first place. 565 Debt Relief (Developing 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Debt Relief (Developing 566 Countries) Bill Countries) Bill [Andrew Stunell] It would be interesting if the Economic Secretary could say something about the Government’s position The Bill is well crafted and quite modest. I hope that it on sovereign debt work-out mechanisms. I know that will get a very fair wind very quickly and that, not for they were raised at the Doha financing for development the first time, what the House does on the issue of conference in November and December 2008, at which poverty reduction at an international level will be picked there was an attempt to find a fair mechanism for up in other parts of the world. developing countries that could not repay their debts. I There are other centres of financial services and would be interested to know what the Secretary of State court regimes and, if the loophole is shut here, those for International Development has done to pursue that anonymous financial experts will no doubt start to look matter. elsewhere in greater numbers than before. We already Individuals and companies in this country have a know that the United States legislature is looking at mechanism by which, subject to preferential treatment parallel proposals. I hope that this morning will start a for particular entities, the pain can be shared among all domino effect that will end up closing, at worldwide their creditors, who each get a proportion of the debt level, this ridiculous loophole and redirecting income repaid to them. Developing countries do not have that streams that were always intended to alleviate poverty mechanism. Some creditors may voluntarily waive their in poor countries back to those countries without further rights, as certain countries have done. As the hon. delay. Member for Northampton, North pointed out, a substantial number of commercial lenders have also done so. However, others continue to claim repayment of debt that cannot be afforded, and as I have said, there is no liquidation or 9.59 am administration procedure available. In many respects, one could describe the Bill as attempting to find such a Mr. David Gauke (South-West Hertfordshire) (Con): mechanism, to prevent creditors that refuse to participate It is a pleasure to speak on Second Reading of the Bill. I from benefiting from a free ride. I say that because add my words to those of the hon. Member for Hazel countries could not repay any of their outstanding Grove (Andrew Stunell) in wishing the hon. Member creditors without the steps taken by some of them to for Denton and Reddish (Andrew Gwynne) well, and I waive a substantial proportion of the debt. We need congratulate the hon. Member for Northampton, North fairness for creditors, whether Governments or commercial (Ms Keeble) on her long-standing interest in the matter lenders, who have taken a view that they will not pursue and on presenting the Bill so effectively this morning. the full amount, which makes available funds that the She is absolutely right that there is a cross-party consensus more ruthless creditors can pursue. and real concern about debt. We believe that the Bill is extremely well intended and addresses an important A central point is the effect that the Bill would have issue, and we are grateful for the opportunity to examine on developing countries. The hon. Lady mentioned it closely to see what we can do about the problem. In Liberia, which is topical given the judgment at the end our view it should have an opportunity to go to Committee, of last year and given that it featured heavily in the and we hope that it will have a fair wind, to use the “Newsnight” report on the matter last night. It is clearly words of the hon. Member for Hazel Grove. grossly unfair on the people of such a country, who are deeply impoverished, to find a substantial part of their I should explain the Conservative party’s long-standing Government’s budget taken up in repaying aid over interest in debt relief. I know that there is consensus on which they had no control and no say. That is at the the matter, but it is worth pointing out that our interest heart of the Bill, and we share the concerns that drive it. has long existed. In 1988, the previous Conservative We will support its Second Reading today. Government negotiated the Toronto agreement to reduce debt payments by a third, and in 1990 they negotiated Although there is cross-party consensus, that should the Trinidad terms to reduce them by two thirds. In not prevent the House from examining various points 1996, my right hon. and learned Friend the Member for in the Bill closely. The responses to the Treasury’s Rushcliffe (Mr. Clarke), as Chancellor of the Exchequer, consultation document raise a number of important was much involved in the heavily indebted countries points that we should consider with due care and attention. initiative to write down debts by 80 per cent. In the That is why it is proper that we have Committee stage, course of those initiatives, the Conservative Government and I hope that the Government will be able to find unilaterally wrote off virtually all Britain’s aid loans— time to ensure that that happens. £1.2 billion-worth, which was the single biggest contribution There are essentially two big issues to consider, and to easing the debt crisis. I pay tribute to the current although the Bill is not contentious, it raises fundamental Government, too, for their work in building on that, questions. The fact that there is a consensus is all the and there is consensus on supporting debt relief. more reason to scrutinise it properly. I turn first, because It is perhaps worth my saying a word or two about it is perhaps the simplest and quickest argument to why we believe that debt relief is so important. I make a summarise, to the fact that the Bill clearly affects contractual comparison with what happens in market economies, in rights—that is the intention behind it. By and large, we which individuals and companies can write off bad in this country take a view that contractual rights debts and start again. Countries cannot do that in the should be respected. Contracts provide certainty, are same way. Their debts cannot be written off automatically part of our tradition and are one of the reasons why through bankruptcy or a voluntary liquidation regime, English law is a favoured choice of system throughout so they remain. They are incurred by impoverished the world. It has clearly been to the advantage of the countries, usually as a consequence of corrupt and UK that we have a system that provides such certainty. incompetent rulers, but repaid by the population, who Alongside the tradition of respecting the sanctity of are both blameless and impoverished. contracts, we have the terms of the European convention 567 Debt Relief (Developing 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Debt Relief (Developing 568 Countries) Bill Countries) Bill on human rights, which of course are now protected by We first need to debate the question whether those the Human Rights Act 1998. They include the protection qualifications are the right ones. One could approach of the right to property under article 1 of protocol 1 of that in two ways. First, one could argue that the measure the convention. is unduly restrictive. Why apply it only to HIPCs? The Government argue in their response to the consultation document that there are compelling policy Ms Keeble: I will come back to that question later, reasons why contractual rights should be overridden, but is there any evidence that the existing cancellation and to a large extent I have made the same argument in of commercial debt—the £4.5 billion to which I referred— my remarks, as have other hon. Members. However, we has had any impact on risk premiums for developing should go into this matter with our eyes open. We countries? should be aware that the Bill would disturb contractual rights, which has certain consequences. The Government Mr. Gauke: I am not aware that there is. I stress that say that the ECHR arguments can be overcome because that argument was not mine, but that of a number of there are compelling policy reasons. I do not dispute respondents to the consultation. It is not for me to that, but it is right that we have an opportunity to speak for them, but I suspect they would say that there debate such reasons in detail. is a difference between a voluntary waiving of rights, and a compulsory waiving of rights brought about by Andrew Stunell: I am sure the whole House would legislation that means essentially that certain debts are agree with the hon. Gentleman on the importance of unenforceable. There is a distinction, but the hon. Lady maintaining our historical commitment to the enforcement might be right to say that debt relief measures so of honest and fair contracts. However, the honesty and far—she was right to acknowledge the considerable fairness of the contracts is in question—the point put to steps taken by commercial lenders in addition to those the House is that the contracts are unfair and lopsided, taken by Governments and international organisations— because one party to them has no power whatever to have substantially reduced the burden on impoverished mediate the process. In that situation, human rights countries. The Bill might well not affect premiums, but legislation kicks in to protect the powerless. it is right that we explore the matter. I was saying that the Bill could be criticised for being Mr. Gauke: My point is that the Bill would disturb too prescriptive. Why is it targeted only at the public contractual rights, but the argument is that there are debts of HIPCs and not those of developing countries compelling reasons why it is right to do so. The hon. more widely? The alternative argument is that the Bill Gentleman articulately sets out that case. I am not will not do the job because it will create uncertainty for disagreeing with him in any way, but merely stating that creditors of developing countries, whether HIPCs or it is right that we examine the argument closely. I will otherwise. To be fair, in paragraph 2.30 of its response come back to the essence of what he is saying in a to the consultation, the Treasury states: moment, but he has led me to my second point, which “Predicting the scale of any negative spillovers from legislation Members on both sides of the House and the Government, is very difficult in advance of legislation.” in their role of developing the legislation, are keen to I am not claiming to know the answer, but given that the address. Treasury acknowledges uncertainty, we need to examine The central question is whether the measure will the arguments closely. benefit developing countries. I am not arguing that it will not, but the argument that there would be certain Mr. Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): My spillover costs was put by a number of respondents to hon. Friend will obviously have seen the evidence given the Treasury consultation, and it is right to examine it. to the Government consultation by the Alternative Essentially, the argument is that the Bill could create Investment Management Association. Does he accept uncertainty. There may be a perception that further that that association represents practitioners rather than legislation will restrict creditors’ ability to reclaim their theoreticians, and that we should take seriously its debts from heavily indebted poor countries and other concerns about the provisions? developing countries more generally. That would have the consequence either of reducing the number of creditors Mr. Gauke: It is true that practitioners’responses—across that are prepared to lend to developing countries, or at the board—to the Treasury consultation raise concerns, the very least of making borrowing more expensive. and it is right that the House hears and explores those The Treasury is very conscious of that argument and arguments and takes a view on them. I am also conscious acknowledges throughout the documents it has that some respondents—I am not saying that they are produced—the response to the consultation and so right—were of the view that they had not been properly on—that debt relief measures could increase risk premiums engaged in the process and that there was insufficient and make it harder for developing countries to borrow consultation at an earlier stage. I would be grateful if responsibly. the Minister responded to that argument. To what The counter-argument is that the Bill is carefully extent did the Treasury engage emerging markets creditors targeted and calibrated to prevent that in two ways. to assess spillover costs? I note that the impact assessment First, it focuses on historical debt, meaning debt contracted produced by the Treasury does not put a monetised cost before commencement. No future debt will be affected, on that. The essential argument why it does not make so when developing countries attempt to borrow in such an assessment, which is set out in paragraph 2.30, future, contracts will be unaffected, so there will be is that all arguments put forward for spillover costs are no risk premium. Secondly, the Bill is targeted at the based on markets assuming—or at least contemplating public debts of the regimes of HIPCs, not those of all the possibility of—a significantly increased risk that the developing countries. Government will in future enact legislation different 569 Debt Relief (Developing 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Debt Relief (Developing 570 Countries) Bill Countries) Bill [Mr. Gauke] principle, financial institutions would not lend to developing countries, and that would be a huge disadvantage and from that being introduced. It is worth acknowledging, place enormous restrictions on the potential for growth as the hon. Member for Northampton, North rightly of developing countries. In some quarters, that point said, that this Bill will not cause an increased risk may be controversial, but it is right to express it explicitly premium, but it could cause concern that a precedent to provide some reassurance that the Bill is carefully has been set and further measures will be taken. targeted, very restrictive in some respects and should not undermine confidence in future. It is helpful to the Andrew Stunell: None of us would dissent from the success of the Bill to make that point explicitly and I idea that the legislation should be properly and thoroughly hope that all parties will agree. I make that point partly scrutinised in Committee, but can the hon. Gentleman in reference to an earlier intervention by the hon. tell us whether his party would support the enactment Gentleman. of legislation broadly along these lines to deal with this We recognise that this measure needs to be calibrated particular problem? That is something that the House correctly, and that raises various questions. I have needs to know, bearing in mind the very short time highlighted the two principal restrictions—it only applies frame that we have to deal with matters in this Parliament. to HIPC countries and to debts that have already been entered into, and it is entirely retrospective in that Mr. Gauke: We will support the Bill’s making progress sense—but I have some other questions that I would to Committee today. It is for the Government to provide like the Minister to address if he has an opportunity. time for the Committee stage, but we hope that they will The group that attracts most ire—as the hon. Gentleman provide adequate time for scrutiny. We do not believe and the hon. Member for Northampton, North said—is that it is right to circumvent the normal parliamentary the vulture funds. They are the institutions that have process when dealing with these important matters bought up the debt in secondary markets at a low price because if we get this wrong, it will be the developing and then sought to enforce it. This issue was covered on countries who suffer. It is not our fault that we are “Newsnight” last night, and I expect that many hon. doing this only a few weeks before the end of this Members will have seen that. It is worth noting that, Parliament, and if we do not have time to give the Bill according to the impact assessment published by the proper scrutiny, it is regrettable. However, it is important Treasury, of the £145 million that is identified as being to do it properly. of benefit to the HIPCs that will be affected by this legislation some £78 million relates to original creditors, Andrew Stunell: I hope that the hon. Gentleman does not the vulture funds. Assuming that every creditor that not mind my pressing him a little. I accept the point that is not an original creditor is a vulture fund, that means he makes, but he has expressed a wish to be sitting on that £67 million of debt has been bought on the secondary the other side of the House in three or four months’ market. time, so it would be helpful to know whether, in that Those who responded to the Treasury consultation case, he would support a Bill in similar terms—subject unanimously believed that no distinction should be to discussions in Committee on this Bill—to put it on made between original creditors and those who bought the statute book without further delay. the debt on the secondary market, but this issue is worth exploring given that public concern is focused on Mr. Gauke: We support measures to address this vulture funds. One can see, morally and ethically, why matter, for the reasons that I have been outlining. Questions that is the case, but perhaps the Minister could explain still need to be answered to ensure that this Bill is the why the Bill does not focus specifically on vulture funds. right approach, and I hope that we will be able to resolve those issues in Committee in the next few weeks. The Treasury methodology used to produce the £145 million figure has been criticised. A previous The concern is that the Bill will set a precedent for consultation paper produced by the Treasury stated future legislation, although the Government are clear that the amount that the HIPC countries would benefit that that is not the intention. As the hon. Member for by was £254 million. There were arguments that that Hazel Grove pointed out, we want to be on the other methodology was wrong, out of date and failed to side of the House in a few months’ time, and we would address several points, and the Treasury acknowledges, want to ensure that any measures that we took were in the response to the consultation paper, that it very carefully targeted. “remains true that any estimate of the effect of this legislation We all have a responsibility to be careful about the attempts to quantify an intrinsically uncertain process.” language that we use in this debate. Most of us instinctively feel that it is wrong for rich western financial institutions That flags up a degree of uncertainty, and I hope that to seek to enforce debts against poor African countries. we have an opportunity to explore that point. But I would also make the tough-minded but pragmatic I would also like to touch on a question that other and realistic point that this Bill is rightly carefully hon. Members have mentioned: will other countries targeted and the Government—we support them in follow suit? Our principal concern is the impact on this—do not believe that there is a broad principle that developing countries, but there could be a commercial rich western financial institutions should never be able knock-on effect for the UK, were contracts simply to to enforce debts against poor African countries. use a different form of law—for example, New York I hope that that position is supported across the law. Whether that happens partly depends on what House because if we ever expressed our views in that happens in other jurisdictions, so can the Minister shed way, it could easily be interpreted as suggesting that the some light on progress in other countries? We have Bill could be extended in future. We have to make the heard about what is happening in the US, but it would realistic point that if we were to accept that broad be interesting to know whether the Government can 571 Debt Relief (Developing 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Debt Relief (Developing 572 Countries) Bill Countries) Bill provide more detail on the likelihood of this legislation assess the country’s total external debts and calculate coming into effect in the US. That would help the the percentage reduction required from all creditors to House. reduce the debts to an economically sustainable level. It is important that we get the Bill right. It is an The HIPC initiative expects that all creditors—bilateral, attempt to address an important issue, and everybody multilateral and commercial—will provide this percentage wants to reduce the debt that these impoverished countries reduction fairly and equally, doing what is financially face. Equally, however, I am sure that nobody here necessary. wants to make it harder, or more expensive, for developing At decision point, the World Bank and the IMF also countries to raise funds. The legislation is designed to agree with the country a set of reforms that it will help. We want to ensure that it does, and we wish it well. undertake to direct the extra resources, from which it benefits through debt relief, towards tackling poverty and catalysing economic growth. Once the country 10.31 pm achieves those triggers, it reaches completion point—the The Economic Secretary to the Treasury (Ian Pearson): point at which all creditors are expected to have reduced I would like to start by putting it on the record that the their debts to the set level. With sustainable debt levels, Government fully support the Debt Relief (Developing a track record of macro-economic stability and a strategy Countries) Bill, introduced by my hon. Friend the Member being implemented to reduce poverty, countries completing for Denton and Reddish (Andrew Gwynne). He has the HIPC initiative are much better placed to continue decided to introduce a serious and worthwhile measure, their development. and I would like to join other hon. Members in expressing The HIPC initiative is providing considerable success. my sadness that he could not move the Second Reading Countries that have completed it have achieved higher in person. I wish him a speedy recovery. I am also rates of economic growth, maintained lower inflation grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Northampton, and fiscal deficits and similarly improved their relative North (Ms Keeble) for so ably opening the debate in his performance compared with other low-income countries. place. We are fortunate that someone with her expertise It is sustained economic growth that offers the surest and commitment to this issue could do so, and I would underpinning for lifting people out of the poverty that like to pay tribute to her work over a considerable continues to affect much of the countries’ populations. period on the issue of debt relief. I also pay tribute to Of course, development is never a simple story, but the the commitment of my hon. Friend the Member for recent progress of, for example, Tanzania, Ghana and Denton and Reddish. Rwanda shows the real contribution that debt relief can Several private Members’ Bills this Session have been make. substantial and constructive pieces of legislation, but I Completing the HIPC initiative also triggers additional am confident in saying that few, if any, have given the debt relief that goes beyond the aim of reducing debts House the opportunity to progress a Bill as beneficial as to a sustainable level and further increases the resources this one. It was not a hard decision to support a Bill that freed up for the development. The UK is one of several will protect the debt relief that is vital to the development countries that completely cancel all debts owed to the of the world’s poorest countries by preventing it from Government at completion point. At Gleneagles, in being exploited and diverted. It will do so efficiently 2005, the UK won international agreement for the and fairly, respecting legitimate commercial rights, and multilateral debt relief initiative that completely cancels will ensure that the aid and debt relief funded by UK debts owed to the IMF and the main multinational taxpayers will be used effectively to tackle global poverty. development banks. Together those initiatives are so far I also welcome the support for the Second Reading worth $117 billion in debt relief for the 40 heavily from both the Conservative and Liberal Democrat Front- indebted poor countries. It is an achievement that the Bench Members. Importantly, the provisions in the Bill UK has led the world in bringing about, and all of us in are carefully targeted, and I think that both sides of the the House should feel proud of it. House recognise that. The benefits of debt relief, however, could, and should, I shall explain in more detail our reasons for supporting be even greater. Most commercial creditors recognise the Bill. As the House will be aware, several factors led that, aside from considerations of tackling poverty, the many of the world’s poorest countries to build up debts heavily indebted poor countries are unable to repay that they had no realistic prospect of fully repaying, debts in excess of the percentage reduction expected and by the 1990s this burden of debt was clearly a under the HIPC initiative, and they agree to voluntarily barrier to renewed development for those countries. reduce their debts accordingly. However, a small minority Partial and piecemeal refinancing of their debts had of creditors instead seize on the opportunity presented proved insufficient, which is why, in 1996, the heavily by the debt relief provided by others and sue the indebted poor countries initiative for debt relief was Government of the country for debts often contracted established. HIPC provides a comprehensive framework decades ago and which have accumulated interest and for the debt relief that all creditors need to provide to arrears. reduce eligible countries’ debts to sustainable levels. If a company cannot meet all its obligations to creditors, Forty countries with a total population of more than insolvency law brings about a fair and efficient resolution 600 million, but an average income per person of just by requiring that all creditors receive repayment of an $530, qualify for the initiative, due to their high level of equal proportion of their debt. No analogous system poverty and unsustainable debts. exists for countries, as the hon. Member for South-West The World Bank and the International Monetary Hertfordshire (Mr. Gauke) noted when he said that Fund jointly administer the initiative and monitor each there was no sovereign system of liquidation or insolvency. country’s progress. When a country meets the conditions I do not think that we would want a system of liquidation for decision point on the initiative, those organisations for a country, but it is important that we have something 573 Debt Relief (Developing 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Debt Relief (Developing 574 Countries) Bill Countries) Bill [Ian Pearson] creditors against the country, allowing them to seek to enforce full repayment in the United Kingdom. In comparable to an insolvency regime for countries that Liberia, a country with an average income per person of get into massive debt. That is what we are trying to do just $170 and where 13 per cent. of children die before with the Bill. their fifth birthday, all the resources that the Government It is currently legally possible for a creditor to free-ride should expect are vital. I find the actions of commercial on the debt relief that others provide, enforce its claim creditors morally repugnant. Only legislation, in the for full repayment and siphon off for commercial gain Bill before us today, can prevent such free riding under some of the resources that would have been used for UK laws and in UK courts by a small minority of poverty reduction. Hon. Members have spoken of how unscrupulous commercial creditors. By passing the Bill, they see this practice as morally unjustifiable, and I I believe that we can help to protect Liberia, Ethiopia, agree with them, but I would also like to emphasise that Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo allowing this free-riding to continue would perpetuate and the other heavily indebted poor countries facing an economically unjustified and inefficient market failure. litigation. As the money that is diverted includes the development I want to address some of the comments made by the assistance funded by UK taxpayers, I have another hon. Member for South-West Hertfordshire about the strong reason, as a Treasury Minister, to support action Bill. He principally raised the issues of contractual in this area. That is an important point that I would rights and whether the Bill would actually benefit developing want Members in all parts of the House to recognise. countries. There is certainly an interference with contractual For those reasons, the Government have already taken rights, as he notes, but we believe that this is morally a range of steps to limit the problem. Many commercial and economically justified. I shall say something about creditors are happy to be repaid whatever proportion of the compelling reasons for that in a moment. I strongly their debt they remain entitled to, consistent with providing believe that the Bill will benefit developing countries. relief under the HIPC initiative. The World Bank’s debt Indeed, if one asks developing countries, they, too, will reduction facility organises operations to buy back say that the Bill will be helpful to them. The hon. debts eligible for relief at the deep discount corresponding Gentleman also raised what might be called the “thin to HIPC initiative terms, and then to cancel them. The end of the wedge” argument, which is that the Bill UK supports and, with other donors, funds such operations, might set a precedent and that people might go further. which can be very effective. Last April the facility I want to address that too, as well as commenting on the brought back and cancelled 97.5 per cent. of Liberia’s position of original creditors, to which he also referred. eligible commercial debt, for only 3 per cent. of its face value of $1.2 billion. I want to say something more Mr. Nigel Dodds (Belfast, North) (DUP): Will the about Liberia in a minute, because it was referred to by Minister also address the point raised by both the hon. a number of hon. Members. Member for Hazel Grove (Andrew Stunell), the Front- High-quality legal advice for heavily indebted poor Bench spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, and the countries is also important, to help them defend claims Conservative party spokesman about the effect of other and avoid problematic terms in new borrowing. For countries not following suit? That is an important issue that reason the Department for International Development if the money is being transferred elsewhere. has committed £5 million to fund the new African legal support facility. The value of good legal advice was Ian Pearson: I will indeed address that point, as well illustrated by the case of Donegal International Ltd v. as the sovereign debt work-out mechanism, which the Zambia, where our funding for legal advice helped hon. Member for South-West Hertfordshire also raised. Zambia reduce its liability by around $40 million. Also, On that issue first, as I think he is aware, the Government a number of claims brought by litigating creditors can supported the IMF’s original proposal for a sovereign be reduced if fewer responsible creditors sell on their debt work-out mechanism in the early part of this claims. We have won support for commitments not to decade. The proposal did not receive international consensus sell on claims, from 19 members of the Paris Club of at that time. As a result, there has not been a renewed creditor Governments, the European Union and signatories international proposal following the Doha declaration. to the UN’s Doha declaration on financing for development. That is why the Government have instead prioritised Despite the success of all those measures, a problem consulting on and supporting measures through legislation, remains. It is a problem of a small minority of commercial which is why we are pleased to support the Bill before us creditors that continue to litigate and recover sums today. We believe that it can build on the successful greatly in excess of that which is compatible with the HIPC initiative and be implemented quickly. debt relief that heavily indebted poor countries can The hon. Gentleman raised some specific points about expect. The best information on the scale of the problem contractual rights. I understand that some people take comes from the World Bank’s annual survey of heavily the view that the Bill is an unjustified interference with indebted poor country Governments. The most recent property rights. I recognise that that was not what the survey, in 2009, reported 14 active or unresolved law hon. Gentleman, who speaks for the Opposition, was suits worldwide, with a total value of $1.2 billion. More saying, but he raised that point as an issue and a matter new cases continue to be brought. Rates of litigation of principle. I hope that I have made clear the economic since 2002 indicate that around a fifth of such cases are arguments for all creditors to provide the relief assessed heard here in the United Kingdom. as necessary in the HIPC initiative, and explained why I cited Liberia as an example of the success of voluntary free riding is inefficient and inequitable. It is important buy-backs, but as hon. Members have recognised, in to recognise that the vast majority of commercial creditors November the High Court gave judgment for $20 million already voluntarily reduce their debts in line with the against Liberia, in a claim brought by two commercial initiative, and that they will be completely unaffected by 575 Debt Relief (Developing 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Debt Relief (Developing 576 Countries) Bill Countries) Bill the legislation. As the hon. Gentleman said, the Bill is preferred choice of law for finance, and that the City carefully targeted and calibrated. It includes a clause retains its status as a leading financial centre. There is that specifically provides an incentive to debtors to nothing in the Bill to jeopardise those aims in any way. I negotiate settlements of their debts on terms compatible believe that the concerns about it have been overstated. with the HIPC initiative, thereby helping the process. It Those expressing them do not necessarily object to the is also worth noting that the typical market value of the targeted measures in the Bill, but they say that they debts that will be affected is around or below the level to would not want them to go further. This point was which creditors will remain entitled under the Bill. raised by the hon. Member for South-West Hertfordshire On contracts, as the House will be aware, the Government when he spoke of the danger of setting a precedent. I do have already taken what steps we can, within the existing not see it in that way. In giving our support to the Bill, legal framework, to help developing countries with debt we have been careful to say that it needs to be carefully relief. What is proposed in the Bill is limited to a tightly targeted and that we need to be cognisant of the legal defined stock of existing debts of the poorest countries position. in the world. It balances preventing creditors from The best analogy that I can provide is that of the extracting excessive repayment with an incentive to help debate on the hunting ban. At the time, many people them to recover the part of their debt that they can argued that if we banned hunting, the next step would expect to be repaid. In this case, the need to stop the be to ban shooting and fishing. The legislation that we resources that the UK and others provide through debt passed, however, has not been the thin end of the relief being diverted from poor countries justifies reducing wedge, and we have seen no subsequent measures to contractual rights. It is not the case that contracts ban shooting and fishing. Those who put forward those would be torn up; rather, creditors will not be able to arguments were wrong to do so and, similarly, those pursue payment beyond the level assessed as sustainable who say that supporting this carefully calibrated Bill by the IMF and the World Bank. will open the door to a far more extreme Bill that would Legislation not infrequently has some effect on the jeopardise Britain’s long-standing reputation as a leading value of existing contracts. Although this is more unusual, financial centre have just got it wrong. It is not like that. there are precedents for legislation that changes existing contractual and other property rights. For example, I Mr. Chope: Is not the Minister’s argument about was responsible for leading on the Banking (Special precedent completely undermined by the fact that has Provisions) Act 2008 and the Banking Act 2009, both of just cited his own very controversial Banking Act 2009 which provide, in limited and defined circumstances, for as the precedent for what he is proposing today? powers to transfer the shares in, or property of, a bank to another person. Such a step should be taken only if there is a compelling public policy case for doing so, Ian Pearson: I cited the Banking Act as an example of which we believe there to be in this instance. I hope that a situation in which exceptional circumstances and the Bill will receive its Second Reading today and that compelling reasons—in that case, the need to ensure we can accelerate it through Committee, but I do not financial stability—allow contract law to be interfered expect passing it into law to result in any significant with. In general, however, the presumption has always impact on the UK’s competitiveness for financial services. been in favour of the sanctity of contractual law. We are not tearing up contract law by supporting this Bill; far The commercial debt relief expected under the HIPC from it. We are ensuring that there will be fair treatment initiative is less than 0.1 per cent. of the total debts of for all creditors when some of the debts of a HIPC developing countries. The proposal is limited to a fixed country are being pursued by a small minority of stock of debt that has already been contracted, and it is unscrupulous creditors. clear that it will have no impact on new lending.

Mr. Chope: So what does the Minister say about the Ms Keeble: Does my hon. Friend accept that the comments of the Alternative Investment Management arrangements relating to the wind-down of banks that Association, which states: were required as a result of the credit crunch—which “The proposed legislation would damage the reputation of led to criticism from Opposition Members—were necessary English law and make the City of London less hospitable to because the public could not continue to underwrite the investors”? UK banks’ losses in an unsustainable way? There is a Does he discount that as irrelevant? similar argument for initiating an orderly wind-down of the debts of developing countries. Again, this would protect the interests of British taxpayers, who are having Ian Pearson: I do not discount it as irrelevant. The to underwrite those losses as well. association is entitled to its view, but I do not happen to agree with it. I have a lot of time for investment management—more so than many people in this House Ian Pearson: My hon. Friend is right. She is not only or in the country generally. It performs a vital function an expert in debt relief but a distinguished member of in ensuring that economies can get the finance they the Treasury Committee, and she has followed these need in order to grow. I always consider carefully the matters closely. views of associations that represent such companies, I used the Banking Act as an example in my argument but I do not believe that what they are saying in this about contractual law. It was exactly because there were instance reflects the true situation. We are talking about compelling policy reasons that we enacted that legislation. a very small number of transactions overall. That is why we acted in that instance, and I strongly My hon. Friend the Member for Denton and Reddish’s believe that there is an equally compelling public policy Bill has been carefully calibrated, and the Government reason to support the measures in my hon. Friend the want to ensure that English law retains its status as a Member for Denton and Reddish’s Bill, to which my 577 Debt Relief (Developing 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Debt Relief (Developing 578 Countries) Bill Countries) Bill [Ian Pearson] and limited stock of historical debt owed by the poorest countries provides an important means of tackling the hon. Friend the Member for Northampton, North has problem. spoken so eloquently today. As Members will be aware from reading the Bill, The hon. Member for South-West Hertfordshire raised future lending is explicitly excluded from its scope, a point about creditors. Some people argue that they which is fundamentally right. To address directly the should be able to choose whether to participate in the point raised by the hon. Member for South-West arrangements, rather than being forced to do so. That Hertfordshire, the main argument of those who say that would not happen in the case of a company insolvency, the Bill will not benefit developing countries rests on as we have discussed, and I hope that I have made the the assumption that commercial lenders will be put off case that it would be unfair if one or two creditors were from making them loans in future. It cannot be clearer able to operate as free riders when everyone else had in the Bill—it was also clear from what my hon. Friend decided to participate in the initiative. the Member for Northampton, North said when she introduced it—that future lending is explicitly excluded I believe in providing debt relief, on development and from the Bill’s scope. I thus see no reason why the Bill moral grounds. There is also a strong economic argument should affect future lending. In providing a solution to for full participation. HIPC debts cannot be substantially the problems of vulture funds and of creditors acting in repaid without debt relief, and the HIPC initiative aims what I believe is an unscrupulous way, it provides a real for all creditors to provide the level of debt relief that and tangible benefit to countries affected by having will return those debts to sustainability. The example of their debt pursued in the UK courts. insolvency law is directly relevant here. Because there is no equivalent to insolvency for countries, they are vulnerable That brings me to the question raised about what to the small number of unscrupulous creditors who other countries are doing. My hon. Friend the Member refuse to participate in the necessary reduction of debt for Northampton, North has had meetings in the United that has been agreed by sovereign member states, as well States to discuss proposals for legislation, but it would as by all the other international lending institutions and not be right for me to speculate on the chances of such most other commercial companies that have made loans legislation passing through Congress. It remains the to the country in question. case that what we are doing in the UK is leading the way internationally, just as we have led the way in many This is a classic free rider problem in economic terms, aspects of the debt relief agenda over the past 10 or and the situation is being exploited by vulture funds. more years. We can be proud of that. It is nevertheless The Bill is designed to stop that happening. Debt relief helpful if other countries produce similar legislation in is funded by the UK taxpayer, and I am enormously their jurisdictions, and we want directly to encourage proud of what we have done in the United Kingdom in and support other countries to do that. The fact that that regard. Without action, however, our efforts risk the US is considering the issue at various levels is very being undermined by the small minority of unscrupulous welcome news, as it is obviously a major jurisdiction commercial creditors, with that money being diverted when it comes to the enforcement of debts. We would to investors. like other countries to follow the UK’s lead, as I said. The hon. Member for South-West Hertfordshire is Let me conclude by repeating that the UK can rightly right to mention that this is not just about vulture be proud of its international leadership in this area. The funds, given that the legislation as drafted also refers to debt relief initiatives that we have introduced have the original creditors. He is also right to say that roughly played a key role in helping to lift millions of people out half the debts in question stand in the name of the of poverty and to lay the foundations for sustained original creditors. development in 40 of the world’s poorest countries. Part The key aim of the Bill, as I understand it, is that all of the benefit that should result from the Government’s creditors provide debt relief as expected under the support, however, is being diverted by a small minority HIPC initiative; it does not discriminate between so-called of unscrupulous commercial creditors that seek to extract vulture funds and more typical commercial creditors. full repayment rather than participate in the HIPC debt The purpose of the legislation is to tackle unacceptable relief initiative. The Bill will prevent that from happening behaviour rather than certain types of fund. Once there under UK law enforceable in the UK courts, ensuring has been wide agreement on debt relief and the necessary that all creditors participate in reducing debts to a reductions, I think it just wrong for any creditor to be sustainable level. That is the moral thing to do, but it is able to turn around and say, “Well, we are not having also economically logical and will make more effective that; we do not agree to that” when everybody else has, the development aid that we all, as taxpayers, fund. and then to seek to pursue the full commercial debt. The reasons for supporting the Bill are compelling, I am clear that creditor rights are vital to smoothly and I am glad to be able to do so today. I hope that functioning financial markets and they should be altered Members across the House will join me in helping to only in exceptional circumstances. That, however, is make the Bill law by agreeing to its Second Reading what I think this Bill does—these are exceptional today. circumstances because the international community has come together to agree to debt relief as a solution to 11.7 am what has been a decades-long debt crisis. It has commanded support from all the major creditor countries and from Mr. Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): I shall very many commercial creditors. Governments have not divide the House on Second Reading, but I would taken the steps they can to reduce the problem without like to put on record some of my reservations and legislation, but although it has been reduced, the problem concerns about the Bill. I do not think that the Minister remains. A piece of legislation tightly targeted at a fixed has adequately addressed the concerns expressed by 579 Debt Relief (Developing 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Debt Relief (Developing 580 Countries) Bill Countries) Bill investment managers about the Bill’s impact on the and litigation, and that provides employment to a lot of ability of countries suffering from substantial indebtedness people. Anything that is done that, unwittingly or otherwise, to be able to obtain commercial support in the form of has the consequence of undermining that very important loans in future. part of the British economy can only be bad news. One example, which has already been cited, is what I therefore have strong reservations about the Bill on happened in Zambia. The Romanians supplied agricultural the basis of human rights and because I think the law of equipment to the Zambians and expected them to pay unintended consequences could apply. At a time when for it. I imagine that the Zambians would have had our country is teetering on the brink of losing its triple resources from grant moneys and overseas aid from A rating as a result of the extraordinarily reckless way other countries to enable them to purchase that agricultural in which the Government have managed our national equipment, but they defaulted on the debt. Ultimately, finances over the past few years, it ill behoves us to start the entitlement to the debt was transferred to another saying that we do not think people who have incurred organisation, which then sought to obtain a judgment debts as a result of commercial transactions should be against the Zambian Government. If the Zambian liable for them. Government-to-Government lending is Government are to be allowed to get that equipment a completely different issue; that is a matter, ultimately, without paying anything for it, it surely defies common for the taxpayers of the Government who have been sense to suggest that, with no effective guarantee that doing the lending and who decide not to pursue the the loans would ever be repaid, many people across the repayments. However, in terms of commercial loans in world would in future queue up to provide agricultural the private sector, the consequences of the Bill’s measures equipment backed by commercial loans to countries will be dire in the extreme, and will ultimately prove to such as Zambia. That is one of the fundamental problems be to the detriment of third world countries. with this well intentioned Bill. My heart goes out to the people of heavily indebted I am also very concerned about the retrospective poor countries. They are heavily indebted because, for nature of the Bill. We are talking about organisations the most part, their leaders have been corrupt. We need that have obtained judgments in our courts, only to find only take a look at the leaders of Liberia and other that Parliament, at the behest of the Government, is countries. Many of them have substantial funds in, for seeking to intervene to prevent those judgments from instance, Swiss bank accounts. For such countries that being enforced either in whole or in part against the are essentially corrupt, we seem, in effect, to be saying judgment debtor. That can be justified only in the most that we should indulge that corruption by writing off extreme circumstances, and I do not think that the these debts, even when they have been incurred as a Government have set out those extreme circumstances. result of commercial transactions. Consequences flow from that. First, there must be a I hope that this matter is looked at in much greater big question mark over whether the Bill’s provisions are detail in Committee. There must not be a knee-jerk compliant with the relevant articles of the European reaction, when people say, “Well, this sounds like a convention on human rights. We know from the background good idea; let’s go ahead with it.” Instead, we should material that leading counsel opinion is that the existing take a careful look at the consequences that would flow provisions would be contrary to the ECHR. The Minister from the Bill in its current form. has not been able to assure us that the concerns of leading counsel in that respect have now been allayed as 11.15 am a result of anything the Government have done, so I regard that issue as still very much at large, and think Ms Keeble: The hon. Member for Christchurch that it is highly debatable whether the Bill is compliant (Mr. Chope) has talked about some of his concerns with the ECHR for the reasons I have set out. about the Bill. They are shared by others, but they are If the Government’s argument is that there are compelling not well founded or substantial, and I shall deal with reasons justifying the unusual stance that has been them in the course of my remarks. taken, my argument would be that those reasons are less First, let me say a few words about the general point compelling in respect of retrospection, where judgment of the Bill. When the history of these times is written, I has already been obtained for the debts. If we take a am sure that one of the great movements that will be look at the detail, we see that this legislation could be noted is the great flood tide of international opinion for applied in various ways. The Government have chosen ending global poverty. The response to the Ethiopian the most wide-ranging interpretation—and therefore, in famine of the 1980s grabbed public attention in a way my view, the most oppressive interpretation. It is also never seen before, and harnessed public opinion across potentially the most inimical to the British system of the developed world. The formulation of the millennium justice, because the following is bound to happen: whereas development goals, with their targets for creating a at present many of these international contracts are better world, have been worked through national drawn up in accordance with the provisions of English Government and international organisation mechanisms law and then are justiciable in the British courts, if we to produce real change. The Make Poverty History are unable in future to demonstrate some consistency in campaign motivated the public in the richest countries how we organise our legal affairs in this country, potential in the world to force our leaders to commit to ending creditors will engage in forum shopping and make sure the scandal that gives a child in Africa a fraction of the that the contracts are drawn up in law other than life expectancy of a UK child, not to mention the very English law and that the forum where they are determined much lower chances of getting an education, health are courts other than the British courts. That would care, a job or even—tragically, in this day and age—enough undermine our system of justice. As a result of history, to eat each day. As well as the issues of increasing aid, we have, in London in particular, an international forum of improving trade and of governance—about which for resolving international disputes by both arbitration the hon. Member for Christchurch is absolutely right—an 581 Debt Relief (Developing 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Debt Relief (Developing 582 Countries) Bill Countries) Bill [Ms Keeble] undertaken are underwritten by the British taxpayer, and I see no reason why such an arrangement, which is important aspect of this world opinion has been the working in a constructive way at our constituents’ expense, understanding that a poor country cannot develop if it should be ripped off by firms that decide they are not is shackled by debt, and that is what this private Member’s going to play ball and are going to do something Bill addresses. different. Of course, the debts that are being pursued Governments have already taken steps to write off most aggressively—the hon. Member for South-West debt—the hon. Gentleman referred to that—although Hertfordshire raised this issue—are bought on the secondary some countries do not subscribe to the consensus view market. I am not sure, but I think the Romanian debt on that, so there is still work to do. Consideration must, was a Government debt that was then bought on the for instance, be given to the situation for countries such secondary market, so the divisions that the hon. Member as China; its investments in Africa and how that is for Christchurch referred to cannot be quite so neatly working should be addressed. There has also been drawn. genuine progress on the cancellation of public debt, and The hon. Member for South-West Hertfordshire also I talked about that in my earlier speech. dealt with human rights. Human rights compliance This Bill deals with the rest of the commercial debts. obviously has to be written off or dealt with in the It deals with the creditors who will not voluntarily, legislation, and that issue will be looked at in Committee. either out of normal commercial interest or for ethical He also raised the question of who this measure will reasons, engage with the debt cancellation process, and benefit and whether it will benefit developing countries, who remain outside the international consensus and the which is a big issue. Various figures were mentioned, international mechanisms for dealing with developing and the one that I have been working on is £1.2 billion, country debt, instead aggressively pursuing the debts at which is the amount currently in process. It can almost the expense of the poorest people in the world. Therefore, be argued that that figure is too small. I think it is about the Bill addresses a small part of a very big picture. the size of the RBS bonus pot, so from that point of That is an account of the broad idealism that has view it is not a vast amount of money to legislate for. driven everyone who has been involved in the whole However, as has been discussed throughout consideration movement to address debt cancellation and world poverty, of the Bill, it is money that is intended to tackle some of but the hon. Member for South-West Hertfordshire the worst poverty in the world, and what it can buy in (Mr. Gauke) pointed us to the Bill’s details, and he was the way of services in countries where services are right to do so because that needs to be looked at. He needed is absolutely massive. identified three big issues, but I counted four. I hope his maths improve if he is to find himself on the Opposition Mr. Gauke: The figure of £145 million that I quoted Treasury Front Bench. comes from the Treasury’s own impact assessment and is the transfer from the creditors to the HIPC states. I Mr. Andrew Robathan (Blaby) (Con): Or the Treasury quoted that figure because it is the Government’s own Front Bench. estimate, rather than the £1.2 billion that the hon. Lady quoted. Ms Keeble: No, not the Treasury Front Bench. The Opposition need to be numerate as well as our own, very numerate, Minister. Ms Keeble: I think the £1.2 billion is the amount One of the issues is contractual rights. Of course that currently in the process of being sued in all the actions is an issue, but I think the Minister dealt with some of that have been referred to. So the amount that the HIPC the key points. Remarks were made about the need for countries will be deprived of if the Bill is not enacted is orderly wind-downs and orderly management of debts. about £1.2 billion—[Interruption.] Okay, but it would There are arguments on that, and also on the trade-off make a very significant difference in terms of what it between the contractual rights of people who hold could buy in the way of services for the countries debts and the public purse, which has to fund public concerned, so this legislation would be effective. services at the same time. That trade-off has been of On the risk premium, one argument is that although acute concern here in the UK, and it also reads across the measure might provide this little bit of money to to issues to do with debt management on the international developing countries—£145 million, or whatever it stage. is—because it will increase the cost of credit for those However, this measure involves not just a whimsical countries, in the long run it will be damaging. That view ripping up of contracts, but the pulling of vulture has also been put forward by some commentators in funds—the outriders of capitalism, as it were—into a their submissions, but it is not well founded for several complex, internationally agreed process that calculates reasons. The measure will certainly increase the risks for how much such countries can afford to pay and then the vulture funds—and frankly, good thing, too. If it makes arrangements for that amount be paid, while discourages them from taking actions that are unacceptable, providing the necessary due legal process. So this is not or denies them the opportunity to make cheap money at an irrational, whimsical or illogical process but part of British taxpayers’ and developing country populations’ internationally agreed—and debated to death, probably— expense, then we should recognise, as my hon. Friend procedures and mechanisms. the Minister said, that those are the morally repugnant The hon. Member for Christchurch said that the activities that it is intended to prevent, while allowing situation is different if the relationship is Government for orderly wind-downs. to Government, but one problem is that we cannot As is clear in the Bill and as my hon. Friend the divide off the public and private sectors in this area—or, Minister pointed out, future debts are specifically excluded indeed, elsewhere. Government-to-Government relations and rightly so, because the Bill deals with the HIPC for dealing with the debt cancellation that we have process, which relates to historic debt. Therefore, the 583 Debt Relief (Developing 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Debt Relief (Developing 584 Countries) Bill Countries) Bill Bill will not increase the risks for the future; however, Minister describe something as morally repugnant— there is a much bigger issue. The hon. Member for certainly a Treasury Minister talking about financial Christchurch talked about the appalling track record of activities. The Bill is therefore receiving stronger ethical some developing countries, and about Government support and a stronger push from the Front Bench than corruption, Swiss bank accounts and so on. The thing many other things do. It would also probably be supported that will really encourage proper investment and the by some 90 per cent. of the financial services industry, proper handling of debts and credit in developing countries which operates in a completely proper way and has been is their having sound, growing economies, good governance, involved in the writing off of some of the debts of such strong institutions and all the other things required for countries. stable growth in the long-term. That is what will give investors the greatest confidence, and it is precisely what Mr. Chope: If this is such a popular measure, why the HIPC process is designed to do, as my hon. Friend does the hon. Lady think that—apart from herself, and the Minister said. It is not just a question of saying, she is promoting the Bill today—I have been the only “Oh dear, these people can’t pay their debts. They are a Back-Bench contributor to this debate? basket-case—we are going to write the debts off.” It is about deciding how we handle the development process for these historic debts, which have shackled such countries Ms Keeble: I think that people want the Bill to get on in a terrible way and left them vulnerable to exploitation to the statute book, and they have not turned up here to by the vulture funds, so that they can build more secure object to it. With the distinguished exception of the futures. That is precisely what responsible, ethical, sound speech by the hon. Member for Christchurch, who has investors would want to see happen in these countries, a track record of ensuring that he puts the awkward and this Bill is part of achieving just that. questions—and rightly so—people will have heard that there is huge support for this legislation from all the It is really important that this Bill gets through all its parties, and that is unusual. They will say, “Well that’s stages and on to the statute book, and I am very funny; everybody agrees with it, and everybody says grateful for the support of the hon. Member for Hazel that it is a good idea and that they want it to happen—so Grove (Andrew Stunell). We obviously could not get why hasn’t it happened?” That is why it is important through all the stages today because, rightly, it needs that if there really is a political consensus on getting this scrutiny and discussion and people need to see that measure on to the statute book—and sooner rather happen so that they can be reassured. However, we do than later, because things take time to get up and need to get it through before the election and time is running again after an election—we take the opportunity limited, so I hope we can get Government time for to do it. This is not a matter of the political arguments, Committee stage, and Opposition support for that. I because we have been through them all and they have urge my hon. Friends who are the business managers, pretty much been won; this is a matter of the political and the hon. Member for South-West Hertfordshire, to will to manage the process. I very much hope that in the ensure that that happens, because there is a further issue remainder of this Parliament this will all be achieved. I at stake: the credibility of this House and of our processes. commend the Bill to the House and I hope that people What the many people who have a burning passion will support its Second Reading. for and interest in this subject will have heard this morning is that there is a real economic logic to the Question put and agreed to. proposals in the Bill. There is also an ethical imperative; Bill accordingly read a Second time; to stand committed indeed, I think this is the first time I have heard a to a Public Bill Committee (Standing Order No. 63). 585 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 586 (Amendment) Bill Sustainable Communities Act 2007 Once again, the leadership and efforts of Local Works (Amendment) Bill have inspired an early-day motion. Early-day motion 143 has attracted some 348 signatures, which constitutes Second Reading more than 50 per cent. of the Members of the House and a significantly higher proportion of Back Benchers, as can be seen once Government Members who are not 11.31 am able to sign such early-day motions are taken out of the Alistair Burt (North-East Bedfordshire) (Con): I beg equation. The motion reads as follows: to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. “That this House notes the success of the Sustainable Communities I have great pleasure in presenting this Bill which, as Act 2007 as the first step towards building a bottom up democracy; further notes the enthusiasm shown by local authorities across the House will note, is a short amendment to the England in deciding to use the Act, with 100 councils having Sustainable Communities Act 2007. That Act, and therefore already used that process and a further 50 councils having stated this amendment to it, is the product of an extraordinary their intention to do so at the next available opportunity, showing grass-roots movement that brought together two significant that nearly half of all councils wish to use the Act’s process in the forces, both of which are as relevant today as they were future; notes also the genuine cross-party support that the original three years ago: a concern that the sustainability of Act commanded; and so supports the provisions of the Sustainable town and country life was being imperilled by myriad Communities Act Amendment Bill introduced in Session 2008-09 which would extend the 2007 Act by ensuring that the process of changes, gradually leading to a loss of facilities, large involvement established by the Act becomes an on-going process and small; and a sense of frustration that people were rather than a one-off event, by involving parish and town councils powerless to do anything to change the situation. This and their county associations in the process and by empowering short Bill builds on both those sentiments. citizens to petition their councils to use the Act if they are not I wish to outline briefly what the Bill is about and already doing so.” then remind the House of the forces that brought the This Bill builds on that early-day motion, which is well 2007 Act into being. I hope to demonstrate what has supported by Members of all parties. happened since then: how early progress in implementing The 2007 Act, which the Bill seeks to amend, had its the provisions is encouraging and why, therefore, this Second Reading debate in this House on 19 January short amending Bill is helpful and timely. I then propose 2007. In moving that the Bill be read a Second time, my to look in rather more detail at this Bill’s provisions and hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip-Northwood said: I shall, of course, be pleased to respond to concerns or queries from the House about them. “The Bill will make the Government more responsive to an issue that arouses genuine passion and concern—the problem of My first task is to acknowledge that I stand on the community decline in Britain. It will push the Government to go shoulders of a number of giants who were responsible further in giving real power to local authorities and the people for the passing of the original legislation and who whom they serve. That is the only path to delivering sustainable remain in close contact with the process of carrying out communities that will stand the test of time.”—[Official Report, its intentions. At grass-roots level, Local Works remains 19 January 2007; Vol. 455, c. 1037.] the driving force of the campaign to revitalise local As the House of Commons Library research paper community through this effort in what might be termed helpfully reminds us: “the new democracy”. The House should acknowledge “The driving force behind the Bill was Local Works, a pressure an extraordinary coalition of interests that has come group representing a sizeable coalition of organisations. The together to support Local Works. The coalition includes campaign began following the publication of studies by the New the Federation of Small Businesses, the Campaign to Economics Foundation entitled Ghost Town Britain. These Protect Rural England, the National Federation of highlighted, in particular, the decline in numbers of corner shops, SubPostmasters, Age Concern, Help the Aged, the grocers, banks, post offices and pubs which meant that communities Woodland Trust, the National Federation of Women’s and neighbourhoods no longer had easy access to ‘such essential Institutes and the Campaign for Real Ale, to name just elements of both the economy and the social fabric of the country.’” a few. Any idea or concept that can bring together so many people, not simply to pursue an abstract ideal, but That brief précis can do little justice to an extraordinary to make something work in practice, has to be worthy of series of meetings that had taken place around the serious recognition. country and engaged the interest of Members of Parliament Local Works sees its manifestation around the of all parties. They found a vibrancy in both defending parliamentary estate mostly in the person of Ron Bailey, local communities and challenging the forces that had who is known to many of us. His hard work and his changed them, in some cases radically, which people knowledge of parliamentary procedure are of immense feared they were powerless to stand against. While benefit to us all, and I am very grateful for his help in recognising the institutions of democracy in this country putting together the background work for today’s Second upon which we all rely, particularly local and national Reading debate. May I also acknowledge the help and Government, the campaign expressed an unease that support that some of the original parliamentary drivers the modern working of these institutions seemed to of the legislation have given? In particular, I should leave communities and people behind. What was needed mention my hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip- was a new way of engaging with them, which would not Northwood (Mr. Hurd), and the hon. Members for circumvent their democratic powers or those of local Falmouth and Camborne (Julia Goldsworthy) and for authorities, but would complement them by suggesting Stroud (Mr. Drew). That powerful all-party coalition a radical process for the presentation and consideration has also sponsored my Bill—their names are among of ideas. others—so the House can see instantly that the Bill has On 12 July 2007, Lord Marlesford said in moving attracted the all-party backing that was crucial to the that the Bill be read a Second time in the other place passage of the Sustainable Communities Bill. that 587 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 588 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill “the campaign had to take a view on what we were seeking to The bare figures are only one part of the story, achieve in place of ghost town Britain. The answer must be however. A number of different sources provide testimony sustainable communities. Bearing in mind our starting point, that to the impact not only of the original campaign but of clearly meant the reversal of the decline in local economies, the Act on local communities that have been stimulated services and communities highlighted in the reports that I mentioned. But sustainable, healthy communities should also be environmentally to take part in the process that originated in the legislation. sustainable. They should be inclusive and encourage citizen I shall quote from some of them. participation; otherwise they will not be sustainable as communities. Councillor Keith Mitchell, chairman of the LGA Hence, the four limbs were: promoting local economic activity, selector panel, said after the first round: the environment, social inclusion, and citizen involvement. What is certain is that this problem will continue unless action is taken “It is great to see so much enthusiasm from councils, ready to to stop it.”—[Official Report, House of Lords, 12 July 2007; expand their responsibilities to do everything they can to make Vol. 693, c. 1565.] life better for their residents and we would expect nothing less. The proposals which have been submitted are practical responses The principal aim of the Act therefore was to promote to specific local conditions, plans which councils are uniquely the sustainability of local communities, which meant placed to be able to generate and upon which they can act. encouraging the improvement of economic, social or Unsurprisingly the recession is a strong theme as councils look to environmental well-being. The mechanism of delivery continue their efforts to offer support to local businesses and vital would be for local communities to work with their local assistance to local people…Innovative projects will be created in authorities, following the invitation of the Secretary of many parts of the country as a result of these ideas and some will no doubt be rolled out more widely where they are shown to have State, to make proposals that would contribute to promoting the potential to improve things on a larger scale.” local community sustainability. These proposals, which, by definition, would be drawn from a wide range of Let me give one or two particular examples. groups and organisations interacting with their local A Hackney resident was delighted to find, after he councils in an innovative way that is typically described had worked with local residents groups and made a by many of us who are involved as bottom-up rather suggestion to Hackney council, that his proposal had than top-down, would go on to be evaluated by a been submitted to the LGA and shortlisted, and that it selector. That selector became the Local Government is now before the Secretary of State. His idea was subtly Association, which would use its skills, expertise and to change the planning rules for betting shops—Hackney experience to draw up a shortlist of proposals to offer currently has the highest concentration of betting shops to the Secretary of State. It would then be the Secretary in the country. A Wiltshire librarian, Mr. Brian Purvis, of State’s job to come back to explain what he or she suggested increasing the tax on chewing gum to help to would like done with the proposals and how they might cover the expense of clearing it from the pavement. His be implemented. proposal, one of 20 shortlisted by his county following the introduction of the Act, has reached the LGA’s A further radical part of the Act was to require shortlist. transparency in detailing what public money came into a local area through the publication of local spending Evidence also shows that councils have made positive reports. That would enable the public to see at a glance efforts in the first round to involve under-represented exactly what was being spent in an area, what was groups. For example, in Islington the proposals went to committed and what might be deemed to be discretionary a newly formed panel for consideration. The panel and could therefore be transferred to a different area of included residents from groups with which councils had community priority. We will return to these local spending traditionally struggled to engage as well as forum members reports, perhaps, a little later. of such groups. It included a blind resident, a resident with learning disabilities and a resident— with an It was a considerable success for my hon. Friend the interpreter—who spoke English as a second language. Member for Ruislip-Northwood to get that Bill passed. Another example was the “Making Chorley Smile” It had initially met with some scepticism from the panel, which included a range of people of varying Government, but through the honest and patient work ages, gender, ethnicities, residence and employment status. of the hon. Member for Oldham, East and Saddleworth Paul Scriven, the leader of Sheffield city council, said of (Mr. Woolas), when he was at the Department for the first draft proposals from Sheffield’s citizens panel: Communities and Local Government and, in particular, “This is the first time anything has been endorsed by the of his then Parliamentary Private Secretary, the hon. council’s cabinet that has been drawn up by local people rather Member for West Ham (Lyn Brown)—I am delighted than the other way around. It’s so refreshing.” to see her in her new place as a Whip on the Government Let me give two or three more examples from different Front Bench—a constructive relationship was formed parts of the country.South Hams district council suggested that enabled the Government eventually to support that that Government and local authority housing and planning Bill once it had been through Committee and the process requirements should be amended to allow private of refinement that that involves. individuals and non-profit groups to build affordable The practical impact of all that was that the right homes for their own use. Teignbridge district council hon. Member for Salford (Hazel Blears), then the Secretary suggested that the Government should acknowledge of State for Communities and Local Government, issued the role of community land bank trusts and ensure an invitation on 14 October 2008 to local authorities involvement at a local level in future housing development. inviting them to make such proposals as were suggested Liverpool city council suggested that post offices not be in the Act. The process was thereby triggered and closed until the local co-operative development office 100 local authorities submitted proposals in the first has been given the time and training budget to see round. All in all, 301 proposals were submitted and of whether an increase in capacity could result in local these 199 were shortlisted by the LGA in its role as people taking over the management of the premises. selector. They are being considered by DCLG, but no Bearing in mind what my Front-Bench colleagues were decisions have yet been made. saying last week about the co-operative principle, which 589 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 590 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill [Alistair Burt] authorities of young people and people with learning difficulties. Thus, a range of ideas has been presented I am delighted to see is alive and well on these Benches, under the original Act. the idea that groups of people can come together and With all that in the pipeline, what need is there for the put forward such a proposal seems a good thing. Bill? Successful though the previous Bill was in becoming an Act, there were one or two areas where, on reflection, Mr. Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con): May I give more might have been done to fulfil the objectives another excellent example of that? The Government behind the campaign and the Act. This Bill seeks to sought to close a series of rural post offices in my redress those omissions. Rather than wait for settled constituency, but there was uproar in the local community. practice to surround the Act and an amendment to be Essex county council was sensitive to the needs and made to it at a later stage, I, together with those who demands of local people and gave the extra financial signed the early-day motion, which I remind the House support that was needed for a short period of time is a majority of its Members, and campaigners outside effectively to give those post offices a second chance. believe it would be helpful to make changes now, before The community said that they wanted to use them, so the procedures associated with the Act become set. Essex county council said, “Okay, we will give you At this point I should mention a technical matter. another x months.” More people then went in and made The long title of the Bill needs a short amendment. The a post office sustainable whereas it once had not been. House will be aware that the purpose of the long title is to ensure that when the Bill is drawn up in more detail Alistair Burt: My hon. Friend cites an admirable at a subsequent stage, all the various elements have been example of local community involvement provoking a captured at the time of First Reading. What is unusual change to what might otherwise have happened. The today is that I hope to take the Bill through all its stages Sustainable Communities Act has allowed more of that in the Commons at one time. Accordingly, I wish to give to be engendered around the country and has given notice that should the Bill go into Committee, I will people the sense that they have some power. move a short manuscript amendment which, I believe, is Let me digress for a moment before I come to the available on the Floor of the House. It proposes that in substance of the Bill. This has all posed serious issues line 1 of the long title, the words from “2007” to the end for those of us in representative positions. We have of line 3 should be left out. taken it for granted for a long time that we do this The amendment is designed with two aims—first, to job—people come to us, we make the decisions, we remove the word “town”, as legislation does not make organise, we tell people what to do. When there is specific mention of town councils. They are considered enormous trust and a clear bond between those who are to be akin to parish councils, for which statutory definitions elected and those who elect them, that is fine. However, exist. Secondly, the amendment would knock out the experience in recent years has shown that that bond has word “expenditure”, as there is no expenditure involved been more difficult. We have seen the numbers of people in the Bill. Both the Table Office and the Clerks have voting at local council level decline steadily. We have been informed of the proposed manuscript change. had our own issues with the number of people voting in The substance of this short Bill is twofold. The general elections in recent times and, of course, we have intention behind the original Act was not to engage the had the issues in relation to the authority of this House, interest of the community for a one-off round of proposals, which are too well known and painful to bear repeating. which would then be subjected to scrutiny and eventual So to create a mechanism that encourages people to decision. It was, rather, to involve the public in a process engage with their local authorities and with Government with their local authorities and government, but no in a new way has been refreshing and exciting. My hon. specific provision was made in the original Bill for a Friend the Member for Braintree (Mr. Newmark) illustrates continuing process, despite the intention. This Bill seeks how something can happen as a result of that positive to achieve that. It therefore requires the Secretary of engagement, and this new Bill is coming along to keep State to specify the date on which an invitation to make that going. I shall return to that point in a moment. new proposals by way of a second round should be I shall give one or two other examples of local issued. This notice must be given by 1 January 2011, as authorities making use of the proposals under the Act. set out in clause 2(2). Hackney borough council suggested the introduction of We have got where we are today following negotiation wider powers for councils to reflect residents’ views and with the Department for Communities and Local influence the shape of local high streets, where the Government and with the Under-Secretary of State for concentration of particular kinds of businesses can Communities and Local Government, the hon. Member mean that the needs of local people are not met and for Stevenage (Barbara Follett), who is here today. I local communities cease to be sustainable. Planning is thank her and her officials who assisted her in arriving an issue that has surely crossed all our desks at various at this point. Those of us promoting the Bill have not times, when local communities seem, almost to a man got everything that we sought at the outset, but we have and woman, to be against a particular proposal or have come to what we think is a realistic estimation of what some particular idea, yet for some reason in planning can be achieved, and we are grateful to the Minister and law those views are not taken into account. Inspectors’ her officials for assisting us to get to this stage. decisions always seem to follow a line that the community We believe we have a clear understanding that under cannot follow, and people wonder why their voice is the clause 2, where we suggest in proposed new section 5B least heard voice in the entire process. the power to make new regulations, this will allow for As a final example, the Bristol city council panel further proposals to be made in future and those regulations proposed amendments to the Local Government and will be used to create the continuing process that we are Housing Act 1989 to support the employment in local looking for, having got one new starting date included 591 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 592 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill in the Bill. I am particularly encouraged by the been made to support his local hospitals, which were comments made by the Secretary of State in the House under threat from the processes that the Department of on 26 January: Health initiated. A strong local community came together “I see no reason why the Act will not form a permanent part of in Worthing, looked at the availability of finance and the local-national relationship in this country.”—[Official Report, thought, “Is this something we could get into in future 26 January 2010; Vol. 504, c. 667.] so that, when the totality of spending in an area is Although the Bill contains only the date for the second considered, we might have some say even on these very round, we fully envisage that proposals will come forward big decisions.” The scope of the 2007 Act has yet to be for future rounds through the regulations and that they determined, but my hon. Friend will have particular will make provision for that. experience of working with and, indeed, leading local In support of this part of the Bill, the Local Government opinion in his area when confronting a national decision Association says in its briefing for the debate: on which local people have said they deserve a voice. To an extent, this debate is a reflection of that happening “The LGA Group supports the content of the proposed legislation. throughout the country. Councils supported the introduction of the original Sustainable Communities Act in 2007, recognising the unique opportunities it Another key proposal in my Bill is to refer more provided them to bid for additional tools to tackle issues specific specifically in the process to parish and, by implication, to their locality. The LGA is specifically supportive of the proposals town councils. The involvement of parish and town within this Bill to introduce a further round of submissions. This councils was very much in the minds of the promoters will remove some of the uncertainty which currently encompasses of the original Bill, but their role was not stated explicitly the future of the current round of proposals.” and became lost in the proceedings. The determination Councillor David Shakespeare, the leader of the of such councils to be more explicitly involved has Conservative group on the LGA, said: influenced our negotiations with the Minister and DCLG, “It is vital that this process”— and it is reflected in the regulations under proposed new he was referring to the process initiated by the original section 5B of the 2007 Act. Act— I have some 50 parish councils in my constituency, “is continued...This new Bill will mean that the ‘proposals to together with the town councils of Arlesey, Stotfold, government process’ ushered in by the 2007 Act will continue: a Biggleswade, Sandy and Potton. No Member who engages date for this and a stated ongoing process are essential—otherwise regularly with their local parish and town councils can enthusiasm will turn to yet more cynicism about local political doubt their effectiveness or their involvement in so involvement. many matters that affect the daily lives of the communities Action is needed, anything less will send another negative that we seek to represent. I meet my local parish and signal to voters and lead to further withdrawal from activity.” town councils regularly, either individually or more Councillor Richard Kemp, the leader of the Local often as groups, to discuss subjects ranging from traffic, Government Association’s Liberal Democrat group said: crime, planning and how to care for the most needy in “It is crucial that the…process is ongoing, so that the involvement their area, to unemployed youngsters. and engagement can continue. The Amendment Bill will ensure I have parish councils that wish to take advantage of that the Act’s process is ongoing.” the new processes in order to enhance their status, and Others who supported the original Act through Local others that are content to remain as they are, and have Works have also made their support clear. been for many years. When I was approached about the Bill, I felt particularly strongly that their involvement Peter Bottomley (Worthing, West) (Con): My hon. with proposals that emerge from their communities Friend has kindly quoted the Local Government should be more explicitly stated. On behalf of such Association’s support, and earlier he referred to the councils I am pleased that that has been recognised by campaigners, but will he inform the House of the main the proposed regulations in the Bill, and by the Minister’s campaigners and pass on our gratitude to them for their comments during our discussions. success with both the original Act and this Bill? I shall again cite proceedings in the other place, quoting two comments that show the importance of Alistair Burt: Indeed. I made a reference to the parish councils not only to this House but elsewhere. campaigners at the beginning of my speech, but I am On Second Reading in the other place, Lord Cameron happy to reiterate it. Local Works drew together a wide of Dillington said: variety of bodies that campaigned for the legislation, “I was sorry to see that the earlier intention of giving more direct control to parish councils got squeezed out in the Bill’s and there was a substantial list, which I shall briefly passage through the other place, and that it is now the principal repeat: the National Federation of Small Businesses, councils that have control. However, I am glad that they are the Campaign to Protect Rural England, the National specifically obliged to have regard to parish plans. One of the Federation of SubPostmasters, Age Concern, the Woodland biggest bugbears of parish councils is that, having gone through Trust, the National Federation of Women’s Institutes the often rigorous process of devising a parish plan, they then and the Campaign for Real Ale—the one that we all find that no one in authority pays any attention to it. As your cite, because anything that keeps CAMRA on our side Lordships will be aware, parish councils have all too little control is exceptionally good news. I also referred specifically to over the future of their community, either in terms of planning decisions or meaningful spending powers. Anything Parliament Local Works, and to Mr. Ron Bailey for his indefatigable can do to help in that respect is most welcome.”—[Official work in promoting the legislation. Report, House of Lords, 12 July 2007; Vol. 693, c. 1573.] For my hon. Friend’s benefit, I must also say that, at I have a final quote from the other place. The late and each and every stage, everyone who is represented by a much lamented Lord Bruce-Lockhart noted: national organisation or title draws their strength from “I support the noble Lord, Lord Cameron. Devolving to what has been going on right the way through at a parish councils is extremely important.”—[Official Report, House grass-roots level. He will know the efforts that have of Lords, 12 July 2007; Vol. 693, c. 1574.] 593 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 594 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill [Alistair Burt] the original draft of the Bill and the subsequent draft, with a clause-by-clause description inviting the comments That endorsement from Sandy Bruce-Lockhart for of colleagues. I was prepared to deal with concerns as parish councils is particularly important; hardly anyone and when they came up. I have tried to be as transparent in either House of Parliament was more respected in as possible in these relationships, to enable us to contemplate local government circles than Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, taking the Bill through all its stages today. I appreciate who understood the workings of local government and how unusual that would be and how unusual it would devoted his life to it in an extraordinary way. I appreciate be for the House to allow it. this chance to pay a brief tribute to him. He spent most So there we are. This is a relatively simple two-clause of his life at the other end of the local government Bill. It deals principally with the opportunity to keep spectrum; it is particularly important that he should the Act going, to assure the public and councils that it have recognised the importance of parish councils. was not a one-off, to provide for regulations proposing Having set out the basic provisions of the Bill, I its further continuation, to place the importance of should help the House by indicating some of the stimulus parish and town councils more in the Act and more in behind bringing forward the Bill at this point. As I said, the mind of the Government, and to allow the possibility those promoting the legislation at grass-roots level saw of regulations on petitioning councils that do not wish the need to continue their efforts and have strongly to take part in the process, so that their local communities supported the process of saying that more needs to be might also feel engaged and involved. done. Quotes from some of the people whom Lambeth The Bill comes with the hope that we might be able to borough council involved with the original processes take it through all its stages today, because of the show that this matter is not just for aficionados and shortness of time left in the Session and given the those in the know; it gets right down to those involved explanations offered to the House three years ago when at the grass-roots level. Julian Kirby, a Lambeth resident, the Act was originally considered and the processes that wrote to his council: we have undergone since then to make people aware of “I am pleased to see you’re already asking for ideas re the next what it is about. It has the support of the majority of round of the Sustainable Communities Act. Unfortunately my the House, as expressed through the early-day motion, input is going to be negative, though I stress this is not aimed at and of those outside, so I hope that it will go forward. the council. As you may know, central government have not yet announced 12.5 pm a date for a second round. Until they do is there any point in asking for involvement for residents? Why would residents want Mr. Paul Keetch (Hereford) (LD): I will not detain to get involved when we don’t even know a timetable or a process the House long, because there is broad consensual for submitting more ideas? support for the excellent work of the hon. Member for Whilst I was excited to see this Act become law I am now North-East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt) and others. worried that it will just be a one off.” That work has involved not just colleagues in the House Well, Mr. Kirby, it will not just be a one-off because such as my hon. Friend the Member for Falmouth and our determination and the determination of your council, Camborne (Julia Goldsworthy) but, as the hon. Gentleman the House and the Minister is that that should not be demonstrated, a huge number of outside bodies from the case. I have just given an example of how at absolute CAMRA down that support the amendment to the grass-roots level people know about the Act and want it 2007 Act. to move on. The National Association of Local Councils, The Act has already led 100 councils to put forward which supports parish and town councils, is particularly more than 300 issues, which demonstrates how important keen, on behalf of the hundreds of parish councils and it is for local involvement. The Bill would encourage the their thousands of members, for the Bill to be taken development of the Act in an important way, by creating forward. the rolling, ongoing programme that my hon. Friend In view of the late point of the parliamentary process the Member for North-East Bedfordshire described, by at which the Bill is being introduced, I hope that it involving parish and town councils—that would be might be possible to complete all its stages here today. I particularly important in rural areas such as fully appreciate that that is an unusual request, and it is Herefordshire—and, as he said, by allowing citizens to one that I would not normally be part of. However, I petition their local authorities to ensure that they take want it to happen for three particular reasons. part. I am sure that all parties support those sensible suggestions. First, as I have said, there is a need for the Bill, as set out by those campaigning for it and those who see the I hope that we will be able to take all stages of the Bill need for amendment now. Secondly, and particularly today. The most important thing about the Bill is that it importantly, the principles of the original Bill were would increase the engagement of local people in the extensively argued in this place a very short time ago. democratic process, and surely the House should support The original Act started as a private Member’s Bill that wholeheartedly anything that can do that. I add my went through all its stages, with a great deal of discussion, support and that of my colleagues. and with amendment and reflection. The amendments that I propose today do not involve any new principle 12.7 pm that has not already been discussed extensively by the Mr. Stewart Jackson (Peterborough) (Con): It is always House. a pleasure to follow the hon. Member for Hereford Thirdly, before we reached Second Reading there was (Mr. Keetch), who was having trouble projecting his extensive consultation, with the support of Local Works voice. None of us was expecting to be called to share and others, with all colleagues in the House. On more our thoughts with the House so soon, but I will make than one occasion, I have made available to colleagues quick progress. 595 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 596 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill I begin by paying warm tribute to my hon. Friend the I concur with my hon. Friend the Member for North-East Member for North-East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt) Bedfordshire on the public meetings that have been for having been successful in obtaining a high placing in held. My meeting, which was extremely well attended, the private Members’ Bills ballot and for his generous, was held at the Great Northern Hotel in Peterborough sincere and erudite speech. He outlined the progress of in April last year. There was lots of interesting debate the 2007 Act through the House, and he took a cross-party, and argument—and good will—and a willingness and consensual approach to it and to his Bill. It is appropriate strength of feeling on the part of the community to for me also to pay tribute to all the Members who were facilitate action by my local authority, Peterborough responsible for the original Act, including the hon. city council, and to get the maximum number of people Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Julia Goldsworthy), involved. with whom I cross swords from time to time, the hon. My note of caution is that I am not entirely convinced Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew), who sometimes ploughs that every Government Department is as committed as a lonely furrow on the Labour Benches, and of course it should be both to the Act and to Total Place. I shall my hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip-Northwood name a guilty party: the Department for Work and (Mr. Hurd), whose Bill became the 2007 Act. Pensions, which spends a significant amount of public As has been said, the Bill is straightforward. It would money at local level, is not necessarily fully on message require the Secretary of State to invite local authorities with that agenda. to submit a further round of proposals to be considered With that caveat, I shall make some progress. As my under the 2007 Act, and publish regulations regarding hon. Friend said, local policy proposals have been extremely the future process, and the extension of the qualifying successful. There are a few concerns, but the Local organisations that make proposals under the Act beyond Government Association is generally considered to have local authorities. been successful in its important role as a national selector, It would be apposite briefly to look at the main parts assessing and shortlisting councils’proposals. That function of, and the process and rationale behind, the 2007 Act, has been successfully carried out and has drawn support which was made up of 10 sections and a schedule. The from the four major party groups in the LGA. We know Act added the word “sustainable”to the term “community that the LGA reported on 5 August 2009 that nearly strategy” and put into legislation the duty for local 300 proposals had been submitted by some 90 different authorities to consider the long-term sustainability of councils. My hon. Friend mentioned the comments by the communities they serve, which was already central Councillor Keith Mitchell, chairman of the selector to their thinking, and how local services and plans panel, which were very positive. contribute to that sustainability. Specifically, it created a duty for the Government to produce a local spending According to the LGA, the next phase of implementing report that details for each local authority area the the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 will start in amount of public money spent by all relevant central, earnest in the next few months. The Government are regional and local agencies on services and projects in a required to reach agreement with the LGA as selector given period. on which proposals to implement. The DCLG has not yet formally announced the format and timetable for The idea, as initially proposed in the Conservative this process, and a parliamentary answer on 4 February party policy document, “The Permissive State”, was 2010 revealed: that local authorities would be allowed to make recommendations on the allocation of any relevant “The Government are consulting the Local Government spending in their areas by drawing up a local spending Association in its role as selector under the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 and are seeking to reach agreement on which of the 199 plan, but the Act is more circumspect, albeit a similar short-listed proposals should be implemented. Many of the proposals outcome could be achieved through section 3, which are complex and raise significant practical issues but the Government invites are anxious to make progress as quickly as possible on those “local authorities to make proposals which they consider would proposals that offer practical benefits and new ways of meeting contribute to promoting the sustainability of local communities” local needs.”— [Official Report, 4 February 2010; Vol. 505, c. 531W.] and states that The LGA is lobbying for two key commitments. The “a proposal may include a request for a transfer of functions from first is for the process to be completed in a timely and one person to another” effective manner, and the LGA would like the process to following consultation with partners. The Act also states be completed by the Easter recess. The second is that that the local authority must the process should provide genuine opportunity for dialogue and negotiation. We would like a process that “establish or recognise a panel of representatives of local persons” involves face-to-face dialogue at both senior official and to be consulted on a proposal. Member/ministerial level. It might be appropriate for It would be remiss of me not to mention the wider the Minister to address that particular point when she context of the Act. My party, if elected to government, responds to the debate. is committed to legislating for a power of general We have heard of the excellent community-based competence, which was promised by Labour before and initiatives and proposals put forward by a wide range of after the 1997 election. That power synthesises with the councils, and I shall not detain the House by rehearsing ethos and philosophy of the Act and the Bill. all of them again. They include authorities as varied as There is consensus on the Government’s piloting of, South Hams district, Hackney borough council, the and strong support for, Total Place—it is supported not excellent Conservative council in Hammersmith and least by the Treasury. Total Place ties neatly into local Fulham, Southampton city council, Herefordshire county spending reports and the philosophy behind the Bill council and Bristol city council, which have all put and the Act. It is important to see the Bill in that forward eye-catching, forward-looking and progressive context—it is not necessarily a partisan issue. proposals. 597 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 598 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill [Mr. Stewart Jackson] Finally, I shall make some brief comments about my own party. We will be supporting the provisions in the We have also heard about the organisations that have Bill, and again I welcome the comments of other hon. been responsible for driving forward the political will Members. I know that my hon. Friend the Member for through the sometimes complex layers and checks and Braintree (Mr. Newmark) will bring to bear his expertise balances of our legislative and political system to get on this issue, if he is fortunate enough to catch your eye this on the statute book and get these proposals taken in the next few minutes, Madam Deputy Speaker. In seriously. The proposals will have a demonstrable impact our local green paper, “Control Shift”, published in on the quality of life for many thousands, if not millions, February last year, we wrote: of our constituents, so I pay tribute to those organisations. “The main purpose of the Sustainable Communities Act is to enable local governments to identify money spent in their area by My hon. Friend the Member for North-East central government agencies and then (after consultation with Bedfordshire mentioned the early-day motion tabled by local people) to recommend ways in which it could be spent better the hon. Member for Stroud in November last year, and by redirecting it to local priorities. The next Conservative government it is worth mentioning that very few early-day motions will work not just within the letter of this new law, but also within attract so much support. All parties share a commitment its spirit”. to the issue, because it affects not only rural and suburban It also stated that areas, but urban areas such as my constituency. The “we will operate the system set up by the Act to ensure that, when advantage of the legislation is that it is flexible and can local people have a particular priority, central government money be adapted locally. It is also dependent on the policies, is directed towards fulfilling that priority wherever possible.” strategies and behaviour of local councillors, who are We also support the extension of the Sustainable directly responsible. So not only is there top-down Communities Act to parish councils. pressure from the legislation and the responsibilities on local authorities, but community-minded people will The Bill is commendably short, but it is extremely put gentle pressure on their elected councillors to facilitate important and builds on the solid and firm foundations this progressive change. As we know, 346 hon. Members that we established in the 2007 Act. My hon. Friend the have signed the early-day motion. Member for North-East Bedfordshire touched on the important—almost existential—point that to rebuild The LGA is concerned about the proposed measures the faith and trust of people in this country in their allowing the Secretary of State to publish regulations elected representatives, they must believe that their views, on the procedure for making proposals. Such regulations thoughts and priorities can be translated into real, are likely to set out increased prescription around progressive and forward-looking change. This Bill plays consultation, engagement with parish councils, and an important part in that process, and on that basis, petitions, as well as cause confusion over the form, Her Majesty’s Opposition are delighted to give it their content and timing of proposals. According to the strong support. LGA, the resource implications for local authorities of participating under the Sustainable Communities Act should not be underestimated. 12.24 pm Many authorities have set up new consultation panels, Mr. Brooks Newmark (Braintree) (Con): In the dying run events and commissioned work to ensure that days of this Parliament, we are all keen to leave the communities were genuinely involved in the process and country in a better condition than when we first entered to give hard-to-reach groups an opportunity to have the House, and many hon. Members have hopes of their say. In addition, significant officer time is used to pushing through Bills that will leave a lasting legislative research and develop proposals to the level of detail legacy. However, the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 required for them to be considered viable. The LGA (Amendment) Bill, which we are debating today, really argues that increased prescription would, first, threaten does offer the chance to embed historic change in the to derail the innovative practice that has emerged under system of decision making in this country. round one around community engagement and consultation The 2007 Act, which today’s Bill seeks to amend, was and, secondly, risks tying the process up in red tape. an important benchmark towards building a bottom-up One of the strengths of the current process is the democracy and a clear repudiation of the centralised, implicit acknowledgment that local councils are best Whitehall diktat that we have endured for so long. Now, placed to determine how best to engage with local with the benefit of hindsight, we have the opportunity communities and determine the content and form of to add some important finesse to the 2007 Act, which proposals. was truly empowering. Indeed, it was nothing short of To summarise: let us not throw the baby out with the revolutionary, when we think of what it means for bathwater and be too prescriptive in establishing a people up and down the country. Participation, not national template on what is best for everyone in terms consultation, was its watchword, with communities able of consultation and engagement with local community to draw up local sustainability strategies that suit the groups, and let us trust local authorities to be responsive residents, and both to halt community decline and to local community groups in respect of that consultation. embed local sustainability for the future. That is government We must work on the basis that they all want to achieve by the people, for the people. the best end result and objective. Of course, in the less The Act was passed because of cross-party consensus. than benign financial situation in local government at The Bill benefits from similar backing. Indeed, early-day the moment, anything that puts cost pressures on local motion 143, which it might help to quote at some authorities from a top-down Whitehall perspective cannot length, shows just how strong that sentiment is, and also be a good thing. I am sure that the Minister would not shows the hard work done by Members of all parties to argue with that. get us to where we are today. To reiterate what my hon. 599 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 600 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill Friend the Member for North-East Bedfordshire (Alistair Alistair Burt: Parish plans, through which people Burt) said, it is worth stressing the key points of that become involved in shaping the future of their community, motion, which says: are a wonderful idea, but does my hon. Friend agree “That this House notes the success of the Sustainable Communities that they seem to hit the buffers because there is no Act 2007 as the first step towards building a bottom up democracy”. process available to take their proposals further? The Bill provides an opportunity for similar plans. I wonder That emphasis on a bottom-up democracy is key. The whether my hon. Friend has shared that experience of motion parish plans, where individuals have been engaged in a “further notes the enthusiasm shown by local authorities across plan, only to end up asking, “What now?” England in deciding to use the Act, with 100 councils having already used that process and a further 50 councils having stated their intention to do so at the next available opportunity”— Mr. Newmark: My hon. Friend makes an excellent point. I have been to a number of villages in the north I gave my hon. Friend an example of that from Braintree of the constituency that I hope to represent, and some council— of them have held meetings to discuss this matter. “showing that nearly half of all councils wish to use the Act’s However, there needs to be a cultural change as well as a process in the future; notes also the genuine cross-party support legislative one. We need to change the culture among that the original Act commanded; and so supports the provisions district councils and among those officiating and planning of the Sustainable Communities Act Amendment Bill introduced in those areas, so that they can accept a little more in Session 2008-09 which would extend the 2007 Act by ensuring flexibility and reflect the needs and desires of local that the process of involvement established by the Act becomes people much more than they have done historically. an on-going process rather than a one-off event,”— We must give people greater power over the policy this is key— and spending decisions that will forge the future of the “by involving parish and town councils and their county associations area they live in for years to come. The Bill embodies in the process and by empowering citizens to petition their that aim in letter, and I hope that the many contributions councils to use the Act if they are not already doing so.” that we will hear today will embody it in spirit as well. Early-day motion 143 has been signed by 346 hon. It is impossible to look at the intentions and substance Members, and a pretty diverse mix they are too. At the of the Bill without first scrutinising the Act that it seeks last count, of the three main parties we had 62 Liberal to amend—the Sustainable Communities Act 2007. Like Democrat signatories, 134 Labour signatories and, just today’s Bill, the Act was introduced by a Conservative edging into the lead, 138 Conservatives. Member, my hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip- The Bill not only has that wide-ranging support in Northwood (Mr. Hurd), as a private Member’s Bill. the House; it also benefits from a groundswell of public After several previous attempts to take a sustainable support. A whole spectrum of groups, from the Countryside communities Bill through the House, that one was Alliance and the Federation of Small Businesses to Age successfully steered through Parliament in 2007, with Concern and the Local Government Association, can cross-party support. As the Secretary of State said only all see the importance of the Bill that my hon. Friend is last month, it is his intention for the Act to stand part of taking through its Second Reading today. If we cannot the permanent architecture of local government. get a Bill through with that much support, from all I hope that those are all positive omens of things to parts of the House and from outside it, surely that come, as my hon. Friend the Member for North-East prompts the question: what private Member’s Bill can Bedfordshire takes his Bill through its Second Reading we get through? If the Government fail to support the today. I was a strong supporter of the previous Bill Bill today, it will send a negative signal to voters: that when it passed into legislation in 2007, and I welcome political involvement locally is something that this the Act’s initial success. All of us present in the Chamber Government just shy away from. know how important it is in fighting the corner of local Before I look at the Bill—and, naturally, the Act that decision making. It might be a comparatively short Act, it seeks to amend—I would like briefly to outline why I but what it lacks in length, it more than makes up for in am standing in support of it. I am a firm believer in impact. localism. The residents of parish and town council The existence of the Sustainable Communities Act areas in my constituency all want to take responsibility owes a considerable debt to the impassioned advocacy for improving their own lives. I have seen that they are of Local Works, a coalition of about 90 national more than capable of identifying problems and, more organisations fighting for the cause of localism. The importantly, of finding innovative solutions to them. sheer size and voracity of this coalition is a real testament Indeed, I often think that they are far more capable to the strength of feeling about sustainable communities, than many of us here in the House and in Whitehall. and there is a clear appetite for further progress. A real But there is no reason why they should have to fight for catalyst for this campaign was the work done by the this on their own. Legislation should not only support New Economics Foundation to highlight the danger of their attempts to improve their communities and make a ghost-town Britain if the decline in corner shops, them sustainable long into the future; it should also grocers, banks, post offices and pubs—to name just a enable them to do that. few—were to continue unabated. This would soon snowball into neighbourhoods and communities no longer being I speak with the support of my constituents, and my able easily to access what the New Economics Foundation parish and town councils, when I say that decisions aptly describes as should always be taken as close as possible to the community that they affect. When it comes to shaping “such essential elements of both the economy and the social the future of the communities that we live in and fabric of the country”— depend on, we must accept that local people know best. and, I might add, of our local communities. 601 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 602 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill [Mr. Newmark] Mr. Newmark: I sense my hon. Friend’s concerns from noises off, suggesting that he has strong feelings Tackling this worry head on, the 2007 Act sought to about this issue. I am sure that, like me, he will be given address the previous lack of a coherent Government time to elaborate his point admirably later. I hope that strategy to arrest both the community decline that so the amending Bill will not just facilitate but accelerate many of us have seen in our constituencies and the lack the process of taking the action to alleviate my hon. of transparency and civic participation seen in the way Friend’s concerns, so that things move on a little faster resources are allocated to, and within, a community. than they have in the past. I share his frustration that Local and central government must attach greater priority progress seems to have been made at a fairly slow to the long-term development and protection of pace—perhaps much slower than was the original intent communities—something that my constituents are definitely in the 2007 Act. pleased about. The Act has two central elements: action plans for achieving and maintaining communities and Mr. Chope: Does my hon. Friend agree that one local spending reports on public expenditure in local consequence of the implementation of clause 1 would authority areas. What is so revolutionary about these be to give the Government an excuse for yet further action plans is the new chain of information established, delay in reaching decisions on the submissions that have flowing right through from the individual, through already been made to them, and which were submitted regional structures and directly to the Secretary of State by 31 July last year? in Government. This way, local residents have a direct say in proposing changes at a national level, which will Mr. Newmark: I understand my hon. Friend’s point, help deliver sustainable projects locally. but I do not believe that either my hon. Friend the Under the purposely broad remit of grouping these Member for North-East Bedfordshire or the Government proposals under the four headings of the environment, want progress to be delayed. I do not quite share my the local economy, social inclusion and democratic hon. Friend’s cynicism, therefore. involvement, the scope of the Act is dramatically expanded, along with the power of local decision making. Alistair Burt: I understand the point made by my Theoretically, no matter how small the voice propounding hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch (Mr. Chope), it, if a proposed scheme will improve a community’s but I hope this provision will allow the Government and sustainability in any of those four areas, it will be given Secretary of State to have greater flexibility in handling a fair hearing by the Secretary of State and the appointed existing proposals, which should help them to decide on selector, the Local Government Association. Whether some of them more quickly. My hon. Friend makes a implemented or rejected, each proposal— and those fair point, as some proposals have been on the books who submit it—will be given feedback, ensuring that for a long time, and the Government have been pressed local people—those best able to diagnose specific localised on that on a number of occasions, but I hope giving this problems—can provide tailor-made, practical and often flexibility might address the problem. highly innovative proposals to deal with specific local conditions. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government (Barbara Follett) Mr. Stewart Jackson: Does my hon. Friend agree that rose— our party’s commitment to repatriate regeneration moneys, regional spatial strategy and housing and planning powers Alistair Burt: If my hon. Friend the Member for to the local level, particularly to local authorities, is Braintree (Mr. Newmark) is feeling generous, he might entirely complementary to the philosophy behind the give way to the Minister, who is seeking to catch his eye. Sustainable Communities Act 2007 and this amending Bill? Mr. Newmark: Indeed; I shall give way from the monkey to the organ-grinder. Mr. Newmark: Not only is it complementary, it is truly within the spirit of what people in our constituencies Barbara Follett: I thank the hon. Gentleman, who is say they want when we talk to them—local people anything but a monkey. know what is best for their own communities and they It is the Government’s intention to move as quickly are the best drivers of what is best for the communities as possible on this, and the Bill gives us precisely the in which they live from day to day. flexibility we need to do so.

Mr. Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): Earlier, Mr. Newmark: I hope that when the Minister comes my hon. Friend gave the example of Essex county to deliver her winding-up speech, she will address the council intervening to help post offices. That was done concerns that my hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch completely outwith the umbrella of this particular (Mr. Chope) will no doubt raise, perhaps not at too legislation, demonstrating that local authorities can be much length, but certainly with a high degree of veracity. very effective operating within the currently available The 2007 Act introduces some much-needed transparency powers. Does he accept that that was much more timely and accountability into the process. The Secretary of than what we have before us now—a whole lot of State is compelled to produce local spending reports proposals having gone forward, none of which have yet that provide information on public expenditure within a been determined by the Government, notwithstanding locality, the effect of which is to make visible those the fact that it is getting on for two and a half years areas of public spending that are not already in the since the legislation that my hon. Friend supports was public domain and to give the public an extra opportunity first enacted? to have more say on expenditure in their area. People 603 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 604 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill will be able to see how much the Government are communities are the experts on their own localities and spending, and what they are spending it on. If they do issues: they are the ones who live with them each and not like what they see, they can submit new proposals. every day, as I pointed out to my hon. Friend the My hon. Friend the Member for Ruislip-Northwood Member for Peterborough (Mr. Jackson). It is only summed up the legislation well when he said: natural to see that, from this unique vantage point, it is “The Bill is an honest attempt to help communities address the precisely local residents who are often best placed to social problems that arise from community decline and the loss of produce the best solutions to their problems. Local local services.”—[Official Report, 15 June 2007; Vol. 461, c. 1026.] Works is right when it says that The Act was also greeted with much acclaim by people “citizens and councils are the experts on their own problems and outside Parliament. Local organisations have heralded the solutions to them”. it as Quite simply, they know what works and what does not, “a remarkable piece of legislation. For the first time we have an but until the 2007 Act was enacted, the Government Act of Parliament that discards the usual top-down decision seemed blind to that truism. making and also the nonsense that ‘consultation’ by the Government I have often heard constituents voicing their concern is somehow empowering, when the opposite is the case as most that people feel powerless—powerless to stand up and people know.” make a change for the better, powerless to stop their The importance of the Act should not be underestimated. communities losing access to vital services and facilities. By empowering citizens themselves to make choices on Now, for the first time ever, we have a law and thus a the issues that affect their everyday lives, it begins to legal mechanism whereby Government cannot simply address the democratic deficit that, under Labour, has say no to any or all requests made of them for different been growing ever wider. As we begin to stutter out of services or changed policies. Uniquely, the Act does not the worst recession since the second world war, and with consult; it requests participation. Rather than being the public finances in such a dire state, the Act also limited to raging when a far-off bureaucrat decides to offers enormous potential in terms of economic value-added close a well-loved community asset, local people can through savings and efficiencies. fight it. The potential for that to bring lasting change to The sheer number of proposals submitted under the the power structure within our country should not be Act provides an easily quantifiable record of success. In ignored. the inaugural round of submissions, 301 proposals were The Act is important not only for what is embodied received from 100 councils shortly before last Christmas, within its letter, but for the spirit it engineers. A paper and about two thirds of them were shortlisted for the by Anthony Brand, published by New Local Government Secretary of State. Indeed, with this unexpectedly large Network in October 2008, suggests: number of proposals ratcheting up his work load, the “If used well, this Act could be a driving force behind the next Secretary of State is, perhaps, the only victim of the stage of the devolutionary process. It provides local authorities Act’s success. That should be no excuse for delays, with an opportunity to take a more proactive leadership role in however. Two months have now passed since the Local formulating policy and making stronger arguments for the devolutions Government Association submitted this shortlist to the of powers, responsibilities and funding to the local level.” Secretary of State, and it would be instructive if he were Of course, I recognise that communal decision making to advise us on what discussions he has had with his does not always produce the neat and tidy results that Cabinet colleagues on taking some of the proposals can make life seem easier in the short term. In fact, forward. suggestions rarely receive unanimous agreement in the I am a firm believer in local democracy. Far too many first instance. Inevitably, there will be disagreements at decisions that affect local communities are taken by local level on what proposals to make and the form they officials in Whitehall, ignoring the nuances and diversity should take. Councils will no doubt have their own that shape our country and communities. views, as will the Secretary of State and the Local Not only does this de facto disfranchise residents; too Government Association. This may not be perfect, but often, it imposes identikit policies that are entirely democracy, as we all know, is not perfect. By its very unsuitable for whichever context they are haphazardly nature it is a messy business, but this is the best, and applied to. only, choice. Consensual and co-operative politics and decision making far outstrips adversariality and diktats Mr. Stewart Jackson: I hope that I am not pre-empting in what it can achieve for our country and our local the Minister, but does my hon. Friend agree that the communities. Government could produce an action plan next week? Local democracy can be a self-perpetuating phenomenon. They are statutorily required under section 4 of the The very fabric that keeps our society together, the existing legislation to produce such a plan. It could be communal meetings and chats in the street, are all produced within a week or two and should be produced encouraged under the Sustainable Communities Act. before the Easter recess. Bringing people together to discuss the needs of their area not only gets people talking and communicating in Mr. Newmark: And certainly before the general the here and now, but builds an ethic of social responsibility. election—whenever it is called. As with any legislation during these difficult economic The diktat of top-down, one-size-fits-all solutions is times, the financial implications must always be thought to the detriment of local communities, local government through. That applies to this Bill, but a look at the and politics generally. When it was introduced in 2007, economic arguments for the 2007 Act, which we seek to the Sustainable Communities Act was an important amend today, shows an economic imperative. Not only step towards reversing that trend, and it is in this spirit have we been grappling with a long and deep recession, that I support today’s Bill. This is about re-engaging and a recovery that cannot be confidently described as people with politics and democracy. Local citizens and anything beyond minimal at the moment, but the 605 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 606 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill [Mr. Newmark] large car parks of out-of-town superstores. The revenue could then be used to promote local shops and to Government have sent our public finances rocketing to revitalise town centres. Given these myriad opportunities a record and unsustainable level. They should be jumping for efficiencies, savings and profits, the economic benefits at the chance to make savings and efficiencies, and this of the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 could snowball. legislation provides the opportunity to do just that. Clearly, we are at the early stages, and the proposals are Crucially, the 2007 Act matches local interest with still with the Secretary of State, but I look forward with investment. Too often I have seen local communities interest to seeing how the economic argument develops that are passionate about the cause that really affects over the coming years. them finding that few funds are available to help them Legislation means little unless we take a closer look achieve their objective, be it large or small. Let us at those whom it affects—in this case, the local people contrast that with a project down the road whose rubber and communities that stand to benefit from the 2007 Act. stamp from Whitehall has brought a flood of investment The Act allows proposals that pursue sustainability but which is of little use or interest to residents. The through the environment, local economies, social inclusion 2007 Act could change the whole dynamic. As I have or democratic involvement. In my constituency, there is mentioned, local residents know what makes communities plenty of scope in those areas and I can already see the tick, and by harnessing their knowledge not only can we outline of work emerging. increase their wealth and well-being, but we can do so First, I know that many of the younger generation, in without spending more money—there is even the potential particular, feel passionately about improving the to save money. sustainability of the community through environmental The 2007 Act offers at least three opportunities. The means. I have spoken with many children and students first is that councils may use it to request additional who outline their creative solutions to “green” Braintree. money. With the advantage of local knowledge, that Many of those solutions would make formidable proposals can produce net savings. For example, using new money to the Secretary of State and I think that this offers a to keep a local public service open saves extra CO2 bright hope for the future. In some of the more rural emissions, because people do not have to drive further parts of my constituency, I have heard from individuals to the nearest public service. In addition, such an approach who are looking to set up their own highly localised provides an intrinsic good to those living close by. Thus, renewable energy sources. That is a great idea, both for the Government need not spend more money elsewhere those involved and for the greater environmental good. in the economy to reduce those emissions. The promotion of local economies is perhaps the The second opportunity is that councils can request a strand of the Act that holds the most resonance at the transfer of public money from another Government moment. I have seen first hand in my constituency the funding scheme that they think is not proving effective devastating consequences for those who are personally for the community. An obvious candidate here would involved and for the wider community of the loss of be to take control of some of the money of any one of local facilities and services on which we all depend. the faceless quangos. The money could be put to much Well-loved shops have shut or relocated elsewhere. They better use through promoting specific local needs. Given include the local Woolworths branch and the Marks that recent Local Government Association research and Spencer in Braintree town centre along with many shows that these unaccountable, centralised quangos of the locally owned and more specialised stores in our spend a staggering £43 billion of public money a year, villages. Rural post offices have fought an especially surely it is time for local people to be given much more long battle against closure and I recently had news that of a say in how their public money is spent in their local the local HMRC office in Witham is closing. Looking areas. ahead, I heard only a few weeks ago of the possible relocation of an employer of many of my constituents Alistair Burt: My hon. Friend will know that there from Stansted. has been much debate about the content and form of local spending reports. The Government have been Under Labour, we now have about 5,400 fewer post criticised for being over-cautious in how they have offices across England, 200 fewer libraries and 3,500 published and used the information in the reports. fewer pubs. However, in Braintree we are thankfully not Although this is not provided for in my Bill, the Government an embodiment of ghost-town Britain. For example, we have spoken of a clear intention to improve them. Does are fortunate enough to have a very active county he agree that honouring that requires greater transparency council which has supported a long campaign to restore in the reports? They should be web-based because the the rural post offices savagely cut by this Government, greater the information available to the community, the which I mentioned earlier in the debate. easier it is for people to identify what funds might be I know that many other hon. Members are seeing transferred if discretion is available, so that they can be local shops and businesses, along with pubs and post put to community use of a greater local priority. offices, dropping like flies. The steady creep of closures seems particularly insidious and, like all hon. Members, Mr. Newmark: My hon. Friend makes an excellent I am worried that the effects of the recession will point, particularly in these times when transparency has continue to spread across our constituencies—and that been a big issue for the public. I hope for a change of in mine, they will spread across Braintree, Witham and Government and I hope that transparency, not just our rural villages. locally and in Parliament, but in our public finances, will be a hallmark of a new Government, Mr. Stewart Jackson: Does my hon. Friend share my The third and final opportunity is that councils can view that the undertaking our party has made to keep request new powers to make their own money, for the needs test for out-of-town shopping centres will example, by charging a non-domestic local rate to the protect small niche retailers in urban areas and in 607 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 608 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill constituencies such as his from the pernicious effects of Another type of proposal that we could do with larger retailers who will put them out of business without locally relates to the public services on which we all the support of local people, local communities and depend. They need to be inclusive for the whole community. elected representatives? Bus services are an example. All too often, the timetables and routes in my constituency are cut or altered to suit Mr. Newmark: My hon. Friend makes an excellent the needs of the bus company, rather than of the point, but people shop at these big stores because they residents who rely on them. That can particularly exclude like to go to them. We need to bridge those desires and those in rural areas, creating both physical and psychological the evidence that people like to shop in big shops. I have exclusion from the wider community. As Witham town that problem locally—we have Freeport shopping village, council reminded me, it and local residents can act as which is very popular with people who come from out the best eyes and ears for bodies such as the police or of town, in particular, and has a devastating effect on district or county councils. They can quickly identify Braintree town centre. I do not think that we have done where problems of social exclusion are emerging. enough work collectively to try to draw those two communities together. We could perhaps draw people Finally, the promotion of a sustainable community who are shopping at Freeport into the town centre, but goes beyond the bricks and mortar of buildings and that means revitalising the town centre. I know that shops, important though they are. It touches the very Braintree business council and the district council are sense of community and social fabric that binds working together to try to achieve that, and I am neighbourhoods together. Through increasing the ways working with them on it. in which people in Braintree can participate in local decision making and rejuvenate civic democracy, the The chairman of the selector panel has certainly seen Sustainable Communities Act offers a real chance of evidence of such proposals in those already submitted. building a better society for the future. That has He says: wholehearted support among many of my constituents “Unsurprisingly, the recession is a strong theme as councils and parish and town councils, such as Sible Hedingham look to continue their efforts to offer support to local businesses parish council. and vital assistance to local people.” So of course I can recognise the importance of having Of course I could go on. I have given just a small legislation in place swiftly to stem the tide of closures of picture of the scope of the 2007 Act to arrest community local amenities, were it to grow. decline and provide a channel through which my constituents can not only be heard, but have their When much loved amenities and assets are forced to proposals enacted. close their doors, that can devastate the local community. Inevitably, that is often felt more keenly in the rural We all agree that the 2007 Act was a huge step in the areas of my constituency. In towns, too, there is little right direction, invigorating local decision making and more soul-destroying than seeing a once bustling street democracy, offering economic benefits and securing full of boarded-up buildings and closing down sales. accountability and transparency through the system. Once a community is in a cycle of decline, it becomes so But why should we halt progress there? Rarely, if ever, much harder to pull it out and restore it to a sustainable are we lucky enough to encounter perfection at the first trajectory. attempt. Robust and enduring legislation with a truly Community decline takes no prisoners among those transformative capacity to revolutionise decision making whom it affects—whether the elderly and infirm, who and communities will more likely involve a gradual rely on easy access to the shops, or the young children process. Delicately crafted amendments, such as the with nowhere to play and an environment where aspirations Bill, enable us to correct any flaws that may have crept are dwindling by the day. But the story is not only one into the original Act, and they hold the Government to of gloom. I have been enthused to see the enterprising account for any failure to see through the original spirit spirit and get-up-and-go of so many of my constituents. of such Acts. Those facing unemployment look to transfer their skills Today’s amending Bill, like the original 2007 Act, has or work voluntarily, and the whole community rallies the support of Local Works, which says that round as much as possible. In Braintree, we recognise “an ongoing Sustainable Communities Act process is absolutely that the best way to beat the recession and emerge the crucial.” stronger for it is to work together. That strand of the The Bill is a natural evolution of the original Act, Sustainable Communities Act gives us a much more providing value-added measures and fleshing out more structured and supported way in which to do that. details, and if we want to enhance our existing momentum Communities can only ever be sustainable if they we must pass it soon. CAMRA’s chief executive says include all those whom they encompass. Social inclusion that should stand at the heart of a community. I know that “there is an urgent need for the Act’s process to continue.” many groups in my constituency have some excellent thoughts on how to integrate all citizens, regardless of Councillor David Shakespeare, leader of the LGA’s race, colour or creed. Let us take Braintree pensioners Conservative group, points out why, saying: action group, for example. I regularly meet those pensioners “Action is needed, anything less will send another negative and I am amazed by the direct insight that they give me signal to voters and lead to withdrawal from activity.” into what life is like for the elderly in the community. I shall now consider some of the most pertinent Whether it is problems with bus services, dental care or issues that the Bill raises. The Bill sustains the 2007 Act fuel poverty, they have their fingers on the pulse of the for a further round of submissions. It removes the type of action that we need to take for our elderly uncertainty pervading the future of the current round citizens. I congratulate them on all their hard work of proposals, and it makes sense. Indeed, given that the and on ensuring that they communicate with me as public’s appetite is strong, and that participation under often as possible. the Act has already exceeded 40 per cent. in some areas, 609 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 610 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill [Mr. Newmark] of parish and town councils. As Great Bardfield and Finchingfield parish councils point out, powers that it would be ridiculous to halt the process just as it have already devolved down to parish councils have gathered momentum. Given also that the LGA says proved to be cost-effective and to work well. that However, I recognise the LGA’s concern that that “submissions received were impressive and are reflective of the would risk establishing a parallel Sustainable Communities huge appetite for change and innovation across councils working Act-lite process whereby the consultation requirements closely with their communities”, are simply that only the members of parish or town many proposals have every chance of being accepted by councils are heard. That, of course, would be inimical the Secretary of State. to the spirit of local democracy. A more durable solution There may be further merit in laying out explicitly the may be to ensure the representation of such councils on longer-term future of the Act. However, that may be the citizens’ panels while still providing scope for the better pursued in further amending Bills once we have voices of those not involved with such councils. seen more evidence of the success of the projects proposed Given the current levels of disillusionment— in the first round. Today’s Bill shows that the 2007 Act was not a one-hit wonder, and this legislative commitment Mr. Douglas Carswell (Harwich) (Con): Will my hon. should maintain civic activity and quash any emerging Friend give way? cynicism that the Act is a gimmick with little intention of allowing through any truly local proposals. Mr. Newmark: Let me finish my paragraph, and then The chief executive of the National Association of I shall give way. Local Councils has noted: Given the current levels of disillusionment and “The Act has created an excitement: our members want more—but disengagement from politics, we should do all we can to unless we name a date a ‘second round’ of suggestions then we get everyone involved in democracy; my hon. Friend the fear that the usual cynicism will take over.” Member for Harwich (Mr. Carswell) has been an If we are to produce bottom-up legislation, we must do extraordinary advocate of that. Exclusion is simply not so with a conviction that shows that we truly want it. an option if we want to give people a real sense of This Bill proves that point. ownership of the whole process.

Anne Milton (Guildford) (Con): Does my hon. Friend Mr. Carswell: My hon. Friend has spoken eloquently agree that it is rare to see “councils” and “enthusiasm” about the need to restore faith in our democracy. Does in the same sentence? This is a fantastic opportunity to he agree that that extends to not seeking deliberately to see the resurgence of some enthusiasm, and to see local talk out items on the agenda that are of interest to councils enthused by the measures before us. It is an millions of voters? opportunity that must not be missed. Mr. Newmark: I have no idea what my hon. Friend is Mr. Newmark: Notwithstanding the continual talking about, unless he is referring to his own Bill. enthusiasm of Braintree district council, I accept my Earlier this week, I had a discussion in the Tea Room hon. Friend’s point that we need to build on the enthusiasm about this Bill. I stressed how strongly I felt about it, that the original Act kicked off. No doubt people will be and my hon. Friend gave me some advice. enthused even more by this amending Bill. Today’s Bill enables the Secretary of State to publish Mr. Carswell: “Keep it brief”, is what I said. regulations on the proposals embedded in the 2007 Act. That includes such prescriptive measures as engagement Mr. Newmark: I do not believe that my hon. Friend with parish and town councils, petitions and the form, said that; he encouraged me to talk about the importance content and timing of proposals. The former is particularly of localism, which I have supported ever since I have pertinent to my constituency of Braintree, which has a known him. number of excellent and active parish and town councils. I am pleased that the messages I am getting in my Following the initial hype and fervour around the constituency are that parish and town councils want to 2007 Act, a few town and parish councils have voiced be involved. Why not make use of them and hear their disillusionment. Although the LGA has found that in a ideas? The 2007 Act took us from a process of Whitehall number of cases the parish or town council is acting as consultation to local participation. Today’s Bill could the driving force behind the proposal, some, after being go a step further and make the Act a truly enabling one. heavily involved in the long campaign to bring the A good example of the need for parish and town initial Act to fruition, are feeling neglected and omitted councils to have a firm footing in creating sustainable from the process of decision making and the provisions communities relates to planning. I know that both of the Act. Cressing and Black Notley parish councils in my Given the excellent organisational structures of our constituency find that a particular frustration. As the parish and town councils and their ability to canvass representatives of the local community, those councils and reflect local opinion, I agree with the principle, seek to promote the common good. They are often a enshrined in today’s Bill, that they could be given a good judge of which planning applications would promote more explicit and mandatory role in the chain of local the sustainability of Cressing and Black Notley, yet decision making. The citizens’ panels that the Act requires, they feel that inappropriate applications are receiving to reach out to and involve electors in the ideas of the go-ahead from those who do not truly understand action to put to the Secretary of State, provide an what villages need in order to prosper. Castle Hedingham obvious means through which to insert the representation parish council has gone to great lengths to produce 611 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 612 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill a village design statement, outlining the types of Development and Construction Act 2009 a few months developments that would fit in with and enhance the ago, they chose not to include a provision that would community. Yet such councils are frustrated and feel have ameliorated the concerns that he mentions? that local knowledge carries little weight. That is indicative of a broader, serious problem in Mr. Newmark: Again I concur with my hon. Friend, our country. Whether it is building new housing and perhaps the Minister might address that point. I developments or giving the green light to new business shall press on, because I appreciate the concern of my parks or leisure facilities, the whole planning process hon. Friend the Member for Harwich, who I am sure is can be divisive and frustrating, with developers, residents, keen that we ultimately move on to his Bill, notwithstanding councils and all interested parties fighting it out and the importance of this one. things either never getting built or causing massive If we are to restore faith in politics, now more than resentment when they are. Let us imagine giving local ever we need greater transparency in public expenditure. people real control over the look, shape, feel and character We need to be able to see how politicians and organisations of the community and letting them decide how many that rely on public funds are spending taxpayers’ hard- houses they wanted built or whether they wanted a new earned money, and, if necessary, challenge it. park or playground. If those proposals were within the Everyone in this House ought to be able to recognise letter of the Act and could support local economies or that the days when taxpayer-funded organisations could the environmental aspect of sustainable communities, keep their accounts under wraps are well behind us. The the potential for change would be enormous. last year in Parliament has taught all MPs a painful My constituents are fortunate that both Essex county lesson in transparency, but we need to reflect that in council and Braintree district council support the 2007 Act, legislation that has implications throughout and beyond but many others are not so lucky. Indeed, when I Whitehall. The LGA agrees. It remains wholly unconvinced checked the Local Works website, I was surprised to see by the arguments that full local spending reports are that swathes of the country have still not opted into the simply too expensive and that they would be of no Act. I am surprised by that, because councils have benefit. We understand the need to approach the matter nothing to lose and everything to gain. Despite pressures in a way that ensures value for money, but expecting from residents and parish and town councils, some local basic figures on public expenditure is not an unreasonable authorities and county councils remain resistant to request. change. What about the local people in those areas? However, the Bill is about not only the principle of Under the Act as it stands, they have no form of redress transparency, important though that is, but about efficiency. and depend on the whims of their local authority or As I have stressed, local communities are best placed to county council to get their voices and proposals heard. understand what they need for sustainability. If they The Bill would give the Secretary of State the option of can easily scrutinise the costs and details of current prescribing a mechanism whereby residents could petition projects, they can quickly deduce whether there is a their local authority to take up the Act. Although we cheaper or more efficient option. If communities and currently seem to have no clearer proposal than that, I councils can look at the streams of funding in their know from various petitions in my constituency that areas, they can identify duplication and scope for greater they can often serve to invigorate local residents even co-ordination, and where resources could be more effectively more. Surely that is yet another positive step forward deployed in another way. Put simply, by lifting the lid for local democracy and political engagement. on public spending, we stand to get better outcomes in I have one concern about the Bill, which is the absence how taxpayers’ money is spent. of a mechanism to force the Government to publish full I recognise the concerns of both the LGA and some local spending reports. Although I recognise that that hon. Members that some proposals in the Bill lack absence may have been necessary both for brevity and clarity. However, I remind them that it is a short, to gain cross-party support, I hope that we can return amending Bill, designed to nuance the Sustainable to the matter at a later date. Communities Act rather than create a new one. The prescriptive powers that the Bill would grant to the I and local residents are disappointed that the Secretary of State give a large degree of wiggle room, Government have backtracked on a vital part of the which is exactly what the 2007 Act needs. It is comparatively 2007 Act, and I hope that the Minister will address it. It new legislation, so we are still at the early stages of the is the section that requires the amount of Government process, and proposals for implementation are still not expenditure in each area to be made public. They have finalised. To rush ahead with too many specific clauses, taken a decidedly minimalist approach to the concept without learning what is going right and what is going of, and commitment to, local spending reports as originally wrong with the process, might be impetuous. agreed in Parliament. The then Minister promised that the Government would publish a local breakdown of I support the Bill. We have the opportunity to show spending and proposed spending by all public bodies, the country that “bottom up” is more than just a but they have broken that promise and substantially fashionable term for politicians to tack on to concepts—it watered down the Act. Rather than a full breakdown, can be one of the most important weapons in a local local spending reports currently contain only information communities’ arsenal and serve the greater good of so about local bodies. many of our constituents, as I have seen in my constituency. The Act has enormous transformative potential and Mr. Stewart Jackson: My hon. Friend is making a radical implications for the decision-making process in powerful speech. Does he deprecate, as I do, the fact this country if local people choose to use it. that when the Government had the opportunity to This is why I believe in the importance of the Bill. address the issue of local spending reports in the later First, it will extend the time for proposals to be submitted stages of debates on the Local Democracy, Economic under the 2007 Act, and secondly, it will add some 613 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 614 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill [Mr. Newmark] The Act has been a complete failure. Hon. Members have suggested that it has been a success, but they are important nuances to what is already an historic measure. living in a completely different world to me and—I A key criterion on which to judge the Bill will is whether suspect—to most of my constituents. My hon. Friend it offers the opportunity for local people to have their the Member for North-East Bedfordshire gave some voices heard. If it does that, it will have done a good examples. He said that a Wiltshire librarian had put job. The words of support that I have received from forward a proposal to increase the tax on chewing-gum. residents and councils, along with the relative consensus However, action could have been taken much more in the House today, are encouraging. quickly if the librarian had communicated with the All here today recognise the opportunity the Bill local Member of Parliament, who could have tabled an offers truly to engage people on how public money is amendment to the Finance Bill and we could have had a spent and how public services are delivered in their debate on the issue. Similarly, a proposal from Hackney areas. If we miss this opportunity today, I fear we will suggested changing the planning rules relating to betting not only set back the cause of local democracy a few shops. It so happens that a private Bill on London local steps, but squander a lot of public support and good authorities is going through the House at the moment, will. Today we have a clear decision to make, which is and it would have been open to Hackney council to eloquently summed up by Local Works: include that proposal in that so that we could debate it. “We believe that we (civil society and politicians) now have a The Second Reading of that Bill is coming up soon. choice: we can support this Bill and give this new shoot of Those two examples are of suggestions that could have increased involvement a boost; or we can reject it and risk that been implemented more quickly through a direct shoot withering on the vine.” relationship with Members of Parliament. I hope we make the right choice here today. My hon. Friend also cited the further example of Liverpool city council trying to restrict the closure of 1.25 pm post offices. That has not achieved anything. The only Mr. Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): I have success that I am aware of was in Essex, and in that case always been a great supporter of my hon. Friend the the county council took direct action in defiance of the Member for Braintree (Mr. Newmark) and I hope that Government. The Government say that they support if his speech achieves nothing else, it will gain promotion the Act, but people are given an incentive not to pay for him in an incoming Conservative Government. He their road tax renewal at the post office but to do it has served the Conservative Front Bench’s purposes online, because they are then entered into a prize draw well today by ensuring that the amount of time available for some foreign-manufactured car. That is meant to be to discuss the Lisbon Treaty (Referendum) Bill and the an incentive not to use the local post office, and it is European Union Membership (Referendum) Bill will supported by the Government. It is ludicrous that the be greatly curtailed. We have five hours for debate on Government are promoting and encouraging that by Fridays and my hon. Friend has spoken for one of those giving people financial incentives not to use local post hours. In so doing, he has ensured—as far as I am offices, while purporting to be interested in sustainable concerned—that it will not be possible for this Bill to go communities. The whole thing does not add up; the through all its stages today, if that were ever a serious whole thing is a complete farce. proposition— As my hon. Friend the Member for North-East Bedfordshire made clear in his extensive speech, the Mr. Newmark: Will my hon. Friend give way? 2007 Act received Royal Assent on 23 October 2007, Mr. Chope: No, I will not, because he has already but it took almost a year for the Secretary of State to spoken for an hour and I wish to make a few brief invite local authorities to make their submissions. remarks. It will not be possible for this Bill to go Conveniently, the deadline was nine months later—they through all its stages today because so much time has had to make their submissions by 31 July last year—and been taken up already. If the Bill is as simple as its as of today not a single decision has been taken. Indeed, promoters suggest, I am surprised that it took more the Bill before us today is a recipe for further delay by than half an hour for my hon. Friend the Member for the Government, because clause 1 would enable the North-East Bedfordshire (Alistair Burt) to introduce it Secretary of State to say, “Well, although I have all and more than an hour for my hon. Friend the Member these shortlisted proposals put forward on a particular for Braintree to explain why it would be such a good basis, we are now changing the basis on which I should idea. assess them, and I can now decide, not whether to implement them, but whether to implement them in The 2007 Act was introduced when our great friend whole or in part.” That introduces a completely new Eric Forth was very active on Fridays, and he shared the dimension that was not available to the local authorities concern of many of us that it would not achieve much. I when they decided which proposals to put forward, and am sure that he will be looking down on our proceedings neither was it available to the people when they came today and saying, “Well, I told you so.” The original forward with the proposals in the first place. objectives of the Act included halting the decline in the number of corner shops, banks, grocers, post offices It is not surprising that people are cynical, because and pubs. Two and half years later, we have seen a they are being misled into thinking that the way to substantial and continuing reduction in the number of make change in this country is to go down the route those businesses. The Government have not even decided suggested in the Bill. However, change is really made on any of the proposals that were made by individuals— through direct engagement with Members of Parliament perhaps naive individuals—who thought that the 2007 Act and the Government. I shall give a few examples. When would actually give them an opportunity to contribute I was involved in local government politics in Wandsworth, to significant change for their local communities. we were fed up with the Inner London Education 615 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 616 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill Authority: we thought that we would have a sustainable people outside this place that the only way to have a community in Wandsworth if we abolished it. We did sustainable community is to comply with the requirements not go around namby-pamby trying to get people to of the Bill. The way to get a sustainable community is to make submissions under something like the 2007 Act; have a strong Conservative council that works closely we engaged in direct action. We held public meetings, with local Members of Parliament and, where change is engaged the people and lobbied the Conservative needed, engages with this House and Parliament as a Government strongly for its abolition. That was achieved whole to bring about legislative change. and since then things have got a lot better in Wandsworth as a result, and many more people now stay there to enable their children to go to good-quality, local schools. 1.35 pm Something similar happened when the people of The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wandsworth, and a lot of other people in Greater Communities and Local Government (Barbara Follett): London, decided that they would like to abolish the It has been a privilege to take part in this debate and to Greater London Council. Pressure was put on the work with the hon. Member for North-East Bedfordshire Government, and the changes were made. Another (Alistair Burt) in the formulation of the Bill. Let me example: a lot of people thought it extremely frustrating congratulate him, first on his luck—which is not something that their local councils were not prepared to engage in that he can control—in doing so well in the private competitive tendering. There was a strong lobby of Member’s Bill ballot, and secondly on tabling a Bill that Parliament, including early-day motions with more than has attracted such vocal and passionate support, both 200 signatures, and eventually a Conservative Government inside and outside this House. I also thank him for the decided to legislate requiring local authorities to engage constructive way that he worked with my Department in competitive tendering—and that is what they did. As before the Bill was published. a result, the costs of local government were reduced. Members will recall, from when I spoke on another aspect of the Bill last December, my dislike of yah-boo Mr. Stewart Jackson rose— politics. It is a sad fact that most of the public think that that is how we behave all the time. It is also a sad fact Mr. Chope: I shall briefly indulge my hon. Friend on that yah-boo politics is playing a role in turning the the Front Bench. public off something that is essential to the very fabric of their lives and everything that they value. As hon. Mr. Jackson: Obviously, I pay tribute to my hon. Members will know, it is not true that we behave like Friend’s long service in local government and to the that all the time; in fact, there is quite a wide consensus House. Surely, however, he is not suggesting that there is across the House on what the issues are. Where we a mutually exclusive problem between local spending disagree is on how we deal with them. reports and compulsory competitive tendering. In fact, The hon. Gentleman’s Bill is an excellent example of that greater transparency, brought about by local spending another, better kind of politics: the sort of politics that reports, would assist local people at all levels in I call “me too” politics. That is where someone might understanding the tendering process and the services say, “This is a problem and I believe something should provided by local councils. be done about it,” and someone else goes, “Yes, me too. I think that.” In other words, “me too” politics is the Mr. Chope: I do not think that there is anything that a kind of politics that mirrors the way people in the real council cannot do already in terms of a local spending world generally work together on problems. However, report—whatever that might mean. We must trust local “me too” politics is not bland, as we have seen here authorities to do their work. We do not want to encourage today. In seeking solutions to problems, there is always them to waste a lot of time with bureaucracy or trying the “me too, but” factor, and that is the important to make proposals that are then sat on by the Government. factor. The 2007 Act has had a long and occasionally That raises local expectations and increases cynicism turbulent history, with plenty of buts and a few outbreaks about the whole electoral process. of yah-boo politics. However, thanks to the hon. I shall not speak at greater length. However, I put Gentleman’s efforts, we are starting a new and, I hope, down a marker that I think that the Bill is far from more consensual chapter in its history today. perfect, despite my enthusiasm for my hon. Friend the With your permission, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would Member for North-East Bedfordshire. I think that it like briefly to pay tribute to the people who, before the seeks to change after the event the basis on which hon. Gentleman, helped to make the Bill and the 2007 Act people make their submissions under the original Act. possible, both inside and outside the House. The work If one goes through the detail of the Bill, one finds that, done in this House by three particular Members, from frankly, it contains a whole lot of top-down mandatory three separate parties, was hugely influential in the requirements, coupled with vague propositions and passing of the 2007 Act. They are: my hon. Friend the superfluous requirements. In short, it is bad legislation, Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) and the hon. Members and it should not go on the statute book, or indeed go for Ruislip-Northwood (Mr. Hurd) and for Falmouth any further, without substantial amendment. I hope and Camborne (Julia Goldsworthy). I would like also to that there will be an opportunity to consider the Bill mention the dogged determination of my hon. Friend further in Committee and that the points that I have put the Member for West Ham (Lyn Brown) and my forward will be expanded on by others with similar predecessor as Minister, my hon. Friend the Member concerns about its content. for Oldham, East and Saddleworth (Mr. Woolas). The Bill sounds good: who could possibly be against I would like also to make particular mention of the sustainable communities? I am not against sustainable good-humoured way in which my hon. Friend the Member communities; what I am against is trying to suggest to for Stroud—who, like the hon. Member for North-East 617 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 618 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill [Barbara Follett] Another part of that brake has been the simultaneous development of another strand of transparency, in the Bedfordshire, had the good fortune to do well in the form of Total Place and the “Putting the front line first: private Member’s Bill ballot in the previous Session—took smarter government” strategy. The hon. Member for the disappointment of seeing his Bill fall because of Peterborough will know that a lot of work on this is lack of time. I hope that today’s debate will make up for being done in the region in which he and I have our that disappointment. constituencies. We have two of the 13 pilots there, but On Second Reading of the Bill in 2007, my hon. also 77 unofficial pilots. They are all aiming to find Friend the Member for Stroud said that dealing with ways of making information more transparent and such revolutionary legislation warmed the cockles of more accessible. Information can be written down but it his heart. Although today’s Bill will be an excellent can still be meaningless. Anyone who has read “How to addition to that revolutionary legislation, it is more Lie with Statistics”knows that there are huge opportunities evolutionary than revolutionary, as the hon. Member in some of that information, and we must ensure that for Braintree (Mr. Newmark) pointed out. That is a the statistics used are relevant and useful. good thing, however. In a democracy, legislation must Turning to deal with the current process, which many necessarily evolve if it is to continue to deal with our hon. Members have mentioned, those not familiar with constantly changing world and requirements. The Bill the logistics of the 2007 Act might have found our will mean that the Sustainable Communities Act 2007 discussion rather arcane. It might also seem odd that we will continue to evolve and strengthen as the dialogue are attempting to amend a Bill that received its Royal between the public and local and central Government Assent only a short while ago in parliamentary terms. also evolves. As happens so often when good ideas are put into As has already been mentioned, the Bill and its practice, the process of doing so reveals ways in which predecessor have attracted the support of more than that practice can be improved. half the Members of this House in early-day motion What we are working with here is quite revolutionary 143. That support is due in no small part to the campaign in respect of how the British state behaves at all its run by Local Works. Its national co-ordinator, Steve levels. I believe that the Bill presented by the hon. Shaw, and its redoubtable champion, Ron Bailey, are Member for North-East Bedfordshire represents a real responsible for a great deal of this. Local Works has step forward in making the process more responsive by attracted huge support and is living proof of the veracity making it more flexible and by streamlining it. It is of its title. As the hon. Member for Braintree has said, necessary to do that, because the process is at present this is about re-engaging people with politics, about cumbersome and resource-intensive, to put it mildly. doing politics slightly differently and about listening to Providing the Secretary of State with the flexibility to people and ensuring that we are as transparent as ensure that both local and national Government can possible with the information that we present. move more swiftly is a necessity, particularly if we want to engage with people, because their time scales are Anne Milton: Will the Minister join me in acknowledging quite different to those of, say, a council or Whitehall. that Local Works has continued to work on this campaign? Our time scales are more elongated, when people are I first had a meeting with it in 2003, which feels like a looking for a much swifter delivery than we have long time ago, and this is testament to the strength of its traditionally managed. campaign. We will all be knocking on doors in the lead-up to the next general election, and people will tell I know just how much work went into the formulation us that they cannot make a difference. This campaign of the 301 proposals received by the selector body, the gives us an opportunity to tell them that they can. It Local Government Association, and just how much started on the streets in individual constituencies. work was put in by Councillor Keith Mitchell and his team to make sure that the shortlisting process was fair. Barbara Follett: I agree absolutely with the hon. So many of the proposals were good that 199 of them Lady. We all recognise that terrier-like determination. made it to the rather long shortlist. They were sent to All hon. Members have done some work on the ground the Secretary of State for consideration just before in which we have eventually got something done that we Christmas. did not expect to get done. We have had to get through As many of us know, consideration in government layers of bureaucracy and entrenched ways of doing does not mean looking at proposals and thinking, “That’s things. We in this House are part of those entrenched okay, we’ll have that one”. Other Government Departments ways of doing things, but we must try to be more open have to be consulted in order to achieve a collective to other ways of working. agreement through an arcane process known as the The subject of spending reports was raised by the “DA round”—involving the Ministerial Committee on hon. Members for Peterborough (Mr. Jackson) and for Domestic Affairs, to which we have to write in to say Braintree. Future local spending reports will be published what proposals we are thinking of putting forward and online in a more user-friendly format. I have used the to ask what the committee thinks about them. The reports for my own constituency, and for other relevant Government Department has to go through constituencies in the east, and I understand the criticisms the same process. It has taken us quite a long time to of them. The reports will also include a much wider arrive at a shortlist that is acceptable to all areas of range of data. Indeed, the December reports already do government—but I think we are there. so. We are working towards improving the reports but, I realise how this looks to the public and to some as my hon. Friend the Member for Oldham, East and hon. Members, but believe you me, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Saddleworth stressed during the debates on the 2007 Bill, my officials and I have been driving this. I am deeply this is an evolving process, and part of the brake on that committed to this kind of work. I am leaving this House evolution is resource. in four or five weeks, but I do not really want to leave it 619 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 620 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill without seeing progress made on this Act. That would talking here about 100 out of 353 authorities. The be a failure, as far as I am concerned: my personal south-west submitted the highest number of proposals, commitment is clear, and Members will have heard the with 84, or 28 per cent., followed by the London boroughs, Secretary of State’s personal commitment to it. We are with 45, or 15 per cent., and the south-east, with 44, or not standing still; we are looking at the complex issues 15 per cent. The region with the highest number of lead in detail. As I will make clear in a few moments, we have councils submitting proposals was, again, the south-west, broken them down into those that can be actioned with 18 councils or 44 per cent. of its lead councils. The swiftly—thanks to this Bill—and others that might take greatest proportion of proposals, however, came from slightly longer, but will still be addressed. district councils, with 107, or 36 per cent., followed by The hon. Member for Braintree asked me whether an unitary authorities, with 96, or 32 per cent. County action plan could be produced next week. I really wish councils, with 18, or 6 per cent., submitted the lowest it could, but the honest answer is, “Probably not next proportion of proposals. That perhaps shows that the week, but, boy, we are working on it for pretty soon”. higher tiers of government are less responsive to this We all know that there is a cliff facing us—a cliff that I grass-roots movement. am going to walk straight off, although some Members The scale and range of the proposals submitted was will go down a ledge and return. As I say, I am going off incredibly diverse; I know that from having studied it, as are some other right hon. and hon. Members, but them late one evening. For instance, 43 per cent. wanted before we drop to the bottom of the cliff, we are keen to power given back to the local level through finance, see that we leave something verdant on the top of it. decision-making powers or transfer of functions, whereas I am aware of the difficulties facing private Member’s 25 per cent. wanted additional legislation, or existing Bills, and I was a great supporter of the Cook reforms— law to be strengthened. On the other hand, 18 per cent. which I urge newer Members to study—in part because wanted the Government to raise the profile of certain I believe such Bills deserve more time than they sometimes issues or concerns, thereby providing both the resources get. I am therefore trying to make swift progress through and moral support necessary to have a local knock-on my speech. effect, and 12 per cent. wanted to encourage a change in the behaviour of groups of individuals through the use The Bill will increase the opportunities for parish and of incentives, while 7 per cent. made explicit reference town councils to become even more directly involved in to the reduction of legislative restrictions or barriers this process in future. I have enormous respect for imposed at national or regional level. It is important to parish councils. Like the hon. Member for North-East note, however, that relatively few—I was disappointed Bedfordshire, I have a lot of extraordinarily active ones; by this—proposed change that was relevant to the local our constituencies are fairly close, and the area is well area from which they originated, which is the basic idea endowed with parish councils. The hon. Gentleman’s behind the Sustainable Communities Act. Some work Bill allows us to develop that role, by taking them out of needs to be done at local authority level to ensure that the guidance section, which is where they currently we make such proposals a little more locally responsible. reside in the 2007 Act, and putting them into the main The vast majority of proposals would require blanket part of the Act. national reform. The National Association of Local Councils is an The Government and I have worked with the LGA, extremely important partner of my Department. Indeed, and I was very pleased on 23 December to receive the we have allocated £750,000 of funding to it for the 199 proposals. However, once disaggregated, some 242 period between 2008 and 2011, in order for it to lead a separate requests for Government action are in fact programme of activities to promote the role of the local contained within those proposals, and they cut across council sector. We are consulting the association, and Departments. Many of those would require changes to exploring with its members how parish councils can get primary legislation, but we have not lost momentum. the most out of the Act. Officials from across Government met officials from the Parish councils may be small, but they certainly punch LGA to discuss each proposal in turn. This took time. above their weight, and we have seen what can be done Issues relating to individual parishes and individual with a bit of imagination—such as in Croxley Green, people were discussed in depth in Whitehall, which is a where a free bus service has been put in place for local reform in itself. This is what we mean when we say that senior citizens. That is a great example of using the the Act is a wonderful tool to encourage a new dialogue powers councils already had—in this case from the between local people and local and central Government. Local Government and Rating Act 1997—to make a The LGA continued to challenge the Government real difference to people’s lives. I want to see more of and press us to address the issues and ideas raised by that, as well as more development under the 2007 Act. these local communities, and I will be talking to Councillor We therefore intend to use a power specified in section 5 Mitchell about these proposals again next week as we to explore how parish and town councils, or county try to come up with the shortlist that the hon. Member associations of parish councils, might submit proposals for Braintree and I are so keen to see. in certain circumstances, to further drive the progression This has been a very interesting process for all concerned, of local idea to national action. not least for me. It shows the priorities of local people I want to look briefly at the Local Government and the barriers to the delivery of those priorities. I Association proposals. There were 301 of them, 18 of congratulate the hon. Member for North-East Bedfordshire which were joint proposals, and they came from 90 lead on his foresight in consulting people about how his Bill authorities with a further 10 district councils contributing would work before producing it. That shows a real to the joint submissions. That represents 28 per cent. of commitment to the values in it. It is clear from the many all authorities in England. As the hon. Member for responses we and he received that it is absolutely vital Braintree remarked, not all authorities have engaged in that the system be reformed. I know that some Members this with the same level of enthusiasm; after all, we are of this House—we have heard from one today—disagree 621 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Sustainable Communities Act 2007 622 (Amendment) Bill (Amendment) Bill [Barbara Follett] the Chamber from each other again before she stands down, may I thank her formally for what she has with the view that the Bill can work, but if there is achieved as Minister, both in this particular area of sufficient will and terrier-like action on the ground, it work and in her work in the east of England, where can. However, that does require us—all of us—to be both of our constituencies lie? responsible citizens and to have an input into the process as far as possible. Mr. James Arbuthnot (North-East Hampshire) (Con): The Bill requires the Secretary of State to give notice I have come back from my constituency, where I was of a further invitation, and I welcome that; we are more visiting schools, to support my hon. Friend’s Bill—I than happy to do it. That will give local authorities the congratulate him on the way in which he has approached time to prepare for the conversations that many of them it and on his success today. I particularly wish to have held so well, and that some have not. The Bill also congratulate the Minister on, and thank her for, the way gives us the power to specify other organisations that in which she has approached the Bill. Her approach is can submit proposals. The Government have a radical the sort of thing that will restore trust in Parliament, ambition for strong and accountable local government. and I am sorry to hear that she is leaving the House. Although we want to see local authorities firmly in the driving seat, free to innovate and take their own decisions, Alistair Burt: I thank my right hon. Friend for his we also want to give others the opportunity to have kind remarks. He, too, has a good feel for and appreciation their say. We are therefore delighted to explore how of the way in which grass-roots political activity contributes parish and town councils can submit proposals, in not only to this place, but to the success of local certain circumstances, further to drive progress of the government and the like. I appreciate his comments and idea of local action. I am sure that they will be noted by the whole House. The Bill is also fully in line with our belief that the We have had a robust debate in the time available to founding principle of local government is that citizen us. Disappointingly, we did not hear a great many should have the right to influence the decisions that contributions from Labour Members—the Labour Benches affect their lives and communities. Through the petitions were empty—but Conservative Members engaged in a duty in the Local Democracy, Economic Development robust debate. I appreciated the support given to me by and Construction Act 2009, we are supporting this my hon. Friend the Member for Braintree (Mr. Newmark). principle. Regulations made under the Bill will promote I appreciated his comments about the Bill and how he that opportunity by making clearer the link between made them, and his extensive knowledge of why this citizens’ right to request that a proposal be submitted to matters to local communities in his area and beyond. the Secretary of State, and the opportunity for councils My hon. Friend the Member for Christchurch to demonstrate leadership by doing so. (Mr. Chope) takes a slightly different view. His knowledge The role of the LGA, which is so significant in the of and commitment to local government is considerable. process, remains and can be enhanced to give it more I am with him in saying that what makes a difference influence to press matters of real importance. Through to local government is having strong Conservative the use of regulations, the hon. Gentleman is giving it authorities—he is completely correct about that. However, the opportunity to help shape its role, to add real value I also think that because local government is moving and to cut red tape and the cost to the taxpayer. The on, engagement with the people, which perhaps he was crucial element of its role—a power and an opportunity able to engender in Wandsworth during his time there, for a body to influence the Secretary of State, with the is slightly different in many other ways now. The sort of expectation that the Secretary of State will reach agreement engagement that is suggested through this Bill will assist on what to take forward—remains in full. Although in ensuring that strong local government and strong new section 5B would give the Secretary of State the parties in local government will succeed and endure. I power to appoint more than one person, I can assure take what he says as a compliment, rather than something the House that the Government do not intend to spend different, but our views differ and he has made it clear more in implementing the new arrangements than they that he feels that this Bill should go into Committee to do on the current system. be considered further. The Government believe that the 2007 Act should be I accept my hon. Friend’s judgment on that so, part of the architecture of local government. The Bill unfortunately, we will not be able to complete all the will strengthen the Act, reduce red tape and provide stages of the Bill today. However, we will seek to establish greater responsiveness to the needs of local people. I am the Committee as soon as possible and I hope that we extremely happy to report that the Government will can resolve the concerns there. That will ensure that the support the Bill and to commend it to the House. commitment of all Opposition Members to the principle 2.1 pm of the Bill remains intact. Although it cannot go through all its stages today, it can be refined very quickly, we Alistair Burt: With the leave of the House, Mr. Deputy hope, and we can then return and, I hope, get it on the Speaker, may I thank the Minister and both the other statute book just before proceedings come to an end in Front-Bench spokespeople for their support for the this Parliament. Thank you for the time allowed to principle of the Bill? It reflects the sense of the early-day produce this Bill, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and I hope that motion to which I have referred, which has the support it will now receive its Second Reading. of more than half the Members of the House. I am grateful for the support and I appreciate the Minister’s Question put and agreed to. comments. I think that the Bill will make a contribution Bill accordingly read a Second time; to stand committed to the changed architecture to which she refers. On the to a Public Bill Committee (Standing Order No. 63). basis that it is unlikely that she and I will stand across 623 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Lisbon Treaty (Referendum) Bill 624

Lisbon Treaty (Referendum) Bill “above all on the need for the House and the Government to honour commitments solemnly given.” Second Reading He referred to the fact that he goes around 2.5 pm “schools and colleges saying to young people that they should take an interest in politics, that their vote makes a difference, and Mr. Nigel Dodds (Belfast, North) (DUP): I beg to that what is said at election time really counts”. move, That the Bill be now read a Second Time. Then he posed a salient and important question: I am grateful for the opportunity to speak on this “What are we to say to them in future—that the fact that they important issue. Trust was mentioned in the previous elected an entire House of Commons committed to a referendum debate—in the context of trust in Parliament—and was of no account, that the Government regarded that commitment trust, once lost, is a hard thing to regain. As we meet as a technicality to be escaped from rather than a promise to be here today, we know that distrust of politicians of all kept, and that the promises made at election time do not really hues and distrust of this House are, tragically, at historically matter at all?—[Official Report, 21 January 2008; Vol. 470, c. 1256.] high levels. For that reason, the House should support That question can be applied with great force today, in this referendum Bill on the Lisbon treaty. There are a the light of the decision of the right hon. Gentleman number of constitutional arguments and imperatives, and all the main parties in the House to set aside their but restoring the public’s trust in politicians and this solemn commitments made at the time of the 2005 House must be foremost in our minds. general election to allow the people to vote on these The way in which the ratification of the European fundamental changes in the relationship with the European constitution and its identical twin, the Lisbon treaty, Union. have been handled is symptomatic of a culture that Distrust and cynicism are impossible to counter when breeds distrust and encourages cynicism among the people see power and influence slip further away from people of the United Kingdom. Distrust and cynicism them. There is clearly a disconnect between the people are impossible to counter when most people know that and the institution of Parliament that must be repaired the refusal to allow a referendum on our relationship as quickly as possible—hopefully, during the next with the European Union is driven by fear. Too many of parliamentary term. However, that gulf between the our political class believe that the people cannot be voters and the House pales in comparison with the trusted to vote for a particular outcome, and so those chasm between the people and the institutions of the people are denied any say at all. If the political class as a European Union—the Commission and the Parliament. whole does not display a trust in the people, how can we The message of power in the hands of the people expect the people to trust us? appeals, and it is used time and again, and will no doubt Distrust and cynicism are impossible to counter when be a repeated theme during the coming general election, a referendum was once promised by all three main yet time and again Governments of every hue propose parties in this House. Support for a referendum on the handing more powers over to the European Union. If European constitution was once a matter of British they say that power will be restored to the people and political consensus. I thank and acknowledge the support send it in the opposite direction, how can we expect of hon. Members from various parties—Liberal Democrats, people to trust political parties or politicians? Conservatives, Labour Members and others—who have agreed to sponsor my Bill. Supporting the Bill fulfils the promise made by politicians and political parties in the House to the British people. The principle of a referendum had been commonly The Government said in the Labour party’s 2005 manifesto: accepted. It was a position endorsed by the people in the 2005 general election. Yet what do people see now? “We will put it to the British people in a referendum and campaign whole-heartedly for a ‘Yes’ vote”. They see that a cosy consensus has emerged among all the main political parties in this House to deny the That was in relation to the outcome of negotiations on people their say through a referendum on the new the European constitution. The Prime Minister said fundamental changes that are being made through the just before taking office that he would regard honouring Lisbon treaty to implement the provisions of the original that manifesto as a matter of trust with the British European constitution. people—that word “trust” again. That is what is at the centre of the denial of the people’s right to have their The Government broke the original consensus, say. arguing—incorrectly in my view, in that of the vast majority of the people of this country and, indeed, in The Government have now resorted to saying that that of august organs of this House—that the Lisbon things are different. The red lines have been drawn, treaty and the European constitution were two despite the fact that these are almost exactly the same as fundamentally different documents. Of course, that does they were in 2005, when we were promised a referendum. not make the decision of others to follow suit the right That matter was examined in great detail by the European choice. Some might think that I exaggerate, but the Scrutiny Committee. Its Chairman, the hon. Member reversal by Her Majesty’s Opposition on the subject of for Linlithgow and East Falkirk (Michael Connarty), Lisbon was marked by a drop in support for them and said that the proposed safeguards would “leak like a in confidence in their leadership, neither of which they sieve”. It has been made clear that the red lines make no have since managed to restore. I believe that that shows real difference to the terms of the original European that, beyond the merits of this issue, it is fundamentally constitution. an issue of trust as far as the public are concerned. Various peoples of Europe in various countries were During the debate on Second Reading of the European asked to have their say. In May 2005 the French people Union (Amendment) Bill on 21 January 2008, the right had their say and rejected the constitution. In June 2005 hon. Member for Richmond, Yorks (Mr. Hague), made Dutch voters swiftly followed suit. For once, the standard the issue for a referendum, saying that it rested European tactic of calling a second referendum to get 625 Lisbon Treaty (Referendum) Bill26 FEBRUARY 2010 Lisbon Treaty (Referendum) Bill 626

[Mr. Nigel Dodds] House. That specific issue must be addressed, and no doubt hon. Members will wish to say why—if this is still the right result was not chosen. Our referendum was their position—they want to deny the people their say postponed, not cancelled. In the aftermath the pro- on the constitutional changes, and do not want to fulfil constitution leaders and bureaucrats regrouped so that their manifesto commitments. they could plan not how they would abide by the express will of the people of those countries and the Mr. Christopher Chope (Christchurch) (Con): Does clear view being expressed throughout Europe, but how the hon. Gentleman not accept that one of the biggest they could develop a strategy to get around it—the travesties is that during the most recent general election Lisbon treaty strategy, a strategy to produce a new people did not engage in a debate about Europe because document that made the same changes as before, but they thought they would have one in a referendum? essentially to hide them. Cynically, the Government then denied the people a Why do I claim that there is no substantive difference referendum, so does he share my hope that Europe will between the constitution as originally set out and the feature prominently in the forthcoming general election Lisbon treaty? I do so because Prime Ministers and campaign? Presidents across Europe queued up to tell us that the treaty and the constitution were the same in substance— Mr. Dodds: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman, who from Angela Merkel, who said: is absolutely right. I well remember the 2005 election “The substance of the constitution is preserved. That is a campaign, when the Government told the people that fact”, there was no need to concentrate on such a debate to the then Danish Prime Minister, now the Secretary- during that period because the subject would be debated General of NATO, who told us that in a referendum. That was clearly a means of getting the “all the symbolic elements have gone, and that which really subject off the agenda, and I suspect that the same matters—the core—is left.” thing is happening in respect of the coming general We heard it from others as well. election, because the Government do not want it to be a matter of public debate, and, sadly, neither does the The European Scrutiny Committee Chairman informed leadership of the Opposition. the House that “every provision of the constitutional treaty, apart from the flags, We have examined the Government’s position, but let mottos and anthems, is to be found in the reform treaty. We us examine that of Her Majesty’s Opposition. In 2007, think that they are fundamentally the same”. —[Official Report, the right hon. Member for Witney (Mr. Cameron) 11 December 2007; Vol. 469, c. 211.] made it absolutely explicit in his personal promise of a The Foreign Affairs Committee said: referendum, come what may, that there was no wriggle “There is no material difference between the provisions on room. He offered a “cast-iron guarantee” that he would foreign policy in the Constitutional Treaty which the Government put any treaty in front of the voters and said that made subject to approval in a referendum and those in the Lisbon “if I become prime minister a Conservative government will hold treaty on which a referendum is being denied.” a referendum on any EU treaty that emerges from these negotiations” However, disguising the true meaning was not enough; — it was necessary to avoid a referendum. State after state meaning negotiations on the Lisbon treaty. that had planned a constitutional referendum participated Significantly, the right hon. Gentleman also focused in a willing charade that the Lisbon proposals were on trust. In an article in The Sun newspaper, he said: somehow not as substantive as the constitution and need not be put to a vote. Frankly, it is a national “The final reason we must have a vote is trust. Gordon Brown disgrace that we in the United Kingdom were not only talks about ‘new’ politics. But there’s nothing ‘new’ about breaking your promises to the British public. It’s classic Labour… Small associated with but full participants in such a process, wonder that so many people don’t believe a word politicians ever joining in with a near total democratic shut-out of say if they break their promises so casually.” people throughout Europe. We need to recall that a reference to the promise of a referendum was made again as late as May 2009, during Mr. Douglas Carswell (Harwich) (Con): For decades the European election campaign. Yet in November 2009, it has been left to the political elite—if one can call the promise was dropped. them that—in SW1 and professional diplomats to decide our relationship with Europe. We need to give the I could go on to deal with why a referendum is a people a say. Does the hon. Gentleman agree that we perfectly acceptable means and device for dealing with need to go even further and allow the people of the this issue. Some argue that in a parliamentary democracy United Kingdom a vote on the UK’s entire membership such as ours, we should not revert to the concept of a of the EU? referendum, which is foreign to our tradition. However, a referendum can be entirely reconciled with the principle Mr. Dodds: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman and of parliamentary sovereignty: we have had one national thank him for his support. Others in the House would referendum on membership of the Common Market, as advocate a referendum on our whole membership—whether it then was. The tradition has been well established in we should be in the European Union or not. My Bill, other areas of the United Kingdom, where polls have however, is about people fulfilling their 2005 general taken place and people have been asked their views election promise, which was a specific commitment to a when constitutional change has been brought about or referendum on the new European constitution, and considered. about trying to ensure that all the main parties honour The real reason, however, why we need a referendum that commitment. I have focused on that issue because is not only so that the people of the United Kingdom it is a matter of restoring trust in politicians and this could be sure the issue was being taken seriously, but 627 Lisbon Treaty (Referendum) Bill26 FEBRUARY 2010 Lisbon Treaty (Referendum) Bill 628 that it is the only way of ensuring that those with whom I have no particular objection to that, but the great we have to negotiate in Europe, and the EU Commission, difficulty that most people will have with it is that it is will take us seriously. about 25 years too late. Most of the building blocks for Rather than have a referendum, it has been suggested a European superstate are now in place, and the so-called that the way forward is to have a plan for the repatriation self-amending or passerelle provisions in the Lisbon of powers from the European Union back into the treaty could mean, if others have their way, that we will United Kingdom. The suggestion could be put into a never again have a major debate or decision in this party manifesto that would be voted on in the general country on certain changes. So although the commitment election. It is suggested that that would be an effective to future referendums is fine, we still need one on the means of giving the necessary strength, power and Lisbon treaty, because it consolidates the foundations authority to those who will negotiate on behalf of the of a European superstate. Government with the other EU member states and the It has also been suggested that legislation be introduced European Commission. to enshrine the primacy of UK law over European I leave aside the issue of why people should be Union law. One problem with that is that the Lisbon expected to vote overwhelmingly on the basis of manifesto treaty confirms the primacy of EU law. Where there are promises when previous clear-cut and cast-iron guarantees disputes between EU and UK law, they are to be have already been set aside. The fact is that such a way resolved by the European Court of Justice, which is of forward would in no way provide strength to the hands course obligated to promote European integration. There of negotiators as a clear referendum undoubtedly would. is not much comfort in that. Without a referendum, it will be extremely difficult— Even though some people do not accept the argument impossible, I would say—for other EU states to agree that the Lisbon treaty is virtually the same as the unanimously, as they would have to, to accede to British European constitution, no one who examines its contents wishes on the repatriation of powers. and provisions can seriously argue that they are not of such fundamental importance to how this country is Mr. Ian Davidson (Glasgow, South-West) (Lab/Co-op): governed that they should be the subject of a referendum Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the concept of the in their own right. repatriation of powers is no more than hot air? In reality, many decent long-serving Conservatives are flooding Mr. Mark Francois (Rayleigh) (Con): As the hon. off to other parties such as the UK Independence party Gentleman knows, when we debated the Lisbon treaty because they have no trust in the Conservatives’ proposals in the House we argued and voted for a referendum—it to repatriate powers. was our amendment. In fairness, he and many of his colleagues voted with us. We have now said that, given Mr. Dodds: I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for that Lisbon has been ratified, we should introduce a his intervention and his sponsorship of the Bill. People referendum lock so that any further treaty that transfers have a lot of distrust not only of the Conservative party powers from Britain to the EU would have to be subject but of the governing party and others. People see that to a referendum. We would amend the European instead of being given a clear say, as they were promised, Communities Act 1972 to achieve that. I believe he has they get vague notions about people going off to negotiate just indicated that he would support that if an incoming or hold the line. The Prime Minister said that there Conservative Government were to do it. Would he also would be no further transfer of powers for two Parliaments. support our parallel proposal for a similar referendum The Opposition said that they would go off, negotiate lock if anyone ever tried to force us into the euro, to and introduce other measures. I shall come to those. which we are very much opposed? Compared with the clear-cut commitment to a referendum, all such notions create no impression on Mr. Dodds: Yes, we are on record as saying that there the British people. They want their say in a referendum, should certainly be a referendum on any proposal to as they were promised. A referendum has the effect of take us into the eurozone, and we would campaign for a ensuring that the political classes—the Government—carry no vote. The hon. Gentleman is right about the stance out the wishes of the people. Frankly, it is a lot harder that was taken when the Bill on the Lisbon treaty was to fudge the outcome of negotiations that have been being debated, but what has gravely disappointed many entered into following a massive referendum result, people is what has happened following the Government’s because the people would clearly hold the Government decision to abandon their clear manifesto pledge to and their negotiations to account. have a referendum, which the Opposition rightly condemned Some argue that as the Lisbon treaty has already as a breach of trust and a major reneging on pledges to been ratified, there is no point, value or efficacy in a the British people. Sadly, the Conservative Front Benchers referendum. If we take that view, then we might as well have decided to go down the same route. I understand not have had the Irish referendum, and Harold Wilson’s what the hon. Gentleman says, but I hope he accepts holding the referendum in 1975—after the United Kingdom that it is not too late to have a referendum on the had entered the Common Market—was pointless and constitutional treaty. Such a referendum is essential not without validity. Of course a referendum is still valid, only in its own terms, but—I hope he agrees—in helping and it is only because of a lack of political will that to restore trust between the British people, and politicians, parties are now withdrawing from it. political parties and the institution of Parliament. As has been mentioned, some argue that there are ways short of a referendum to ensure that the UK’s 2.30 pm position is protected. It has been suggested that there should be a referendum on any future occasion when a The debate stood adjourned (Standing Order No. 11(2)). transfer of powers from the UK to Brussels is proposed. Ordered, That the debate be resumed on Friday 5 March. 629 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Business without Debate 630

Business without Debate Hon. Members: Object. Debate to be resumed on Friday 5 March. EUROPEAN UNION MEMBERSHIP (REFERENDUM) BILL DEVELOPMENT ON FLOOD PLAINS Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second (ENVIRONMENT AGENCY POWERS) time.

Hon. Members: Object. BILL Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 12 March. Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second time. LAND USE (GARDENS PROTECTION ETC) BILL Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second Hon. Members: Object. time. Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 5 March.

Hon. Members: Object. Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 5 March. EMPLOYERS’ LIABILITY INSURANCE BUREAU BILL BRITISH MUSEUM ACT 1963 (AMENDMENT) Motion made, That the Bill be read a Second time. BILL Hon. Members: Object. Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second time. Debate to be resumed on Friday 5 March.

Hon. Members: Object. Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 5 March. CONTAMINATED BLOOD (SUPPORT FOR INFECTED AND BEREAVED

VIDEO RECORDINGS (EXEMPTION FROM CLASSIFICATION) BILL PERSONS) BILL [LORDS] Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second Motion made, That the Bill be now read a Second time. time.

Hon. Members: Object. Hon. Members: Object. Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 5 March. Bill to be read a Second time on Friday 5 March.

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990 (AMENDMENT) BILL MORTGAGE REPOSSESSIONS (PROTECTION Resumption of adjourned debate on Question OF TENANTS ETC.) BILL (29 January), That the Bill be now read a Second time. Bill read the Third time and passed. 631 26 FEBRUARY 2010 Self-Care (Minor Ailments) 632

Self-Care (Minor Ailments) Little research has been done to measure the amount of NHS resources dedicated to ailments that could be Motion made and Question proposed, That this House treated by self-care. The first major study was commissioned do now adjourn.—(Mr. Spellar.) by PAGB and undertaken by IMS in 2007. The study considered GP work loads for minor ailments and the associated costs. It showed high volumes of GP 2.32 pm consultations for minor ailments, with some 57 million Dr. Howard Stoate (Dartford) (Lab): It gives me great consultations per year. Some 6 million of those consultations pleasure to introduce this debate. I should say at the were for a minor ailment in association with another outset that self-care is not about no care, but about condition that necessitated a trip to the doctor, but ensuring that patients have far more control over their 51 million were only for the minor ailment that could own health; not about saving money, but about ensuring have been treated differently. That included 5.3 million that NHS resources are spent in the most cost-effective consultations for nasal congestion; 6.8 million for heartburn way to give the best possible outcomes; and not about and indigestion; and 2.7 million for migraines. It has simply passing people from professional to professional, been estimated that 18 per cent. of GPs’ work loads but about many professionals being involved in ensuring were for minor ailments alone. Nearly half the consultations that people can have control over decisions on their are generated by 16 to 59-year-olds. Overall, minor care. ailments account for £2 billion of NHS funding a year or some £250,000 for every general practice in the The importance of self-care has long been recognised country. by the Government and their advisers. The Wanless review, published in 2004, concluded that the promotion Why is this happening? The problem seems to be that of self-care is one of the most effective ways of reducing a culture of dependency has built up, whereby patients pressure on NHS front-line resources and improving lack the confidence to address minor ailments themselves overall health outcomes. That is very important. The through self-care. This must be addressed if we are to review also said that for life expectancy and health maximise the efficiency of NHS spend in these times of outcomes to improve across the social gradient, patients tightening budgets. There are three main reasons why need to become fully engaged in their health care and to this culture of dependency must be addressed. First, it take an active role in the diagnosis and treatment of would help to alleviate current demands on the NHS, conditions. Sir Derek Wanless called for the adoption and in particular GPs, for the treatment of minor of a comprehensive strategy on self-care that would give ailments. The pharmacy White Paper makes several people the support and confidence they need to take welcome recommendations to relieve pressure on GPs greater responsibility for their health. by utilising the resource of community pharmacies. Lord Ara Darzi’s vision of the future of the NHS, That is to be encouraged, although I want to ensure that “High Quality Care For All”, built on that vision, this debate is not simply about passing patients from calling for more care to be transferred from hospitals one professional to another, but about enabling people into the community. More recently still, my right hon. to take care of themselves, when appropriate, and using Friend the current Health Secretary made it clear that the expertise of pharmacists and others to help them the NHS needs to become do so. “a more preventative and people-centred service” Secondly, we need to help people to strengthen their with patients getting more choice, more convenience ability to self-care, empowering them to be more confident and more control over their care. and independent in their attitudes and behaviour. Thirdly, we need to free up resources in the NHS, which could We are still a long way short of the vision originally enable us to continue to develop NHS resources even in set out by Sir Derek Wanless. Research by IMS Health, times of constrained budgets. We have to free up money for example, has found that every year 20 per cent. of all to use in the most cost-effective and appropriate way, GP consultations involve minor ailments that patients thereby continuing the development of front-line patient could treat themselves. That is a grossly inefficient use services. of NHS resources. In most cases, minor ailments can be dealt with effectively and far more appropriately by These calls originate from the London declaration patients opting to self-care. for self-care, which was signed up by both the PAGB and the Royal College of General Practitioners, and It is worth listing the minor ailments that I mean. emerged from a joint conference last year that I attended. They are generally part of everyday life and include backaches, coughs and colds, headaches, toothache, Why do patients fail to choose self-care? They are indigestion, skin problems, allergies and some respiratory usually looking for reassurance on diagnosis from a problems. In many cases people manage these minor medical professional, or confirmation that no serious ailments already through self-care using an over-the-counter, disease is present. Asking patients to make a risk assessment or OTC, product, but research conducted by the Proprietary of their symptoms, then select an appropriate medication Association of Great Britain indicates there is often a and finally monitor their response to the medication significant level of dependency on the doctor. demands a degree of confidence and knowledge that many feel they do not have. People are also much less The research shows that people often abandon self-care likely to “risk” self-care if it is a question of someone in favour of a trip to the doctor. Typically, this switch is else’s health, such as a child or dependent adult. made between four to seven days after the onset of symptoms. According to GPs, this is earlier than needed, The culture of the NHS also encourages dependency. generating unnecessary consultations. Furthermore, in Speaking at a conference organised by the Royal College most of these cases, a prescription is issued that would of General Practitioners and the PAGB last November, not have been issued if patients took their own decisions. Dr. Laurence Buckman, chair of the British Medical 633 Self-Care (Minor Ailments)26 FEBRUARY 2010 Self-Care (Minor Ailments) 634

[Dr. Howard Stoate] we need to ensure that key opinion formers, such as GPs, early years child care workers, health visitors and Association’s general practitioners committee, suggested teachers, are fully behind the self-care model. We also that the nature of the relationship between patient and need national publicity and high-profile endorsements, GP, with the GP seen as an uncritical, no-strings-attached which are also important in changing patients’ attitudes. provider of free medication, supplements, housing, legal In other words, if we want to achieve a lasting cultural support and advocacy, has encouraged a culture of shift in perceptions of self-care across the country, we passive dependency among patients, coupled with an need a coherent, well planned national campaign requiring ingrained aversion to risk. He feels that, as a result, ministerial support. many patients feel scared to proceed without permission. How can greater self-care be achieved? The opportunities Other factors that might also play a part are the for self-care are greater than ever before, given the duration of the illness, previous experience of the illness, growing number of formerly prescription-only medicines availability of suitable medicines and social factors, now available over the counter, including for indigestion, such as family pressures. Confidence, too, is a key pain, thrush, quite a few minor infections, and emergency factor. Once a patient has successfully self-treated on and hormonal contraception. That is beginning to turn one occasion, they are much more likely to do so again the tide. To increase the level of self-care we also need to should the illness recur. Moreover, once a patient is in address the culture of dependency and give patients the the habit of self-caring, there is a good chance that their support that they need to feel confident in treating their family and friends will follow suit. Cost, too, is an issue. own minor ailments. Many patients will make appointments to see a GP All that could lead to significant cost savings, which, simply to get a free prescription for a minor medication as I have said, could be passported to other parts of the or analgesic. In theory, patients should be able to pick NHS to achieve greater improvement there. According these prescriptions up from the pharmacists, many of to a list that I have managed to achieve, the 10 minor whom can now prescribe independently, but that is not ailments most commonly seen in consultation, beginning happening as much as it could. The NHS, as a whole, with the most common, are: back pain, dermatitis, needs to do more to publicise this option. heartburn and indigestion, nasal congestion, constipation, migraine, cough, acne, sprains and strains, and headache. Why are professionals failing to promote self-care? That is a long list of minor ailments for which medication The best way of persuading patients to self-care is if is now available over the counter. We need to take their doctors, pharmacists or practice nurses—people action to ensure that that is more widely publicised. whom they know and trust—encourage them to do so. Five clear steps need to be taken if we are to ensure Yet self-care is an option rarely discussed in consultations, that self-care is increased. First, it is time to recognise and many doctors feel that it is an issue that they do not the need to change the culture of dependency for minor have much time for in a consultation. Crucially, there ailments. Secondly, we need to develop a training package are no performance-related financial incentives to promote for health care professionals—GPs, pharmacists and self-care. Although promoting self-care might help to nurses—on how to conduct “self-care aware”consultations. reduce surgery work load in the long term, it does not Thirdly, we need to initiate communications, nationally appear to be influencing practitioners’ behaviour at the and locally, on the efficient use of the health system and moment. Perhaps we need to consider whether the taking responsibility for one’s own health and that of quality and outcomes framework could be used to one’s family.We need TV and radio advertising campaigns, encourage GPs to include self-care as part of a consultation. together with posters and patient information leaflets, There are good examples from around the country, in GP surgeries, pharmacies and citizens advice bureaux, however, of where that has been working. The Pharmacy that provide lists of minor ailments that could be treated First minor ailments scheme, which was introduced in by over-the-counter medications. All promotional material Erewash primary care trust a few years ago, is a good should include the strapline, “Ask your pharmacist”, example of a self-care programme in action. Aimed at because many people will approach their pharmacists, the mothers and carers of children aged from three as they are often open quite late and on weekends. months to 12 years, it attempted to increase awareness We also need to develop a co-ordinated health and and take-up of self-care options and reduce the number social care policy that promotes self-care behaviour, of GP consultations for minor complaints. Information particularly for minor ailments, and introduce a booklets and leaflets including, “Better Health at Home comprehensive health education package in schools, to and at Work”, “Caring for Kids” and material relating ensure that future generations use the health service to seasonal campaigns—on, for example, winter ailments efficiently and understand the principles of healthy and hay fever—were distributed widely across the living. Pharmacists and expert patients could also be community to support the scheme. The scheme was invited into schools to give presentations on self-care. accompanied by a lot of public relations activity supporting With those proposals in place, there is a good chance the minor ailments promotion. that we will begin to change attitudes to self-care among patients across the country. I hope that my right hon. As well as leading to a slightly higher level of self-care and learned Friend the Minister will give those suggestions for several childhood ailments, the scheme encouraged good consideration. mothers and carers to think again about how they used GPs, pharmacists, practice nurses and other health care professionals. The scheme also illustrated how hard it is 2.46 pm to encourage patients to become more self-sufficient The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr. Mike and confident in their own care. Not only do we need O’Brien): I certainly agree with my hon. Friend the extensive, carefully tailored community publicity, but Member for Dartford (Dr. Stoate) that those proposals 635 Self-Care (Minor Ailments)26 FEBRUARY 2010 Self-Care (Minor Ailments) 636 need to be given serious consideration. Let me begin by In the late 1990s, we launched NHS Direct, providing congratulating him on holding this debate, on a subject national, 24/7 access to information, advice and support that is important to him as chairman of both the over the phone and on the internet. NHS Direct has a all-party pharmacy group and the all-party primary number of online tools to help people to care for care and public health group. Self-care is a cause that he themselves at home, such as symptom checkers and a has championed. He has made a strong case that some “click to call back” function, whereby patients can people turn to their GP when they do not need to, for request a phone call from NHS Direct. In 2008-09, minor ailments such as coughs and colds, and indigestion, 52 per cent. of all calls to NHS Direct were completed rather than using simple and basic methods of care without the need for further medical attention—for themselves. That is partly about knowledge and partly example, from a GP. about self-confidence, as well as about people being willing to make a judgment about when they really need In 2007, we introduced the NHS Choices website, to see their GP and when they are going just for a bit of which now receives more than 8 million visits a month. reassurance. It provides convenient, comprehensive and clinically Last November, the Proprietary Association of Great accredited information about treatments and local services Britain and the Royal College of General Practitioners on health, health improvement and social care. There, launched their “Declaration of Self Care”. They put people can find “Your health, your way”, a guide to the total cost of GPs treating minor ailments at around long-term conditions and self-care. It also tells people £2 billion, of which £1.5 billion is in GP time. The about the range of self-care support available to them potential benefits of some element of self-care are locally, including healthy living advice, information about considerable, if we can begin to change the attitudes of their condition, training to help people feel more in some patients, some GPs and others. With proper support control, and access to self-help groups and to new from health professionals such as pharmacists, people technology to help people remain independent and in can take the appropriate level of responsibility for their control. As a consequence, people are increasingly using own health. GPs could then focus on treating more NHS Choices rather than calling NHS Direct or visiting complex conditions, which make better use of their aGP. expertise and time. Self-care is about more than just providing information, We need to get the balance right. We do not want however. It is also about improving the partnership people with difficult long-term conditions not going to between professionals and the general public. General see their GPs. That is not what this debate is about, nor practitioners have a crucial role to play in engaging is it about saving money. The NHS budget has increased people in their own care and helping them to manage massively in recent years. It will increase by 5.5 per cent. their condition, and many GPs already do this brilliantly. this year and 5.5 per cent. next year, and we will lock in But we need to support new GPs and those who want to that further increase for front-line services over the improve, and we have worked with the Academy of following two years. Medical Royal Colleges to produce an e-learning module Self-care, which comes in many forms, is about people called “Supporting Self-Care”, which is now part of the better looking after themselves and their families, where Royal College of General Practitioners’ e-GP training that is the right thing to do. Many people do it, whereas materials. some do not. Self-care can range from taking paracetamol when someone gets a cold, to disinfecting their child’s Of course, not everyone has access to the internet. grazed knee when they fall, and from eating healthily Those who are not on the web can visit their local and exercising more to stay fit, to getting out for a walk community pharmacy for information and support. if they are feeling low; or it can mean someone deciding Pharmacies already support self-care, providing advice actively to manage their long-term condition with the and selling over-the-counter medicines, when appropriate. help of health care professionals. Since the 2005 community pharmacy contractual framework was introduced, support for self-care has Society has changed in recent decades. People want been one of the essential services delivered by all community more choice. They want to remain independent and stay pharmacies in England. healthy. They want safe, effective services, tailored to their needs and delivered as near to their homes as The aim was to increase access and choice for people, possible. A survey in 2005 showed that more than 80 per including their carers, who wish to look after themselves cent. of people with long-term conditions already play or their families, helping them to self-manage minor an active part in their own care, that more than 90 per illnesses, injuries or long-term conditions. Every day, cent. want to do more, and that more than three quarters pharmacies advise millions of people on how to treat or would feel far more confident about taking care of their manage minor conditions, and on the appropriate use own health if they had the right support. of over-the-counter medicines. When a pharmacy cannot The NHS has also changed. The Government have help, it can provide information on health and social long been committed to making medicines available care providers or support organisations that can offer over the counter by switching their legal status when it that help. The contractual framework represented a is safe to do so. For example, azithromycin, for people major change in the role of community pharmacies, with chlamydia, has moved from being available only from the place where medicines were dispensed, to on prescription to being available over the counter in somewhere that can offer more clinical services, such as pharmacies. Similarly, many nicotine replacement therapies chlamydia screening, health checks and support for that were previously only available on prescription in people with long-term conditions. Some PCTs have pharmacies are now widely available on the high street. even commissioned pharmacies to provide minor ailment We have now made them available without a prescription. services for those who do not pay prescription charges. The Government have gone to great lengths to give By 2008-09, more than 3,200 pharmacies provided this people more and more accessible information on health. service, an increase of 5 per cent. on the previous year. 637 Self-Care (Minor Ailments)26 FEBRUARY 2010 Self-Care (Minor Ailments) 638

[Mr. Mike O’Brien] educational resources to help pharmacy staff deliver advice to members of the public on subjects including If these measures are to make a real impact, however, stopping smoking, weight management and physical people must first understand that pharmacists are highly activity. trained clinical professionals in their own right who can The Government therefore recognise the importance help them with their self-care. So this year, we will raise of having reliable, convenient advice readily available— public awareness of the skills, expertise and services whether it be on the phone, on the NHS Choices offered by pharmacies. We are also funding some PCTs website, in GP surgeries or in local pharmacies. I think specifically to promote services commissioned through that the proposals set out at the end of my hon. Friend’s and delivered by community pharmacies. contribution are an important contribution to the debate Pharmacy has an important contribution to make to on how we should drive this agenda forward. There are improving public health and reducing health inequalities. enormous benefits to be made from encouraging people One of the themes in our 2008 White Paper “Pharmacy to take more responsibility for their own well-being, in England: building on strengths—delivering the future” where it is right to do so. We will continue to support was to help people to self-care—to improve their health people to make their own informed choices. and well-being and to take better care of themselves. Question put and agreed to. Work is progressing on a framework to transform into healthy living pharmacies, focusing on prevention as 2.56 pm well as cure. We have also published a number of House adjourned. 87WS Written Ministerial Statements26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 88WS

hospital care, and to protect unaccompanied children Written Ministerial who arrive in the UK. We propose to exempt from charges failed asylum seekers who are co-operating Statements with, and are supported by, the UK Border Agency prior to returning to their own country, but to charge all other failed asylum seekers. Friday 26 February 2010 In my hon. Friend’s earlier statement, Official Report, column 97WS, he said that the Government were attracted to the principle that some visitors should be required to ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS pay for their NHS treatment through personal health insurance, as is already the case in some other countries. Although developing a scheme that is fair and effective Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative will be challenging, we are determined to take this forward. We will now seek views on the merits and feasibility of key principles and mechanisms for making The Minister of State, Department for Environment, this work, which have the potential to both increase Food and Rural Affairs (Jim Fitzpatrick): I have today the income that the NHS receives from overseas visitors, deposited copies of the report giving the proportion of and to act as a deterrent to those seeking to abuse the UK produce supplied to Government Departments and NHS. the armed forces, as well as the proportions supplied to prisons and hospitals under contracts negotiated by We have also taken the opportunity to consolidate HM Prison Service and NHS supply chain. A copy of the current regulations that underpin the policy on the the report is available on the PSFPI web site at: http:// charging of visitors, and to improve the supporting defraweb/foodfarm/policy/publicsectorfood/ guidance that we provide for the NHS. Neither of these awareness.htm updates reflects any change in entitlements or operating practices, but they are provided in draft form for people to examine and comment on prior to them being launched. HEALTH The Minister of State for Borders and Immigration is Out-of-Hours GP Services (Ministerial Correction) today also launching a consultation on the proposal to refuse entry to the UK to those who have significant outstanding debts for NHS treatment. This will help the The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr. Mike NHS to recover debts and discourage further those O’Brien): In answer to a question following my statement visitors who travel to the UK to seek treatment without to the House on 9 February 2010, Official Report, paying. column 764, I stated as understood at that time that— “On 21 April, Dr. Ubani was convicted, received a four-month The period for responding to the consultation will suspended sentence and made a payment, although it is disputed run until 30 June 2010. I have placed the consultation whether it was a cost or a fine”. document in the Library and copies are available to It has come to light that proceedings in Germany hon. Members from the Vote office. against Dr. Ubani were finalised on 15 April 2009 where he received a suspended sentence of nine months and made a payment of ¤5,000. The CPS understands the sum was a fine, rather than costs. HOME DEPARTMENT I hope this clarifies the situation. NHS Debtors (Immigration Rules) Access to the NHS (Foreign Nationals)

The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr. Mike The Minister for Borders and Immigration (Mr. Phil O’Brien): On 20 July 2009, my hon. Friend the Woolas): On 20 July 2009, my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health, the Under-Secretary of State for Health, the Member for Member for Brentford and Isleworth (Ann Keen) Brentford and Isleworth (Ann Keen) announced the announced the outcome of the joint Department of outcome of the joint Department of Health and UK Health and UK Border Agency review of the rules on Border Agency review of the rules on migrants’ access overseas visitors’ access to the national health service in to the national health service in England. As part of a England, and the Government’s intention to consult balanced package of measures to rationalise and reform publicly on the change proposals. Today, on her behalf, the present NHS charging arrangements, my hon. Friend I am fulfilling that commitment by launching the signalled our intention to consult publicly on significant consultation. proposals for change emerging from the review, including The proposals in the consultation strike a balance action to protect the NHS from misuse by a minority of between public health needs, managing migration and foreign nationals who are charged for using our public upholding humanitarian principles, ensuring that we health services but default on their debts. Proposals to continue to deliver high quality care to all those with a tackle the problem of “health tourism” sit alongside a legal right to it while protecting our NHS from those broader range of measures to protect the interests of who would take advantage of it. vulnerable individuals. The consultation includes proposals to increase the In taking forward this commitment, I have today time that UK residents can regularly stay outside the published a public consultation on a proposal to change UK before losing automatic entitlement to free NHS the immigration rules to provide for the first time that 89WS Written Ministerial Statements26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 90WS debt to the NHS above a prescribed amount will constitute consumers, and energy and transport, on a risk-based grounds for refusal of permission to enter and stay in approach to trade regulation and improve or remove the United Kingdom for those subject to immigration disproportionately bureaucratic measures. control. The Government believe that those who take I strongly argued that we had to modernise our trade advantage of our hospitality should respect that hospitality defence rules and ensure a transparent, economic and or face consequences. The consultation sets out how the business-focused system that recognised the realities of UK Border Agency would work in partnership with global supply chains. NHS to administer these new arrangements. The new International trade and investment have the potential immigration rule would supplement existing work by to bring benefits not only to our own economies, but UK Border Agency officers at ports of entry to identify also to developing countries. I therefore applauded the and remove visitors seeking to conceal an intention to overall EU member state provision of more than 40 per enter the UK for the purpose of accessing NHS services. cent. of the global Aid for Trade. But I argued that the The period for responding to the consultation will run Commission needed more effective and more flexible until 28 May 2010, and I have placed copies of the systems for spending it. On economic partnership consultation documentation, together with regulatory agreements (EPAs) with African, Caribbean and Pacific and equality impact assessments, in the Vote Office and countries I encouraged the Commission to press forward in the Library of the House. with negotiating full regional agreements that were truly development-friendly. We also needed mechanisms to implement and monitor existing EPAs. I pressed the INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT Commission to make progress on the review of the general system of preferences (GSP). We needed increased EU Trade Ministers Informal Meeting transparency around the effective implementation of GSP+. I drew all member states’ attention to the plight of Pakistan. I argued that there was an overwhelming The Minister of State, Department for International moral and political case to support the Pakistan economy Development (Mr. Gareth Thomas): I represented the at this time, and that an adjustment of rules within United Kingdom at the Spanish presidency’s Trade GSP+ could bring trade benefits that would have wider, Ministers informal dinner on 21 February. I welcomed mutually beneficial social and political impact. Finally I the presidency’s constructive highlighting of the importance emphasised the importance of decent work. I argued of external trade for the economic strength of member that working more closely with the ILO we could make states, and the importance of open and fair markets important progress to ensure that standards were raised globally as the world emerges from the current economic and secured without creating artificial barriers to trade. crisis. I pointed to the importance of trade and exports to help tackle unemployment, currently at 10 per cent. across the EU-27 member states. The EU needed an JUSTICE open, fair trading system for our global competitiveness. I was pleased that my comments were reflected well in Thirty-year Rule Review the new Commissioner, Karel de Gucht’s response, and I look forward to the UK working closely with the new Commission to deliver this critically important agenda. The Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor I emphasised the importance of reaching a balanced (Mr. Jack Straw): Yesterday I laid before each House a conclusion to the Doha development round. Only through copy of the Government’s response to the 30-year rule the multilateral trade structures can we address the review (Cm. 7822). Copies of this document are available unfair and unbalanced array of trade barriers which in the Libraries of both Houses and also in the Vote prevent growth, particularly in developing countries. Office and the Printed Paper Office. But I also said that the United Kingdom welcomed EU This publication will further the Government’s plans progress on reaching free trade agreements, which were to increase the accessibility of public information to a stepping stone to a multilateral agreement. I welcomed improve the culture of openness and transparency in the initialling of the agreement with Korea—with potential public life. value of ¤19 billion for the EU—and stressed the The right to access information has become a cornerstone importance to the UK and EU of free trade agreements of our democracy. On 25 October 2007, my right hon. with India and Singapore. On a free trade agreement Friend the Prime Minister, announced an independent with Andean countries currently under negotiation I review of the 30-year rule. The review, chaired by Paul was clear that we would need reassurances of adequate Dacre, published its findings in January 2009. The and appropriate human rights provisions. Government have carefully considered those findings. I warmly welcomed a renewed focus on economic As my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister, announced co-operation with our major trading partners, and the on 10 June 2009, Official Report, column 797, the contribution this could make to EU competitiveness. Government plan to reduce the rule to 20 years via We needed to prioritise relations with the US, Japan amendments to the Public Records Act 1958 and the and China. We should focus on regulatory co-operation, Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Government on international standards, and an intellectual property believe that a 20-year rule offers the best balance between framework that reflected emerging new technologies openness, affordability and the protection of the public and supported greener economic growth. interest in good government. I pointed to the importance of addressing trade The new information access arrangements set out in barriers at the EU’s external borders. DG Trade in the the Government’s response to the 30-year rule review Commission needed to work with other directorates will provide earlier access to a wide range of public general, in particular tax and customs, health and documents, while also ensuring that we are able to 91WS Written Ministerial Statements26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Ministerial Statements 92WS protect the most sensitive information and the constitutional name of the offender when the police have confirmed relationships that underpin our system of government. that there is no difficulty in placing this in the public In order to bring forward these important proposals domain. the Government yesterday tabled amendments to the Over 96 per cent. of prisoners who abscond are Constitutional Renewal and Governance Bill. Those re-captured and returned to custody. On recapture the amendments also provide protection to royal records. prisoner will be returned to a closed prison and referred I would like to express my gratitude to Paul Dacre, to the police for consideration for prosecution for having and his two colleagues on the review Sir Joseph Pilling been unlawfully at large. and Professor Sir David Cannadine for all their work on the review. TRANSPORT

Rolling Stock Prisoner Escapes (Ministerial Correction)

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Maria (Chris Mole): My right hon. and noble Friend the Eagle): An error has been identified in the written Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Adonis, has answer given to the hon. and learned Member for made the following written ministerial statement: Beaconsfield (Mr. Grieve), 10 November 2009, Official In order to replace Britain’s ageing fleet of Intercity 125 trains Report, columns 216-17W. The full answer should have and to invest in capacity and passenger journey improvements on been as follows: the east coast and Great Western main lines, the Government The table below shows information relating to three began the inter-city express programme procurement in 2007. The prisoners still unlawfully at large for murder who have programme’s key objective has been to achieve value for money absconded from open prisons in England and Wales across the lifetime of the trains, taking account of costs right across the rail industry. since April 2004. Good progress has been made, including the announcement of Prisoners still unlawfully at large since April 2004 serving an index Agility Trains as preferred bidder in February 2009. Over the offence of murder. course of the procurement, however, there has been a reduction in the capacity of the debt market to support the transaction as Prisoner 1 Prisoner 2 Prisoner 3 originally envisaged, and passenger growth has also slowed. In Date of offence March 1984 25/04/1982 27/08/1988 addition the Government and Network Rail have committed to electrify the Great Western main line from 2016. The Government Date convicted to life 12/12/1984 08/10/1982 31/10/1989 have identified appropriate adjustments to the original programme imprisonment to take account of these developments. This has inevitably extended Length of sentence Life Life Life the contractual negotiations, which are not yet complete and Date of 01/09/2004 08/09/2005 01/02/2009 would not be so until mid-March at the earliest. re-categorisation to The negotiations are for a contract of nearly 30 years, a category D multi-billion pound spend over the course of many Parliaments. Date of transfer to 01/09/2004 26/10/2005 21/01/2009 In all the circumstances, the Government do not believe it would open conditions be appropriate to enter into this particular contract in the immediate Date of abscond 17/05/2005 10/01/2007 31/08/2009 run up to a general election. To ensure that a decision is taken at HMP Sudbury HMP Sudbury HMP Ford the beginning of the next Parliament on the basis of the fullest evaluation, the Secretary of State has today asked Sir Andrew Wasprisoneron No No No Foster, former controller of the Audit Commission, to provide an temporary release at time of abscond independent assessment of the value for money of the programme * * * and the credibility and the value for money of any alternatives Number of offences 30 29 39 which meet the programme’s objectives. It is critical for rail against prison passengers that the right long-term decision is made about discipline during this period of custody the next generation of inter-city trains, which will have a life of 30 years or more. Note on table: *All of these would have been proven and subject to disciplinary The existing rolling stock dates back to the 1970s and needs to punishment. be replaced. If Sir Andrew Foster reaffirms that the inter-city express programme is better than the alternatives, the Secretary of These figures have been drawn from administrative State’s intention would be to proceed with the project in the next data systems. Although care is taken when processing Parliament, subject to satisfactory resolution of all the contractual and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject issues. to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording Sir Andrew Foster will consult Agility Trains, the Department, system the relevant train operating companies, the Office of Rail Regulation, Network Rail, passenger groups and the devolved Scottish and It is obviously in general much in the public interest Welsh Administrations. that the names of those escaping and absconding should Sir Andrew Foster will report within three months. The report be made public, but there can be operational or other and the Government’s response will be published and reported to reasons for not doing so in specific cases. I will write to Parliament. A copy of the letter from the Secretary of State to the hon. and learned Member for Beaconsfield with the Sir Andrew Foster has been laid in the Libraries of both Houses.

765W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 766W

With the advances made in technology the way we deliver our Written Answers to services has changed and our channel strategy enables us to effectively deliver many of our services either by telephone or through the internet. However, for customers in need of tailored Questions personal support, Jobcentre Plus continues to provide a face to face advisory service through our network of Jobcentres and a wide range of outreach locations. Friday 26 February 2010 We aim to make our services more accessible to customers by providing a range of support through outreach. Typically, advisory services can be delivered in partnership with Children’s Centres, WORK AND PENSIONS on Local Authority premises, or in conjunction with one of our Welfare to Work providers Employment Schemes: Disabled To ensure these arrangements meet the challenge of the current economic climate we will keep our service delivery plans under Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Work review. and Pensions what the average cost to Jobcentre Plus is I hope this information is helpful. of supporting clients on (a) Pathways to Work, (b) Public Holidays Workstep and (c) New Deal for Disabled People into (i) work and (ii) sustained work defined as 26 weeks in Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Work respect of clients diagnosed with (A) mental health and Pensions what estimate she has made of the cost to conditions, (B) musculoskeletal diseases and (C) visual her Department of the introduction of an additional impairment. [315047] public holiday; and if she will make a statement. [315112] Jim Knight: The information requested is not available. Jonathan Shaw: No official estimate has been made Incapacity Benefits of the additional cost to the Department of an additional day’s public holiday. Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work The actual cost would depend in particular on the and Pensions (1) whether people claiming employment degree to which work could be re-prioritised or re-scheduled and support allowance are counted for the purposes of as already happens, for example, at the Christmas and meeting her Department’s objective of reducing the Easter public holidays. national incapacity benefits caseload by one million by 2015; [317623] (2) what recent assessment she has made of her TRANSPORT Department’s progress towards its target of reducing Boating: Safety the national incapacity benefits caseload by one million by 2015. [317624] Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport when he last reviewed safety Jonathan Shaw: The Government’s aim is to reduce arrangements for tall ships which are used for the number of people on employment and support educational purposes for young people under 21; and if allowance and incapacity benefits by 1 million by 2015 he will make a statement. [318938] from a baseline of 2.74 million in 2005. Recipients of incapacity benefits include customers receiving incapacity Paul Clark: The Maritime and Coastguard Agency benefit, severe disablement allowance, income support (MCA) keeps the safety requirements for tall ships (on incapacity grounds) and employment and support registered or operating in the UK under constant review. allowance. These requirements are set out in Codes of Safety We expect the further planned reforms to employment published by the MCA. Tall ships registered or operating and support allowance and incapacity benefits to help in the UK are subject to the same inspection regimes as us make significant progress towards our aim to reduce ships of a comparable size. The agency is working with the numbers on employment and support allowance the Association of Sail Training Organisations (ASTO) and incapacity benefits by 1 million. on the development of an additional safety management system designed specifically for smaller sail training Jobcentre Plus ships. Through the International Maritime Organization, Mrs. May: To ask the Secretary of State for Work the MCA is actively promoting greater co-operation and Pensions what recent consideration she has given between maritime administrations to develop a more to the provision of Jobcentre Plus services at locations consistent application of safety requirements internationally. other than Jobcentre Plus offices. [313780] Departmental NDPBs Jim Knight: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a Bob Spink: To ask the Minister of State, Department matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Darra for Transport for how many non-departmental public Singh. I have asked him to provide the right hon. bodies his Department is responsible. [314260] Member with the information requested. Letter from Darra Singh: Chris Mole: Information on the number of non- departmental public bodies (NDPBs) sponsored by my The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question Department is published in the annual Cabinet Office asking what recent consideration she has given to the provision of Jobcentre Plus services at locations other than Jobcentre Plus report—‘Public Bodies’. ‘Public Bodies 2009’ is available offices. This is something that falls within the responsibilities online at: delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. www.civilservice.gov.uk/about/resources/ndpbs.aspx 767W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 768W

Departmental Public Expenditure Paul Clark: The EU’s aviation security regulatory committee (composed of member state experts) agreed Norman Baker: To ask the Minister of State, a new package of implementing measures on aviation Department for Transport which projects have been security on 21 October 2009. This package of measures allocated funding from the (a) Highways Agency includes standards for liquids screening technology. The Network Operations budget and (b) Technology timetable for introduction of this technology is presently Innovation Fund for (i) 2009-10, (ii) 2010-11, (iii) being considered by the European Parliament. 2011-12, (iv) 2012-13, (v) 2013-14 and (vi) 2014-15; and Official Cars: Safety how much such funding each such project has already received. [319073] Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport whether cars operated by the Chris Mole: The information requested is as follows: Government Car and Despatch Agency have been (a) The Highways Agency was allocated £2.9 billion of subject to recall in the last six months. [319172] programme expenditure in 2009-10 as presented in the Agency’s 2009-10 Business Plan. The programme includes Paul Clark: Eleven vehicles operated by the Government projects to maintain and operate the strategic road Car and Despatch Agency have been subject to a recall network. in the last six months. There are over 3,000 which make up the programme Railways: Fares allocation and it is not practicable to list each project. 2010-11 plans are being finalised and the following Mr. Lancaster: To ask the Minister of State, years are subject to the outcome of any future Spending Department for Transport (1) what the annual Review. percentage change in the cost of a Senior Railcard has (b) The Highways Agency was allocated funding for been in each year since 2000; [318407] the A14 Corridor Traffic Management System and the (2) what the cost of a Senior Railcard was in each Birmingham Box Phase 1 and 2 project from the year since 2000. [318408] Technology Innovation Fund for the periods 2009-10 and 2010-11. Chris Mole: The cost and percentage increase of a Funding already allocated to the Highways Agency Senior Railcard in each year since 2000 was as follows: from the Technology Innovation Fund is as follows: Percentage Price (£) increase Date of increase £ million 2009-10 Budget 2010-11 Indicative 2000 18.00 0 — 2001 18.00 0 — Birmingham Box Phase 1 and 2 76 32 2002 18.00 0 — A14 Corridor TMS 46 7 2003 18.00 0 — Departmental Sick Leave 2004 20.00 11.11 23 May 2004 2005 20.00 0 — 2006 20.00 0 — David Simpson: To ask the Minister of State, 2007 20.00 0 — Department for Transport how many staff in his 2008 24.00 20.00 2 January 2008 Department have had five or more periods of sickness 2009 26.00 8.33 17 May 2009 absence of less than five days in two or more of the last 2010 26.00 0 — three years. [316455] These are in line with the terms of the Senior Railcard Chris Mole: Sickness absence statistics are available scheme agreement through which train operators are on the Department’s website at: required to provide the cards. http://www.dft.gov.uk/about/staff/sickabsence Rescue Services: Hope Cove Departmental Travel Mr. Steen: To ask the Minister of State, Department Mr. Watson: To ask the Minister of State, for Transport if he will extend the coverage area of the Department for Transport if he will publish the travel Hope Cove lifeboat up to and including Ordnance guidance issued to staff of each of his Department’s Survey points (a) 695373 to the east and (b) 605465 to the west. [318209] agencies and non-departmental public bodies. [314928] Paul Clark: There are no plans to extend the coverage Chris Mole: The Department for Transport does not of the general purpose boat operated by the Maritime hold this information. Agencies and NDPBs issue their and Coastguard Agency (MCA) at Hope Cove. The own travel guidance to staff, and reference should be operating limits are set in the interests of the safety of made to them for this information. the boat’s volunteer crew and the public. Liquid Explosives: EU Action Roads: Snow and Ice

Mr. Brazier: To ask the Minister of State, Mr. Bone: To ask the Minister of State, Department Department for Transport when he expects the EU’s for Transport if he will make it his policy not to Liquid Explosives Working Group to agree a standard override local authority contracts for the supply of salt for scanning for liquid explosives. [318904] and grit. [318905] 769W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 770W

Mr. Khan: The Department for Transport only provides Applied for funding and allocated a Sea Change grant advice to salt suppliers on prioritising deliveries to Local authority Resort ensure salt is delivered to where it is needed most. Devon County Council Teignmouth Advice is provided by the Salt Cell, comprising officials Rother District Council Bexhill-on-Sea from the Department for Transport, the Devolved Bournemouth Borough Council Boscombe Administrations, Highways Agency and local authority North Somerset Council Weston-Super-Mare representatives. The Salt Cell has remained in operation Arun District Council Littlehampton since 6 January and its advice has been extremely important Torridge DC Westward Ho! in ensuring that no authorities have so far run out of Wyre BC Fleetwood salt despite the worst winter weather in 30 years. The North Devon Council Ilfracombe Salt Cell’s advice is based upon information provided North Tyneside Council North Tyneside by highway authorities on their stock levels and weather East Riding of Yorkshire Council Withernsea forecasts. It is a matter for the salt suppliers to decide Thanet District Council Margate what deliveries they make.

Mr. Bone: To ask the Minister of State, Department Applied for funding and not allocated a grant for Transport what assessment he has made of the Local authority Resort preparedness of local authorities for the recent severe West Dorset District Council West Bay weather conditions including the provision of salt and Sedgemoor District Council Burnham-on-Sea grit in (a) Northamptonshire and (b) England. Penwith District Council St Ives [318907] South Holland District Council Sutton Bridge Shepway District Council Folkestone Mr. Khan: Following the severe weather conditions in Worthing Borough Council Worthing February 2009, the Government asked the UK Roads Tendring District Council Walton-on-the-Naze Liaison Group to identify the lessons that should be Brighton and Hove City Council Brighton learnt regarding highway authorities’ preparedness for Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council Southport extreme weather events. The UK Roads Liaison Group West Somerset Council Minehead made 19 recommendations, one of which advised that: Plymouth City Council Plymouth “in considering appropriate service standards, at least six days resilience would represent sensible good practice for determining Wave Two 2009-10 the number of days resilience during the core winter period”. It is for each authority to consider the recommendations Applied for funding and allocated a Sea Change grant and decide for themselves how best to take them forward. Local authority Resort However, a write round in late October 2009 by regional resilience teams (RRTs) in the Government Offices found East Riding of Yorkshire Bridlington that of those local authorities that responded (a third of Great Yarmouth Borough Council Great Yarmouth local highway authorities) all but one were holding at Hastings Borough Council Hastings least six days’ supply, and more than half of those Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council Southport responding arranged to hold 10 days’ supply or more. Wansbeck District Council Newbiggin Northamptonshire county council reported that it had Worthing Borough Council Worthing reviewed the UKRLG’s recommendations and that it South Tyneside Council South Shields held 11,000 tonnes at that time. Essex County Council Jaywick Swale Borough Council Leysdown Penwith District Council Penzance Teignbridge District Council Dawlish CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT North Norfolk District Council Wells Kent County Council Whitstable/Margate Sea Change Programme Applied for funding and not allocated a grant Mr. Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Local authority Resort Media and Sport who (a) applied for and (b) received Weymouth and Portland Borough Weymouth funding through his Department’s Sea Change Council programme in each year since its inception. [318594] Tendring District Council Dovercourt Scarborough Borough Council Filey Margaret Hodge: The local authorities who applied Portsmouth City Council Portsmouth for and received funding through the Sea Change Sunderland City Council Sunderland programme since it began in April 2008 are shown in Fylde Borough Council St. Anne’s the tables. A total of £38 million has been allocated over Carrick District Council Falmouth the three phrases of the programme. Hartlepool Borough Council Seaton Sands Wave One (2008-09) Applied for funding and allocated a Sea Change grant Wave Three 2010-11 Local authority Resort Applied for funding and allocated a Sea Change grant Blackpool Council Blackpool Local authority Resort Torbay Council Torbay Kent County Council Dover Thanet District Council Margate Berwick-upon-Tweed Berwick North Tyneside Council Tynemouth 771W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 772W

Applied for funding and allocated a Sea Change grant PRIME MINISTER Local authority Resort National Security Committee Sunderland City Council Roker Barrow Borough Council Piel Island Keith Vaz: To ask the Prime Minister what the Wyre Borough Council Fleetwood membership is of the National Security Committee; Cornwall County Council St. Ives how many times the Committee has met in the last Plymouth City Council Plymouth 12 months; and what its remit is. [313546] The Prime Minister: The Ministerial Committee on Applied for funding and not allocated a grant National Security, International Relations and Development Local authority Resort exists to consider issues relating to national security and Lancaster City Council Morecambe the Government’s international, European and international Southend Southend development policies. Its membership is taken from Lincolnshire County Council Chapel St. Leonards relevant Ministers. The attendance of officials at ministerial Kings Lynn and West Norfolk borough Hunstanton committees is at the discretion of the chair of the council committee. At NSID the Chief of the Defence Staff, the East Lindsey Borough Council Skegness Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee and the Lincolnshire County Council Skegness heads of the intelligence agencies have a standing invitation North East Lincolnshire Council Cleethorpes to attend meetings. South Holland District Council Sutton Bridge Hartlepool Borough Council Seaton Carew Northumberland County Council Blyth CHURCH COMMISSIONERS Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council Redcar Blackpool Council Blackpool Religious Buildings: Repairs and Maintenance Cumbria County Council Siloth Green Miss McIntosh: To ask the hon. Member for Lancaster City Council Morecambe Middlesbrough, representing the Church Wirral Metropolitan Borough Council Old Hoylake Commissioners what recent representations the Church Chichester District Council Selsey Commissioners have received on the effects of the East Sussex County Council Newhaven scheme which rebates value added tax payable on Havant Borough Council Hayling Island repairs for listed places of worship. [318596] Kent County Council East Kent Trail Portsmouth City Council Southsea Sir Stuart Bell: On 11 February the General Synod Shepway District Council Folkestone made a clear statement that this extremely welcome Thanet District Council Margate scheme, which had by the end of January 2010 paid out Devon County Council Exmouth over £101 million across the UK but is due to end on East Devon District Council Seaton 31 March 2011, should be extended. North Devon Council Ilfracombe As no provision has been agreed within the EU to Poole Borough Council Poole allow for the reduction of VAT for repairs to listed Teignbridge District Council Teignmouth places of worship, the Church is campaigning, in West Dorset District Council Lyme Regis partnership with other denominations and faiths, to West Somerset Council Minehead persuade the Government to ensure the continuation of Weymouth and Portland District Weymouth Council this scheme. The scheme makes a huge difference to our East Riding of Yorkshire Council Hornsea parish churches which are currently spending over £110 million on repairs and we are pleased that the hon. St. George’s Day Lady and other hon. Members are actively involving themselves in this campaign and helping us to maintain Mr. Hollobone: To ask the Secretary of State for a major part of the nation’s built heritage for future Culture, Media and Sport what plans his Department generations. has to mark St George’s Day. [318952]

Margaret Hodge: On 23 April the Department for DEFENCE Culture, Media and Sport will fly the St. George’s flag Armed Forces Compensation Scheme alongside the Union flag to celebrate St. George’s Day. English Heritage plans to mark the day with events at Dr. Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for several properties around the country, the biggest of Defence what estimate he has made of the cost in which will be a two-day St. George’s Day festival at 2009-10 to his Department of the changes to the Wrest Park in Bedfordshire. Armed Forces Compensation Scheme announced on 10 February 2010. [318027] Theatre: Young People Mr. Kevan Jones [holding answer 22 February 2010]: Mr. Hunt: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, The Ministry of Defence (MOD) accounts for the liabilities Media and Sport how many people have registered for arising from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Arts Council England’s A Night Less Ordinary on an accruals basis, which means that the full lifetime scheme. [317147] value of awards is set aside in the year in which the injury, illness or death occurred, even though payments Margaret Hodge: Central registration with Arts Council may be made through the guaranteed income payments England is not required. over an individual’s lifetime. Details of the existing 773W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 774W liabilities can be found in the Armed Forces Pension Members: Correspondence Scheme Resource Accounts which are placed in the Library of the House. Sir Michael Spicer: To ask the Secretary of State for The MOD has estimated that the additional liabilities Defence when he plans to respond to the email from arising from the changes proposed in the review would the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of be between around £30 million and £40 million per 24 November 2009 on his Department’s bonus scheme. annum. These liabilities would be met from within [319248] existing provision in the Defence Budget. In the Falkland Islands and the South Atlantic there Mr. Kevan Jones: The hon. Member’s e-mail was not are six manned fixed-wing aircraft and two helicopters, sent to the correct address. It has now been resent and a all from the RAF. response will be provided shortly. There are no manned fixed-wing aircraft at sea. There are currently 10 Royal Navy helicopters at sea. Met Office: Pay All figures and types are only for aircraft deployed on operations as at 23 February 2010. Aircraft may also be Sammy Wilson: To ask the Secretary of State for temporarily overseas for exercises or other short-term Defence how much has been paid in bonuses to staff visits. employed at the Met Office in each of the last five years. [318171] Armed Forces: Pay Mr. Kevan Jones: Met Office staff are eligible to Willie Rennie: To ask the Secretary of State for receive performance related pay based on achievements Defence how much his Department has spent on against specific targets agreed and monitored by the household staff for members of the armed forces with Met Office Board, which are linked to the success of the a rank of Brigadier or equivalent and above in each of Met Office at either individual, team or organisational the last 12 months. [316372] level. Payments are non-consolidated and represent part of Met Office staff remuneration which is at risk and Bill Rammell: The information requested is not held needs to be re-earned each year. centrally. The following table details the amount paid in performance related pay to staff employed at the Met Departmental Travel Office in each of the last five years.

Mr. Watson: To ask the Secretary of State for £ Defence if he will publish the travel guidelines issued to Total paid in non- consolidated, staff of each of his Department’s agencies and performance related non-departmental public bodies. [315150] awards Average award

2008-09 2,720,000 1,485 Mr. Kevan Jones: The Statement of Civilian Personnel 2007-08 2,734,000 1,545 Policy on Civilian Detached Duty Expenses has been 2006-07 2,491,000 1,458 placed in the Library of the House. 2005-06 2,642,000 1,499 Copies of the guidance in respect of the Department’s 2004-05 1,742,000 968 Trading Funds UK Hydrographic Office, Met Office and Defence Science and Technology Laboratory have been placed in the Library of the House. The Defence RAF Fylingdales Support Group is currently in the process of harmonising the existing travel guidelines of its Air and Land businesses Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence and a copy will be placed in the Library of the House how many (a) arrests, (b) reports, (c) de-arrests and when the revised guidelines are complete. (d) charges have been made under the RAF The Department’s non-departmental public bodies Fylingdales Military Land Byelaws since 1990. [318620] have charitable status and are independent of the Secretary of State for Defence in relation to travel guidance. Mr. Kevan Jones: The information requested is detailed Advisory non-departmental public bodies have no staff. in the following table:

Future Large Aircraft Arrests Reports De-arrests Charges 1990 4 0 0 0 Mr. Wallace: To ask the Secretary of State for 1991 5 1 0 1 Defence how much funding his Department has 1992 0 0 0 0 provided to the A400M aircraft project under each 1993 0 0 0 0 budgetary heading; and for what purposes. [319175] 1994 1 1 0 1 1995 0 0 0 0 Mr. Quentin Davies: The cost so far to the Department 1996 0 0 0 0 of the A400M programme has been £843 million from 1997 0 0 0 0 the Capital Departmental Expenditure Limit and £5 million 1998 0 0 0 0 from the Resource Departmental Expenditure Limit. 1999 0 0 0 0 This money has been spent on aircraft development and 2000 11 8 3 0 production activities. 775W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 776W

There is no record of the Military Land Byelaws at following piece of research: Current Practice and Prospects RAF Fylingdales being used by the Ministry of Defence for Fire and Rescue Service Co-responding, 14/2008: Police after 2000. For the purposes of this response the www.communities.gov.uk/publications/fire/frscoresponding term ‘reports’ has been interpreted as files that were Information on the number of defibrillators in Fire submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service for advice. and Rescue Services is not collected routinely and therefore United Kingdom Hydrographic Office data for 2008-09 could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Jeremy Browne: To ask the Secretary of State for Fire and rescue service Front line pumping appliances Defence whether he plans to privatise the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office. [318903] Avon 37 Bedfordshire and Luton 22 Mr. Kevan Jones: We have no plans to privatise the Buckinghamshire 31 UK Hydrographic Office. Cambridgeshire 38 Cheshire 35 Cleveland 22 Cornwall 43 COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT County Durham and Darlington 27 Cumbria 50 Community Development: Expenditure Derbyshire 44 Devon and Somerset 121 Justine Greening: To ask the Secretary of State for Dorset 40 Communities and Local Government how much East Sussex 35 funding has been granted under Connecting Essex 71 Communities in each (a) local authority and (b) lower Gloucestershire 33 super output area in each year since 2000. [318216] Greater Manchester 66 Hampshire 76 Mr. Malik: The Connecting Communities programme Hereford and Worcester 43 was launched on 14 October 2009. A table providing Hertfordshire 41 information on the grant funding allocated to each area Humberside 49 to support their proposals for participating in the Isle of Wight 16 Connecting Communities programme has been deposited Isles of Scilly 3 in the Library of the House. Kent 86 Lancashire 60 Fire Services Leicestershire 31 Lincolnshire 48 Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State London 168 for Communities and Local Government what Merseyside 42 timetable has been set for the first full year’s data to be Norfolk 54 collected from fire authorities under the new Incident North Yorkshire 47 Recording System. [319305] Northamptonshire 28 Northumberland 24 Mr. Malik: Fire and rescue authorities have been Nottinghamshire 36 asked to provide incident record data for the first full Oxfordshire 35 year under the new Incident Record System by the end Royal Berkshire 22 of May 2010. This is in order to produce the provisional Shropshire 28 national statistics which are published in the Fire Statistics South Yorkshire 32 Monitor Publication series at: Staffordshire 44 Suffolk 38 www.communities.gov.uk/fire/researchandstatistics/ firestatistics/firestatisticsmonitors/ Surrey 35 Tyne and Wear 31 Fire Services: Equipment Warwickshire 26 West Midlands 61 Mr. Fallon: To ask the Secretary of State for West Sussex 46 Communities and Local Government with reference to West Yorkshire 62 the answer of 15 September 2008, Official Report, Wiltshire 35 columns 2083-4W, on fire services: equipment, what the England 2,062 equivalent information is for 2008-09. [318423] Fires: Domestic Waste Mr. Malik [holding answer 24 February 2010]: The number of front-line pumping appliances in each fire Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State and rescue service in England during 2008-09 is shown for Communities and Local Government with in the table. reference to the answer to the hon. Member for The numbers of defibrillators in each Fire and Rescue Bromley and Chislehurst of 21 July 2009, Official Service in 2007 as provided in the answer of 15 September Report, column 1654W, on fires: domestic waste, what 2008, Official Report, columns 2083-4W,on fire services: the (a) budget and (b) timetable is for the research equipment were data collected as a one-off for the into fires in wheeled refuse containers. [319324] 777W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 778W

Mr. Malik: The 2010-11 research programme is being Roads: Snow and Ice drawn up at this time. We anticipate that draft research programmes will be considered by Ministers and we Mr. Bone: To ask the Secretary of State for expect the outcomes of that process will be available in Communities and Local Government if he will bring spring 2010. forward proposals to include the provision of reserves of salt and grit as part of the audit requirements of Local Enterprise Growth Initiative local authorities. [318906]

Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Secretary of State Ms Rosie Winterton: The Department has no plans for Communities and Local Government what for such proposals. assessment has been made of the effect on local Standards Board for England: Procurement economies of the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative. [319278] Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what the names Ms Rosie Winterton: An independent national evaluation and addresses are of each organisation that supplied of the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) has goods or services to the (a) Standards Board for been commissioned by Communities and Local England and (b) Homes and Communities Agency in Government which will measure and assess the outcomes 2008-09. [317573] and impacts of the programme; assess the strategic and operational fit of the fund within the wider policy John Healey: A list for both bodies has been deposited environment; and identify innovation and good practice in the Library of the House. and work carried out by the LEGI partnerships. The final report is scheduled to be published in Written Questions: Government Responses summer this year. Grant Shapps: To ask the Secretary of State for Planning Permission: Appeals Communities and Local Government (1) when he plans to answer Question 314663, on households in temporary accommodation, tabled on 27 January 2010; Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of [319588] State for Communities and Local Government whether submissions from developers to planning appeals may (2) when he plans to answer Question 314661, on be (a) received and (b) taken account of after the households classified as intentionally homeless, tabled closing date for such submissions; and if he will make a on 27 January 2010; [319589] statement. [319251] (3) when he plans to answer Question 314660, on emergency accommodation, tabled on 27 January 2010; Mr. Ian Austin: The Secretary of State is able to use [319590] his discretion in determining whether to consider (4) when he plans to answer Question 314658, on representations received after the close of an inquiry. emergency accommodation, tabled on 27 January 2010; The late submission of appeal material can cause [319591] delays and late representations and evidence are therefore (5) when he plans to answer Question 314657, on only accepted in exceptional circumstances. services for intentionally homeless households, tabled on 27 January 2010. [319592] Planning Permission: Innsworth Mr. Ian Austin: I replied to the hon. Member’s questions on 24 February 2010, Official Report, columns 613-14W Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government what discussions he has had with the Planning Inspectorate on the timing of submissions made by developers in FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE respect of proposals to build houses at Innsworth, British Overseas Territories Gloucestershire, GL3 1EB. [319252]

Mr. Ian Austin: None. Mr. Hoyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the name is of the (a) Governor and (b) Assistant Governor of each Public Sector overseas territory. [319171]

Robert Neill: To ask the Secretary of State for Mr. Ivan Lewis: The names of the Governors and Communities and Local Government if he will place in Deputy Governor, or equivalents, in each of the UK’s the Library a copy of each of the interim pilot reports Overseas Territories are as follows: published as part of the Total Place initiative. [317804] Anguilla Governor—Mr. Alistair Harrison Ms Rosie Winterton: Many of the pilots have now Deputy Governor—Mr. Stanley Reid made their interim reports public, by either publishing them on the Total Place website or their own websites. Bermuda The decision on whether to publish the interim reports Governor—Sir Richard Gozney was entirely a matter for the pilots. Deputy Governor—Mr. David Arkley 779W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 780W

British Virgin Islands Diplomatic Service: Manpower Governor—Mr. David Pearey Deputy Governor—Ms Vivian Inez Archibald Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Cayman Islands Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment Governor—Mr. Duncan Taylor has been made of the effects on levels of service of the Deputy Governor—Mr. Donovan Ebanks withdrawal of management officers in the UK missions Falkland Islands and their replacement with locally-engaged staff in (a) Iran, (b) Iraq, (c) Nigeria, (d) Russia and (e) China; Governor—Mr. Alan Huckle. Mr Huckle is also Commissioner for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. and if he will make a statement. [318450] Deputy Governor—There is no such position. Mr. Paul Martinez is the First Secretary in the Governor’s Office and has acted as Chris Bryant: Our missions will continue to provide Governor during periods of substantive absence by the Governor. appropriate levels of service for our staff whether supported Gibraltar by UK or locally-based staff. In Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, Russia and China, there will still be senior UK-based Governor—Sir Adrian Johns management staff. Deputy Governor—Ms Lesley Pallett Montserrat The Foreign and Commonwealth Office tries to work very much as a single team, offering full responsibility Governor—Mr. Peter Waterworth and accountability to local as well as UK-based staff in Deputy Governor—Mrs. Sarita Francis accordance with their roles. We are privileged to attract Pitcairn a high calibre of local staff who deliver an excellent Governor—Mr. George Fergusson level of service including in the area of corporate services Deputy Governor—Ms Ginny Silva work. St. Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha Governor—Mr Andrew Gurr Dubai: Interpol Deputy Governor—There is no such position. The Chief Secretary, Mr. Andrew Wells, has acted as Governor of St. Helena in the Mr. Galloway: To ask the Secretary of State for Governor’s absence. Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions Ascension Island Administrator—Mr. Ross Denny. he has had with his counterpart in Dubai on Interpol’s Tristan da Cunha Administrator—Mr. David Morley. request concerning named suspects in a murder Turks and Caicos Islands investigation believed to be using details from British passports; and if he will make a statement. [318684] Governor—Mr. Gordon Wetherell Deputy Governor—Vacant Chris Bryant [holding answer 25 February 2010]: I British Antarctic Territory and British Indian Ocean refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend the Minister Territory for Europe’s answer to the right hon. Member for The Commissioner for the British Antarctic Territory and Richmond, Yorks (Mr. Hague) of 22 February 2010, British Indian Ocean Territory is Mr. Colin Roberts. Official Report, columns 22-23, namely that on 21 February 2010 my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary spoke Croatia: EU Accession to Abdullah bin Zayed, the Emirati Foreign Minister.

Mr. Bain: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign Embassies: Closures and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for West Bromwich East of 7 January 2010, Official Report, column 565W, on Croatia: EC Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for enlargement, what assessment he has made of the effect Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he plans of the election of Ivo Josipovic as President of Croatia to close any overseas posts during 2010-11. [318034] on that country’s progress in its EU accession negotiations, with particular reference to efforts Chris Bryant [holding answer 22 February 2010]: The towards reform in the areas of judiciary and Government are committed to a world-class and fundamental rights. [318609] comprehensive diplomatic service that is a credit to the UK and reflects demands for our services and the Chris Bryant: President Josipovic was elected for a Government’s priorities. I am confident that we will five year term on 11 January 2010. His election campaign continue to be able both to fulfil our historic responsibilities focussed on tackling corruption, support for European and to pursue our modern priorities. norms and the rule of law. In his inauguration speech as Head of State he set Falun Gong out the following vision: ″It was with a vision of a European, prosperous Croatia that I Sarah Teather: To ask the Secretary of State for embarked on the electoral process. My key motivation was that of Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent justice, the moral and legal foundation of a better society. We discussions he has had with representatives of the have established a state, but justice and fairness are the values yet Falun Gong movement in the UK. [318462] to be materialized in their full scope.″ I am confident that President Josipovic will encourage Chris Bryant: UK representatives of the Falun Gong the Government of Croatia to continue vigorous efforts movement were invited to meetings with non-governmental to meet the criteria for EU accession, particularly in the organisations, held by my predecessor the hon. Member areas of tackling corruption and strengthening the judiciary for Harlow (Bill Rammell), as part of a wider discussion and respect for fundamental rights. on Human Rights in China. 781W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 782W

Foreign and Commonwealth Office officials regularly (4) how many people have been convicted for (a) meet with the UK representatives of the Falun Gong kidnapping, (b) child abduction and (c) false movement. Also at the end of last year they met with imprisonment in England and Wales in each year since international Falun Gong researchers. 1998; [317659] We have serious concerns about the mistreatment of (5) how many people have been convicted for Falun Gong adherents and regularly raise this issue offences related to absconding from legal custody in with the Chinese Government. We did so most recently each year since 1998; [317761] at the UK/China Human Rights Dialogue, which was (6) how many people were convicted of offences held in London in January 2009. We asked how many related to hijacking commercial lorries and tankers in re-education through labour detainees there were and England and Wales in each of the last 10 years; what proportion were Falun Gong. The Chinese responded [317774] saying that reforms of the system of re-education through (7) how many people have been convicted for labour were taking place. We will raise this issue again offences of obstructing (a) police and (b) fire services at the next available opportunity. in England and Wales in each year since 1998. [317775] War Crimes: Arrest Warrants Claire Ward: The available information, up to 2008 Dr. Starkey: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign (latest available), is shown in tables 1 to 6 which have and Commonwealth Affairs when he plans to submit been placed in the Library of the House. his response to the request from the UN Secretary- The Court Proceedings Database holds information General under paragraph 1 of UN General Assembly on defendants proceeded against, found guilty and Resolution 64/117 for information and observations on sentenced for criminal offences in England and Wales. the scope and application of the principle of universal These data include information on the offence and jurisdiction, including information on judicial practice; statute for the offence. The Court Proceedings Database whether that response will include details of the arrest does not hold specific information on offences beyond warrant procedure in the UK; and if he will publish the descriptions provided by the statutes under which response. [317364] prosecutions are brought nor the circumstances of each case. Chris Bryant: The UK intends to respond to the UN There is no specific statute of ‘hijacking commercial Secretary-General’s request before his deadline of 30 April. lorries and tankers’. Defendants may be proceeded The content of our reply, including the question of against for offences of theft or conspiracy to steal, etc. whether or not to include details of the arrest warrant Centrally available motoring offences data do not separately procedure, is currently under consideration. The identify commercial lorries and tankers from other types Government will lay a copy of the response in the of motor vehicle. Data for 2009 are planned for publication Library of the House at the earliest opportunity. in autumn, 2010. Departmental Disabled Staff JUSTICE Mr. Harper: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Arrest Warrants how many and what proportion of staff in (a) his Department and (b) the executive agencies for which Mr. Davey: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice he is responsible are disabled; and what the average on how many occasions statute law provisions relating salary in (i) his Department and (ii) the executive to domestic arrest warrants have been amended in the agencies is of (A) full-time disabled staff, (B) full-time last 30 years; and if he will make a statement. [317729] non-disabled staff, (C) part-time disabled staff and (D) Claire Ward: The statutory provision governing the part-time non-disabled staff. [317894] issue of domestic arrest warrants is section 1 of the Mr. Wills: The requirement to make a declaration Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, which in the 30 years about disability is voluntary and significant numbers of since it was passed has been amended by three staff have chosen not to make a disclosure. Overall, enactments—the Criminal Justice Act 1991, the Courts within the Ministry of Justice (excluding the National Act 2003 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003. Offender Management Services (NOMS)) 73 per cent. Crime have completed a declaration. Among full-time staff 58 per cent. have completed a declaration form, with Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for 3.9 per cent. recording that they have a disability. Among Justice (1) how many people were convicted of racist part-time staff 3.5 per cent. declared a disability. offences in (a) London, (b) each police force area and For NOMS, 55 per cent. of directly employed staff (c) England and Wales in each year since 1998; have completed a declaration, with 6 per cent. recording [317609] that they have a disability. Among full-time staff 55 per (2) how many people have been convicted for causing cent. completed a declaration, of whom 6 per cent. (a) death and (b) injury by dangerous driving in declared a disability and among part-time staff 58 per England and Wales, in each year since 1998; and how cent. completed a declaration and 6 per cent. of those many of these offences involved (i) alcohol and (ii) declared a disability. drug or substance abuse; [317656] 2 per cent. of senior civil servants (SCS) employed (3) how many people have been convicted for using within the Ministry have declared a disability. As the firearms or imitation firearms with intent to resist actual number of SCS staff involved is less than 10, any arrest in England and Wales in each year since 1998; disclosure of their working patterns and average salaries [317658] may lead to individual identification. 783W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 784W

For staff employed in grades below the SCS, insufficient Information provided by the Home Office on 10 to numbers of employees have made any declaration of 17-year-olds arrested for drug offences covering 2003-04 their status in relation to disability to enable the Ministry to 2007-08 (latest available) is provided in Table 1. It is to determine, with any accuracy, average salary information. not possible to separately identify arrests for Class A However, during 2008-09 (the latest figures available) drugs from the information on arrests for drug offences the average salary for full-time staff employed in the reported to the Home Office. Ministry of Justice (excluding National Offender Data on arrests for 2008-09 are scheduled to be Management Services (NOMS)) was £23,986 and the published on 15 April 2010. average full-time equivalent (FTE) salary for part-time staff for 2008-09 was £20,717. For staff employed within The number of persons aged 10 to 17 years proceeded NOMS, at 31 January 2010 the average full-time salary against at magistrates courts for all drugs offences and was £24,876 and the average FTE salary for part-time Class A drugs offences, and those receiving a sentence staff was £23,986. of immediate custody at all courts, England and Wales, Both the Ministry of Justice and NOMS encourages 2004 to 2008 (latest available) is given in Table 2. Court staff to declare relevant information to assist with diversity proceedings data are published on a calendar year basis. monitoring. Court proceedings data for 2009 are planned for Drug Offences publication in the autumn 2010. Table 1: Number of persons aged 10 to 17 arrested for drug offences, England Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for and Wales 2003-04 to 2007-081 Justice how many children were (a) arrested, (b) Number of arrests for drug offences prosecuted and (c) imprisoned for (i) all drugs offences and (ii) Class A drugs offences in each of the last five 2003-04 18,100 years. [317770] 2004-05 14,600 2005-06 14,400 Claire Ward: The arrests collection is held by the 2006-07 12,800 Home Office and covers arrests for recorded crime 2007-08 15,018 (notifiable offences) only, broken down at a main offence 1 Figures for 2006-07 onwards are unrounded, previous years rounded. group level, covering categories such as violence against Source: the person and robbery. Home Office Statistics.

Table 2 : The number of defendants aged 10 to 17 proceeded against at magistrates courts and sentenced to immediate custody at all courts for all drugs offences and Class A drugs offences, England and Wales, 2004-081, 2, 3 Defendants Proceeded against Immediate custody Offence 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

All drugs offences 5,125 5,214 4,977 5,855 6,928 181 200 214 214 284 Of which: Class A drugs offences 850 875 897 1,067 1,064 133 160 168 170 225 1 The statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences the principal offence is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Excludes convictions for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice.

Drugs: Convictions The Serious Organised Crime Agency was set up to reduce the harm to the UK caused by serious organised crime. Criminal prosecution is only one of a number of Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for tools SOCA uses. With its partners, SOCA undertakes Justice how many people have been convicted of a drug a range of activities against drug trafficking, including trafficking offence (a) as a result of an investigation by work to secure criminal convictions. SOCA is not able the Serious Organised Crime Agency and (b) in total to say how many people have been convicted of a in each year since 1998. [314751] specific drug trafficking offence since its inception. However, SOCA records show that the following number of people Alan Johnson: I have been asked to reply. have been convicted as a result of operations countering drug trafficking. The number of defendants found guilty at all courts in England and Wales for drug trafficking offences, Convictions for drug trafficking from 1998 to 2008 (latest available) can be viewed in the UK Overseas table. Court proceedings statistical data held by the 2006-07 215 20 Ministry of Justice do not include the circumstances of 2007-08 199 24 each case and therefore cannot identify any investigating 2008-09 197 20 agency. 785W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 786W

The number of defendants found guilty at all courts in England and Wales for drug trafficking offences1, from 1998 to 20082,3 Offence description 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20084

Unlawful 1,190 1,171 1,165 1,648 1,599 1,063 975 1,026 835 783 745 importation of a drug controlled under misuse of Drugs Act 1971 Unlawful 59 25 40 30 21 18 37 35 35 36 31 exportation of a drug controlled under misuse of Drugs Act 1971 Production of or 1,779 1,477 1,175 952 1,114 1,657 1,379 1,360 1,480 2,120 2,627 being concerned in the production of a controlled drug. Having 5,549 5,069 4,607 4,405 4,452 4,834 4,887 5,097 5,062 5,499 6,443 possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply. Supplying or 3,819 3,717 3,341 3,214 3,300 3,461 3,619 3,707 3,499 3,507 3,940 offering to supply (or being concerned in supplying or offering to supply) a controlled drug. Having a 16116111111— controlled drug in possession on a ship; Being knowingly concerned in the carrying or concealing of a controlled drug on a ship. Concealing or 1630264238492720676 transferring the proceeds of drug trafficking; Assisting another person to retain the benefit of drug trafficking; Acquisition, possession or use of proceeds of drug trafficking Total 12,428 11,490 10,355 10,297 10,525 11,083 10,925 11,246 10,918 11,953 13,792 1 Includes offences under statutes: Customs and Excise Management Act 1979; Misuse of Drugs Act 1971; Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as amended by Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994; Criminal Justice (International Co-operation) Act 1990; Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. 2 The statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences the principal offence is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfrom large administrative data systems generated by police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 4 Excludes Convictions for Cardiff magistrates’ court for April, July and August 2008 Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services - Ministry of Justice

John Penrose: To ask the Secretary of State for Claire Ward: Pursuant to the answer of 24 November Justice pursuant to the answer of 24 November 2009, 2009, the number of persons found guilty at all courts Official Report, column 84W, on drugs: crime, how for drug possession and dealing in the Avon and Somerset many people were convicted of offences of drug (a) police force area in 2008 (latest available) can be viewed possession and (b) dealing in Avon and Somerset in the following table: police force area in 2008. [318390]

Number of persons found guilty at all courts for the possession and dealing of drugs, Avon and Somerset police force area 20081,2,3

Offence 2008

Having possession of a controlled drug 707

Having possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply 154 787W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 788W

Number of persons found guilty at all courts for the possession and dealing of drugs, Avon and Somerset police force area 20081,2,3 Offence 2008

Supplying or offering to supply a controlled drug 64 Notes: 1. The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed fortwoor more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2. Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3. Excludes convictions data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July, and August 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services in the Ministry of Justice.

Drugs: Fine Number of persons fined and total sentenced, at all courts, for having possession of a controlled drug by drug type and year, 1998 to 2008 England and Wales Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Drug type and Number of Fine rate Justice pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2010, year persons fined Total sentenced (percentage) Official Report, columns 490-3W, on drugs: fines, what 2007 409 1,211 33.8 the number of people fined for (a) possession and (b) 2008 572 1,549 36.9 possession with intent to supply was as a proportion of all those convicted of both offences in each year for Ecstasy which the data are provided. [317569] (MDMA) 1998 408 743 54.9 Claire Ward: The requested information is shown in 1999 681 1,253 54.3 the following tables. 2000 1,038 2,002 51.8 Number of persons fined and total sentenced, at all courts, for having possession 2001 1,201 2,485 48.3 of a controlled drug by drug type and year, 1998 to 2008 2002 1,078 2,170 49.7 England and Wales 2003 1,023 2,001 51.1 Drug type and Number of Fine rate 2004 840 1,849 45.4 year persons fined Total sentenced (percentage) 2005 761 1,672 45.5 Cannabis 2006 672 1,524 44.1 1998 15,503 22,616 68.5 2007 618 1,571 39.3 1999 15,215 22,672 67.1 2008 404 974 41.5 2000 13,638 20,799 65.6 2001 12,960 20,736 62.5 Heroin 2002 14,123 23,627 59.8 1998 1,505 4,311 34.9 2003 15,172 25,665 59.1 1999 1,660 4,836 34.3 2004 6,972 13,302 52.4 2000 1,715 5,143 33.3 2005 6,316 12,050 52.4 2001 1,856 5,436 34.1 2006 6,368 12,452 51.1 2002 1,758 5,040 34.9 2007 6,839 14,004 48.8 2003 1,541 4,563 33.8 2008 8,694 17,831 48.8 2004 1,405 4,258 33.0 2005 1,230 3,942 31.2 Cocaine 2006 1,159 3,939 29.4 1998 1,003 1,642 61.1 2007 1,335 4,628 28.8 1999 1,243 2,035 61.1 2008 1,478 4,870 30.3 2000 1,117 1,884 59.3 Notes: 2001 1,107 1,977 56.0 1. These data are presented on the principal offence basis. Where an offender 2002 1,332 2,233 59.7 has been sentenced for more than one offence the principal offence is the one for 2003 1,411 2,455 57.5 which the heaviest sentence was imposed. Where the same sentence has been imposed for two or more offences the principal offence is the one for which the 2004 1,516 2,737 55.4 statutory maximum is most severe. 2005 1,731 3,161 54.8 2. These figures have been drawn from administrative data systems. 2006 2,055 3,981 51.6 3. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording 2007 2,307 4,882 47.3 system. 2008 2,839 5,825 48.7 Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services, Ministry of Justice

Crack Cocaine Number of persons fined and total sentenced, at all courts, for having possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply by drug type and year, 1998 to 2008 1998 192 361 53.2 England and Wales 1999 246 483 50.9 Drug type and Number of Percentage of 2000 265 506 52.4 year persons fined Total sentenced persons given fines 2001 281 626 44.9 2002 394 786 50.1 Cannabis 2003 381 862 44.2 1998 244 2,713 9.0 2004 328 846 38.8 1999 197 2,316 8.5 2005 386 921 41.9 2000 163 1,872 8.7 2006 392 973 40.3 2001 100 1,401 7.1 789W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 790W

Number of persons fined and total sentenced, at all courts, for having possession Number of persons fined and total sentenced, at all courts, for having possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply by drug type and year, 1998 to 2008 of a controlled drug with intent to supply by drug type and year, 1998 to 2008 England and Wales England and Wales Drug type and Number of Percentage of Drug type and Number of Percentage of year persons fined Total sentenced persons given fines year persons fined Total sentenced persons given fines

2002 103 1,383 7.4 2008 3 1,331 0.2 2003 111 1,462 7.6 Notes: 2004 79 1,210 6.5 1. These data are presented on the principal offence basis. Where an offender has been sentenced for more than one offence the principal offence is the one for 2005 62 950 6.5 which the heaviest sentence was imposed. Where the same sentence has been 2006 29 884 3.3 imposed for two or more offences the principal offence is the one for which the statutory maximum is most severe. 2007 32 910 3.4 2. These figures have been drawn from administrative data systems. 2008 48 1,142 6.3 3. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system. Cocaine Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services, Ministry of Justice 1998 9 332 2.7 1999 8 345 2.3 Drugs: Rehabilitation 2000 10 350 2.9 2001 9 444 2.0 Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for 2002 13 538 2.4 Justice pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2010, 2003 19 682 2.8 Official Report, column 493W, on drugs: rehabilitation, 2004 14 796 1.8 what proportion of offenders issued with a drug 2005 14 930 1.5 rehabilitation requirement or drug treatment and 2006 9 986 0.9 testing order completed a drug treatment programme 2007 19 1,165 1.6 in each of the last five years. [317834] 2008 11 1,530 0.7 Claire Ward: The drug treatment and testing order Crack Cocaine (DTTO) and drug rehabilitation requirement (DRR) completion rate for each of the last five years is shown 1998 3 85 3.5 in the following table. 1999 2 72 2.8 2000 1 90 1.1 The proportion of offenders successfully completing 2001 5 118 4.2 DTTOs and DRRs has risen significantly from 28 per cent. in 2003 to 47 per cent. in 2008-09. This is encouraging 2002 2 161 1.2 because we know from research that offenders who 2003 2 235 0.9 complete orders have significantly lower reconviction 2004 3 232 1.3 rates (53 per cent.) than those that do not (91 per 2005 7 303 2.3 cent.)1, although it is not possible to attribute this 2006 3 298 1.0 difference entirely to the programme. 2007 3 364 0.8 These figures have been drawn from administrative 2008 0 451 0.0 data systems which may be amended at any time. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, Ecstasy the detail collected is subject to the inaccuracies inherent (MDMA) in any large scale recording system. 1998 11 291 3.8 1999 16 454 3.5 Drug treatment and testing order (DTTO)/drug rehabilitation requirement (DRR) completion rate 2000 20 736 2.7 Percentage 2001 20 982 2.0 2002 22 843 2.6 2004-05 36 2003 24 743 3.2 2005-06 40 2004 10 603 1.7 2006-07 44 2005 8 551 1.5 2007-08 43 2008-09 47 2006 10 419 2.4 2007 7 509 1.4 1 Hough, M., Clancy, A., McSweeney, T. and Turnbull, P.J. (2003) 2008 0 348 0.0 ‘The Impact of Drug Treatment and Testing Orders on offending: two year reconviction results’. Home Office Research Findings No. 184. London: Home Office. Heroin 1998 13 830 1.6 Family Conciliation Services 1999 18 912 2.0 2000 8 943 0.8 Margaret Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for 2001 24 1,023 2.3 Justice what the (a) highest, (b) lowest and (c) 2002 9 945 1.0 average cost was to the public purse of a child contact 2003 12 1,121 1.1 case heard in the last five years. [318042] 2004 3 1,145 0.3 2005 5 1,118 0.4 Bridget Prentice: The Ministry of Justice incurs costs 2006 8 1,101 0.7 in cases involving child contact issues in respect of legal 2007 6 1,138 0.5 aid and the administration of the courts. 791W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 792W

Table 1 shows the highest, lowest and average legal Table 2 aid cost in cases involving child contact for each of the £ last five years. These cases may include other issues, Average costs such as residence, as well as contact. The figures show Family proceedings court County court the gross legal costs paid, and do not deduct any 2005-06 1893 11,126 amounts recovered through contributions by the assisted 2006-07 21,183 11,259 party or otherwise. 2007-08 21,346 11,212 2 1 The figures in table 2 show the average court cost for 2008-09 1,941 1,092 1 A11 private law Children Act cases including, contact, residence, parental private law Children Act cases heard in the family responsibility and financial provision. proceedings courts and county courts for the four years 2 Contact and residence only. since 2005-06. The costs shown are gross and do not Firearms: Convictions deduct income from court fees. Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for It is not possible to disaggregate court costs in a way Justice pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2010, that would allow them to be attributed to individual Official Report, column 498W, on firearms convictions, cases. Therefore, figures for the highest and lowest case how many (a) males and (b) females aged (i) 10 and cost cannot be provided. under, (ii) between 10 and 16, (iii) between 17 and 18 Table 1 and (iv) over 18 years were convicted of possessing or distributing prohibited weapons or ammunition in each £ year since 1998. [317919] Highest cost Lowest cost Average cost Claire Ward: Pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2010, Official Report, column 498W, the number of 2004-05 122,360 10 2,532 persons found guilty at all courts for selected firearms 2005-06 184,735 10 2,769 related offences, by age group from 1998 to 2008 (latest available) can be viewed in the following table. 2006-07 140,985 14 3,229 The age of criminal responsibility in England and 2007-08 188,236 11 3,437 Wales is 10 years of age.

2008-09 232,508 10 3,176 Court proceedings data for 2009 are planned for publication in the autumn, 2010.

Table 1: The number of persons found guilty at all courts for selected firearms related offences, by age group, England and Wales, from 1998 to 20081, 2 Possessing or distributing prohibited weapons or ammunition—Firearms Act 1968 1998 1999 20003 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20084

Males Age 10-16 19 21 22 29 41 32 27 14 6 9 9 Age 17-18 71 49 53 75 62 54 69 42 27 20 44 Age 19 and over 862 668 606 599 638 730 586 286 229 219 296 All Ages 952 738 681 703 741 816 682 342 262 248 349

Females Age10-16311——521—11 Age 17-18 6 3 — — 7 4 3 — — 1 1 Age 19 and over 83 70 51 54 47 74 42 10 13 14 10 All Ages 92 74 52 54 54 83 47 11 13 16 12

Persons Age 10-16 22 22 23 29 41 37 29 15 6 10 10 Age 17-18 77 52 53 75 69 58 72 42 27 21 45 Age 19 and over 945 738 657 653 685 804 628 296 242 233 306 All Ages 1,044 812 733 757 795 899 729 353 275 264 361 1 The statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences the principal offence is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts, and police forces.Asa consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 3 Staffordshire Police Force were only able to submit sample data for persons proceeded against and convicted in the magistrates’ courts for the year 2000. Although sufficient to estimate higher orders of data, these data are not robust enough at a detailed level and have been excluded from the table. 4 Excludes convictions data for Cardiff magistrates’ court for April, July, and August 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services in the Ministry of Justice

Hackney closely as possible to Hackney North and Stoke Newington constituency, the effects on that constituency of his Department’s policies since 1997. Ms Abbott: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice [318374] if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as 793W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 794W

Mr. Wills: The Ministry of Justice’s work spans criminal, The number of persons commencing court order supervision civil and family justice, democracy, rights and the by the probation service in London was 17,214 in 1997 and 23,787 constitution. Every year around nine million people use in 2008. our services in 900 locations across the United Kingdom, 158,440 civil non-family proceedings were started in the county including 650 courts and tribunals and 139 prisons in courts of London Civil and Family HM Courts Service (HMCS) England and Wales. area in 2008, compared to 263,305 in 1998, the first year for which these figures are available. In respect of family law, there were also The range of the Department’s policies and actions is 15,512 private law applications and 870 public law applications wide and the statistical information relating to it is not made in the county or High Courts of this HMCS area in normally collected on a constituency basis. Consequently, 2008-09, compared to 11,684 and 1,095 respectively in 2003-04, some of the information requested in the question the first annual period for which these figures are available. cannot be provided in the form requested except at a In addition, at a national level: disproportionate cost. Local communities are being better engaged in criminal justice—by Although data on sentencing for the period is not available for giving them a say in the types of Community Payback projects the constituency of Hackney, North and Stoke Newington, it is offenders carry out and allowing them to see justice being done, available for London. This shows the total number of offenders for example through the use of high visibility jackets. Offenders sentenced annually was 202,478 in 1997 and 242,429 in 2008, the have now worked more than 14 million hours, with an estimated latest period for which such information is available. value to the taxpayer of over £80 million. The number of offences brought to justice for London increased Major constitutional reforms have been delivered, including from 119,531 for the 12 months ending 31 March 2001 (the devolution, the Human Rights Act, Freedom of Information, earliest period since which such data has been compiled) to Lords Reform, and a new Supreme Court for the UK. 230,202 (provisional figures) for the 12 months ending 31 March 2009. Knives: Sentencing With regard to prosecutions, data is not available for the constituency of Hackney, North and Stoke Newington. However, the total number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for courts by the Metropolitan police was 260,328 in 1997 compared Justice pursuant to the answer of 5 February 2010, to 279,581 in 2008. Official Report, column 548W, on knife sentencing, The latest data, which covers reoffending in the period 1 October what the (a) lowest, (b) highest and (c) average fine 2008 to 30 September 2009, showed that the three month reoffending was for the selling of knives to a minor in each year rate for offenders on the probation caseload in Hackney was 8.04 since 1998. [317838] per cent. After controlling for changes in the characteristics of offenders on the probation caseload, there was a reduction in reoffending of 8.49 per cent. compared to the 2007-08 baseline. Claire Ward: The requested information is provided Data is not available prior to 2007 on this basis. in the following table.

Average, highest and lowest fines given for selling a knife or other bladed article to a person under age1, 1998 to 2008 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Highest fine (£) 2,000 100 2— 3,250 4,000 4,000 3,000 2,500 4,500 2,000 3,500 Average fine (£) 3— 3— 2— 1,400 1,518 1,123 1,200 726 813 540 1,035 Lowest fine (£) 700 100 2— 100 75 70 200 100 75 100 50

Totalfined21081014625432922 1 16 as enacted by the Criminal Justice Act 1988 amended to 18 by Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006. 2 Not applicable (zero fines) 3 Figure suppressed as number too small to give meaningful average. Note: These data are presented on the principal offence basis. Where an offender has been sentenced for more than one offence the principal offence is the one for which the heaviest sentence was imposed. Where the same sentence has been imposed for two or more offences the principal offence is the one for which the statutory maximum is most severe.

Legal Aid: Sexual Offences The same principle applies to the civil legal aid, although exceptionally the applicant’s past conduct Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if may be taken into account if it has a direct relevance to he will instruct legal aid providers to withdraw support the funding being sought. from an individual in circumstances in which that individual presents a continuing threat to others, with Offenders particular reference to offences of paedophilia and rape. [317527] Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Bridget Prentice: Any individual charged with a criminal Justice pursuant to the answer of 4 February 2010, offence has the right to a fair trial, and is also entitled to Official Report, column 501W, on offenders, how many legal aid if the interests of justice so require and if the (a) adult and (b) juvenile offenders there were in each relevant financial eligibility criteria are met. category. [317833] The criteria governing eligibility for criminal legal aid take no account of whether or not the applicant has Claire Ward: Figures for number of (a) adult and previously been convicted of a criminal offence. Nor do (b) juvenile offenders sentenced for indictable offences they allow for the withdrawal of legal aid if details of in England and Wales between 2000 and 2008 with no criminal offences committed by the applicant subsequently previous convictions or cautions are presented in the come to light. following table. 795W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 796W

Offenders sentenced for indictable offences with no previous convictions or cautions by age group1, 2000-08, England and Wales Adult Juvenile All sentenced Percentage of first All sentenced Percentage of first offenders2 First time offenders3 time offenders offenders2 First time offenders3 time offenders

2000 269,637 32,950 12.2 52,269 6,659 12.7 2001 267,979 31,929 11.9 52,844 6,504 12.3 2002 283,444 31,240 11.0 52,538 6,395 12.2 2003 288,261 30,882 10.7 49,998 5,885 11.8 2004 271,717 30,846 11.4 51,138 6,162 12.0 2005 255,460 29,531 11.6 52,775 6,142 11.6 2006 250,384 28,436 11.4 52,942 5,764 10.9 2007 258,424 28,309 11.0 55,307 5,637 10.2 2008 274,657 28,687 10.4 50,835 5,148 10.1 1 Excluding offenders whose age at sentence was not recorded on the PNC. 2 Counts of person sentenced during the year. An offender may be counted more than once if he or she has been sentenced more than once during the year. 3 Offenders who have never been cautioned or convicted previously.

These figures are taken from Table 6.4 of ‘Sentencing enable the National Offender Management Service to Statistics 2008’ which was published on 28 January 2010 disrupt the supply of illicit drugs into prisons. [316189] and can be found at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/publications/sentencingannual.htm Maria Eagle: The National Offender Management The figures have been drawn from the police’s Service is preparing revised guidance on the management administrative IT system, the police national computer, and use of intelligence in prisons. While not meeting the which, as with any large scale recording system, is specific technical criteria of a National Intelligence subject to possible errors with data entry and processing. Model, it describes key strategic tools and processes for The figures are provisional and subject to change as the effective gathering, analysis and action from intelligence. more information is recorded by the police. On the specific issue of addressing illicit drug supply, a range of measures in combination disrupt the supply of Political Parties: Finance drugs into prisons. The level of drug misuse in prisons as measured by mandatory drug testing has declined by Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice 68 per cent. since 1996-97. what discussions he has had with Sir Hayden Phillips on the online publication of the background papers to Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for his consideration of the funding of political parties. Justice how many people in each of the 10 (a) most [318346] and (b) least deprived local authority areas have (i) undertaken drug treatment programmes and (ii) been Mr. Wills: On 21 October 2009, Sir Hayden Phillips convicted of (A) alcohol-related offences and (B) wrote to the representatives of each of the political violent crimes in each of the last five years. [317769] parties participating in the inter-party talks asking whether they would consent to the release and publication of the background papers and minutes from the inter-party Claire Ward: The available information from the talks on the funding of political parties. My right hon. Department of Health is shown in the following tables, Friend the Secretary of State for Justice and Lord showing the number of adults in drug treatment by year Chancellor (Mr. Straw) has since responded to Sir in the top 10 most and least deprived partnerships: Hayden in his capacity as Labour Party participant. Number of adults in treatment by year in top 10 most deprived partnerships, Ministry of Justice officials have responded separately 2005-06 to 2008-091 to Sir Hayden in respect of the background papers Partnership name 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 prepared by the Department. I understand that Sir Hayden is currently considering the parties’ responses. Birmingham 5,330 5,832 6,439 6,894 Hackney 1,050 1,498 1,643 1,704 Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice Islington 1,610 1,754 1,538 1,739 if he will publish the minutes of the final meeting of Sir Kingston 2,098 2,214 2,026 2,249 Hayden Phillips’ review of the funding of political upon Hull parties. [318347] Knowsley 885 1,111 1,153 1,109 Liverpool 3,951 4,046 4,213 4,510 Mr. Wills: I refer the right hon. Member to the Manchester 3,233 3,476 3,538 3,671 answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of Middlesbrough 1,250 1,352 1,477 1,812 State for Justice and Lord Chancellor (Mr. Straw) to the Newham 1,014 1,276 1,346 1,307 Tower 1,225 1,448 1,644 1,709 hon. Member for Chichester (Mr. Tyrie) on 16 October Hamlets 2009, Official Report, column 1194W. Number of adults in treatment by year in top 10 least deprived partnerships, 2005-06 to 2008-091 Prisons: Drugs Partnership name 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Bracknell 123 151 190 236 Justice what progress has been made on the Forest development of a National Intelligence Model to Buckinghamshire 862 790 872 947 797W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 798W

Number of adults in treatment by year in top 10 least deprived partnerships, In addition to show the volume of persons who have 1 2005-06 to 2008-09 been convicted of such offences and undertaken drug Partnership name 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 treatment could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. Richmond 628 665 698 598 upon Thames Further information on deprivation and crime is Rutland 21 26 21 22 available from the Office of National Statistics’ South 475 534 825 786 Neighbourhood Statistics website: Gloucestershire http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/ Surrey 2,072 2,041 1,924 1,955 West Berkshire 211 250 265 282 Young Offender Institutions Wiltshire 730 709 767 741 Windsor and 244 287 297 317 Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for Maidenhead Justice what the (a) capacity and (b) population was Wokingham 156 187 189 202 of each young offender institution in each of the last 1 The partnerships were taken from CLG data, Indices of Deprivation 2007. five years. [317545] The statistics were provided by the National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse (NTA). Claire Ward: The following tables give the population The Ministry of Justice does not hold data on convictions and capacity of each Young Offender Institution in by local authority area. England and Wales.

Young Offender Prison Establishments in England and Wales 2005-09 As at June 2005 As at June 2006 As at June 2007 Establishment Population Capacity Population Capacity Population Capacity

Ashfield 310 360 357 380 385 400 Aylesbury 425 438 442 444 441 444 Brinsford 444 493 473 489 473 489 Castington 352 410 385 410 386 410 Cookham Wood —————— Deerbolt 434 518 407 458 417 449 Feltham 608 761 604 764 599 764 Glen Parva 785 808 799 808 813 808 Hindley 403 455 418 455 502 515 Huntercombe 340 368 356 368 359 365 Lancaster Farms 521 527 518 527 530 527 Northallerton 196 209 218 248 249 252 Portland 392 398 479 524 542 557 Reading 291 297 283 297 262 287 Rochester 391 392 388 392 387 392 Stoke Heath 624 690 663 690 673 690 Swinfen Hall 581 590 606 620 619 620 Thorn Cross 234 316 205 321 240 321 Warren Hill 211 222 216 222 212 222 Werrington 134 148 155 162 146 162 Wetherby 342 360 338 363 354 360

As at June 2008 As at June 2009 Establishment Population Capacity Population Capacity

Ashfield 397 400 338 400 Aylesbury 437 444 433 444 Brinsford 525 569 521 569 Castington 398 410 371 410 Cookham Wood 34 59 86 90 Deerbolt 443 453 431 513 Feltham 629 762 680 762 Glen Parva 811 808 793 808 Hindley 494 523 289 515 Huntercombe 347 365 260 365 Lancaster Farms 521 517 493 530 Northallerton 241 252 232 252 Portland 614 624 553 624 Reading 240 297 242 297 Rochester 388 392 647 700 Stoke Heath 619 634 580 678 Swinfen Hall 614 624 616 624 Thorn Cross 233 322 301 322 799W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 800W

As at June 2008 As at June 2009 Establishment Population Capacity Population Capacity

Warren Hill 214 222 188 222 Werrington 137 162 130 162 Wetherby 310 320 360 408 Note: Only those establishments with a predominant function of YOI are shown.

These figures have been drawn from administrative young people failed to comply with a community order, IT systems which, as with any large scale recording as they is compiled by offence, not by young person, system, are subject to possible errors with data entry and exclude the majority of cases of non-compliance, and processing. where a young person was warned but the matter was not brought to court. Young Offenders John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice (1) how many (a) 10 to 14 year-olds, (b) 14 to Justice how many (a) 10 to 14-year-olds, (b) 14 to 17 year-olds and (c) 18 to 21 year-olds were charged 17-year-olds and (c) 18 to 21-year-olds were sentenced with a criminal offence in (i) 1997 and (ii) 2007; to a period of custody in (i) 1997 and (ii) 2007. [318447] [318445] (2) how many (a) 10 to 14 year-olds, (b) 14 to 17 Claire Ward: The requested information is shown in year-olds and (c) 18 to 21 year-olds were convicted of the following table: a criminal offence in (i) 1997 and (ii) 2007. [318448] Number of juveniles and young offenders sentenced to immediate custody by age group and year, 1997, 2007—England and Wales Claire Ward: The number of persons proceeded against Number of offenders at magistrates courts and found guilty at all courts, by Total sentenced Immediate custody age group, England and Wales 1997, 2007 and 2008 Age group 1997 2007 1997 2007 (latest available) can be viewed in the following table. The Ministry of Justice do not collect charging data; 10-14 11,629 19,368 130 513 proceeded against information has been provided in 15-17 67,463 78,019 6,953 5,317 lieu. 18-21 202,583 186,349 20,836 18,771 Notes: Number of persons proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty at 1. The 18-21 age band differs from the standard age definition of young adults all courts for all offences, by age group England and Wales 1997, 2007 and (aged 18-20). Offenders aged 21 will be eligible for a slightly different range of 20081,2,3 custodial and community sentences than offenders aged 18 to 20. Proceeded against Found guilty 2. These figures have been drawn from administrative data systems. Although Age care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is group 1997 2007 2008 1997 2007 2008 subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system. 3. These data have been taken from the Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings 10-14 19,120 24,975 21,703 11,627 19,373 17,382 database. These data are presented on the principal offence basis. Where an offender has been sentenced for more than one offence the principal offence is 15-17 103,475 101,559 89,260 67,524 78,068 71,009 the one for which the heaviest sentence was imposed. Where the same sentence 18-21 280,227 228,561 222,501 202,929 186,734 185,780 has been imposed for two or more offences the principal offence is the one for 22 and 1,436,563 1,366,400 1,295,649 1,092,435 1,123,790 1,080,975 which the statutory maximum is most severe. over Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services, Ministry of Justice Ref: PQ(JSAS)318445 All ages 1,839,385 1,721,495 1,629,113 1,374,515 1,407,965 1,355,146 (26/02/2010). 1 The figures given in the table on court proceedings relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences it is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is Justice how many (a) 10 to 14 year-olds, (b) 14 to 17 imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which year-olds and (c) 18 to 21 year-olds did not comply the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. with a community order in (i) 1997 and (ii) 2007. 2 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted [318446] from large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection Claire Ward: In answer to part (c), of those community processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. orders which terminated in 2007 for those aged 18 to 21, 3 Excludes convictions data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July, and 13 per cent. (3,865) were terminated because of further August 2008. offences being committed and 26 per cent. (7,505) were Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services in the Ministry of Justice terminated because the offender failed to comply with the order. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Data are only available from April 2005 as the community Justice what estimate he has made of the cost to order was introduced under the Criminal Justice Act 2003 criminal justice services of dealing with young on 4 April 2005. offenders in 2008-09. [318493] These figures have been drawn from administrative IT systems, which, as with any large scale recording Maria Eagle: We do not have an estimate of the system, are subject to possible errors with data entry overall cost to criminal justice services of dealing with and processing. young offenders and this would be available only at For parts (a) and (b), the data held by the Youth disproportionate cost. However, the YouthJustice Board Justice Board do not allow them to ascertain how many Annual Accounts show that 2008-09 they received funding 801W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 802W of £495.287 million, which funds all of its functions Total sentences handed down to young offenders, for each type of offence, 2008 including funding for local authorities’ youth offending Ages teams and operation of the secure estate. The YJB’s 10 to 17 18 to 20 forthcoming publication “YouthJustice Annual Workload Criminal damage 2,616 1,670 Data 2008-09” reports that local authorities and their Drug offences 6,373 7,510 partners, such as social services, police and probation, Other indictable offences 3,532 5,782 contributed a further £222.8 million to the operation of Indictable motoring offences 327 834 youth offending teams in England and Wales in 2008-09. Summary offences (excluding 34,380 54,501 motoring) John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Summary motoring offences 7,731 40,191 Justice what the change in the number of 10 to Total sentenced 88,375 137,575 14-year-olds (a) convicted of and (b) receiving a Notes: custodial sentence for burglary was between 1996 1. These data are presented on the principal offence basis. 2. Where an offender has been sentenced for more than one offence the and 2009. [318494] principal offence is the one for which the heaviest sentence was imposed. 3. Where the same sentence has been imposed for two or more offences the Claire Ward: The available information is shown in principal offence is the one for which the statutory maximum is most severe. 4. These figures have been drawn from administrative data systems. Although the following table. 2009 data are not yet available and care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is will be published in the Ministry of Justice Statistics subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system. Bulletin “Sentencing statistics, England and Wales 2009”, Source: due for publication autumn 2009. Justice Statistics Analytical Services, Ministry of Justice Number of 10 to 14-year-olds sentenced for burglary and sentenced to immediate Youth Justice Board custody for burglary by year, 1996-2008, England and Wales Number of offenders Total sentenced for Immediate custody for John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for burglary burglary Justice what the real terms change in spending on (a) 1996 1,589 21 the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales and 1997 1,595 38 (b) local youth offending teams was between 2000 and [318440] 1998 1,834 62 2007. 1999 1,780 89 2000 1,598 147 Maria Eagle: For the financial year 2006-07 funding 2001 1,553 167 to the Youth Justice Board (YJB) from the Home Office 2002 1,708 159 and DFES/DCSF has increased in real terms by 2003 1,451 134 £199,954,000 to £457,413,000 from its funding of 2004 1,583 132 £234,305,000 in 2000-01. 2005 1,583 109 YJB funding to Youth Offending teams increased in 2006 1,482 133 real terms by £86,868,000 to £118,482,000 from its 2007 1,417 97 funding of £28,600,000 over the same period. YOTs 2008 1,249 87 also receive funding from other Government sources at Notes: local level (including police, probation, social services 1. These figures have been drawn from administrative data systems. Although care is taken when processing and analysing the returns, the detail collected is and via local authorities). subject to the inaccuracies inherent in any large scale recording system. 2. These data have been taken from the Ministry of Justice Court Proceedings database. These data are presented on the principal offence basis. Where an John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for offender has been sentenced for more than one offence the principal offence is Justice what the average cost was of a Young Offender the one for which the heaviest sentence was imposed. Where the same sentence has been imposed for two or more offences the principal offence is the one for Place purchased by the Youth Justice Board in 2008-09. which the statutory maximum is most severe. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical [318443] Services, Ministry of Justice Ref: PQ(JSAS)318494 (26/02/2010). Young Offenders: Sentencing Maria Eagle: For the financial year 2008-09, the average cost of place in a young offender institution for Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for 15 to 17-year-olds was £58,000. This figure has been Justice how many sentences for each type of offence provided by the Youth Justice Board. were handed down to young offenders aged between (a) 10 and 17 and (b) 18 and 20 years in 2008. John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for [317650] Justice what the average cost was of a secure training centre place purchased by the Youth Justice Board in Claire Ward: The requested information is provided 2008-09. [318444] in the following table: Total sentences handed down to young offenders, for each type of offence, 2008 Maria Eagle: For the financial year 2008-09, the Ages average cost of place in a secure training centre was 10 to 17 18 to 20 £153,000. This figure has been provided by the Youth Justice Board. Violence against the person 7,390 7,280 Sexual offences 513 373 Burglary 5,419 3964 John McDonnell: To ask the Secretary of State for Robbery 3,621 1,751 Justice what the average cost was of a place in a secure Theft and handling stolen goods 15,953 12,312 children’s home purchased by the Youth Justice Board Fraud and forgery 520 1,407 in 2008-09. [318492] 803W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 804W

Maria Eagle: For the financial year 2008-09, the HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION average cost of custodial place in a secure children’s home was £210,000. This figure has been provided by Audio Recordings the Youth Justice Board. Mr. Amess: To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission with reference to the answer of 9 March ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS 2009, Official Report, column 26W, what progress the Animal Welfare: Circuses House of Commons Commission has made on placing on the Parliamentary (a) intranet and (b) internet site Mr. Frank Field: To ask the Secretary of State for a sound recording of the debate held on the Motion on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will take Her Majesty’s Government on 28 March 1979; and if steps to prevent the use of wild animals in circuses. he will make a statement. [318694] [319176] Nick Harvey: The answer given in March 2009 stated Jim Fitzpatrick: After careful consideration of recent that a history area of the website was planned and that studies and the representations we have received on the this is the sort of material which would be considered issue of wild animal acts in travelling circuses, on for inclusion. The history section of the website 21 December 2009 DEFRA launched a public consultation http://www.parliament.uk/about/livingheritage.cfm on how best to safeguard the welfare of these animals. was launched in July 2009 with an initial selection of We are consulting on three options: content. Consideration will be given to including this particular item, as well as other material, within the A complete ban on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses. history section of the website in March 2010. New content may be publicised on the parliamentary intranet Voluntary self-regulation of the use of wild animals in travelling circuses. with a link to the Parliament website page. Compulsory statutory regulation of the use of wild animals in travelling circuses. The consultation will run until 15 March. Further ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE information is available on the DEFRA website. Wind Power: Housing Members: Correspondence Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State Sir Michael Spicer: To ask the Secretary of State for for Energy and Climate Change how many wind Environment, Food and Rural Affairs when the turbines in England are situated within two kilometres Minister of State plans to respond to the email from of a dwelling house. [319074] the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 15 December 2009 on the welfare of racing Mr. Kidney: The information is not held centrally. greyhounds. [319250]

Jim Fitzpatrick: I wrote to the hon. Member on 8 January 2010. I regret that my letter was not received. TREASURY A copy was sent to the hon. Member on 24 February 2010. Castle Point

Bob Spink: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will set out, with statistical evidence relating as CABINET OFFICE closely as possible to Castle Point constituency, the Pre-Budget Report 2009 effects on that constituency of changes to his Department’s policies since 1997. [318100] Mr. Maude: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office with reference to the transcript of oral evidence Sarah McCarthy-Fry: The Neighbourhood Statistics from the Public Administration Select Committee on Service provides a wide range of statistical information Government Communications, 14 January 2010, HC at parliamentary constituency level, taken from the 219-i, question 42 on the pre-Budget report, if she will 2001 Census and other sources. This service is available place in the Library a copy of the evidential basis for on the National Statistics website at: determining the marketing and communication budget; http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk./ what the financial value in absolute terms is of the The Government have put in place a broad programme proposed reduction; and over what time period such a of reform since 1997. Over the decade to 2007, the reduction is proposed to take place. [318331] economic performance of all parts of the UK has improved considerably. Mr. Byrne: I have been asked to reply. The global recession has had a negative impact on The 2009 pre-Budget report announced that Government economic activity in all parts of the UK. However, the would save £650 million from cuts of 50 per cent. in economy was starting from a position of strength and is consultancy spend and 25 per cent. in marketing and actively supported by policies implemented by the communications (based on 2009-10 spending levels) Government, including the fiscal stimulus and a significant spend across government by 2012-13. package of support for those out of work. In Castle 805W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 806W

Point, people are benefiting from this investment. Over Public Expenditure the second half of 2009, more than 450 people moved off of the claimant count each month on average. The Mr. Maude: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer claimant count fell for two consecutive months in October with reference to Putting the Frontline First: smarter and November and stands below the level reached in government, CM 7753, over which financial years September. Long-term unemployment is still nearly 80 per changes to the level of funding of (a) arms length cent. lower than in 2000 at the start of 2010. bodies, (b) Government advertising and marketing and (c) management consultants will be made; and Departmental Recruitment how much will be saved in each such year. [318351] Mr. Byrne: The pre-Budget report 2009 announced Mr. Hurd: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer that Government would save at least £500 million by how much (a) his Department, (b) HM Revenue and 2012-13 by reducing duplication between organisations Customs, (c) the Valuation Office Agency and (d) his and streamlining arm’s length bodies. Department’s other agencies spent on external The pre-Budget report 2009 also announced Government recruitment consultants in the last 12 months. [315291] would save £650 million from cuts of 50 per cent. in consultancy spend and 25 per cent. in marketing and Sarah McCarthy-Fry: The accounting systems of HM communications spend across government by 2012-13. Treasury, HM Revenue and Customs, the Valuation The 25 per cent. cut in marketing and communications Office Agency and the Debt Management Office do not spend will be based on 2009-10 spending levels and the separately identify spending on recruitment consultants 50 per cent. cut in consultancy spend will be based on from within general spending on recruitment and the 2008-09 levels. information could not be supplied within the For all savings, Government will work with Departments disproportionate costs threshold. to help them deliver cuts although it will for individual departments and arm’s length bodies to decide their Equitable Life Ex-gratia Payment Scheme Review priorities for future spending. Valuation Office: Local Government Annette Brooke: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer pursuant to the answer of 2 February 2010, Robert Neill: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer Official Report, column 212W, on Equitable Life, in pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for which month he expects to receive Sir John Chadwick’s Peterborough of 20 January 2010, Official Report, final report; and in which month he expects to column 393W, on the Valuation Office: local announce details of the payment scheme. [318784] government, who is undertaking the work referred to; and when that work is expected to be completed. Mr. Byrne [holding answer 25 February 2010]: The [318077] Government expect Sir John Chadwick to submit his final report in May 2010. The Government shall respond Ian Pearson: The Valuation Office Agency had to this report as soon as possible thereafter. discussions with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and has submitted a request that a legislative gateway Members: Correspondence be created. It is not possible to predict when this work will be completed because this will require primary legislation to be placed before Parliament. Sir Michael Spicer: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he plans to respond to the email from the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 27 November 2009 on beer duty. [319246] WALES Port Businesses in Wales Sarah McCarthy-Fry: A response was sent to the hon. Member on 16 December. Mrs. Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the number of jobs in Sir Michael Spicer: To ask the Chancellor of the port businesses in Wales in each year since 1997. Exchequer when he plans to respond to the email from [318908] the hon. Member for West Worcestershire of 17 December 2009 on a high pay commission. [319247] Mr. Hain: These figures are not collated on a regular basis or specifically for Wales. Mr. Byrne: I have replied to the hon. Member. In November 2005 the Department for Transport published a report entitled “Port Employment and Accident Non-Domestic Rates Rates” which stated that 74,000 people in the UK are working directly on port related activities either on or off the port estate. Robert Neill: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what the average Rateable Value on the 2010 Rating Sheep Meat Smokies List is of hereditaments in each such-location area. [317864] Mrs. Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues Ian Pearson: The information requested could be on the legalisation of the practice of preparing sheep provided only at disproportionate cost. meat smokies in the last 12 months. [318909] 807W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 808W

Mr. Hain: None. However, the hon. Member will discussions on RoActemra his Department has had recall that my predecessor, my right hon. Friend the with the Prime Minister since the Prime Minister’s Member for Torfaen (Mr. Murphy), met the hon. Member press conference of 25 January 2010; and if he will and a representative of the Farmers Union Wales on make a statement. [318324] 22 April 2008 and subsequently made representations to DEFRA Ministers. Mr. Mike O’Brien: The Prime Minister made publicly I am informed that the Food Standards Agency clear on the 2 February 2010 that he will take an interest (FSA) and representatives of the UK meat industry in RoActemra and I will be writing to him shortly to have indicated that it is possible to produce such meat update him on the situation. safely and hygienically in approved slaughterhouses. The Department has not needed any discussions with The FSA’s are in discussion with the European Union the Prime Minister since that statement because we are to allow production of smoked skin-on sheep meat, aware of it. commonly known as “smokies” for human consumption. In the meantime, the production of smoked skin-on Audiology sheep meat for human consumption remains illegal. The FSA will continue to work closely with local authorities Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for to take action against those breaching the relevant food Health (1) how many places for the Bachelor of Science hygiene and animal welfare regulations. degree in audiology have been funded by each strategic health authority in each year since 2007; [318299] (2) how many places for the Bachelor of Science BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS degree in audiology will be funded by each strategic health authority in (a) 2009, (b) 2010 and (c) 2011. Members: Correspondence [318300]

Sir Michael Spicer: To ask the Minister of State, Ann Keen: The information available for those strategic Department for Business, Innovation and Skills when health authorities that participated in commissioning he expects to reply to the letter from the hon. Member are set out in the following table. The information for West Worcestershire dated 28 October 2009, requested for 2010-11 and 2011-12 is not yet available. transferred from the Department for Work and Pensions, reference: POS(2)10520/0243. [309022] Strategic health authority 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10

Jim Knight: I have been asked to reply. North West 41 34 41 A reply was sent to the hon. Member on 5 January Yorkshire and 24 25 25 2010 and I apologise for the long delay in doing so. Humber East Midlands 34 32 33 London 20 22 15 South Central 30 40 40 HEALTH West Midlands 31 25 25 South West 31 30 30 Accident and Emergency Departments Total 211 208 209

Jeremy Corbyn: To ask the Secretary of State for Derriford Hospital Health what recent discussions he has had with officials of North Central London Health Authorities on the provision of accident and emergency Mr. Swire: To ask the Secretary of State for Health departments; and what consultation there has been on what assessment he has made of the effects on patient the future provision of emergency and intensive care care of the transfer of the upper gastro-intestinal facilities. [318020] cancer unit from the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital to Derriford hospital. [318169] Mr. Mike O’Brien: There have been no specific discussions between the Secretary of State for Health Mr. Mike O’Brien: A consistent theme in the national and officials of North Central London Health Authorities Improving Outcomes Guidance (IOG) is that cancer on this specific subject. services are best provided by teams of clinicians who However, I met with representatives from NHS London, work together effectively. Team working brings together and the chief executives of the Whittington Hospital staff with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience NHS Trust and Islington PCT on 2 December 2009 in to ensure high quality diagnosis, treatment and care and advance of the adjournment debate entitled ‘The future improves the co-ordination and continuity of care for of Whittington Hospital’. NHS staff brief Ministers on patients. How the guidance is implemented locally, however, their local reconfiguration plans in order to support is a matter for the local national health service. parliamentary business and do so as necessary. In line with national Improving Outcomes Guidance, upper gastro-intestinal cancer surgery moved from the Arthritis: Drugs Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, and Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, and centralised Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State at Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital from 1 January 2010. for Health pursuant to the answer of 2 February 2010, All pre and post-operative care for patients will continue Official Report, column 220W, on arthritis: drugs, what to be provided locally. 809W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 810W

I am informed by the local NHS that expertise from to use the funding allocated to them to commission clinical teams around the South West peninsula has services from foundation trusts and other providers to been incorporated into a unit capable of delivering the meet the needs of their local populations. best and most appropriate care to patients with these cancers. Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much funding has been provided Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: to the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Finance Trust in each of the last five years; what the planned funding is for the next three years; and if he will make Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of a statement. [319254] State for Health what representations he has received from the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Mr. Mike O’Brien: The information requested is not Trust on the level of their funding for 2010-11; and if collected centrally. he will make a statement. [319253] The Department does not make revenue allocations directly to foundation trusts. It is for primary care trusts Mr. Mike O’Brien: My right hon. Friend the Secretary (PCTs) to use the funding allocated to them to commission of State for Health has received no representations services from foundation trusts and other providers to from the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation meet the needs of their local populations. Trust on the level of their funding for 2010-11. PCTs have been informed of their revenue allocations The Department does not make revenue allocations up to 2010-11. The allocations to PCTs in Gloucestershire directly to foundation trusts. It is for primary care trusts from 2004-05 are shown in the following table.

Allocations to Gloucestershire PCT and South Gloucestershire PCT 2004-05 to 2010-11 £ million 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11

Gloucestershire PCT 515.9 561.9 669.7 731.2 771.1 825.9 868.5 South Gloucestershire PCT 188.3 205.9 250.2 275.2 290.2 323.1 339.7 Notes: 1. Allocations are not always comparable between years because of changes to baseline funding. 2. Allocations from 2006-07 include primary medical services funding. Source: Financial Planning and Allocations Division, Department of Health

PCTs allocations for 2011-12 onwards are yet to be Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in determined. However, as announced in the pre-Budget each of the last five years; how many beds it is report in December 2009, front-line national health estimated the Trust will have in 2010-11; and if he will service spending will be protected for the following two make a statement. [319255] years to 2012-13. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Hospital Beds Mr. Mike O’Brien: The information is not available in the format requested. Such information as is available Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of is in the following table. State for Health how many beds there were at the

Average daily number of available beds for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust from 2004-05 to 2008-09 Code Organisation Total available

2004-05 RTE Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust 1,380 2005-06 RTE Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1,404 2006-07 RTE Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1,297 2007-08 RTE Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1,254 2008-09 RTE Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 1,257 Notes: 1. Data for 2009-10 will not be collected until May 2010. 2.Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust became Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on 1 July 2004. Source: Department of Health form KH03

Hospitals: Admissions with (a) a sharp object and (b) a blunt object in each year since 1997; [317672] Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for (3) how many people of each age were admitted to Health (1) how many people of each age were admitted hospital for injuries sustained as a result of an assault to hospital for injuries sustained as a result of an of having been hit, struck, kicked, twisted or scratched assault by bodily force on in each year since 1997; by another person in each year since 1997; [317673] [317670] (4) how many people of each age were admitted to (2) how many people of each age were admitted to hospital for injuries sustained as a result of an attack hospital for injuries sustained as a result of an assault by dog in each year since 1997; [317675] 811W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 812W

(5) how many people of each age were admitted to Nurses: Pay hospital for injuries sustained as a result of an assault involving (a) a knife, (b) a sword and (c) a dagger in Mr. Amess: To ask the Secretary of State for Health each year since 1997; [317676] what the (a) median and (b) mean salary of an NHS (6) how many people of each age were admitted to nurse was in each region in (i) nominal and (ii) real hospital for injuries sustained as a result of gunshot terms in each year since 1997. [318691] wounds caused by a handgun in each year since 1997; [317679] Ann Keen: The following table states the mean earnings (7) how many people of each age were admitted to for qualified nurses from 1997-08 to 2008-09 in nominal hospital for injuries sustained as a result of gunshot and real terms (based on 2008-09 prices). wounds caused by (a) a rifle, (b) a shotgun and (c) a Mean earnings of a qualified nurse larger firearm in each year since 1997; [317681] Percentage (8) how many people of each age have been admitted At 2008-09 yearly increase to hospital for injuries sustained by assault by (a) Nominal (£) prices (£) in real terms hanging, (b) strangulation and (c) suffocation in each 1997-98 20,830 27,109 — [317684] year since 1997. 1998-99 21,042 26,820 -1.1 1999-2000 22,329 27,911 4.1 Gillian Merron: Information has been provided on 2000-01 23,427 28,903 3.6 the number of finished admission episodes by selected cause codes and age groups, between 1997-98 and 2008-09. 2001-02 24,733 29,848 3.3 Therefore it is important to note that as people may be 2002-03 25,702 30,048 0.7 admitted on more than one occasion, the data supplied 2003-04 26,342 29,952 -0.3 do not describe the number of people admitted to 2004-05 27,697 30,641 2.3 hospital. 2005-06 28,784 31,260 2.0 2006-07 29,861 31,498 0.8 The data which have been provided in response to the question, on how many people of each age were admitted 2007-08 31,149 31,935 1.4 to hospital for injuries sustained as a result of an 2008-09 32,339 32,339 1.3 assault of having been hit, struck, kicked, twisted or Notes: 1. Mean earnings are estimated from the qualified nurse pay bill scratched by another person in each year since 1997, figures using NHS accounts data together with the NHS Pension include unintentional injury as well as assault as it is not Scheme rates, and national insurance rates and thresholds that apply possible to distinguish between the two. to NHS employers. 2. The pay bill data includes all qualified nurses employed by NHS For the question on how many people of each age trusts, primary care trusts, strategic health authorities and foundation were admitted to hospital for injuries sustained as a trusts in England. It excludes agency nurses. result of gunshot wounds caused by (a) a rifle, (b) a 3. Foundation trusts do not submit a breakdown of their pay bill by shotgun and (c) a larger firearm in each year since 1997 staff group. Figures from 2004-05 onwards include estimates for the and the question on how many people of each age have breakdown of each foundation trust. 4. Average earnings have been expressed in real terms using the HM been admitted to hospital for injuries sustained by Treasury gross domestic product deflator index. assault by (a) hanging, (b) strangulation and (c) 5. Figures for the median earnings and breakdown by region are not suffocation in each year since 1997, it is not possible to available. provide data according to the separate categories requested. Sources: However, overall numbers are available at: Department of Health pay bill Model 2008-09 Trust Financial Returns and Foundation Trust Annual Reports (pay www.hesonline.nhs.uk bill data) For the question on how many people of each age Information Centre Workforce Census (staff numbers) were admitted to hospital for injuries sustained as a result of an assault involving a knife, a sword and a Preventive Medicine dagger in each year since 1997, it is not possible to provide on assaults by different sharp implements. Data Mr. Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for on assault by a sharp object are available at: Health what percentage of his Department’s annual www.hesonline.nhs.uk budget is allocated to preventative and early Where any of the questions do not specifically request intervention measures. [318842] assault data, information has been provided for unintentional injury, self-harm and assault. Mr. Mike O’Brien: The Department does not collect detailed expenditure information in these areas since, Modernising Scientific Careers Programme subject to delivering national targets, there is local discretion on how the funding is spent. However, a report by Health England shows expenditure in England Norman Lamb: To ask the Secretary of State for on public health and prevention for 2006-07. See Table Health when the first qualified paediatric audiologists 3 in the Report: Health England Report No 4. “Public are expected to graduate under the Modernising Health and Prevention Expenditure in England 2009”, Scientific Careers programme. [318253] available from: Ann Keen: Working with stakeholders, we are developing http://healthengland.org/health_england_publications.htm a range of education and training programmes which Table 3 in that report is shown in the following table, will have a focus on audiology as part of Modernising and provides a breakdown of spending based as closely Scientific Careers. These will encompass the needs of as possible on Organisation for Economic Co-operation both adult and paediatric services. and Development (OECD) definitions. 813W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 814W

Detailed prevention expenditure in England 2006-07 £ million Secondary prevention Primary Screening Other Medication Total1 prevention

Total prevention and public health services 1,771 1,482 482 1,337 5,072

Maternal and child health; family planning and counselling 840 21 0 0 861 Maternity services 618 — — — 618 Family Planning Clinics 101 — — — 101 Contraceptives 66 — — — 66 Health Visiting Group Services 53 — — — 53 Neonatal audiological screening — 14 — — 14 Quality and Outcomes Framework 2 6 — — 9

School health services 44 0 115 0 159 School-based Children’s Individual Health Services — — 115 — 115 School-based Children’s Group Health Services 27 — — — 27 Healthy Schools Programme2 17——— 17

Prevention of communicable diseases 284 0 0 0 284 Immunisation2 238 — — — 238 Other infectious diseases2 24——— 24 Quality and Outcomes Framework 19 — — — 19 Reducing MRSA incidence2 3—— — 3

Prevention of non-communicable diseases 206 1,461 348 1,337 3,352 Pharmaceuticals — — — 1,337 1,337 Dental check-ups — 937 — — 937 Quality and Outcomes Framework 28 41 348 — 417 Screening programmes — 275 — — 275 Sight tests — 208 — — 208 Obesity/diet/lifestyle 116 — — — 116 NHS Stop Smoking Services 56 — — — 56 NICE Public Health Guidelines 4 — — — 4 CJD surveillance2 2—— — 2

Occupational health care 4 0 0 0 4 Occupational Health for Dentists 4 — — — 4 Quality and Outcomes Framework 1 — — — 1

All other miscellaneous public health services 394 0 19 0 412 Health Protection Agency 248 — — — 248 NHS Blood and Transplant2 53——— 53 Publicity for prevention activities 34 — — — 34 Charitable expenditure on prevention 33 — — — 33 National Biological Standards Board 25 — — — 25 Public Health in Prisons2 ——19— 19 1 Figures may not sum due to rounding. 2 Refers to expenditure from the central budget, data available only for 2006-07. Source: Health Inequalities and Partnership, Department of Health (Health England Report No 4. Public Health and Prevention Expenditure in England, 2009).

The expenditure on pharmaceuticals is included as its towards prevention (using the figure without primary aim is prevention. Nevertheless, strictly, expenditure pharmaceuticals and without health-related expenditure, on pharmaceuticals is not included in the OECD prevention so that this can be compared with other OECD countries). and public health category. Hence, for comparison with Sodium Valproate other countries using OECD data, these “medication” figures should be excluded. Excluding pharmaceuticals Mr. Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Health in line with OECD methodology gives a total expenditure (1) what medical evidence there is of any negative side on public health and prevention of £3.7 billion. If effects of Epilim (sodium valproate) on (a) embryos pharmaceuticals were included, the overall total for and (b) those under the age of 18 years; [318951] 2006-07 would be £5 billion. (2) how many compensation payments have been Total health expenditure for England for the same made for medical problems resulting from the period was approximately £93.5 billion. This suggests prescribing of Epilim (sodium valproate) in the NHS; that about 4 per cent. of health expenditure is directed [318957] 815W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 816W

(3) what advice is given in the NHS on the Gillian Merron: The National Institute for Health prescribing of Epilim (sodium valproate) to pregnant Research (NIHR) is not at present funding any such women. [318959] research. The NIHR health technology assessment programme Mr. Mike O’Brien: The safety, efficacy and quality of commissions research where there is a gap in the knowledge every medicine is thoroughly evaluated by the Medicines the national health service has about healthcare treatments and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency as part of and tests. Suggestions for research topics can be made the licensing procedure and their safety is monitored via the programme’s open access form at: continuously while it is on the market. www.hta.ac.uk/suggest/index.shtml Animal studies have shown that Epilim has teratogenic effects. In humans, studies have shown an association between pregnancy exposure and neural tube defects such as myelomeningocele and spina bifida. Spearhead Primary Care Trust The product information which consists of the Summary of Product Characteristics for healthcare professionals and the Patient Information Leaflet contains extensive Mr. Stephen O’Brien: To ask the Secretary of State information to support the appropriate use of the medicine. for Health what estimate he has made of (a) the These documents are available on the internet at proportion of obese children, (b) the proportion of www.medicines.org.uk. This information is also reflected overweight children, (c) the percentage of people who in the prescribing advice provided in the British National smoke, (d) the percentage of people who drink, (e) the Formulary, which is sent to all doctors within the NHS. percentage of people who take drugs, (f) the teenage The product information for Epilim contains detailed pregnancy rate and (g) the rate of sexually transmitted advice in relation to the use of Epilim during pregnancy. infections in respect of (i) Spearhead and (ii) non- It is currently advised that women of childbearing Spearhead primary care trusts in each year since the potential should not be started on Epilim without specialist inception of the Spearhead primary care trust neurological advice and the benefits of Epilim use should programme. [318190] be weighed against the risks to the foetus. Information on possible side effects which may occur Ann Keen: Not all the information is available in the during treatment with Epilim are also outlined in the format requested. Such information as is available is in product information. These side effects may have been the following tables. reported during clinical trials or since Epilim has been Spearhead areas are defined based on local authority marketed and have been assessed as either having a (LA) data. Spearhead primary care trusts (PCTs) are causal association or a strong suspicion of an association. those that overlap geographically, either wholly or partly, Of the known side effects it is recognised that children with the Spearhead LAs. Where available, information who are treated with Epilim are at particular risk of is shown based on the 62 Spearhead PCTs (14 of which developing liver damage and pancreatitis. only partly overlap with the Spearhead LAs). Where The NHS Litigation Authority (NHSLA) handles information is not available by PCT, figures are based negligence claims against National Health Service bodies on the 70 Spearhead LAs. The Spearhead Group was in England. However, due to the way that data are launched in 2005. organised on the NHSLA’s database, this answer could Proportion of children aged 2 to 15 who are overweight and obese, by Spearhead be provided only at disproportionate cost. group, 2008 Percentage Sodium Valproate: Prescriptions Boys Girls

Obese children Mr. Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Health Spearhead PCTs 20 17 how many prescriptions for Epilim (sodium valproate) Non-Spearhead PCTs 15 14 were issued to those under the age of 18 years in the NHS in England in 2009. [318960] Overweight children Spearhead PCTs 16 14 Ann Keen: This information is not available. NHS Non-Spearhead PCTs 14 14 Prescription Services cannot supply exemption category Notes: data, e.g. children under 18, after December 2007 because 1. Figures are based on the 62 Spearhead PCTs (so are based on a larger the processes for pricing prescriptions and for capturing population than the 70 Spearhead LAs). 2. Figures are shown for 2008 only. In 2008 the definitions used in the analysis prescription charge exemption status has changed. were revised from those used in previous years to correct an error in the Therefore, NHS Prescription Services cannot reliably classification of children as either “overweight” or “obese”. Results were not estimate the data for each exemption category relating significantly different from those presented previously; however, revised data sets have not yet been made available for previous years. to the age of the patient from that date. 3. Figures are based on children aged 2-15 with a valid body mass index (BMI) measurement. 4. Categories are mutually exclusive, i.e. overweight does not include those who Sodium Valproate: Research are obese. 5. Overweight was defined as at or above the 85th but below the 95th UK National BMI percentile; obese was defined as at or above the 95th UK Mr. Syms: To ask the Secretary of State for Health National BMI percentile. what research is being undertaken in the NHS on the Source: Data from Health Survey for England, published in “Health Survey for England use of Epilim (sodium valproate) for treatment in the 2008 Volume 1—physical activity and fitness”, The NHS Information Centre NHS of diseases other than epilepsy. [318958] for health and social care, 2009 (table 13.5). 817W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 818W

Proportion of adults aged 16 and over who drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes, by Rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) Spearhead group, 2005-08 Percentage Data on STIs diagnosed in genitourinary medicine 2005 2006 2007 2008 (GUM) clinics are currently collected only by strategic health authority. Data on the rates of STIs for the Adults who smoke period 2004 to 2008, the latest data for which figures are Spearhead LAs1 27 27 26 24 available, are published in “Selected ST1 diagnoses numbers Non-Spearhead LAs1 22 20 19 19 and rates from GUM clinics in the UK: 2004-2008”, a copy of which has been placed in the Library. Adults who drink Swine Flu Spearhead LAs1 83 84 85 84 1 Non-Spearhead LAs 88 88 88 87 Mr. Todd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health 1 PCTs for 2008. Notes: whether he has reviewed the effectiveness of the swine 1. Figures for 2005-07 are based on the 70 Spearhead LAs. Figures for 2008 flu pandemic campaign in changing influenza patients’ are based on the 62 Spearhead PCTs (so are based on a larger population than behaviour in visiting their GP to seek treatment. the 70 Spearhead LAs). 2. “Adults who drink! is based on answers to two questions: Those who [318487] answer, ″yes″ to ″Do you drink alcohol nowadays?″ are classified as drinkers. Those who answer ″no″ are then asked, ″Could I just check, does that mean Gillian Merron: Our swine flu campaigns sought to you never have an alcoholic drink nowadays or do you have an alcoholic drink very occasionally, perhaps for medicinal purposes or on special occasions like convey different messages at different stages of the Christmas or New Year?″. Those who answer ″Very occasionally″ are also pandemic. classed as drinkers. Source: People who developed swine flu symptoms, who had Unpublished analysis from the General Lifestyle Survey, Office for National a serious underlying illness or were pregnant, as well as Statistics. people who had a sick child under one year of age, were Proportion of 16 to 59-year-olds reporting use of any illicit drug, by Spearhead group, 2004-05 to 2008-09 British Crime Survey advised to contact their general practitioner directly. Percentage Other members of the public were encouraged to access 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 the National Pandemic Flu Service if they developed swine flu symptoms. Over 2.7 million assessments were Any illicit drug use completed using the online and phone self-care services in the last year between July and February. Spearhead LAs 11.1 11.1 10.5 11.9 Non-Spearhead 10.3 9.6 9.2 9.3 All of our campaigns are subject to evaluation and LAs we will be evaluating the overall effectiveness of our Notes: swine flu campaigns in due course. 1. Figures are based on the 70 Spearhead LAs (so are based on a smaller population than the 62 Spearhead PCTs). 2. Based on a sample survey. Unweighted base numbers for 2008-09 are 6,793 (Spearhead LAs) and 19,013 (non-Spearhead LAs); bases will be similar in earlier years. HOME DEPARTMENT 3. “Any drug” comprises powder cocaine, crack cocaine, ecstasy, LSD, magic mushrooms, heroin, methadone, amphetamines, cannabis, tranquilisers, anabolic Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse steroids, amyl nitrite, glues, any other pills/powders/drugs smoked, plus ketamine since 2006-07 and methamphetamine since 2008-09. Source: Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Unpublished analysis from the British Crime Survey (BCS). Home Department how many convictions for being Under-18 conception rates, by Spearhead group, 2004-06 to 2006-08 drunk and disorderly there have been in each year since 2004-06 2005-07 2006-081 1998. [315071] Under-18 conception rate Spearhead LAs 55.2 55.2 54.4 Alan Johnson: The number of persons found guilty at Non-Spearhead LAs 35.4 35.6 35.5 all courts for being drunk and disorderly, England and 1 Provisional. Wales 1998 to 2008 (latest available) can be viewed in Notes: the following table. A penalty notice for disorder (PND) 1. Figures are based on the 70 Spearhead LAs (so are based on a smaller can also be issued for offences of being drunk and population than the 62 Spearhead PCTs). 2. Rates are per 1,000 female population aged 15-17. disorderly. The number of PNDs issued 2004 to 2008 is 3. Figures are three-year average rates. Figures for 2006-08 are provisional. included in the table. Source: Unpublished analysis of data from Office for National Statistics and Teenage Court proceedings data for 2009 are planned to be Pregnancy Unit. published in the autumn 2010.

The number of persons issued with a penalty notice for disorder and found guilty at all courts for drunk and disorderly related offences in England and Wales, from 1998 to 20081,2,3 Offences 1998 1999 20004 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20085

Drunk and Penalty n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 29,106 40,176 46,268 49,062 45,849 disorderly notices for offences disorder convictions 29,974 28,006 26,274 25,632 26,254 27,044 20,420 15,399 14,995 16,767 18,229 n/a = not applicable 1 The statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences the principal offence is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Data include the following offence descriptions and corresponding statutes: Being found drunk in a highway or other Public place whether a building or not, or a licensed premises. 819W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 820W

Licensing Act 1872 Sec 12. Any person who in any public place is guilty, while drunk, of disorderly behaviour. Criminal Justice Act 1967 Sec.91. 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extracted from large administrative data systems generated by the courts, and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 4 Staffordshire police force were only able to submit sample data for persons proceeded against and convicted in the magistrates’ courts for the year 2000. Although sufficient to estimate higher orders of data, these data are not robust enough at a detailed level and have been excluded from the table. 5 Excludes convictions data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July, and August 2008. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services in the Ministry of Justice Ref: IOS 60-10

Alcoholic Drinks: Young People behalf of a person aged under 18 years, England and Wales 1998 to 2008 (latest available) can be viewed in Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the the table. A penalty notice for disorder can also be Home Department how many people have been issued for offences related to purchasing alcohol on convicted for offences related to purchasing alcohol on behalf of a person aged under 18 years and are also behalf of a person aged under 18 years in each year given in the table. since 1998. [314994] Court proceedings data for 2009 are planned to be Alan Johnson: The number of persons found guilty at published in autumn 2010. all courts for offences related to purchasing alcohol on

Number of persons issued with a penalty notice for disorder and found guilty at all courts for offences related to purchasing alcohol on behalf of a person aged under 18 years in England and Wales, from 1998 to 20081,2,3 Offences 1998 1999 20004 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20085

Buying alcohol on Penalty ** ****84253467619574 behalf of a person Notices for under 18 Disorder6 Convictions 1 3 2 10 18 18 30 24 26 18 28 “*” = Not applicable. 1 The statistics relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offences for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences the principal offence is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Includes the following offences and statutes: Buying or attempting to buy intoxicating liquor for consumption by a person under 18. Purchasing intoxicating liquor for consumption by person under 18 in bar. (Licensing (Occasional Permissions) Act 1983 Schedule (Sec 3) para 4(3). Licensing Act 1964 Sec 169(3)). Person who buys or attempts to buy alcohol on behalf of an individual under 18. (Licensing Act 2003 S149(3,4,7b)) 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfrom large administrative data systems generated by the courts, and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 4 Staffordshire police force were only able to submit sample data for persons proceeded against and convicted in the magistrates courts for the year 2000. Although sufficient to estimate higher orders of data, these data are not robust enough at a detailed level and have been excluded from the table. 5 Excludes convictions data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July, and August 2008. 6 The penalty notice for disorder scheme was implemented in all 43 police forces in England and Wales in 2004. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services in the Ministry of Justice

Assaults on Police the most serious offences and does not hold information on severity of injury or the occupation of victims. Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Available information on knife crimes resulting in Home Department how many police officers have fatal injury is taken from the Homicide Index and received (a) fatal, (b) serious and (c) slight injuries in relates to currently recorded homicides in England and the course of a crime involving a (i) gun and (ii) knife Wales where the victim was an on-duty police officer in each year since 1997. [317765] and the method of killing was sharp instrument. The data in Table B are as at 24 November 2009 and are Alan Johnson: The latest chapter on offences involving subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police firearms in England and Wales was published on 21 January and by the courts, or as further information becomes 2010 and available at: available. Table A: Offences recorded by the police in England and Wales in which a police http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs10/hosb0110.pdf officer on duty was injured by a firearm, excluding air weapons, 1997-98 to Text table 2c of the chapter shows offences recorded 2008-09 Serious by the police in which a police officer on duty was 1 injured by a firearm (excluding air weapons) resulting Total Fatal injury injury Slight injury in fatal, serious or slight injury between 1998-99 and 1997-98 6 — 3 3 2008-09. This is reproduced in Table A, and extended to 1998-99 11 — — 11 include offences recorded in 1997-98. 1999-2000 10 — — 10 It is not possible to provide data on offences involving 2000-01 7 — 5 2 knives in which a police officer has been slightly or 2001-02 10 — — 10 seriously injured. The knife crime database covers only 2002-03 12 — 1 11 821W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 822W

Table A: Offences recorded by the police in England and Wales in which a police Table 1: Offences of bigamy recorded by the police, 1998-99 to 2001-021,2 officer on duty was injured by a firearm, excluding air weapons, 1997-98 to Number of offences 2008-09 Serious Police force Total Fatal injury injury1 Slight injury area 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02

2003-04 14 1 3 10 Bedfordshire 0 2 0 0 2004-05 23 — 2 21 Cambridgeshire 2 0 2 0 2005-06 23 1 6 16 Cheshire 1 1 0 0 2006-07 21 — 3 18 Cleveland 0 0 0 1 2007-08 24 1 3 20 Cumbria 2 0 0 1 2008-09 9 — 1 8 Derbyshire 3 1 4 0 1 A serious injury is one which necessitated detention in hospital or involved fractures, concussion, severe general shock, penetration by a bullet or multiple Devon and 1032 shot wounds. Cornwall Dorset 0 0 1 3 Table B: Currently recorded homicides1 where the victim was a police officer killed in the course of duty and method of killing was sharp instrument2: England Durham 0 0 0 0 and Wales, 1997-98 to 2008-093 Dyfed-Powys 0 0 0 0 Year3 Number Essex 1 2 0 0 1997-98 — Gloucestershire 1 0 0 2 1998-99 — Greater 4052 1999-2000 — Manchester 2000-01 — Gwent 3 0 1 2 2001-02 — Hampshire 2 2 3 0 2002-03 — Hertfordshire 0 0 1 1 2003-04 — 2004-05 1 Humberside 1 0 1 0 2005-06 — Kent 2 3 2 2 2006-07 — Lancashire 2 0 1 1 2007-08 1 Leicestershire 1 0 0 0 2008-09 — Lincolnshire 1 0 1 0 1 As at 24 November 2009; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts, or as further information becomes available. London, City 0000 2 Includes knives and other sharp instruments. of 3 Offences are shown according to the year in which they were initially recorded Merseyside 3 1 2 1 as homicide. This is not necessarily the year in which the incident took place or the year in which any court decision was made. Metropolitan 62 41 33 39 Source: Police Homicide Index (Home Office) Norfolk 0 0 0 0 Bigamy Northamptonshire 0 0 1 2 Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Northumbria 0 2 0 1 Home Department how many offences of bigamy have North Wales 1 1 0 2 been recorded in each year since 1998; and how many North 0000 people have been (a) prosecuted and (b) convicted of Yorkshire an offence related to bigamy in each police force area in Nottinghamshire 0 0 1 1 each of those years. [314814] South Wales 2 1 1 0 South 0110 Alan Johnson: The Home Office has responsibility for Yorkshire the police recorded crime statistics and figures for the number of offences of bigamy recorded by the police Staffordshire 1 2 1 0 are given in Tables l and 2. Suffolk 2 2 0 1 Court proceedings statistics are collected by the Ministry Surrey 2 0 2 1 of Justice. Information showing the number of persons Sussex 7 2 4 3 proceeded against at magistrates courts and found guilty Thames 1511 at all courts for bigamy in England and Wales from Valley 1998 to 2008 are given in Tables 3 and 4. Warwickshire 0 1 0 0 The police recorded crime data are based on the West Mercia 4 1 1 0 number of offences recorded in each financial year. West 4422 Court proceedings data are based on the number of Midlands offenders. These data are published on a calendar year West 7313 basis and are counts of persons classified by their Yorkshire principal offence. For these reasons the two datasets are Wiltshire 0 1 0 0 not directly comparable. England and 129 83 80 74 Table 1: Offences of bigamy recorded by the police, 1998-99 to 2001-021,2 Wales Number of offences 1 The coverage was extended and counting rules revised from 1998-99. Figures from that date are not directly comparable with those for 1997. Police force 2 The data in this table is prior to the introduction of the National Crime area 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-02 Recording Standard in April 2002. Note: Avon and 6440 These figures are not directly comparable with those for later years. Somerset 823W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 824W

Table 2: Offences of bigamy recorded by the police, 2002-03 to 2008-091 Number of offences Police force area 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Avon and Somerset 2 2 22134 Bedfordshire 2 0 31011 Cambridgeshire 4 3 11202 Cheshire 0 1 21010 Cleveland 0000100 Cumbria 0 0 00010 Derbyshire 0000111 DevonandCornwall2410041 Dorset 1220000 Durham 0011000 Dyfed-Powys1000000 Essex 3110011 Gloucestershire 1 0 00000 Greater Manchester 5 1 55525 Gwent 0010001 Hampshire 6 4 05010 Hertfordshire0043001 Humberside 3 0 41200 Kent 1321111 Lancashire 0 2 00121 Leicestershire0315101 Lincolnshire 1 0 11000 London, City of 0 0 00000 Merseyside 0 1 03022 Metropolitan Police 33 25 40 37 21 30 17 Norfolk 0211032 Northamptonshire 0 2 50310 Northumbria 1 2 01101 NorthWales 0001110 NorthYorkshire2010100 Nottinghamshire 3 3 10200 South Wales 1 2 21111 South Yorkshire 2 1 13100 Staffordshire 1002203 Suffolk 2022011 Surrey 1031201 Sussex 0012111 Thames Valley 3 1 65274 Warwickshire 1 0 12053 WestMercia 1020201 West Midlands 1 3 46612 WestYorkshire2322014 Wiltshire 2 0 15020 England and Wales 88 71 104 101 61 74 63 1 The data in this table takes account of the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard in April 2002. These figures are not directly comparable with those for earlier years.

Table 3: Persons proceeded against for bigamy offences 1998 to 20081, 2, 3 Number of persons proceeded against 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Avon and Somerset 1———— 1— 1——— Bedfordshire — 1 — — 1 — — 1 2 — — Cambridgeshire ————— 2——— 1— Cheshire 1—————— 1— 1— Cleveland —— 1———————— Cumbria — 1 — 1————— 1— Derbyshire — 3 2 4—————— 1 DevonandCornwall———— 2 2 1———— Dorset 1——— 1— 1 1——— Durham —————— 1———— Essex —— 1— 1 2———— 1 Gloucestershire 1——— 1—————— Greater Manchester —411———33—1 Hampshire —2121311——1 825W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 826W

Table 3: Persons proceeded against for bigamy offences 1998 to 20081, 2, 3 Number of persons proceeded against 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Hertfordshire ———— 1—————— Humberside — 1 — — 1 1 1———— Kent —— 1 1——— 1—— 1 Lancashire — — — 1 1 — 1 — — 2 — Leicestershire —————— 1———— Lincolnshire — — 1———— 1——— London, City of ——————————— Merseyside 1 1———11211— Metropolitan Police 18 18 4 3 10 989643 Norfolk —————————— 2 Northamptonshire ————— 1———— 1 Northumbria ———— 1— 1 1— 3 1 NorthYorkshire————— 1——— 1— Nottinghamshire ————— 1 1———— South Yorkshire — 1 1 — 2——— 1—— Staffordshire 1——— 1—— 1— 1— Suffolk 1 2——— 1 1 1——— Surrey —— 1 1——————— Sussex — 1— 3 4——— 1— 1 Thames Valley — 1———— 1 1—— 3 Warwickshire —————————— 2 WestMercia ——— 1—— 1—— 1— West Midlands 2112—1—131— WestYorkshire211—11—2——1 Wiltshire — 1 — — 1 1 — — 4 — — DyfedPowys ——————————— Gwent ——— 2——————— NorthWales ———— 1——— 1—— South Wales 1111—11—1—— England and Wales 30 40 17 23 31 29 22 28 23 17 19 1 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfrom large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 2 Excludes prosecutions and convictions data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July, and August 2008. 3 The data are on principal offence basis. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Table 4: Persons convicted of bigamy offence 1998 to 20081, 2, 3 Number of persons convicted 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Avon and Somerset ————— 1— 1——— Bedfordshire — 1 — — 1———— 1— Cambridgeshire ————— 1————— Cheshire 1—————— 1— 1— Cleveland —— 1———————— Cumbria — 1 — 1————— 1— Derbyshire —112 ————— 1 DevonandCornwall———— 1 1 1———— Dorset 1——— 1 2 1——— Durham —————— 1———— Essex ———— 1 2———— 1 Gloucestershire 1——— 1—————— Greater Manchester — 3 — 1——— 2 2— 1 Hampshire — 1 — 2 —211——1 Hertfordshire ————— 1————— Humberside ———— 1 1————— Kent —— 1 1—— 2——— 1 Lancashire ———— 1— 1—— 2— Leicestershire —————— 1———— Lincolnshire ——————— 1——— London, City of ——————————— Merseyside 1 2————121—1 Metropolitan Police 13 12 433457232 Norfolk —— 1——————— 2 827W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 828W

Table 4: Persons convicted of bigamy offence 1998 to 20081, 2, 3 Number of persons convicted 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Northamptonshire ————— 1———— 1 Northumbria ———— 1— 1 1— 3 1 NorthYorkshire————— 1——— 1— Nottinghamshire ————— 1 1———— South Yorkshire — 1 1————— 1—— Staffordshire ———— 1— 1 1— 1— Suffolk — 2——— 1 1 1——— Surrey —— 1———————— Sussex — 1— 3 2———— 1 1 Thames Valley — 1———— 1— 1— 3 Warwickshire ————————— 1 2 WestMercia ——— 1—— 1—— 1— West Midlands — — 1 1 — 1 — 1 2 — — WestYorkshire 1— 1— 1—— 1—— 1 Wiltshire — 1 — — 1 1 — — 2 — — DyfedPowys ——————————— Gwent ——— 2——————— NorthWales ——————————— South Wales — 1——— 1 1———— England and Wales 18 28 12 17 16 20 22 21 11 16 19 1 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfrom large administrative data systems generated by the courts and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 2 Excludes prosecutions and convictions data for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July, and August 2008. 3 The data are on principal offence basis. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services—Ministry of Justice

Independent Safeguarding Authority Meg Hillier: There has been no change to the eligibility for free passports. This is not an age related concession, James Brokenshire: To ask the Secretary of State for but was introduced in recognition of those who could the Home Department what consultation his have made a substantial contribution to the national Department undertook on the level of fees to be effort during the second world war. The free passport charged for the vetting procedure undertaken by the scheme is an extension of the initial scheme that offered Independent Safeguarding Authority. [310860] free one-year passports to second world war military veterans attending 60th Anniversary Commemorative Meg Hillier: Consultation took place on the scheme Events in 2004. It was decided to extend the scheme to as a whole. There was no separate consultation on the full validity 10 year passports and to recognise those fee, which is set to achieve cost recovery for the Vetting who may have made a contribution to the overall war and Barring Scheme as a whole. effort, whether or not they had served in the armed forces. It therefore applies to those born on or before National Identity Register 2 September 1929 who would have been aged 16 or over at the end of the war. Mr. Maude: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what authorities may be provided Police: Football with personal information held on the National Identity Register without the consent of the subject of Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the that information. [318116] Home Department how much has been spent policing Meg Hillier: The Identity Cards Act 2006, and secondary football matches in (a) each police force area and (b) legislation made there under, set out who may be provided England and Wales in each year since 2003. [317570] with information from an individual’s entry on the register and under what circumstances. In particular, Alan Johnson: We do not have a national estimate for the Identity Cards Act 2006 (Provision of Information how much forces spend on policing annually. Forces are without Consent) Regulations 2009, and the Identity able to recharge a proportion of their costs and we Cards Act 2006 (Information and Code of Practice on estimate that the costs of policing charged to clubs Penalties) Order 2009 prescribe Government Departments annually is between £12-15 million. and public authorities respectively which may be provided Prosecutions with information without the consent of the individual. Passports: Older People Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people aged (a) under Janet Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for the 10, (b) from 10 to 17, (c) from 18 to 20 and (d) 21 Home Department for what reasons entitlement to free years and over were (i) arrested, (ii) charged and (iii) passports for those over the age of 80 years was convicted for (A) violent and (B) non-violent offences withdrawn; and if he will make a statement. [317172] in each year since 1998. [315080] 829W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 830W

Alan Johnson: The information requested on arrests The court proceedings database held by the Ministry covering the period from 1999-2000 (when the collection of Justice does not hold information on convictions for began) to 2007-08 (latest available) is provided in table A. persons aged under 10 who are under the age of liability. Data on arrests in 2008-09 are scheduled to be published Data for 2009 are planned to be published in the in April 2010. autumn 2010. Information provided by the Ministry of Justice showing the number of defendants proceeded against at magistrates Information on the offenders dealt with by the Criminal courts and found guilty at all courts for violent and Justice System does not necessarily reflect wider trends non-violent offences, broken down by age group, in for characteristics of perpetrators of crimes, where often England and Wales from 1998 to 2008 (latest available) an offender will not be apprehended. can be viewed in table B.

Table A: Number of persons arrested for recorded crime (notifiable offences) by age group and type of offence1, 2, 1999-2000 to 2007-08, England and Wales Number of arrests3 Year and notifiable offence group Aged under 10 Aged 10-17 Aged 18-20 Aged 21and over Age unknown All ages

1999-2000

Violent offences 100 65,100 46,700 196,400 0 308,400 Other offences 1,000 253,300 175,700 539,400 0 969,600 Total 1,200 318,400 222,400 735,800 0 1,277,900

2000-01

Violent offences 100 68,000 46,100 199,300 1,800 314,800 Other offences 700 252,700 166,300 524,900 4,400 949,500 Total 800 320,600 212,400 724,100 6,300 1,264,200

2001-02

Violent offences 100 70,500 47,900 201,400 900 320,500 Other offences 400 243,800 160,300 544,200 2,500 951,400 Total 500 314,200 208,100 745,700 3,400 1,271,900

2002-03

Violent offences 100 70,600 50,800 226,600 900 348,700 Other offences 300 229,000 156,300 576,500 2,200 964,400 Total 500 299,500 207,000 803,200 2,900 1,313,100

2003-04

Violent offences 100 83,000 56,900 256,000 900 396,800 Other offences 500 230,300 145,200 555,600 1,900 933,800 Total 700 313,200 202,200 811,700 2,700 1,330,400

2004-054 Violent offences 200 96,700 66,800 294,000 900 458,400 Other offences 500 236,100 137,000 519,500 1,900 894,900 Total 800 332,800 203,700 813,400 2,800 1,353,400

2005-06

Violent offences 200 108,500 74,500 331,800 800 515,800 Other offences 500 239,900 140,300 531,100 2,000 914,000 Total 800 348,500 214,700 863,100 2,700 1,429,800

2006-07

Violent offences 93 115,173 81,617 362,585 1,037 560,505 Other offences 353 238,197 144,293 536,643 2,165 921,651 Total 446 353,370 225,910 899,228 3,202 1,482,156

2007-08

Violent offences 41 102,802 77,864 363,629 1,685 546,021 Other offences 122 212,599 145,759 568,021 2,744 929,245 831W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 832W

Table A: Number of persons arrested for recorded crime (notifiable offences) by age group and type of offence1, 2, 1999-2000 to 2007-08, England and Wales

Number of arrests3

Year and notifiable offence group Aged under 10 Aged 10-17 Aged 18-20 Aged 21and over Age unknown All ages

Total 163 315,401 223,623 931,650 4,429 1,475,266

1 Violent offences includes the offence categories of: violence against the person; sexual offences; robbery offences. Other offences includes the offence categories of: burglary; theft and handling stolen goods; fraud and forgery; .criminal damage; drug offences; other offences. 2 Information on the offenders dealt with by the Criminal Justice System does not necessarily reflect wider trends for characteristics of perpetrators of crimes, where often an offender will not be apprehended. 3 Figures from 2003-04 to 2005-06 are rounded to the nearest 100 therefore figures for these years may not add up to the totals, subsequent years’ figures are unrounded. Additionally, figures for violent and other offences for years previous to 2006-07 may not be accurate due to the summing of rounded figures. 4 Figures updated since publication of 2004-05 bulletin. Note: Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfromlarge administrative data systems generated by the police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when these data are used.

Table B: The number of persons found guilty at all courts for offences relating to violent, and non violent offences, in England and Wales, by age group, 1998 to 20081, 2, 3, 4 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20085,6

10-17 Violent 8,650 8,515 9,095 10,213 10,235 9,668 10,457 11,061 11,713 12,337 11,513 offences Non- 77,856 81,765 82,328 85,317 84,311 82,873 85,733 85,096 81,976 85,104 76,878 violent offences

18-20 Violent 7,959 7,836 7,865 8,042 8,429 8,129 8,520 8,821 9,449 9,849 9,470 offences Non- 159,431 157,979 154,415 150,387 151,361 154,359 148,231 137,806 133,612 130,763 128,474 violent offences

21 and over Violent 30,550 29,279 28,144 27,908 31,139 31,897 32,438 32,938 33,708 33,669 34,146 offences Non- 1,173,120 1,112,897 1,131,712 1,057,862 1,126,726 1,194,295 1,252,609 1,199,530 1,143,315 1,136,243 1,094,665 violent offences

All ages Violent 47,159 45,630 45,104 46,163 49,803 49,694 51,415 52,820 54,870 55,855 55,129 offences Non- 1,410,407 1,352,641 1,368,455 1,293,566 1,362,398 1,431,527 1,486,573 1,422,432 1,358,903 1,352,110 1,300,017 violent offences 1 Data given relate to persons for whom these offences were the principal offence for which they were dealt with. When a defendant has been found guilty of two or more offences the principal offence is the offence for which the heaviest penalty is imposed. Where the same disposal is imposed for two or more offences, the offence selected is the offence for which the statutory maximum penalty is the most severe. 2 Data include the following offence types: Violent offences: Violence against the person Sexual Offences Robbery Non Violent offences: Burglary Theft and handling stolen goods Fraud and forgery Criminal damage Drug offences Other indictable offences Indictable motoring offences Summary offences (excluding motoring) Summary motoring offences 3 Every effort is made to ensure that the figures presented are accurate and complete. However, it is important to note that these data have been extractedfrom large administrative data systems generated by the courts, other agencies, and police forces. As a consequence, care should be taken to ensure data collection processes and their inevitable limitations are taken into account when those data are used. 4 Information on the offenders dealt with by the Criminal Justice System does not necessarily reflect wider trends for characteristics of perpetrators of crimes, where often an offender will not be apprehended. 5 Excludes Convictions for Cardiff magistrates court for April, July and August 2006. 6 Includes those cases where sex is not stated. Source: Justice Statistics Analytical Services Ministry of Justice [Ref: IOS 055-10] 833W Written Answers26 FEBRUARY 2010 Written Answers 834W

Reoffenders Recorded offences of domestic burglaries and robberies in which a vehicle is taken1 Domestic burglaries Robberies Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the PFA 2007-082 2008-093 2007-082 2008-093 Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of prolific and priority offenders there were in Bedfordshire 248 294 26 26 each of the last 10 years. [317828] British 00010 Transport Police Alan Johnson: The information requested is set out in Cambridgeshire 138 192 52 11 the table. This shows the total number of offenders who Cheshire 349 468 23 41 were classified as Prolific and other Priority Offenders Cleveland 27 123 1 16 for each of the four full years since the Prolific and Cumbria 28 28 0 0 other Priority Offender programme was launched in Derbyshire 285 277 17 21 September 2005. Devon and 63 82 6 4 Some offenders would have been classified as Prolific Cornwall and other Priority Offenders during the course of the Dorset 52 56 4 2 years shown, and others de-classified during the years Durham 81 170 1 6 shown, in accordance with local selection and de-selection Dyfed-Powys 25 28 0 0 criteria. At any given time, the total number of offenders Essex 579 723 79 78 classified as Prolific and other Priority Offenders is Gloucestershire 96 4—54— between 10,000 and 11,000 offenders. Greater 1,851 2,359 627 613 Manchester The published evaluation of the Prolific and other Gwent 63 94 0 2 Priority Offender programme in 2004 showed that the Hampshire 159 279 23 16 offenders first taken on to the programme in September Hertfordshire 407 566 16 25 and October 2004 reduced their convictions by 62 per Humberside 4— 249 4—22 cent. over their first 17 months on the programme. Kent 278 368 37 23 Individuals classified as prolific and other priority offenders, by year Lancashire 338 336 30 29 Year (April to March) Number of PPOs Leicestershire 225 277 20 23 Lincolnshire 90 142 2 13 2005-06 17,007 4 4 2006-07 15,221 London, City 0 —0— of 2007-08 15,904 Merseyside 783 1,109 92 131 2008-09 15,126 Metropolitan 2,479 3,144 1,000 845 Theft: Vehicles Police Norfolk 16 22 1 1 North Wales 63 89 6 4 Chris Grayling: To ask the Secretary of State for the North 201 274 4 7 Home Department if he will estimate the number of Yorkshire vehicles stolen during robberies and domestic Northamptonshire 310 423 27 33 burglaries in (a) London, (b) each police force area Northumbria 153 366 23 28 and (c) nationally in each year since 1998. [317661] Nottinghamshire 434 481 47 33 South Wales 4— 4— 4— 4— Alan Johnson: The number of recorded offences where South 605 665 45 54 a vehicle has been stolen during robberies and domestic Yorkshire burglaries is given in the table. Staffordshire 252 208 32 18 The collection of these supplementary data began in Suffolk 43 21 1 0 2007-08. Figures are not available prior to this date. Surrey 157 200 5 8 These data are normally used for management information Sussex 25 61 0 11 only and are not subject to the detailed checks that Thames 843 1,091 40 49 apply for National Statistics. These data are provisional Valley and may be subject to change. Warwickshire 173 156 28 17 The Policing Green Paper announced that Sir David West Mercia 178 69 12 3 Normington, Permanent Secretary to the Home Office, West 1,134 956 377 365 Midlands would lead a review of the strategic data collection West 2,113 2,440 112 108 burden placed by the Home Office on police forces in Yorkshire England and Wales. Sir David’s report was published Wiltshire 62 62 4 7 on 16 February. England and 15,741 19,401 2,858 2,754 Recorded offences of domestic burglaries and robberies in which a vehicle is Wales taken1 1 The data given in this table are normally used for management information Domestic burglaries Robberies only and are not subject to the detailed checks that apply for National Statistics. These data are provisional and may be subject to change. PFA 2007-082 2008-093 2007-082 2008-093 2 42 police forces provided data for 2007-08. 3 41 police forces provided data for 2008-09. Avon and 335 453 33 51 4 Police force unable to provide data. Somerset

9MC Ministerial Corrections26 FEBRUARY 2010 Ministerial Corrections 10MC

the budget of the Equality and Human Rights Ministerial Correction Commission for the development of the Equality Measurement Framework tool (EMF) was incorrect Friday 26 February 2010 and should instead read £200,000. The full correct answer should have been:

WOMEN AND EQUALITY Maria Eagle: The Equality and Human Rights Equality and Human Rights Commission: Databases Commission budget for the development of the Equality Measurement Framework tool (EMF) is Mr. Stewart Jackson: To ask the Minister for Women £200,000. and Equality pursuant to the answer of 13 January 2010, Official Report, column 1003W, on Equality and The plan is that no personal data will be stored or Human Rights Commission: databases, what the used within the context of the framework and because budget is for the new equality measurement framework the data will be drawn from existing surveys most of database; whether it will hold personal data; what which is already accessible to members of the public anonymised Census data it will use; whether a privacy there will be no requirement for a privacy impact impact assessment for that database will be prepared; assessment. and which organisations will be asked to provide data The framework will not be using anonymised census for that database. [314959] information. [Official Report, 22 February 2010, Vol. 506, c. 41W.] The intention is that data will be drawn from the Letter of correction from Maria Eagle: following organisations: The Office for National Errors have been identified in the response given to Statistics, the NHS, the devolved Administrations, the hon. Member for Peterborough (Mr. Jackson) on Government Departments, local government and the 22 February 2010. The £2 million figure quoted for police force.

WRITTEN MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS

Friday 26 February 2010

Col. No. Col. No. ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT...... 89WS AFFAIRS...... 87WS EU Trade Ministers Informal Meeting...... 89WS Public Sector Food Procurement Initiative...... 87WS

HEALTH...... 87WS JUSTICE...... 90WS Access to the NHS (Foreign Nationals) ...... 87WS Prisoner Escapes (Ministerial Correction)...... 91WS Out-of-Hours GP Services (Ministerial Thirty-year Rule Review ...... 90WS Correction) ...... 87WS HOME DEPARTMENT...... 88WS TRANSPORT ...... 92WS NHS Debtors (Immigration Rules) ...... 88WS Rolling Stock ...... 92WS WRITTEN ANSWERS

Friday 26 February 2010

Col. No. Col. No. BUSINESS, INNOVATION AND SKILLS ...... 807W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE— Members: Correspondence ...... 807W continued Diplomatic Service: Manpower...... 780W CABINET OFFICE...... 803W Dubai: Interpol ...... 780W Pre-Budget Report 2009...... 803W Embassies: Closures...... 780W Falun Gong...... 780W CHURCH COMMISSIONERS ...... 772W War Crimes: Arrest Warrants...... 781W Religious Buildings: Repairs and Maintenance ...... 772W HEALTH...... 807W COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT.. 775W Accident and Emergency Departments ...... 807W Community Development: Expenditure...... 775W Arthritis: Drugs ...... 807W Fire Services...... 775W Audiology ...... 808W Fire Services: Equipment ...... 775W Derriford Hospital ...... 808W Fires: Domestic Waste ...... 776W Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Local Enterprise Growth Initiative ...... 777W Finance...... 809W Planning Permission: Appeals...... 777W Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust: Planning Permission: Innsworth...... 777W Hospital Beds ...... 809W Public Sector...... 777W Hospitals: Admissions ...... 809W Roads: Snow and Ice...... 778W Modernising Scientific Careers Programme ...... 811W Standards Board for England: Procurement ...... 778W Nurses: Pay ...... 812W Written Questions: Government Responses ...... 778W Preventive Medicine...... 812W Sodium Valproate ...... 814W CULTURE, MEDIA AND SPORT ...... 769W Sodium Valproate: Prescriptions ...... 815W Sea Change Programme ...... 769W Sodium Valproate: Research ...... 815W St. George’s Day ...... 771W Spearhead Primary Care Trust...... 816W Theatre: Young People ...... 771W Swine Flu...... 818W

DEFENCE...... 772W HOME DEPARTMENT...... 818W Armed Forces Compensation Scheme...... 772W Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse...... 818W Armed Forces: Pay...... 773W Alcoholic Drinks: Young People ...... 819W Departmental Travel ...... 773W Assaults on Police ...... 819W Future Large Aircraft ...... 773W Bigamy...... 821W Members: Correspondence ...... 774W Independent Safeguarding Authority...... 827W Met Office: Pay ...... 774W National Identity Register...... 827W RAF Fylingdales ...... 774W Passports: Older People ...... 827W United Kingdom Hydrographic Office...... 775W Police: Football ...... 828W Prosecutions...... 828W ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE ...... 804W Reoffenders...... 833W Wind Power: Housing ...... 804W Theft: Vehicles...... 833W

ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMISSION...... 804W AFFAIRS...... 803W Audio Recordings ...... 804W Animal Welfare: Circuses...... 803W Members: Correspondence ...... 803W JUSTICE...... 781W Arrest Warrants ...... 781W FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE..... 778W Crime...... 781W British Overseas Territories...... 778W Departmental Disabled Staff...... 782W Croatia: EU Accession...... 779W Drug Offences...... 783W Col. No. Col. No. JUSTICE—continued TRANSPORT—continued Drugs: Convictions ...... 783W Departmental Travel ...... 767W Drugs: Fine...... 787W Liquid Explosives: EU Action ...... 767W Drugs: Rehabilitation...... 790W Official Cars: Safety ...... 768W Family Conciliation Services...... 790W Railways: Fares ...... 768W Firearms: Convictions...... 792W Rescue Services: Hope Cove...... 768W Hackney...... 791W Roads: Snow and Ice...... 768W Knives: Sentencing...... 794W Legal Aid: Sexual Offences ...... 793W TREASURY ...... 804W Offenders ...... 794W Castle Point...... 804W Political Parties: Finance...... 795W Departmental Recruitment ...... 805W Prisons: Drugs ...... 795W Equitable Life Ex-gratia Payment Scheme Review . 805W Young Offender Institutions...... 798W Members: Correspondence ...... 805W Young Offenders ...... 799W Non-Domestic Rates...... 805W Young Offenders: Sentencing ...... 801W Public Expenditure...... 806W Youth Justice Board ...... 802W Valuation Office: Local Government ...... 806W WALES...... 806W PRIME MINISTER ...... 772W Port Businesses in Wales ...... 806W National Security Committee...... 772W Sheep Meat Smokies ...... 806W TRANSPORT ...... 766W WORK AND PENSIONS ...... 765W Boating: Safety...... 766W Employment Schemes: Disabled ...... 765W Departmental NDPBs...... 766W Incapacity Benefits...... 765W Departmental Public Expenditure...... 767W Jobcentre Plus ...... 765W Departmental Sick Leave ...... 767W Public Holidays...... 766W MINISTERIAL CORRECTION

Friday 26 February 2010

Col. No. WOMEN AND EQUALITY...... 9MC Equality and Human Rights Commission: Databases...... 9MC Members who wish to have the Daily Report of the Debates forwarded to them should give notice at the Vote Office. The Bound Volumes will also be sent to Members who similarly express their desire to have them. No proofs of the Daily Reports can be supplied, nor can corrections be made in the Weekly Edition. Corrections which Members suggest for the Bound Volume should be clearly marked in the Daily Report, but not telephoned, and the copy containing the Corrections must be received at the Editor’s Room, House of Commons,

not later than Friday 5 March 2010

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CONTENTS

Friday 26 February 2010

Debt Relief (Developing Countries) [Col. 559] Motion for Second Reading—(Ms Keeble)—agreed to

Sustainable Communities Act 2007 (Amendment) Bill [Col. 585] Motion for Second Reading—(Alistair Burt)—agreed to

Lisbon Treaty (Referendum) Bill [Col. 623] Motion for Second Reading—(Mr. Dodds)

Mortgage Repossessions (Protection of Tenants Etc.) Bill [Col. 630] Read the Third time and passed

Self-Care (Minor Ailments) [Col. 631] Debate on motion for Adjournment

Written Ministerial Statements [Col. 87WS]

Written Answers to Questions [Col. 765W] [see index inside back page]

Ministerial Correction [Col. 9MC]